Responding to consumers who loved the Micro Trauma Kit Now, but still wanted an associated tourniquet that was readily accessible, Blue Force Gear developed the Hammock.

Developed as a sleeve of milspec Ten-Speed elastic and solution-dyed Cordura, with a backpanel of ULTRAcomp laminate (that provides the material for the Helium Whisper mounting system), the Hammock allows the user to mount a CAT tourniquet (or similar sized rescue strap) directly under any of the medical kits by Blue Force Gear or other MOLLE-mounting aid kits. It offers nearly full-length UV protection of the TQ over simple shock cord attachments thanks to its material.

Specifications:

• Overall Dimensions: 5” (L) x 3” (H) x 3/8” (W)

The Hammock is available in Multicam (featured), Black, and Coyote Brown.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At $12.95 the Hammock is a simple sleeve of nylon material with a semi-rigid backpanel. The purpose of the Hammock is to augment Blue Force Tactical’s line of medical kits by placing the tourniquet external to the kit, and still be within easy reach. In terms of cost, shooters have used everything from shock cords, elastic cuffs, and more elaborate means to retain tourniquets to belts, plate carriers, helmets, or wherever it could be accessible. The closest comparable alternative on the current market would be the Rapid Tourniquet Holder by RE Factor ($22.95) or the CAT Tourniquet Holder by T. Rex Arms ($15.00). The Hammock’s relative low cost and unique mounting system gave it a good scoring.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The Hammock’s material was very pliable and thus offered a perfect level of retention to the tourniquet. Depending on where the associated mounting kit was positioned, the Hammock was either readily accessible on top of the pouch or slung underneath. Drawing the tourniquet was a little difficult however, because in essence you are pulling against the elastic material that is enclosed against the tourniquet, so unless the user’s pulling straight back/out, the draw angle (due to curvature of the body or belt) made deployment slightly difficult.
• Durability – Good (4/5): With the main material comprised of Blue Force Gear’s 500D Ten-Speed elastic nylon and Helium Whisper backing (using ULTRAcomp laminate with a denier rating of over 1000D), the Hammock by itself had a high-degree of durability. Over time some minimal fraying was noted along the edging of the Hammock’s ends, but that was comparable to other Ten-Speed items. But none of it rose to the level to compromise the integrity of the product.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Very simplified, the Hammock did exactly what it was designed to do. Add to that, the Hammock was mountable to other MOLLE-enabled pouches unrelated to the Blue Force Gear’s product line, and the Hammock had broad applicability. By itself, the Hammock was better for securing a tourniquet over shock cord or other field expedient means, but is comparable to other dedicated tourniquet pouches. There is no Ball Loaded Index Point and basically the user just grabs the tourniquet and pulls. While easily deployed one-handed, re-holstering the tourniquet into the Hammock required both hands.
• Weight – Good (4/5): At a mere 19 grams (0.6 ounces) empty, the Hammock had a good degree of minimal weight thanks in large part to its Helium Whisper mounting system. The system drastically reduced the overall materials and corresponding weight needed. In comparison, the Rapid Tourniquet Holder (approx. 1.6 ounces) and the CAT Tourniquet Holder (approx. 1 ounce) both demonstrate that the Hammock is of lesser weight than more traditional designs.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://www.blueforcegear.com/hammock

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

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