Why Any Survivalist Needs an IFAK

More than 50 million Americans head into the great outdoors every single year. Though most make it out unscathed, it is still important to be prepared.

Having the proper gear for outdoor activities and excursions is critical to staying safe and creating unforgettable memories. 

That’s why a well-equipped kit is a non-negotiable when doing any outdoor activity, whether bushcrafting, hiking, camping, biking, or taking a simple stroll through nature. 

But having accessible medical supplies is not only a must for any outdoor-loving, adventure-seeking individual. It’s also for anyone prioritizing safety in their everyday life. 

At the end of the day, an IFAK is peace of mind in any campsite, home, RV, or vehicle.

The Life-Saving Purposes of an IFAK

IFAKs should be portable and compact for individual and on-the-go use. Though some at-home, business, or school kits often have additional equipment, personal sets are narrowed down to only include survival necessities. 

We tailor our products to outdoor enthusiasts and adventurists at Self Reliance Outfitters. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use our products for everyday life and preparedness. 

Though our IFAK is perfect for a trip out on the field, having well-packed, easy-access trauma kits are ideal for any scenario, like: 

• A natural disaster
• Car breaking down
• Sporting events
• Family camping trips
• Survivalist activities
• Home emergencies
• Accidents at school

Ultimately, an IFAK could be the difference between life and death in any type of emergency.

What Comes in the Pathfinder IFAK?

The Pathfinder IFAK has many benefits and comes with everything you may need in an emergency, from major wound treatments to disinfectants. That way, you can sleep easy — at home or in the great outdoors — knowing you’re prepared for the unexpected. 

Details and Specs

The Self Reliance Pathfinder School IFAK contents include: 

1. Pressure bandage
2. Crepe bandage
3. Combat application Tourniquet   
4. Bandage scissors
5. First aid dressing
6. Burn dressing
7. Triangular bandage
8. Medical tape (2pcs)
9. Splint 
10. Emergency blanket
11. Mark pen
12. Disposable gloves (2 pairs)
13. Alcohol prep pad (10pcs)
14. Molle bag

• Weight: 2.7 lbs
• Packed size: 11.8 in x 7.9 in x 7.1 in

Pressure Bandage 

Pressure bandages, from minor cuts to larger gashes, are critical for hemorrhaging wounds. Place a pressure bandage on bleeding injuries to encourage blood clotting without accidentally constricting circulation. 

Crepe Bandage 

If you're in a tactical environment, you could be one misstep away from a twisted ankle. That’s where a crepe bandage comes in handy. 

Crepe badges support painful strains and sprains by compressing injured areas, allowing joints and muscles to move and flex as the elastic bandage reinforces the injured area. 

Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT)

The Pathfinder IFAK comes equipped with a combat application tourniquet (CAT) to slow life-threatening bleeding. This one-handed tourniquet is easy-to-use, allowing you to tie off afflicted areas quickly.

A tourniquet can be a lifesaving tool in the event of severe bleeding. When out in the wilderness, accidents can happen, and injuries can be more severe due to a lack of immediate medical attention. Having a tourniquet on hand can help control bleeding until professional help arrives.

Bandage Scissors 

Though scissors may not be the first tool that comes to mind when you picture an emergency kit, having trauma shears to slice through bandages and dressings is a way to cut accurately to get the most out of your first aid equipment.   

First Aid Dressings 

Dressings are ideal for aiding open wounds since it creates a barrier between cuts and elemental bacteria.

The purpose of dressings is to prevent infection until you can better tend to the injured area or receive professional care. 

In addition to a standard dressing, the Pathfinder IFAK includes a non-adherent dressing to prevent burns from infection.

Triangular Bandage 

Though breaks and dislocations should be tended to by a medical professional, sometimes you need temporary support before you can seek emergency services. Triangular bandages are perfect for a makeshift arm sling or pad to control bleeding, keeping the limb close and tight to the body.

Medical Tape

Medical tape goes hand in hand with dressings and bandages, enabling you to secure the cloth to injured areas. This means you can tape them as tight or loose as needed. 

Splint

The Pathfinder IFAK comes with a rolled splint so that you can cut it to size for any injury.

There are a variety of ways to splint an injured area so it can heal quickly and correctly. You might need one for ligaments, bones, or tendons that have been pulled too far away from their joint while healing on their own — this would stop any movement immediately until the bone heals itself back into place.

Emergency Blanket 

This compact emergency blanket is perfect for frigid nights while camping, watching sporting events, or after a dip in a cold river bed. 

Emergency blankets are made of metalized plastic called Myler (think of a space blanket). Mylar is uniquely designed to help retain your lost body heat up to 90% and can be the saving grace between preventing hypothermia and death.

Mark Pen 

You never know what you might actually need a pen for. The Pathfinder mark pen is ideal for recording vital signs among making other markings. The pen also has a glass breaker on end for emergencies, which could be used if you’re locked inside a vehicle and can’t get out.

Disposable Gloves and Alcohol Pads

When tending to wounds, use the disposable gloves included in this IFAK kit to reduce the risk of infection and create a more sterile environment. 

In addition to disposable gloves, whip out the alcohol pads to prep and clean the wounded area and lower the risk of infection. 

MOLLE Bag 

All the above equipment is packed inside the Pathfinder MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) bag for easy access, with durable cloth and extra space for additional items. 

At Self Reliance Outfitters, we know how important it is to pack light when out on the field. That’s why we’ve created the Molle bag: With this bag and its supplies, you’ll be ready for anything nature throws your way.