The Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote Made a Bold First Impression
The Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote is, at first glance, a no-nonsense piece of kit promising efficient organization and rapid access to essential first aid supplies. Manufactured by Tasmanian Tiger, a company known for its rugged and reliable tactical gear, this pouch immediately appealed to my practical side. I needed a compact, MOLLE-compatible medic pouch that could hold a reasonable amount of supplies without adding excessive bulk to my pack.
My existing IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) was a disorganized mess inside a generic pouch. Digging for specific items under pressure was not an option during emergencies, so I needed something better. I considered the Condor Rip-Away EMT Pouch and the VISM Medical Pouch, but opted for the Tasmanian Tiger due to their reputation for superior durability and thoughtful design.
Upon receiving the Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote, my initial impression was positive. The Coyote Brown color is a classic, versatile choice that blends well with various environments. The materials felt robust, the stitching was clean and precise, and the integrated scissors pouch was a welcome addition, promising even quicker access to trauma shears. I was excited to organize my medical gear and put this pouch to the test in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote during a weekend-long wilderness first aid training exercise. The training took place in a heavily wooded area with mixed terrain, including steep inclines and muddy sections. The weather was typical for the Pacific Northwest in spring: damp and cool.
The pouch proved its worth immediately during several simulated casualty scenarios. The internal organization allowed me to quickly locate and deploy bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a tourniquet, which was a significant improvement over my previous disorganized kit. Even with wet and muddy hands, the zippers remained easy to operate, and the external scissors pouch provided lightning-fast access to my trauma shears for cutting clothing and dressings. The pouch never felt cumbersome, even when crawling under simulated obstacles.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use during hiking trips, range days, and a week-long survival skills course, the Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even on the high-stress areas like the MOLLE straps and zipper pulls. The Coyote Brown fabric shows minimal staining despite exposure to mud, blood (simulated!), and various outdoor elements.
Maintaining the pouch has been simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime. I haven’t needed to do any serious cleaning or repairs, which speaks to the pouch’s robust construction. Compared to my previous experience with cheaper pouches that quickly fell apart or faded, the Tasmanian Tiger model has far exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote
Specifications
The Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote is designed for efficient and organized storage of first aid supplies. It features an integrated external pouch specifically for trauma shears. The pouch utilizes a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) attachment system for secure mounting to vests, packs, or belts.
- Weight: Approximately 10 oz (280g). This lightweight design minimizes added burden, crucial in tactical and outdoor situations.
- Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 3 inches (20 x 15 x 8 cm). Compact size optimizes space without compromising storage capacity.
- Material: High-quality Cordura 700 denier nylon. This durable material offers excellent resistance to abrasion, tears, and water.
- Closure: Reliable YKK zippers with sturdy pull tabs. These zippers ensure smooth and secure closure, even with gloves.
- Attachment: MOLLE compatible with snap closures. This system allows for secure and versatile attachment to various platforms.
- Internal Organization: Multiple elastic loops, dividers, and zippered pockets. This maximizes organization and accessibility of medical supplies.
- External Scissors Pouch: Dedicated pouch with hook and loop closure. Provides quick and easy access to trauma shears.
These specifications are significant because they directly contribute to the pouch’s performance and overall user experience. The Cordura nylon ensures durability in harsh environments, and the well-thought-out internal organization enables rapid access to essential medical supplies.
Performance & Functionality
The Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote excels in its primary role: providing organized and readily accessible storage for first aid equipment. Its layout is well-designed, allowing for a logical arrangement of supplies based on priority and usage. The elastic loops securely hold bandages, gauze, and other small items, while the zippered pockets are ideal for medications and larger dressings.
The pouch’s strengths lie in its durability, well-organized internal layout, and rapid accessibility. The external scissors pouch is a standout feature that saves valuable time in emergency situations. The main weakness is that it doesn’t include any medical supplies, requiring you to source those separately. Overall, the pouch meets and exceeds expectations for a compact and reliable medic pouch.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote is constructed with high-quality materials, giving it a robust and durable feel. The stitching is clean and reinforced in high-stress areas, further enhancing its long-term reliability. The weight is surprisingly light considering its ruggedness.
The pouch is user-friendly and requires minimal learning curve. The internal layout is intuitive and easy to customize to individual needs. The MOLLE attachment system is straightforward, allowing for quick and secure mounting to various platforms.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote, constructed from Cordura 700 denier nylon, is built to withstand harsh conditions. It shows no signs of significant wear and tear after months of regular use.
Maintenance is simple: wiping it down with a damp cloth removes most dirt and grime. More stubborn stains can be addressed with mild soap and water. The durable materials and construction suggest that this pouch will last for years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote does not come with any medical supplies. It is designed to be customized with your own preferred first aid equipment. The MOLLE compatibility allows you to attach additional pouches or accessories to the exterior if needed.
The pouch is compatible with a wide range of MOLLE-compatible accessories from various brands. You can easily add extra storage, knife sheaths, or other tools to the outside of the pouch to further customize it to your specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote
Pros
- High-Quality Construction: The durable Cordura 700 denier nylon and reinforced stitching ensure long-lasting performance in demanding environments.
- Excellent Organization: Multiple elastic loops, dividers, and zippered pockets allow for efficient and logical storage of first aid supplies.
- Rapid Accessibility: The well-thought-out internal layout and external scissors pouch enable quick access to critical medical equipment.
- MOLLE Compatibility: The secure MOLLE attachment system provides versatile mounting options on vests, packs, or belts.
- Lightweight Design: The pouch’s lightweight construction minimizes added burden, essential for tactical and outdoor applications.
Cons
- Medical Supplies Not Included: The pouch comes empty, requiring users to purchase and organize their own first aid equipment.
- Price: While the quality justifies the cost, the Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote is more expensive than some comparable pouches on the market.
Who Should Buy Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote?
The Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote is perfect for:
- Tactical professionals (military, law enforcement, EMTs) who require a durable and reliable medic pouch for carrying essential first aid supplies.
- Outdoor enthusiasts (hikers, campers, hunters) who need a compact and organized way to carry a personal first aid kit in the backcountry.
- Preparedness-minded individuals who want a well-built and versatile medic pouch for their home, vehicle, or bug-out bag.
Who should skip this product? Anyone looking for a complete, pre-stocked first aid kit in a pouch should consider alternative options. People on a very tight budget might find cheaper, though likely less durable, alternatives.
Must-have accessories or modifications? High-quality medical supplies, including bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, trauma shears, a tourniquet, and chest seals. A clearly marked medical patch is also recommended for easy identification.
Conclusion on Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote
The Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote is a well-designed and exceptionally durable medic pouch that excels in organization and accessibility. Its high-quality construction and thoughtful features make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who prioritizes preparedness and rapid access to essential first aid supplies.
The price is justified by the superior quality and long-term reliability of the pouch. I would personally recommend the Tasmanian Tiger Base Medic Pouch MKII Coyote to anyone seeking a robust and versatile solution for carrying their first aid kit. Invest in your safety and preparedness – you won’t regret it.