MyMedic MyFAK Review

The MyFAK is at the top of its game when it comes to being ready to be deployed to rugged environments to deal with serious injuries. This pre-built kit is one of the best at dealing with heavy bleeding thanks to some tools not found in the rest of the kits we tested hands-on. It also features pro-grade tools that make it stand out from the rest of the crowded field. It is not the kit for everyone, as it is heavy, expensive, and contains some supplies that the average person might not be as comfortable using, but we have singled this kit out as being the Top Pick for Basecamp Use, meaning at a remote field station, in the Jeep, in the RV, or at the job site. We tested the MyFAK Basic. It also comes in an Advanced version, we do not recommend this kit as it features extensive supplies that require advanced training like EMT, Medic or MD licenses to use.

Performance Comparison

Quality

The MyFAK kit is one of the best quality kits that we have tested. The carrying case is made out of heavy-duty ballistic nylon and is organized in a way that makes finding the right equipment quick and easy. The contents that are included in this kit are of the highest quality, with many name-brand medications. Standout items include the EMT grade trauma shears, the digital thermometer, and the moldable finger splint.

MyMedic contends that its shears can cut through a penny, and sure enough, they can! The wound care supplies are well-proportioned and sealed in a readily-accessible pocket. We especially like the Liquid Skin included along with Moleskin, another indicator that this is a purpose-driven kit that is designed for a range of realistic scenarios. If it is included in this kit, it is of top quality, and there are no red flags that we find that would indicate any hesitation to use this kit.

Usefulness

While some first aid kits are stocked with hundreds of small bandages, they may have limited usefulness in more demanding situations. Not the case with the MyMedic kit. When we opened the kit up, our initial reaction was that despite its size and weight, it was a rather spartan kit. Where are the piles of band-aids and single-use cold packs? Yet, though it may seem like the kit boasting hundreds of items may be more useful, we are much more confident that the MyFAK can handle a huge range of emergencies. Yes, there are adequate supplies to treat minor wounds, including a sterile saline solution for irrigation, an important aspect of backcountry wound cleaning, but there are also supplies to deal with more serious bleeding, like the elastic pressure bandage.

There is quality tape, Moleskin and Liquid Skin to deal with blisters, one of the best kits we have reviewed for this common hiking issue. An emergency blanket and a whistle add to its utility as well. This kit does have an 82-page first aid and survival guidebook, but it is only available via downloadable eBook that is hard to access and refer to while in the field. We would have preferred a hard copy to be more easily referenced, even if it makes the kit weigh a bit more.

Durability

Featuring a burly ballistics-grade nylon carrying case, the MyFAK offers exceptional durability. Keeping contents protected from the weather on the exterior, each group of supplies is enclosed in a durable sealed pouch as well, reducing the risk of spoilage if your pack gets wet.

The interior organization helps us get exactly what our first aid situation requires, so as not to pull everything out and potentially damage the packaging which will compromise its sterility as we have found in some other kits. Our only concern in regards to this kit's durability is that its included over the counter medications have a range of expirations, with the antihistamine tablets expiring in only 7 months from our date of purchase. Users should always be aware of their medication's expiry dates and check them annually, but this seemed like it may have been an avoidable oversight.

Versatility

From minor cuts and scrapes to more serious injury and illness, this kit is up to the task. There are supplies to treat heavy bleeding, splints and slings to deal with broken fingers or dislocations, pressure bandages to stabilize sprains and strains, and other quality implements that make this a first aid kit we recommend as an effective and versatile option.

This is a heavy kit that does take up some space, so it is not the best as a grab-and-go first aid kit for short day trips. It is best suited for big trips or in situations where weight does not matter, such as on a boating trip, in the off-road vehicle or in the truck.

A small tear-away pouch can be stocked with a few bandages, a CPR mask and tape to make this a pocket-sized kit that can be taken on short trips away from basecamp when you don't want to carry the entire case.

Weight

The MyMedic kit weighs over 30 ounces. This is certainly a heavy kit when compared to some of the other slimmed-down models that are more tailored to day hikes or short trips, but we feel that the weight and bulk of this kit makes it highly useful and versatile, as it includes high-quality items that are going to help you in extreme emergencies much more than those small kits will.

This is not the heaviest nor the bulkiest kit that we reviewed, however. Despite its low score in this metric, it should be noted that it has a very high utility, and so if your activities call for advanced treatments for injury and illness, and if you do not have the requirement that you carry this kit on your back at all times, then do not worry as much about this score.

Value

This is not an inexpensive first aid kit, especially when compared to the cheaper offerings found in this review, but the value is high. You might be able to source all these contents yourself for less money, but if you want a top-quality pre-built kit that can deal with a range of unexpected emergencies, then the MyFAK is certainly worth your consideration.

Conclusion