NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan Review

The NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan Made a Bold First Impression

The NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan promises a simple and affordable solution for carrying essential first aid equipment. This pouch aims to consolidate a tourniquet and trauma shears into a single, accessible unit. At a price point of only $5.49, it certainly piqued my interest as a potential addition to my existing load-bearing setup.

As someone with 10+ years of experience in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’ve learned the importance of readily available medical supplies. I was specifically seeking a compact and MOLLE-compatible pouch to integrate into my range bag and possibly my hiking pack. I needed something that wouldn’t break the bank, but would reliably hold critical life-saving equipment.

Upon receiving the NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan, my initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The tan color is a standard, versatile choice. The material felt like a basic nylon, and the stitching appeared adequate for the intended use.

I compared it mentally to some higher-end pouches I own from Blue Force Gear and 5.11 Tactical. Those are constructed from heavier-duty materials and have more robust stitching. However, they also come with a significantly higher price tag. The NcStar pouch appeared to offer a budget-friendly alternative, and I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world scenarios.

My first impression was cautiously positive. It seemed like a potentially useful addition to my kit. I was hoping it would prove to be a cost-effective way to carry essential medical equipment.

Real-World Testing: Putting NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan at an outdoor shooting range during a training session. I mounted it on my range bag using the MOLLE straps. The weather was dry and sunny, providing optimal conditions for an initial assessment.

The pouch was relatively easy to access. The red pull tab on the hook and loop fastener flap provided a clear visual cue. I did find that the hook and loop closure required a firm pull to open, which could be a slight disadvantage under stress.

There weren’t any immediate issues. The CAT tourniquet I used fit snugly within the elastic sides, and the trauma shears slid easily into their designated slot. However, the trauma shears felt a little loose, and I worried they might shift during more vigorous activity.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan on a regular basis, its limitations became more apparent. I used it during several range trips, a weekend camping trip, and even attached it to my everyday carry bag for a few days. Durability proved to be a significant concern.

The nylon material began to show signs of wear and tear relatively quickly. The edges of the pouch started to fray slightly. The hook and loop fastener also lost some of its stickiness.

Cleaning was simple enough. I just wiped it down with a damp cloth. However, I noticed that the tan color began to fade slightly after exposure to the sun.

Compared to my experience with higher-quality pouches from brands like Crye Precision, the NcStar pouch fell short in terms of long-term durability and ruggedness. The construction is adequate for light use, but I would not trust it in harsh environments or demanding tactical situations.

Breaking Down the Features of NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan

Specifications

• Color: Tan, a standard neutral color that blends well with various tactical and outdoor gear. It avoids being overly conspicuous.
• MOLLE and Belt Loop Straps: Provides versatility in mounting options. This allows attachment to MOLLE-compatible vests, packs, or standard duty belts.
• Tourniquet Compatibility: Designed to fit most popular tourniquets. Elastic sides help accommodate variations in tourniquet thickness.
• Trauma Shear Compartment: Features a dedicated slot for trauma shears. Hook and loop straps secure the shears in place.
• Hook and Loop Fastener Flap: The flap has “TQ” embroidered in red. It also allows for attaching other hook and loop patches.
• High Visibility Red Pull Tab: Enables quick identification and access to the tourniquet. This is especially useful in stressful situations.
• Multiple MOLLE Straps: Provides horizontal and vertical mounting options. This allows for flexible placement on gear.
• Duty Belt Compatibility: Can be mounted horizontally on duty belts. This is useful for law enforcement or security personnel.
• Multi-Purpose Use: Can be used as a magazine pouch, flashlight pouch, or general-purpose pouch. This adds versatility to the product.
• Dimensions: 7″H X 2″W X 1.75″D, with a 5.5″ flap. Compact dimensions make it easy to integrate into existing gear setups.
• Tourniquet and Trauma shear not included. The user needs to supply those separately.

Performance & Functionality

The NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan performs its primary function of holding a tourniquet and trauma shears adequately, given its price point. The elastic sides keep the tourniquet secure. The red pull tab provides relatively quick access.

However, there are limitations. The trauma shears can shift within their compartment. The hook and loop closure is not as secure or reliable as more robust buckle systems.

It meets the basic expectations for a low-cost pouch. However, it falls short of the performance offered by higher-end options.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate, but not exceptional. The nylon material feels relatively thin and the stitching is basic. The pouch is lightweight, which can be an advantage for those concerned about minimizing weight.

The design is simple and functional. However, the hook and loop closure could be improved with a more secure buckle or snap. The trauma shear retention system could also be more robust. There is a small learning curve for properly mounting and accessing the items inside.

Durability & Maintenance

The NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan is not designed for heavy use or harsh environments. The nylon material is prone to wear and tear. The hook and loop fastener may lose its effectiveness over time.

Maintenance is straightforward. Wiping it down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. However, the color may fade with prolonged exposure to sunlight. It is not easily repairable, and significant damage would likely necessitate replacement.

Accessories and Customization Options

The NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan does not come with any accessories. The primary customization option is the ability to attach hook and loop patches to the top flap. This allows for personalization or identification.

The pouch is compatible with most standard MOLLE attachment systems. This ensures that it can be easily integrated with a wide range of tactical and outdoor gear.

Pros and Cons of NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan

Who Should Buy NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan?

This pouch is perfect for individuals seeking a low-cost, entry-level solution for carrying a tourniquet and trauma shears. This includes recreational shooters, budget-conscious preppers, and those who need a basic medical pouch for light use. It’s also a decent option for adding to a basic first aid kit for vehicles or home preparedness.

Those who should skip this product include professionals in law enforcement, military, or emergency medical services. Anyone who requires highly durable and reliable gear in demanding situations should look at higher-quality options.

A must-have modification would be to add a retention strap or bungee cord to better secure the trauma shears.

Conclusion on NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan

The NcStar Tourniquet & Tactical Shear Pouch Tan provides a budget-friendly solution for carrying essential medical equipment. While it offers basic functionality and compatibility, its limited durability and less secure closure system make it unsuitable for demanding applications.

At $5.49, the price is justified for those seeking a simple and inexpensive pouch for light use. However, users should be aware of its limitations and consider investing in a more robust option if reliability is paramount.

I would recommend this product with reservations. It’s a decent entry-level option, but be aware of its limitations. Consider upgrading to a higher-quality pouch as your needs and experience grow. Don’t gamble with your safety; if your life depends on it, invest in something more durable!