The Surviveware Large First Aid Kit is a large, comprehensive, highly organized, and MOLLE compatible emergency kit. Included are 200 items that range from essential first aid supplies to nice to have items like safety pins, an emergency blanket, and a safety whistle. Also included is a short field-guide to assist when administering emergency aid. The kit is perfect for an extended group camping trip or as a primary first aid kit at a base camp. The kit also comes with a smaller 50-piece mini kit stocked with the essentials for short excursions away from camp.
Surviveware Large First Aid Kit Highlights
Size - 8.5
Effectiveness - 9.5
Quality - 9
Value - 9
9
Outstanding!
The Surviveware Large First Aid Kit is a comprehensive and extremely organized emergency kit with plenty of items to see a small group through an extended outdoor stay. It contains a wide array of latex free bandages, a first aid field guide, and even an emergency blanket and whistle. While not a full fledge trauma kit, it still has something for nearly every occasion.
General Description
Features:
Size: 12″W x 8″H x 6″D
Weight: 3.25 lbs.
Bag Type: 600D Polyester, water resistant
First Aid Guide Included: Yes
Mini Kit Included: Yes
Kit Contents:
- Butterfly – Large(5)
- Butterfly – Medium(5)
- Butterfly – Large(5)
- Standard(30)
- Square(5)
- Mini(5)
- H-Shape(5)
- 600D Polyester Bag(1)
- 7.5″ Shears(1)
- 18″ Splint(1)
- Cold Pack(1)
- Combine Dressing(1)
- Conforming Bandages(6)
- Gauze Swabs(5)
- Ear Buds(20)
- Emergency Blanket(1)
- Eye Pads(4)
- First Aid Handbook(1)
- Hydro Gel(5)
- Tape
- Non-Adhesive Dressings(10)
- Laminate Baggies(6)
- Refuse Bag(1)
- Pressure Bandage(1)
- Safety Pins(10)
- Splinter Probes(10)
- Strip Closures(9)
- Triangular Bandage(2)
- Tweezers(1)
- Whistle(1)
- Wound Dressings(2)
Size
To be sure, this is not a small and lightweight kit. The fully assembled kit measures 12 inches wide, 8 inches tall, and 6 inches deep. It weighs an impressive 3.25 pounds. At this size and weight, it is not ideal for quick hikes or day trips. However, all the emergency items it contains are great to have for long trips in the backcountry. Backpackers can solve this issue by burden sharing essential equipment throughout the group. For camping trips this makes for a perfect first aid kit for base camp while using the smaller travel friendly mini kit on short excursions. It is also a decent size to be kept on standby in a vehicle or backcountry cabin.
Effectiveness
For such an inclusive kit, the Surviveware Large First Aid Kit is very well organized. The tri-fold kit opens to reveal well labeled pockets identified by function. The items are quite easy to retrieve from the pockets and are easily visible within their own bags. This keeps them organized and prevents contamination. Need items that do not already come in the kit? Included are extra bags for the packing of your own, personalized supplies. It is good to note, this is just an emergency first aid kit and NOT a trauma kit. For long trips through difficult terrain, it is highly recommended to supplement this kit with items such as quick clot kits, chest seals, and tourniquets.
Quality
Made from heavy-duty 600D polyester, the carry case is both durable and water resistant. The inner items all come in protective laminate pouches to protect them from moisture. The kit also floats which would come in handy if accidentally dropped in a body of water. A heavy-duty zipper holds the case securely closed and is more than capable of handling multiple uses. All the contained supplies are made specifically for Surviveware which means they have a stake in their quality. At the time of this writing, Surviveware currently does not have the ability to order replacement supplies from them. According to their website they are collaborating with their suppliers on a way to provide this service.
Value
Despite its size and weight, the Surviveware Large First Aid Kit is surprisingly portable. The case is designed to be easy to carry with its removeable MOLLE compatible straps. If you utilize a MOLLE system for your packs then you can be sure that the kit will stay securely in place. The included 50-piece mini kit is perfect for short excursions and contains everything you need for basic first aid. Have a latex allergy? Not to worry as all the bandages are latex-free and there are even a few pairs of nitrile gloves. The outstanding organization of this kit only adds to the overall value. Organization is key when administering first aid, when time is of the essence.
Surviveware Large First Aid Kit
Pros
Very well labeled and organized.
Items individually packed in laminate pouches.
Mini kit is included.
Good array of latex free bandages.
Water resistant polyester casing that floats.
Cons
Too big for daily carrying.
Need to supply your own medications (due to expiry dates).
Restocking is not currently (as of this writing) available through Surviveware.
Answers From the Manufacturer
Q. How many items are in this kit?
A. The large kit comes with 200 items. Included is also a mini kit with 50 items. These will help you on your next adventure.
Q. Are the bandages latex free?
A. Yes, all the bandages are latex free.
Q. Is there enough room to add extra trauma items?
A. Yes, there is more than enough space to add these items. You are encouraged to personalize the kit to fit your needs and lifestyle.
Q. Does this come with mouth covers for CPR?
A. Yes, inside the bag is a CPR pouch that contains a one-way breathing mask, gloves, and CPR instructions for adults as well as infants. This CPR pouch can be removed from the bag and worn on a keychain as well.
Q. Can the items in the kit be purchased separately when restocking is needed?
A. At the moment Surviveware is working on making restocking bags available. Check for updates on the website for when they are ready to be offered!
The Bottom Line
While being a bit larger and heavier than other emergency aid kits, the Surviveware Large First Aid kit more than makes up for it. It is very well stocked and organized. The tri-fold layout and well labeled pouches make everything easy to see when administering first aid. With a water-resistant polyester case and individually wrapped items, you can be sure your supplies will stay dry. The included field guide will be great to have on hand when you may not be sure what to do. A smaller mini kit is just the right size to take out on quick excursions and the MOLLE compatible carry case ensures the main kit stays in place during your trip. While not out in the country, this kit makes a powerful addition to your vehicle, home, or cabin in the woods. Really, if you need more than what this kit can handle, then you should immediately call for a wilderness first responder.
Need a kit for a shorter trip? Check out our picks for excursions of varying length here.