Every day we log into the computer and read the news headlines we are bombarded with images and reports of violence and chaos all over the earth. In this day and age, many places like a shopping mall or open air markets can turn into a domestic copy of a war zone due to the actions of a few bent on destruction. It’s these times where we as ordinary citizens need quality first aid gear available to us and we need it to be carried in a durable bag that will deliver in times of need. We need something that is compact, well-built and can take tremendous amounts of abuse. It’s for those reasons and more that Vanquest in conjunction with Ken Harper of Prepare -1 created the Vanquest FATPack, First Aid Trauma Pack. The FATPack is loaded with features that make it an excellent choice for anyone who is serious about being able to render first aid in tough conditions.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Vanquest

Model Number / Sizes Available :

• 7″ x 10″ (Model # 081271)
• 4″ X 6″ (Model # 081246)
• 5″ x 8″ (Model # 081258)

Model Tested: 

• 7″ x 10″ (Model # 081271)

Dimensions: 

• Height: 10″
• Width: 7.5″
• Depth: 3″.5

Material: 1000D Cordura with Teflon coating

Colors Available:

• Black
• Coyote Tan
• Wolf Gray (Tested Color)

Weight: 8 Oz

Features:

• Tough #8 YKK Zippers
• Rapid deployment handle
• Blaze orange high visibility liner
• Removable 7.5″ x 5.5″ zippered inner pouch
• Large external 8″ x 5 “pouch

Price: $29.99-$42.99 

Initial Thoughts: 

When my package arrived from Vanquest I wasn’t too sure what to think of the set up. To be honest I have pouches for about everything I needed and wasn’t too sure how I would feel about getting another medical pouch. In the end I was surprised on how I felt about the Vanquest FATPack pouch. The model that we were sent to evaluate is the 7″ x 10″ pouch which is the largest in the Vanquest line. This pouch as stated above is also available in two smaller sizes. This is nice because it allows users to have several sizes, one for a small pack or to keep in the desk at the office or a larger one for the home, vehicle or camper.

Our test sample came in the Wolf Gray color that is honestly a nice change from Olive Drab, Coyote Tan or the dreaded Flat Dark Earth that seems so popular right now. The color on the material is a nice medium gray and from the front doesn’t scream “TACTICOOL”. Running my hands over the pack I can tell that the 1000 D Cordura is defiantly thicker and of a higher quality than other medical pouches I have looked at. Vanquest gets high marks for using quality materials. The zippers on the pouch are #8 YKK zippers and loop ends on them made of paracord. This is nice because if they get frayed or ripped you can just make new ones if you have any spare paracord laying about the garage.

We wanted to dig into the pouch but we decided to examine the back of the pouch first. The rear section of the pouch is criss crossed with MOLLE / PALS webbing so a user can attach it to another pack. The company has listed two types of mounting system for the pouch, neither of which are provided. This I thought was a cheap move by the company. The company sells MOLLE strips and a section of hook and loop fastener than can be attached to the pack. Failing to provide at least one option was a less than stellar idea by the company, I understand profit margins and economics but this was a SNAFU all around.

After we inspected the outside of the pouch we decided to try to test the quick deployment aspect of the Vanquest FATPack. We grasped the loop located at the top of the pouch with the red hook and loop indicator on it and gave it an immediate and firm yank down. The front flap on the pack is attached to the rest of the pack via hook and loop strips, the front flap loudly and cleanly tore away from the pouch allowing the zippers to open the pack to its fully opened position. Now this may not sound like rocket science to some, but the fact it tore open cleanly and neither zipper impended its decent was important.

Many times with packs zippers will hang up and stop the pack from opening, this was not the case even after we repeated the test a dozen times. Once the pack flopped open we were greeted with a secondary removable pouch in the lower section and several large areas where accessories or supplies can be stored. The two most prominent features are the storage ladder with adjustable shock cord retention section in the lower pouch and the high visibility main storage area in the upper section of the pouch.

The upper area of the pouch features two additional storage sleeves and five areas covered by an elastic strap for storage small items such as gauze and bandages. I would assume that given the lay out of the pack that the upper area would be perfect for larger bandages and epi-pen or a soft splint or some type. The lower area would be well suited for quick clot packages, ice packs, or other bandage type items brought 3″x4″. The removable zipper pouch is perfect for storing protective gloves and small items like individual servings of Tylenol or other pain killers

Overall Thoughts

The Vaquest FATPack appears to be very well-built, all of the stitching that is visible is tight and shows no signs of fraying or coming loose. The 1000D Cordura is heavier than most other packs in the same price range, and when you add that to the ease and speed of how it opens the benefits of the pouch begin to add up. The only area of the pouch that I would like to see a little work done on is the sides. The sides currently only have a few rows of webbing. This will be fine for items like a knife or flashlight that may have a clip on them, but the fact its only a few rows of webbing actually does in my opinion limit the pouch overall. In my opinion the sides of the pouch would be better served by two external pouches instead of the webbing. This is a purely personal preference.

If you currently do not have a medical pouch or are thinking about updating or changing your every day carry the Vanquest FATPack would be an excellent choice. The pouch does not come with any medical supplies though and if you were to purchase one and decide to build up its contents there are many companies such as Wildhedgehog Tactical, that can help you select the correct components to handle your needs. Thanks to Vanquest for taking the time to send us this pouch to demo and thanks to Wildhedgehog Tactical for their continued support.

This article is courtesy of The Arms Guide.