Who is Surviveware?
To understand why I am so impressed with this company it’s important to briefly summarize just who Surviveware.com is. A bit of their background:
Janco and Amanda, the founders of Surviveware, met while traveling the globe. Janco was a deckhand on a superyacht while Amanda was teaching English in France. They met in the little town of Toulon when Janco’s boat was in port. It was love at first sight and the rest is history. But their journey was not without its ups and downs. Building any relationship can be tough, even more so when you find yourself on opposite sides of the world.
After thousands of miles traveled back and forth to visit each other in different countries they decided to settle in Amanda’s home state of Virginia to start their own company. They learned a lot from their adventures, especially that it pays to be prepared. There are very few people more accident-prone than Janco, so if he can’t help himself when another mishap strikes, Amanda is there with the right equipment to save the day.
Surviveware is where backpacking and camping meet preparedness! An accident happens in seconds when you least expect it. That’s why it is important to be informed, trained, and ready, long before disaster strikes. Surviveware products have been featured in the national media and our products are trusted by mountain climbers, sports coaches, travelers, EMTs, paramedics, and military personnel.
Surviveware Small First Aid Kit
Not to make you wait until the end of this article to find out my thoughts I’ll go ahead and tell you I am immensely impressed with this first aid kit. I’ll get into the details below, however, the overall design, organization, contents, and price is exceptional.
Full Disclosure: After I purchased the Surviveware Small First Aid Kit I inquired about becoming an affiliate with the company. Any purchases made by readers – that’s YOU by the way – after following a link from here to their website will buy me a cup of coffee(OK, maybe just the cup). In no way, shape, or form does this influence my opinion or endorsement of any product or service. You’ve got my word on that. Affiliate sales help keep this site operational. ’nuff said.
Above: Upon opening the box the kit was shipped in I found an EXTREMELY well packaged first aid kit. The kit arrived in a thick plastic protective bag as pictured above. This bag appears to be heavy plastic or clear vinyl and has a ziploc enclosure(see below) at the top.
This protective bag is perfect for protecting the kit from rain and other harsh environmental conditions. This is included with the kit and certainly not needed, however, it just showcases the steps Surviveware goes to as they provide exceptional products and value.
Above: The backside of the protective storage bag displays a list of contents. They are as follows:
6” Shears(1), 600D Polyester Bag(1), Alcohol Wipes(3), Antiseptic Wipes(4), Adhesive Bandages: Butterfly Closures(5), Butterfly(5), H-Shape(5), Large(2), Standard(20), Mini(5), Square Shape(5), Cotton Gauze Swabs(3), Cotton Swabs(10), CPR Pouch with Instructions(1), CPR Breathing Mask(1), Crepe Bandage(1), Emergency Blanket(1), Eye Pads(2), Hypoallergenic Tape(1), Nitrile Gloves(1), Personal Medicine Laminate Bag(1), Personal Medicine Mini Bags(5), PBT Conforming Bandage(1), Safety Pins(4), Splinter Probes(2), Strip Wound Closures(3), Sting Relief Wipes(3), First Aid Guide(1), Triangular Bandage(1),Tweezer(1), Whistle(1)
THE BAG
Below: Removed from the storage bag, I’m immediately impressed with the nicest bag I’ve ever seen for a first aid kit containing all the supplies. The bag is 600D polyester. If you are familiar with this material you will know it is frequently used in high-quality backpacks and tactical bags. In a word: RUGGED.
Above: Velcro Molle attachments allow the Surviveware Small First Aid Kit to be attached to a variety of objects including bikes, packs, vehicles, your belt – pretty much anywhere. Perfect for securing the pack on backpacking and hiking trips, or in a Jeep like in mine below:
Below: Zippers are rugged and smooth. Compared to many small bags I’ve had these zippers are extremely durable and reliable. Very nice feature.
INSIDE
Above: Unzipping and opening the bag what I found had me smiling: EXTREME ORGANIZATION.
Everything is labeled in full-color text. There is no question where anything is or what is where – simply look and there it is. Fantastic! This is so beneficial it cannot be overstated. Imagine falling on your mountain bike and a buddy grabs the Surviveware Small First Aid Kit. They will be able to find what they are looking for with little difficulty. With most every other kit I’ve had of this size, opening the bag or box has everything pretty much in a jumbled mess and things can fall out all over the ground. Not with this kit.
Below: I’ve got to point out the CPR Kit within the kit. Included are nitrile gloves and an antiseptic towel, which is nice. What is impressive are the CPR instructions sewn into the small case which provides the full correct instructions on performing CPR. Think about it – if CPR is needed the ability to remember the steps from training a year or more ago may prove difficult. Having these instructions laying on the ground near the patient could very well be a lifesaver. What a great feature!
Above: The metal shears included is another example of what sets this kit above others. First – they are included. Many smaller first aid kits do not include shears at all, however, they are very useful for removing clothing and cutting seat belts. They are a welcome and valuable addition.
Below: Located within the outside pocket is what you see below. A small plastic bag containing several smaller bags for personal medicines. Great to store some extra prescription meds, or whatever you may wish to keep on hand. This pocket also has plenty of room to put extra bandaids, packs of antibiotic ointments – whatever.
SUMMARY
The Surviveware Small First AId Kit is by far my favorite first aid kit. It is sitting in my Jeep right now as I type this and I plan to order a couple more. Ultra high quality, durable, versatile, and compact. I struggle to find any criticisms or improvements that could be made. Again – I own several other packs of this size and it is by far the best. Having a tourniquet attached to the outside of the bag would be a recommendation.
At a price of $36.95 – an incredible value. I highly recommend purchasing a couple to be placed in your home, as well as each vehicle.
For more information visit the Surviveware Small First Aid Kit Webpage.
Recommended
If I had a choice I’d choose a sedate color .. natural tones for in the field. But then looking at the products.. for a little more the survival First aid Kit has more stuff and has black and cammo as options. I agree a molle strip on the outside to attach and CAT holster or two woudl be a great add. I’d personally add a carabiner and maybe a loop or two for those would be good to add. But again I’m presupposing field use .. I just want a hands free option. It has a handle and para-cord is your friend. Waterproofing is a must for all of them IMO. I’d be interested to hear later how the plastics hold up under care level heat for summer if you think about it later.
Thanks
GG58