I Go First Aid Kit Ultralight Review

This kit 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

The contents of the I Go- heavy on the bandages, this is really only good for minor wounds.

Photo: Ryan Huetter

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.

The only tools included in the I Go kit - small shears, tweezers, and an emergency whistle.

Photo: Ryan Huetter

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.

While durable, the case does not offer much in the name of organization

Photo: Ryan Huetter

Durability

The outer case 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 watertight kits, that means that once submerged everything inside will get wet and fall apart.

Small and portable in a hardy case, the I Go can get thrown ina pack without worrying about crushing its contents

Photo: Ryan Huetter

Versatility

Due to the few contents included in this 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.

Too little medical tape means less versatility to the I Go kit

Photo: Ryan Huetter

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.

The I Go is small and compact when shown with the other day hiking kits

Photo: Ryan Huetter

Value

We would not call this kit a supreme value, considering how little you can do with it. It is often found on sale at a lower price, however, which makes it a much better value.

Conclusion