Be Smart Get Prepared 326 Piece Review
Cons: No CPR mask, poor quality tools
Manufacturer: Be Prepared
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Be Smart Get Prepared 326 Piece | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  |  | | |
| Price | $32.34 at Amazon | $36.95 at Amazon | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $28.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $50 List |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Durable case, large quantity of supplies | Very durable, quality tools, removable CPR kit | Compact, lightweight, quality materials, handy wilderness first aid guidebook | Lightweight, minimal packaging, waterproof, quality components, compact | Quality supplies, useful tools for travelers |
| Cons | No CPR mask, poor quality tools | No medications, no first aid manual | Limited medications, no CPR mask | Limited group size, minimal quantities | Carrying case is organized but not user-friendly, limited versatility |
| Bottom Line | This kit is the best we've reviewed for the workplace, office, or classroom, where a large number of people need access to basic supplies | A very useful, high-quality, and durable choice for individuals or small groups heading into the backcountry | This kit is a great choice for short weekend trips, containing the essentials to guard against many trailside emergencies | The best choice for trips where weight matters, without compromising on quality | With travel-friendly supplies, this model prepares you for unforeseen medical needs while on the go |
| Rating Categories | Be Smart Get Prepar... | Surviveware Small | Mountain Series Hiker | Ultralight/Watertig... | Smart Travel |
| Quality (20%) | |||||
| Usefulness (20%) | |||||
| Durability (20%) | |||||
| Versatility (20%) | |||||
| Weight (20%) | |||||
| Specs | Be Smart Get Prepar... | Surviveware Small | Mountain Series Hiker | Ultralight/Watertig... | Smart Travel |
| Total Weight (oz) | 48 oz | 14 oz | 10 oz | 8 oz | 17 oz |
| Dimensions (inches) | 12" x 13.5" x 4.5" | 3.1" x 6.2" x 6.7" | 6.5" x 5.5" x 3" | 7.5" x 10" x 2" | 7.5" x 6" x 2.5" |
| First Aid book | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| CPR Mask/ Face Shield | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Type of Gloves | 4 examination gloves | Nitrile gloves | 1 nitrile gloves | Nitrile gloves | Nitrile gloves |
| Medications | Yes - aspirin, antacid | No | Yes - acetaminophen, ibuprofen, asprin, antihistamine | Yes - antihistamine, aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen | Yes - acetaminophen, antacid, antihistamine, oral rehydration salts, ibuprofen, diamode, diotame |
| Splint | 5 finger splints | No | No | No | No |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Be Smart Get Prepared first aid kit is a large briefcase-sized kit that comes in a hardshell case, and is a useful resource for big groups in the workplace or home settings, and the contents anticipate both high volume of users as well as most standard and non-life-threatening injuries.
Performance Comparison
Quality
The contents of the Be Smart Get Prepared first aid kit are generally of good quality, coming in a durable plastic briefcase that has shelves for easy organization. Medicines and bandages comprise the majority of the kit's supplies, and these are all individually packaged making it easy to grab what you need. All the over the counter medicines (antacid tabs, aspirin, acetaminophen) have easy to read expiration dates (2 years from when we received the kit) which help in keeping contents up to date. There is no ibuprofen and diphenhydramine for allergic reactions included. We liked the quality nitrile gloves found in this kit, and unlike most portable first aid kits, it included more than one pair. We were less impressed by the quality of the shears and tweezers, which were flimsy and unreliable.
Usefulness
The Be Smart Get Prepared kit was moderately useful when compared to other contenders. Some models were able to treat the full range of medical emergencies possible in a backcountry or wilderness setting; however, as it relates to the conventional treatments likely to be found in an office environment, this kit is much more useful. It can treat a common headache, cut, sting or scrape. This model also provides a vast quantity of basic bandages and wound cleaning pads that can support a large group. There are a few additional trauma supplies such as large gauze pads and finger splints for emergencies, but this kit is meant to take care of small, non-life threatening injuries.
Durability
Coming inside of a massive case the size of a briefcase and being able to be hung on a wall or door as well as be carried by a handle, the Be Smart Get Prepared kit is quite durable, though the design of the interior allows contents to shift and get mixed up when not mounted. The plastic tweezers and flimsy scissors used in this kit are not durable at all and would be better replaced with higher quality trauma shears and forceps.
Versatility
Although this first aid kit meets the OSHA guidelines for small businesses, even they recommend that additional supplements may be necessary based on the type of work environment. We felt like for a typical office setting that the Be Smart Get Prepared Kit would be adequate and versatile enough to deal with most non-emergent situations, but for a construction job site, we would rather see more gauze pads and better quality tools. And while many workplaces also may have an AED/CPR station, there really should be a CPR mask included in this kit too. There is an option to add it on to a restocking order through Be Smart Get Prepared, however.
Weight
Tipping the scales at just over 3 pounds, the Be Smart Get Prepared first aid kit is heavy. While does not score nearly as high as some of the lightweight models, it is also meant for use in a completely different setting. Designed to be wall-mounted or carried in a vehicle, weight should not be a reason to avoid this product. We would have even been happier if the kit had weighed more if that meant that there were more varied supplies for a wider spectrum of emergencies.
Value
The Be Smart Get Prepared 326 Piece first aid kit is an average value. You do get the mountable carrying case, but the supplies contained within are pretty inexpensive, and the tools are of poor quality. What you are paying for is an OSHA/ANSI approved kit that has an easy reordering system when you need to stock up on depleted supplies.
Conclusion
For basic first aid in an office, home, school classroom or other group settings, the Be Smart Get Prepared kit can support a small to a medium-sized group as long as the injuries are relatively minor and can be treated with over the counter medications and small bandages. Any more severe injuries would need additional supplies added to the kit based on your group's needs.
— Ryan Huetter