OK, this is a pretty cool pack, it is solid built and very comfortable to wear. I have done some short walks with this and I do like it.. I haven't had a chance to really load it and go on a long hike but I will hopefully soon. Its designed as a medical bag, but having played with it it has the serious potential to be a good BOB (Bail Out Bag). I love the MOLLE straps on it, you could load some extra pouches on the outside to expand or specialize your kits, in your BOB. By adding those extra pouches, etc, you do add weight but if your smart about what you add it shouldn't be an issue. I like the fact the interior has webbing and straps as well so you could keep things like flashlights, chem lights and other things stow-able through them closer at hand. Oh,, I got lucky and got this pack for free!!! thanks Pedro!!
Notice the back panel, formed shaped and has vents to allow air to get to your back for cooling. Very comfortable to wear and use. All of the straps and well padded and adjustable to find your comfort zone when wearing it
Lots of interior room for your gear and you can even stow two! 3 liter water bladders in it!! Although I dont recommend it! I would move one to the outside in a MOLLE pouch if you needed that much water at one go.
Notice the zip pockets, designed for your med gear it could hold some various kits that you would stow in your BOB to make access a lot quicker and more organized. First Aid Kit, fire kits, personal hygiene items, or even extra first aid items like I carry. and yes, I always carry extra first aid gear, ice packs, SAM splints, blood stopper kit, and a few extra little items. I have used them to assist people already when out on the trail..Some people just don't think about these things.. I always wonder why...
More MOLLE straps,, I love those things!!!
You can find them at:
http://www.blackhawk.com/
or if you live in San Antonio go to :
http://alamotactical.com/
ask Chris to order one for you! He is a great guy and would be glad to help you.
I look forward to some more Blackhawk gear in the future to try! Great Pack Blackhawk!
23 Oct 11,, Update! Went to Enchanted Rock today and hiked the pack all over the park! Over all it was very comfortable, had some issues with the shoulder straps slipping, but it is new and they haven't gotten ruffed up yet. I had it loaded with about 25 lbs of gear, and I still had plenty of room for some more stuff. It easily also accommodated my 2.5 liter water bladder, and had the straps to hold it up. Dragged it through the rocks and crawl spaces to the cave, didnt go in the cave because of the verticle climb and the fact I am still having major issues with my arm and shoulder. The padding was great! but I did find I retained a little more heat than my duck head across my back. Straps all have ample padding and were very comfortable ! So I am going to say I really like this pack and will do one more good hike with it, maybe Lost Maples!
One of my items is a space blanket, I purchased a higher end blanket, its bright orange one the outside and has the reflective layer on the inside, these are the better space blankets, they may take a little more space but they are well worth it. Its an improvised shelter, a invaluable tool for hypothermia, and also to help treat shock.
Yup, I dont go into the woods with out it! This stuff does work, but the best treatment is to learn your plants and that way you avoid poison ivy and oak all together. You need to apply this as soon as you can to help stop the reaction. Also make sure you wear gloves to avoid spreading the oils and also cross contamination to other fellow family friends or campers.
This is one kit/pack I would not be with out, main reason is it has QuickClot in it, it also has many other items as well to help in a severe trauma would or issue. NOTE: DO NOT use QuickClot unless you have taken a class or been certified on how to use it. There are tools on their website and resources on the Internet to help you with this. Also be sure to take a first aid class to keep yourself current.
These are cool little packs, has everything you need to treat road rash and those scrapes and cuts you get when you bike ride. Every bike rider should have one on them..
This is my basic little first aid kit, I have expanded on it and have added extra gloves, an emergency whistle several ace bandages and an insect sting treatment. I have also added a CPR mask and mole skin, plus a few extra bandages and hand sanitizer. It also has some OTC meds and I plan on expanding it some more here in the near future.
My kit all folded up, it will barely close. Notice it isnt fancy, just a decent little kit, I have expanded it for my personal needs and you should do the same for yours!!Always be sure to take a first aid course and keep yourself current. I have gone as far as to have my basic and first responder course, I have gotten AED certified and also certified in the use of Celox and QuickClot. These courses cost me nothing but time and the payback is priceless. There really no excuse not to take a first aid class, even if you have to pay a few bucks, the payback is priceless..
