Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot Review

First Thoughts on the Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless first aid kits and trauma packs come and go. The Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot from an unspecified manufacturer initially caught my eye due to its promise of fitting into a BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) pocket while containing serious life-saving components. It boasts a blend of portability and essential tools for managing traumatic injuries, a combination that’s always worth a closer look.

What led me to the Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot was the constant search for a readily available and compact solution to manage severe bleeding in remote locations. Many kits are bulky and inconvenient, making them less likely to be carried regularly. This product seemed to offer a solution to that problem.

Upon unboxing, the Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot presents itself in a simple, black nylon fold-out case. The materials feel durable enough for the intended use, but not exceptionally robust. The components inside are neatly organized, and the overall impression is that the pack is designed for efficiency and ease of deployment.

I considered other options like the North American Rescue CAT Tourniquet and individual QuikClot packages. However, the Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot offered a more complete, ready-to-go solution in a single package. My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The compact size and inclusion of QuikClot and a tourniquet were promising, but the overall quality and practical usability would need to be tested in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot during a week-long backcountry hiking and camping trip in the Cascade Mountains. The primary focus was assessing its portability, accessibility, and the effectiveness of its contents in simulated trauma scenarios.

The conditions were varied, including wet and muddy trails, sunny high-altitude sections, and cold nights. The pack remained securely in my BDU pocket throughout the trip. I practiced deploying the tourniquet and simulating wound packing with the included materials on a training dummy. The SWAT-T tourniquet required practice to get a secure and effective application, and the QuikClot Sport seemed easy to apply. However, I would have liked to test the QuikClot on a simulated bleeding wound to assess how much mess it creates and how effectively it congeals blood.

The compact size was a major advantage, but manipulating the kit’s contents with gloved hands proved slightly challenging due to the limited space within the fold-out case.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of occasional use and storage in various outdoor conditions, the Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot has held up reasonably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the nylon case, though the duct tape roll has collected some dirt.

Maintaining the kit is straightforward; I periodically check the expiration dates of the QuikClot and the integrity of the packaging. The individual components are easily replaceable, making it a reusable and sustainable option.

Compared to previous experiences with larger, less portable kits, the Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot significantly outperforms them in terms of everyday carry convenience. However, it is less comprehensive than a full-sized medical bag, so it is important to know when this scaled down kit is appropriate. The pack’s compact size and readily available contents make it more likely to be carried regularly, increasing its potential value in an emergency.

Breaking Down the Features of Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot

Specifications

The Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot includes:

  • QuikClot Sport: Hemostatic agent designed to accelerate blood clotting. This is the key feature for controlling severe bleeding.
  • SWAT-T Tourniquet: A versatile and compact tourniquet for arterial occlusion. Its ease of use and compact design make it a valuable addition to the kit.
  • 5 x 9-inch Sterile Trauma Pad: A sterile dressing for wound coverage and absorption. The size is adequate for many common injuries.
  • Duct Tape: For securing dressings and other improvised uses. Duct tape is a versatile tool for many uses, but it adds bulk.
  • Nitrile Gloves: For personal protection during treatment. Gloves are essential to protect the responder.
  • Biohazard Disposable Bag: For safe disposal of contaminated materials. Proper disposal is crucial to prevent the spread of infection.
  • First Aid Sheet: Provides basic instructions for managing traumatic injuries. Useful for those with limited medical training.
  • Black Nylon Fold-Out Case: Durable, compact case for storing the components. It’s designed to fit in a BDU pocket.

These specifications matter because they strike a balance between portability and functionality. The inclusion of QuikClot and a tourniquet are particularly important for managing life-threatening bleeding. The pack is small enough to carry every day, but complete enough to deal with serious injuries.

Performance & Functionality

The Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot performs its intended job of providing immediate bleeding control effectively, assuming the user is trained. The QuikClot Sport can rapidly stop bleeding from moderate to severe wounds. The SWAT-T tourniquet can occlude arterial blood flow when applied correctly.

The primary strength of the kit is its portability and the inclusion of essential life-saving tools. A potential weakness is the limited quantity of some items, such as the trauma pad, which may be insufficient for very large or multiple wounds.

The pack meets expectations for a compact trauma kit, but additional training is necessary to use all of the tools effectively.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is adequate, though not exceptional. The nylon case is durable enough for its intended purpose, and the components are well-organized. The weight is minimal, making it easy to carry without adding significant bulk.

The kit is user-friendly in that the contents are readily accessible and the components are relatively easy to use. However, some training is necessary to become proficient with the tourniquet and QuikClot.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and periodic inspection, the Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot should last for several years. The nylon case is resistant to tearing, and the individual components are replaceable as needed. Maintaining the kit involves checking expiration dates and ensuring the packaging remains intact.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit comes with all the necessary components for basic bleeding control. There aren’t many customization options, but it’s possible to replace individual components with preferred brands or add additional items, such as chest seals or a nasopharyngeal airway, depending on the user’s skill level. The Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot is compatible with most standard-sized medical accessories.

Pros and Cons of Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot

Pros

  • Compact and Portable: Fits easily into a BDU pocket or backpack, making it ideal for everyday carry.
  • Essential Life-Saving Components: Includes QuikClot Sport and a SWAT-T tourniquet for immediate bleeding control.
  • Easy to Use: Straightforward design and readily accessible contents, though training is recommended.
  • Replaceable Components: Allows for easy replenishment of used or expired items.
  • Affordable: Provides a cost-effective solution for basic trauma management.

Cons

  • Limited Quantity of Some Items: The trauma pad and duct tape may be insufficient for severe injuries.
  • Requires Training: Proper use of the tourniquet and QuikClot requires training.


Who Should Buy Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot?

The Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot is perfect for: law enforcement officers, military personnel, hunters, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, range safety officers, and anyone who wants a compact and readily available trauma kit for everyday carry. It is especially beneficial for those who work or recreate in remote areas where medical assistance may be delayed.

Who should skip this product? Individuals who require a more comprehensive medical kit for advanced medical care. Or those unwilling to obtain proper training.

Must-have accessories or modifications? Consider adding chest seals, a nasopharyngeal airway (if trained), and a small pair of trauma shears.

Conclusion on Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot

The Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot is a well-designed and practical trauma kit that balances portability and functionality. Its compact size and essential components make it an ideal choice for everyday carry. The inclusion of QuikClot and a tourniquet provides the tools necessary to manage life-threatening bleeding effectively.

The price of $57.99 is justified given the components included and the potential life-saving benefits.

I would personally recommend the Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot to anyone who wants a compact, readily available, and effective trauma kit for everyday carry. Equip yourself with the Trauma Pak Pro w/Quik Clot and gain the confidence to handle emergencies effectively. Remember to get proper training to maximize the benefits of this valuable tool.


Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top