Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag Review

The Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag Made a Bold First Impression

The Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag is more than just a first aid kit; it’s a pocket-sized promise of preparedness from SOL, designed to handle minor emergencies when you’re miles from civilization. It boasts essential medical supplies coupled with fire-starting tools, all neatly packaged within a waterproof dry bag. For an outdoorsman like myself, constantly pushing the limits of exploration, the appeal was immediate.

I’ve always preached self-reliance, but my previous first-aid solutions were bulky, disorganized, and honestly, often neglected until needed (which, thankfully, wasn’t often). I needed a compact, reliable, and well-rounded kit that I would actually carry. The SOL Survival Medic in Dry Bag seemed to be that answer.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the size and the smart design. The clear front of the dry bag allows you to quickly see the contents without having to rummage through it. The contents felt comprehensive for its compact size. It felt well-organized, lightweight, and seemed genuinely ready for the field. I’ve used similar kits like the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight Medical Kit .5 and the Coleman Mini First Aid Kit, but the SOL kit stood out due to its inclusion of both medical and fire-starting tools within a truly waterproof container.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism bordering on excitement. Was it too good to be true for the price? Could such a small package really offer the level of preparedness I was hoping for? Only real-world testing would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag came during a weekend backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The weather was unpredictable, alternating between light rain and humid sunshine. I purposely subjected the kit to some abuse, stuffing it in and out of my pack, exposing it to the elements, and even dropping it on a rocky trail.

The true test came on the second day when I clumsily sliced my finger while preparing lunch. Pulling out the kit, I was immediately grateful for the organization and ease of access within the dry bag. The antiseptic wipes cleaned the wound effectively, and the bandage was the perfect size. Having the pain reliever readily available was an added bonus. I even practiced using the Fire Lite™ Micro Sparker and Tinder Quik™ to start a small fire to boil water – it worked flawlessly even with damp kindling.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use on various outdoor adventures, including hiking, fishing, and camping trips, the Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag has proven to be surprisingly durable. The dry bag shows no signs of wear and tear despite being constantly tossed around. The contents have remained dry even after accidental submersions.

The kit is easily refillable, and I’ve added a few extra items to tailor it to my specific needs (such as blister treatment and additional medications). It’s also easy to maintain; after each trip, I simply check the contents, replace used items, and ensure everything is dry and in good order. Compared to my old, disorganized first-aid bag, the SOL kit is a game-changer, providing peace of mind and reliable performance in the field.

Breaking Down the Features of Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag

Specifications

• Dry Bag: Watertight construction with a clear front panel for easy viewing of contents. This is critical for keeping supplies dry and accessible in wet conditions.
• Fire Lite™ Micro Sparker: Capable of producing 5,000 sparks. This ensures reliable fire starting even in adverse conditions.
• Tinder Quik™: Water-resistant tinder that ignites quickly. This is invaluable for starting fires in wet environments.
• SOL Emergency Blanket: Reflects 90% of body heat. This helps prevent hypothermia in emergency situations.
• Slim Rescue Howler™ Whistle: Audible over one mile away. This is a crucial signaling device for attracting attention in a survival scenario.
• Medical Supplies: Includes antiseptic wipes, alcohol prep pads, bandages, knuckle bandages, and Ibuprofen. These are essential for treating minor cuts, scrapes, and pain.

These specifications matter because they address the core needs of survival and first aid in the outdoors. The waterproof dry bag protects the contents, the fire-starting tools provide warmth and the ability to cook, the emergency blanket prevents hypothermia, the whistle allows for signaling for help, and the medical supplies address common injuries and ailments.

Performance & Functionality

The Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag performs its job admirably. The included supplies are effective for treating minor injuries, and the fire-starting tools are reliable. The whistle is surprisingly loud for its small size.

The main strength lies in its compact size and comprehensive nature. The dry bag keeps everything organized and dry, which is paramount in any outdoor setting. A minor weakness is that the bandage selection could be more diverse, but this is easily remedied by adding a few extra bandages to the kit. Overall, it meets my expectations for a compact survival medic kit.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent for the price. The materials are durable, and the dry bag is well-constructed. The kit is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry in a backpack or even a pocket.

The SOL Survival Medic in Dry Bag is incredibly user-friendly. The clear front panel of the dry bag makes it easy to identify the contents. There’s virtually no learning curve – everything is intuitive and straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag should last for years. The dry bag is made from a durable material that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Maintenance is simple; just check the contents regularly, replace used items, and ensure everything is dry.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit comes with all the essential items listed in the specifications. Customization options are limited to adding or replacing the included items with your preferred brands or specific needs. The dry bag is compatible with standard-sized bandages, medications, and other small survival tools.

Pros and Cons of Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag

Who Should Buy Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag?

The Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag is perfect for hikers, backpackers, campers, kayakers, and anyone who spends time in the outdoors and wants a compact and reliable first-aid and survival kit. It’s also ideal for preppers and survivalists looking for a basic kit to supplement their emergency supplies.

This kit may not be suitable for extended expeditions or situations requiring advanced medical care. Anyone venturing into remote areas for extended periods should consider a more comprehensive first-aid kit. A must-have accessory is a small pair of scissors or multi-tool for cutting bandages and other materials.

Conclusion on Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag

The Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag is an excellent value for the money. For $15.49, you get a compact, waterproof, and surprisingly comprehensive kit that can handle minor emergencies in the outdoors. It’s a reliable piece of kit that I wouldn’t hit the trail without.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic in Dry Bag to anyone looking for a basic and reliable first-aid and survival kit. Don’t leave home without it! Invest in your safety and peace of mind – you won’t regret it.