I Go First Aid Kit Ultralight Review

The I Go First Aid Kit Ultralight showed itself to be an average quality first aid kit with a limited number of supplies. Housed in a small and compact case, it is a durable product that is ideal for people on the go.

Performance Comparison

Quality

The I Go kit was an average performer in quality. We were immediately intrigued by the case design, the only portable hardshell case we tested in our review.

Some users complained about the zipper easily coming off its track, though we did not experience that issue firsthand. The contents were generally of lower overall quality, from the wound closure strips that had poor adhesion, to the flimsy vinyl first aid gloves. When compared to award-winning products, there was a distinct quality gap. Few tools are included, such as tweezers and scissors, and though small, they seemed to hold up well and we found cutting through thick cardboard to be possible with the scissors.

Usefulness

Users are limited in what they can accomplish with a kit this small. All of the contents are visible through a mesh compartment, but they are all jammed in tightly so to get to what you need you will have to pull everything out. This kit is really a light trauma and CPR kit- there are 35 bandages of varying sizes, several small gauze pads and wound cleaning pads. There is a triangular bandage, though after constructing a sling to simulate a dislocated shoulder the fabric tore through. Tape is included, but the rolls are so small and thin that holding bandages in place is the only likely use- there is not nearly enough to wrap an ankle or construct a splint. Consider replacing the tape with a wider roll for a small price.

Durability

The outer case of the I Go turned our heads, but the case is only labeled as water resistant, not waterproof. Since the contents inside the case are not protected by any additional protective packaging such as used in the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7, that means that once submerged everything inside will get wet and fall apart.

Versatility

Due to the few contents included in the I Go kit, there is limited versatility aside from being able to clean and bandage small cuts and wounds, especially if far away from definitive medical care. While this is an appropriate kit to carry on a day to day basis in your car, or even on a short day hike, we would not like to be deep in the wilderness with so few options for treating simple, yet common issues like ankle sprains, blisters or headaches.

Weight

Weighing in at 9.6 ounces, the I Go first aid kit is certainly light, but we would not go as far as calling it ultralight. The case itself weighs much more than it likely needs to. The low weight should encourage users to take the kit with them on short day hikes where it won't be as burdensome as the larger kits, but we would not qualify this first aid kit as worthy of being taken on lightweight backpacking trips or anywhere far from home.

Best Applications

With a small size and durable external case, the I Go First Aid Kit Ultralight is a good option for those looking to put a small supply of general first aid equipment in a handy spot like the trunk of a car, a desk drawer in an office or in a small pack when out on a walk or short hike.

Value

With an MSRP of $30, we would not call the I Go kit a supreme value, considering how little you can do with it. It can be found for as little as $13 online, however, which makes it a much better value.

Conclusion

You need a small first aid kit that is well stocked with bandages and alcohol swabs for cleaning up the common cuts but also has a CPR mask and heavier gauze pads for the rarer but serious medical events. The I Go First Aid Kit Ultralight could be the kit for you if you don't need anything else that might be useful in a wider range of emergencies.