One thing I wish more people realized is that you don't have to buy the popular thing. Ryan from Method 47 really convinced me of the fanny packs functional benefits at the Human Trafficking Awareness Range Day at Ben Franklin Range in September.
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Would I have loved a Spiritus fanny pack in ranger green? Yes. Should I spend that money in that way right now? Probably not.
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I had a Carhartt fanny pack laying around never being used. So, I went to work. I cut off the zipper tabs (that clink all the time when you walk) and added 550 cord (with more length for rapid access). I cut off the Carhartt logo and sewed on a medical patch I had laying around from an Amazon pouch. I sewed on a stretch sleeve for my CAT TQ (another old purchase that went unused). Then, I took my old Warrior Poet Society IFAK ankle kit and used that as an internal organizer. The Carhartt pouch has a clip in the front pocket that I stuck my Letherman Raptor shears onto.
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Then, again motivated by Ryan, I picked up a headlamp (from Nebo Lights - no opinion on this product yet) and some Narcan from the local crisis help center. I added a booboo kit to the IFAK I already had from Trex Arms and wrapped up this new arrangement for a more robust medical kit than what I was already carrying.
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If you've been around for a bit, you know I'm all about working with what you've got. A lot of people can't afford to spend money right now. But a creative mentality and motivation can really pull some things together.
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I enjoy that this can be incorporated into your tactical kit, or just used for every day life. I really do think that in the civilian sphere, versatility is key.
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Lastly, I love carrying this thing. It's awkward at first because of the looks you get and I think one lady followed me around the grocery store... maybe expecting me to try to steal or something. But I've also had some great conversations about it that have lead to real interest in getting more equipped for medical emergencies and getting trained. I am looking forward to hosting another Emergency Medical class with all the interest that has been shown (date TBD).
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REMEMBER ONLY BUY TORNIQUETS FROM REPUTABLE DEALERS - AMAZON AND ONLINE SELLERS HAVE FAKES GALORE AND THEY WILL FAIL IN USE.
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*Recommended products:
Individual First Aid Kit (Trauma Kit)
Other Products: Fanny Pack - for those who are on the budget train and need a simple solution (I have no experience with this specific pouch) I have used other condor products and have not had any failures of their gear. Though, I do recommend buying a higher quality product if you can afford it, like the Fanny SACK Pouch Mk3 - Spiritus Systems if you can afford it. I have heard some great, first hand reviews of this product.
But, I would rather you have cheap nylon pouches and quality medical gear than visa versa.
*Some of these links are affiliate links that helps this project by earning a small commission at no cost to you. Others are for companies that we have no paid affiliation with, but still think they deserve the traffic.