Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry Review

The Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry Made a Bold First Impression

The Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry is a surprisingly straightforward piece of kit. It promises to offer a simple, secure, and accessible way to carry a potentially life-saving tourniquet. It aims to solve a critical problem: quickly accessing essential medical equipment in high-stress situations.

I needed a reliable and affordable way to carry a tourniquet on my gear without adding excessive bulk or complexity. Existing options felt either too expensive, too bulky, or lacking the necessary security for rough use. The compact size and advertised ease of access with the elastic hood immediately caught my eye.

Unboxing revealed a no-frills design, focused on functionality over aesthetics. The materials felt durable enough for the price point, although not top-tier. The stitching appeared solid, and the elastic hood seemed to offer a decent grip on a test tourniquet.

Compared to a fully enclosed nylon pouch with velcro closures or a minimalist elastic retention system, the Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry seemed to strike a balance. I considered the Blue Force Gear Ten-Speed pouch and the HSGI Bleeder Blowout pouch, both excellent but considerably more expensive. Ultimately, the price point of the Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry was a deciding factor for its intended purpose as a backup on less critical gear.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It seemed like a solid, budget-friendly option, but real-world use would determine its true value. The simplicity was appealing, but I was slightly concerned about the long-term durability of the elastic.

Real-World Testing: Putting Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry primarily on a range day and a weekend hiking trip. It was mounted on my range bag and my hiking pack’s MOLLE webbing. I wanted to assess its accessibility under simulated stress and its ability to retain the tourniquet during movement.

The weather was dry and moderately warm during the range day and cool with light rain during the hiking trip. The pouch performed adequately in both conditions. Accessing the tourniquet was indeed quick and intuitive, requiring only a firm pull on the elastic hood tab.

Initially, there was a slight learning curve in re-securing the tourniquet after practice draws. The elastic hood needed to be stretched precisely over the tourniquet for proper retention. There were no major issues, but it was slower than simply stuffing it back into a standard pouch.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry is showing only minor signs of wear. The elastic hood is slightly stretched, but still retains the tourniquet securely. There are no loose threads or signs of seam failure.

The pouch has held up well to repeated mounting and dismounting from MOLLE webbing. There have been no issues with the metal button snaps on the straps. The gray color has not faded or discolored despite exposure to sun and rain.

Maintenance is simple: I’ve occasionally wiped it down with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Compared to some of my other, more complex medical pouches, this one requires virtually no maintenance. While my more expensive nylon pouches feel sturdier overall, the Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry has surprisingly outperformed my initial expectations given its price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry

Specifications

The Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry features a simple yet functional design. It is primarily constructed from nylon webbing and elastic. Here are the key specifications:

• Pouch pocket dimension: 5.25″H X 1.9″W X 0.9″D. This size accommodates most common tourniquet models.
• Elastic hood (stretches): 1.5″H X 1.5″W X 1.5″D. The elastic provides secure retention and quick access.
• Vertical MOLLE strap with metal button snap. This allows for secure attachment to MOLLE-compatible gear.
• Two horizontal straps with metal button snaps. These enable horizontal mounting on belts or MOLLE webbing. It will accommodate 1.5″ belts/webbing.
• Red embroidered “TQ” on the elastic hood. This allows for quick visual identification in stressful situations.

These specifications directly impact the user experience. The dimensions dictate which tourniquets will fit, while the strap design dictates mounting options. The elastic hood’s stretch and strength are crucial for both retention and accessibility.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry is to securely hold a tourniquet and provide rapid access. It performs this task reasonably well. The elastic hood provides good retention, even during rigorous activity.

The quick-pull tab on the elastic hood makes accessing the tourniquet fast and intuitive. However, re-securing the tourniquet after removal can be slightly slower and require more deliberate action than a standard pouch. One weakness is the limited protection from the elements; the tourniquet is partially exposed.

Overall, the Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry meets expectations for its intended purpose, especially considering its low price. While it lacks some of the advanced features and protection of more expensive options, it provides a reliable and accessible way to carry a tourniquet.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry is minimalist and utilitarian. The build quality is decent for the price. The materials, while not premium, feel reasonably durable and the stitching is clean and secure.

The pouch is lightweight and adds minimal bulk to gear. There’s virtually no learning curve. Mounting is quick and easy, and the horizontal mounting option adds versatility.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry remains to be seen. The elastic hood is the most likely point of failure. However, after several weeks of use, it shows only minor stretching and no signs of tearing.

Maintenance is straightforward; the pouch can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. The simple design means there are few parts that could break or require repair. Given the low price, replacement is a viable option if it eventually wears out.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry comes with no additional accessories. Its design is not intended for extensive customization. However, its MOLLE compatibility allows it to be integrated with a wide range of tactical gear and backpacks.

Because it’s designed for near-universal tourniquet fit, there are no specific tourniquet brands that it is exclusively tied to. It is compatible with most standard-sized windlass tourniquets.

Pros and Cons of Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry

Who Should Buy Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry?

The Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry is perfect for budget-conscious individuals who prioritize accessibility and simplicity. This includes hikers, campers, and preppers looking for a basic tourniquet carrying solution. It is also suitable for range enthusiasts and airsoft players who want a cost-effective way to carry medical equipment.

This product might not be ideal for professionals in high-risk environments who require maximum durability and protection. Those operating in extreme weather conditions might prefer a fully enclosed pouch. If a nearly indestructible pouch is needed, then this one should be skipped.

A recommended accessory is a high-quality windlass tourniquet, such as a CAT or SOFTT-W. Ensure the tourniquet is properly sized to fit within the pouch’s dimensions.

Conclusion on Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry

The Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry offers a surprisingly effective and affordable solution for carrying a tourniquet. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of more expensive options, its simplicity and rapid access make it a worthwhile addition to any gear setup. The price is definitely justified.

I would personally recommend the Tourniquet Pouch/Elastic/UGry to anyone looking for a budget-friendly way to carry a tourniquet. It’s not the most rugged or feature-rich option, but it gets the job done. If you need a reliable and inexpensive tourniquet pouch, give this one a try. It may just save a life.