First Impressions of Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch
As someone who has spent over a decade working with outdoor and tactical gear, I understand the importance of having a reliable Individual First-Aid Kit (IFAK). The Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch promises to be a lightweight and versatile solution for carrying essential medical supplies, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. I wanted a more streamlined and accessible med pouch than my current, bulky setup.
Upon receiving the pouch, my initial thought was, “finally, something that isn’t over-engineered!”. The clean, laser-cut nylon design felt both modern and practical, and I appreciated the minimalist approach. Compared to other IFAK pouches I’ve used – some from Blackhawk and Condor – the Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch felt significantly lighter and less cumbersome. I chose this pouch because of its streamlined design and the ability to mount it both vertically and horizontally on my belt. It has a significantly smaller footprint than my issued IFAK.
I was definitely excited by the potential of this pouch to streamline my medical kit. The price point of $38.50 seemed reasonable for a quality nylon pouch, but I was ready to put it through its paces to determine if the performance matched the promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch during a recent range day and a weekend backcountry camping trip in the Ozark Mountains. The range day involved dynamic movement drills and simulated casualty care scenarios, while the camping trip presented the challenge of carrying the pouch comfortably while hiking and navigating uneven terrain. The weather during the camping trip included a brief but heavy rain shower.
The pouch performed admirably in both environments. I appreciated how easily accessible my medical supplies were during the range drills, and the pouch stayed securely in place even during rapid movements. During the hike, the Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch remained comfortable against my belt, and the rain had no noticeable impact on its performance or the contents inside (though it’s worth noting that the pouch itself isn’t waterproof). The horizontal mounting option proved useful while seated in the vehicle.
There were no major issues during the first use, though I did realize I needed to adjust the internal elastic organization to better suit the specific contents of my IFAK.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of kit. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even after being exposed to dirt, mud, and abrasion from brush. Cleaning is as simple as wiping down the nylon with a damp cloth.
Compared to my previous IFAK pouch (a larger, MOLLE-mounted design), the Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch offers superior accessibility, comfort, and a lower profile. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of its size-to-capacity ratio and ease of integration with my existing gear. It has also shown greater durability than my issued pouch.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch
Specifications
The Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch boasts a number of key specifications that contribute to its overall performance. It is made of durable nylon and features laser-cut construction for reduced weight and enhanced strength. The pouch measures 6.25 inches in width and 4.25 inches in height, making it compact enough for everyday carry while still providing ample space for essential medical supplies.
The Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch is designed to accommodate belt loop/snap widths of 1.5 – 2.25 inches, offering versatility in mounting options. The expandable elastic sides allow for a degree of flexibility in accommodating different sized IFAK contents. These specifications are important because they ensure the pouch is both lightweight and durable, while also being easily adaptable to different carry configurations.
Performance & Functionality
The Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch excels at its primary job: securely and accessibly carrying an IFAK. The snagless design ensures smooth access to the contents, while the elastic sides provide a snug fit that prevents items from shifting around during movement. While it is not waterproof, its nylon construction is highly water-resistant.
The primary strength of the Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch lies in its balance of size, weight, and capacity. One minor improvement could be the addition of a dedicated internal loop for securing a tourniquet to improve its ease of access. Overall, this pouch meets and exceeds my expectations for a compact IFAK solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch is excellent. The laser-cut nylon feels robust and the stitching is clean and secure. The pouch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, whether mounted vertically or horizontally on a belt.
The design is intuitive, and there’s no significant learning curve. Repacking the pouch after use is simple and straightforward, even with gloved hands. The design is also ambidextrous, working equally well for left or right-handed users.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, the Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch is built to last. The durable nylon construction and reinforced stitching should withstand years of use in demanding environments. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
The robust construction suggests that the pouch is highly resistant to tearing and abrasion, even under heavy use. It’s a simple design, so the likelihood of anything breaking is minimal.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch is designed to be a standalone IFAK carrier, and it does not come with any included accessories. However, the 6x3in loop area allows for the attachment of identifier patches for easy identification. The elastic sides of the pouch allow you to hold various sizes of IFAK components and Tourniquets.
The pouch is compatible with any standard MOLLE mounting system, but it is primarily intended for belt carry. No specific customization options are offered by Wilder Tactical, but users can personalize the pouch with patches and internal organization solutions to suit their individual needs.
Pros and Cons of Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch
Pros
- Lightweight and Low Profile: Doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your kit.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality nylon and laser-cut for enhanced strength.
- Versatile Mounting Options: Can be mounted both vertically and horizontally on belts.
- Snagless Design: Allows for quick and easy access to medical supplies.
- Affordable: Provides excellent value for its price point.
Cons
- Lacks dedicated internal organization for specific items like a tourniquet.
- Not waterproof (though water-resistant).
Who Should Buy Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch?
The Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch is perfect for law enforcement officers, military personnel, first responders, and responsible civilians who prioritize having a readily accessible IFAK. It’s also well-suited for hunters, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who venture into areas where medical assistance may not be immediately available. Anyone seeking a streamlined, durable, and versatile IFAK pouch will benefit from this product.
Those who require a fully waterproof pouch or need to carry a very extensive medical kit should explore other options. Individuals who prefer a pouch with pre-configured internal organization may also find this pouch too minimalist.
A good tourniquet and some quality QuikClot hemostatic gauze would be must-have additions to outfit the pouch for serious use.
Conclusion on Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch
The Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch is an excellent IFAK solution that delivers on its promises of being lightweight, durable, and versatile. The price of $38.50 is more than justified given the quality of materials and construction.
I would absolutely recommend this pouch to anyone looking to streamline their medical kit without sacrificing accessibility or durability. It’s a well-designed and thoughtfully executed product that provides peace of mind in demanding situations. If you value preparedness and want a reliable way to carry essential medical supplies, give the Wilder Tactical 2.0 The Med Pouch a try. You won’t be disappointed.