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[Hands-On Review] Mountain Man Medical Trauma Kits

Mountain Man Medical Trauma Kits
We got our hands on the Yellowstone, Sweetwater, and Ankle IFAK trauma kits from Mountain Man Medical to see if they're a worthy edition to your range bag.
We review products independently. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission to help support our testing. Learn more.
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    First aid is a critically undervalued skill set that is proven to save lives and help people.

    That’s why you’ll regularly find me preaching the gospel of CPR and first aid training – even going so far as to say that first aid is more important than gun skills. (Fight me, bros.)

    CPR Mask Breathing
    All about life-saving skills over here!

    Aside from getting quality first aid training from reputable sources, gear is also an important component.

    From bandages to tourniquets, these seemingly small items make a big impact – especially in trauma situations.

    Best Tourniquets and TQ Holders
    Tourniquets and TQ Holders

    With the everyday world packed full of unknowns (car accidents, range mishaps, and even mass shootings), it’s wise to invest in first aid gear.

    So, as a believer in all things medical, I was stoked when Mountain Man Medical reached out to me, offering up three medical kits for me to review.

    First aid gear to test? Heck yes!

    And that’s what we’re going to talk about today – the Sweetwater, Yellowstone, and Ankle Trauma Kits from Mountain Man Medical.

    I will walk you through each of these kits, tell you what you can expect to see in each, and if they’re worth your money.

    So, with that said, let’s get to it!

    Table of Contents

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    Who is Mountain Man Medical?

    Based in Colorado, Mountain Man Medical is a company that specializes in all things…well, medical.

    They offer a bevy of medical gear in addition to training – like their free online trauma course.

    Mountain Man Medical Logo
    Mountain Man Medical Logo

    The Mountain Man team consists of in-house and external experts with formal training and experience as EMTs and military medics.

    Using data out of the Department of Justice, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and the civilian medical community, the company offers kits and products catering to professionals and the average, everyday person.

    $18
    at Mountain Man Medical

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    How We Tested the Gear

    Before I get into the specifics of each kit Mountain Man sent, let’s talk about how I went about this review.

    First, I think it’s important to establish my own experience with first aid.

    CPR Masks First Aid Kit
    My car kit.

    I am an American Heart Association Basic Life Support Instructor and have been for over two decades, regularly teaching first aid and CPR to civilians.

    While I am an AHA instructor, I’m certainly not in the field as much as a paramedic or EMT.

    CPR Face Shield Breathing
    I teach this stuff!

    And I really wanted the perspective of someone who lives this stuff. So, I called in reinforcements…

    Jeff Roberts is the EMS Program Director for Chattanooga State Community College, teaching the new generation of EMTs and paramedics how to save lives.

    Erlanger Jeff Roberts
    Jeff Roberts while working as a flight paramedic with Erlanger.

    He’s been a paramedic on the ground for over 30 years and also spent a little over a decade in the air as a flight paramedic with Erlanger.

    Not to mention, he’s also an AHA BLS, PALS, and ACLS instructor.

    Oh, and he happens to be my dad.

    Jacki and dad
    He’s also my range buddy.

    So, I packed up the Mountain Med Medical Gear and headed to his house to comb through its contents.

    When evaluating, we took two perspectives…

    First, my dad looked at it from the POV of a trauma professional and what he would want in the field.

    On the other hand, I approached it from the perspective of the people I regularly work with – everyday people with limited or minimal training.

    Wilderness First Aid Interior
    If all you’ve done is read a book on first aid…don’t worry, I offer an everyman’s look at the kits.

    With that said, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

    Sweetwater Trauma Kit

    Kit Includes:

    • Black “Falcon Pouch” with First Aid Patch
    • SWAT-T Tourniquet (CAT tourniquet or SOF-T optional)
    • North American Rescue Mini Emergency Trauma Bandage
    • Large Nitrile Gloves
    • Trauma Shears
    • Mini Marker
    • 1 Gauze Roll Bandage 2-inch x 4-yards
    • 1 Elastic Wrap Bandage Hook/Loop Self-Closure – 2-inch x 5-yards

    The Sweetwater feels like a bare-bones trauma kit. It’s got all the stuff you need without overdoing it.

    Everything comes in a Black Falcon Pouch which seems pretty durable.

    Mountain Man Medical Sweetwater
    Sweetwater

    I really liked that the pouch was small enough to slip into a range bag or backpack. You can also easily keep this in the glove compartment or under a seat in your car for quick access.

    Diving into the specifics, we agreed that most of the items in this kit you would definitely want when SHTF.

    We dug the trauma shears. These aren’t typical in most pre-built first aid kits I’ve seen (ya’ know, like the ones you buy from Walmart). But they are so underrated!

    Mountain Man Medical Sweetwater
    Mountain Man Medical Sweetwater

    If you need to quickly access areas hidden by sweatshirts or jackets, these are the fastest means to get where you’re going. Plus, they’re just handy to have around.

    I’ve used my own pair for random tasks at the range or out and about. (Great if your kids have to have the tag cut off that new toy ASAP.)

    Also really liked the inclusion of a mini marker.

    Mountain Man Medical Sweetwater
    Underrated but really nice to have!

    Yeah, it’s not first aid specific but these come in handy when you need to note times…like if you’ve used a tourniquet. Or if you’re involved in a mass casualty situation, it’s a great way to mark who needs help, etc.

    Most of the other items, like gloves, are pretty standard fare. These were a size large, so I had to swap them out for a smaller pair since I have kid-sized hands.

    The kit came with a SWAT-T tourniquet that oddly smelled of vanilla…

    Mountain Man Medical SWAT T
    Why does it smell like vanilla…beats me.

    Regardless, this is a slightly different take on a tourniquet. Developed by a former Air Force PJ, it kinda acts like an ACE bandage and can be used as an elastic bandage, pressure dressing, or tourniquet.

    While, in theory, an all-in-one tool sounds cool…in practice, it was only really okay-ish. For one, it took us a few minutes to figure out exactly how to make it work.

    Similar to an ACE bandage, just more rubbery, it wraps around an extremity. You obviously pull tight to create a tourniquet effect.

    Mountain Man Medical SWAT T
    It acts like a rubbery ACE bandage.

    If someone else was in trouble, you could do it…though the winding motion is a tad tedious.

    On yourself, it’s doable on a leg, but if your arm needs attention – that’s another story. It’s tough one-handed to get the level of tension needed to cut blood flow.

    And I say all this as someone who was calmly wrapping – not a panicked person suffering major blood loss.

     Mountain Man Medical SWAT T Tourniquet
    This paramedic was meh about it as a tourniquet.

    I did test it out with a very wet arm to see if it would stay and I will say it does stick in place once you get it wrapped.

    I feel I can confidently say that an average person would not be able to effectively use this as a tourniquet in a pinch. It’s too complicated and confusing…especially compared to something like a CAT.

    Mountain Man Medical CAT
    A CAT is muuuch easier.

    My dad agreed that even as a medical professional, this was a bit too tough to do on one’s own, and given the choice he’d upgrade to a CAT.

    Now, it’s not all hate. As just a makeshift wrap, pressure dressing, or even as a DIY sling, it works. Which also begs the question, why include an elastic bandage with this already in there?

    Seems a bit overkill, but then again, you can never have too much stuff when it comes to first aid gear.

    Mountain Man Medical Sweetwater
    Elastic bandage and rolled gauze.

    The real selling point with the Sweetwater kit is cost — between $49 and $76 depending on the options you choose, it’s not a bad price at all.

    By the time you put a kit together yourself, you’re likely at that price point or over.

    Not having to source your own materials and spend the time putting it all together is a nice bonus.

    $49
    at Mountain Man Medical

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Have you tried the Mountain Man Sweetwater kit? If so, rate it below!

    Readers’ Ratings

    5.00/5 (1198)

    Your Rating?

    Yellowstone Trauma Kit

    Kit Includes:

    • Black “Falcon Pouch” with First Aid Patch
    • SWAT-T Tourniquet (CAT tourniquet or SOF-T optional)
    • QuikClot Combat Hemostatic Gauze
    • Hyfin Compact Twin Chest Seal
    • North American Rescue Mini Emergency Trauma Bandage
    • Large Nitrile Gloves
    • Trauma Shears
    • Mini Marker
    • 2x Gauze Roll Bandage 2-inch x 4-yards
    • 1 Elastic Wrap Bandage Hook/Loop Self-Closure – 2-inch x 5-yards

    The Yellowstone builds on the Sweetwater Kit offering pretty much the same gear but with some more additions.

    Mountain Man Medical Yellowstone
    Yellowstone…looks pretty familiar.

    For one, you get QuikClot Hemostatic Gauze.

    What is QuikClot, you ask?

    In this case, it’s rolled gauze featuring kaolin which accelerates the body’s natural clotting ability. In layman’s terms, it helps control bleeding. This reduces blood loss while you wait on EMS to arrive.

    Mountain Man Medical Yellowstone
    QuickClot is a nice thing to have!

    I’m a big fan of QuikClot as is my dad so the fact that Mountain Man threw this in is a big win!

    In addition to QuikClot, you also get a Hyfin Chest Seal. Out of everything total, my dad was the most hyped about this!

    The chest seal features a one-way valve and if you’re facing an open/tension pneumothorax (that’s a fancy word for a collapsed lung), this could drastically improve the victim’s condition while you wait on EMS.

    Hyfin Chest Seal
    Hyfin Chest Seal in action (Photo: North American Rescue)

    For a range kit where you might face sucking chest wounds or other bullet-based traumas, both the QuikClot and Hyfin Chest Seal are perfect!

    Aside from those additions and an extra roll of gauze, everything else is the same as the Sweetwater.

    Mountain Man Medical Yellowstone
    Mountain Man Medical Yellowstone

    Again, I would recommend ordering a CAT alongside the Yellowstone if you can afford it. You still get the SWAT-T which could serve as a backup tourniquet. Plus, I just trust the CAT more.

    Since this kit has a few more extras, it would have also been cool to see a CPR mask popped in here. These devices are great barriers that help with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

    CPR Masks Keyring Face Shield
    They’re small enough to fit on a keychain and could easily slip inside the Yellowstone or attach to a zipper.

    Yes, this kit is definitely geared more towards bleeding-specific trauma and I see why a CPR mask is not included, but I really think it’d be a nice extra.

    (But of course, you can buy your own for pretty cheap. To learn more, check out our article on the Best CPR Masks.)

     Mountain Man Medical Yellowstone
    All the goodies

    While the Yellowstone is a tad pricey, between $84 and $111 depending on your options, it is packed with enough gear to justify a high price.

    If you’re someone who really doesn’t want to take the time to build your own kit or you don’t really know what a kit should have, this is a great out-of-the-box option.

    $119
    at Mountain Man Medical

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Mountain Ankle IFAK Trauma Kit

    Kit Includes:

    • Wilderness Tactical Ankle Cuff
    • SOF® Tourniquet
    • ChitoGauze XR PRO Dressing
    • Hyfin Compact Twin Chest Seal
    • H&H Medical Mini Compression Bandage
    • 1 Pair of Large Nitrile Gloves
    • Trauma Shears

    The Mountain Ankle IFAK Trauma Kit takes some of the options from the Sweetwater and Yellowstone and packs them into a portable ankle kit.

    Mountain Man Medical Ankle IFAK
    Ankle IFAK

    Again, we see the gloves, shears, and Hyfin Chest Seal. As previously agreed, these are awesome to have in a kit. So, it’s pretty cool to see them in an ankle setup!

    In addition to those, you get a SOF tourniquet. I’m a big fan of having a tourniquet on you 100% of the time. If you don’t have the belt space to carry a tourniquet on your waist, this definitely brings another option.

    As I dug through the kit, I was intrigued by something called ChitoGauze. So, I did some internet research and discovered it’s a clotting agent.

    Mountain Man Medical Ankle Kit
    Ankle Kit

    It’s worth noting that instead of using kaolin like QuikClot, it uses Chitosan from shellfish as its clotting agent. Initially, we were very concerned about that.

    What if a victim has a shellfish allergy?

    You could induce anaphylaxis (fancy word for allergic reaction) and then you’ve created a whole different problem that you can’t fix without an EpiPen.

    Mountain Man Medical ChitoGauze Shellfish
    Something is…fishy.

    But after some more digging and reading peer-reviewed studies, we learned something new!

    Tests done on those with shellfish allergies concluded that the ChitoGauze did not induce anaphylaxis because it lacks the actual protein. And that protein is what causes an allergic reaction.

    So, I guess it’s safe. But if you’re still iffy, I’d recommend grabbing some QuikClot off the Mountain Man site and using that instead.

    All the products come in a Wilderness Tactical Ankle Cuff reminiscent of an ankle holster for a gun.

    Mountain Man Medical Ankle IFAK
    The IFAK in action

    But here’s where its use ends for me. I wear skinny jeans so there’s no way on Earth I can effectively hide the IFAK unless I’m sporting a long, flowy skirt/dress.

    For the record, that’s not a criticism of the kit itself. It can’t help that I’m a micro-sized millennial who refuses to give up skinny jeans.

    Pry my side part and skinny jeans from my cold dead hands.

    My dad had a different experience, though.

    He really liked it, especially for places like concerts or festivals where you might not be able to carry a full first aid kit in a backpack.

    Mountain Man Medical Ankle IFAK
    Mountain Man Medical Ankle IFAK on my dad.

    Now, the ankle kit is not a cheap option. Coming in at $135, it’s pricier than the other two. Honestly, for this reason, I probably wouldn’t opt for it unless you’re specifically looking for an ankle IFAK.

    But again, if you want an all-in-one ankle IFAK, this definitely meets the requirements and is a great option.

    $94
    at Mountain Man Medical

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Bottom Line

    I was really impressed by Mountain Man Medical’s trauma kits. They were equal parts compact and useful. All of the good stuff, none of the fluff.

    Mountain Man Medical did a seriously good job of building a useable kit.

    Mountain Man Medical Sweetwater
    Mountain Man Medical Sweetwater & Yellowstone

    So, which one should you buy?

    Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these. But, in our opinion, regardless of your skill level, if you can afford it, spring for the Yellowstone.

    Out of the kits I received, the Yellowstone served as the most robust. It was packed to the brim with the gear you would likely use in an emergent situation.

    $119
    at Mountain Man Medical

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    I loved the inclusion of QuikClot Gauze and the Hyfin Chest Seal. It just really stood out as the better of the three packs I received.

    If you’re a trauma professional in any sense, you’ll likely get more use out of the Yellowstone.

    That said, if you can’t quite afford that $80+ price tag, then grab the Sweetwater. You can always add QuikClot or the chest seal later.

    $49
    at Mountain Man Medical

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    And that really is where Mountain Man shines. You can always order add-ons or refill kits to further customize your gear.

    My dad and I both build our own first aid kits, so we really appreciate that they don’t lock you in 100% to their setup. There’s room to upgrade or swap things out.

    CPR Masks First Aid Kit
    I tend to build my own kits, like this one.

    Finally, I didn’t get much use out of the Ankle IFAK. But my dad, who regularly attends concerts and festivals (and doesn’t don skinny jeans like his millennial daughter) really dug this kit.

    Is it worth the $135? That’s up to you, but if you’d feel more comfortable carrying a kit on your person, it’s worth considering.

    $94
    at Mountain Man Medical

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    On a similar note, I’d really like to see Mountain Man offer something comparable to the Ankle IFAK but for purses.

    Right now, my first aid gear is scattered in a random pocket in my purse which definitely isn’t efficient.

    Carjacking Distrated in purse
    Digging through my purse like…

    A purse kit that measures smaller than the Sweetwater/Yellowstone but could offer some organization to my IFAK basics would be amazing. I’d totally buy it! (Hint, hint Mountain Man…)

    Also, worth mentioning that Mountain Man Medical offers FREE online Emergency Trauma Response Training. If you’re strapped for cash but want to get your learn on, this is definitely an option.

    Something Of a Poor

    Conclusion

    Mountain Man Medical offers plenty of value for those interested in keeping a first aid kit in their range bag, bug out bag, car, or on their person.

    Mountain Man Medical Trauma Kits
    Mountain Man Medical gets two thumbs up from me.

    While I really preferred the Yellowstone, all these kits are worth checking out if you’re on the hunt for out-of-the-box medical gear.

    What do you think of Mountain Man Medical? Drop us a comment below. Gear is great, but what about training? Get your skills spun up with our list of recommended courses in the Best First Aid Classes.

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    5 Leave a Reply

    • tirod3

      Most of the military IS trained, which puts at least 25 million vets out there with some kind of plan to deal with things - but most don't carry a kit of any kind. Maybe a zipper pouch in the car with bandaids.

      Had an incident on the beach one vacation, wife stepped on a sharp shell - still refuses to wear any footgear - which cut her. We had nothing with us to treat it, do now. Those cheap kits in the sporting goods section aren't a bad economical choice - like a firearm, any med kit is better than none.

      What makes the modern IFAK different in the last ten years or so is that every soldier in a combat zone gets one to treat wounds, so the concept has expanded a great deal over the old "wound badge" which was insufficient. The dressing itself is OK for what it does, there needs to be more, especially if guns are involved. Therefore, a tourniquet is now a must, where before, it was regarded by the public with as much contempt as a clipped 3" knife at work. Dressings, quick clot of the latest recommendation and if it even needs to be used - all of which require some refresher training for those who haven't had it in ten years.

      Trauma shears are also beneficial. Best belt and jeans I ever owned were removed with some, easily, treating a compound fracture of the lower leg - which has turned out to be the least problematic injury I suffered that day. I well remember getting xrays before any painkillers - I don't miss that belt or jeans at all now, cut them off, puleeze!

      You could assemble a kit - but the case to hold it, the proper ingredients, the choice of what to put in it - if it's the first, don't. Just get one then figure out with training and experience what might suit. I didn't build my first AR until I had years using one, studying from SME's what was really going on inside, etc. Save yourself the grief up front on a kit, it will be included rather than wishing you had it.

      June 10, 2022 5:55 am
    • Brian

      I've heard that Quikclot should only be used if you will be able to get to the hospital to have it removed as it is very tough to get out of a wound. Is this still true or only true of the older versions?

      July 16, 2021 6:38 pm
      • John

        It was only true of the older version produced by Z-MEDICA and they have not produced that since 2009, it was the old granule type of QuikClot. However, some of these types of medical kits still have some of that old version in them so look at your kit and remove the old version if you have it and replace it but what ever you do do not use it.

        The old version was horrible. It did stop the bleeding but it could cause more harm than good depending on the wound. Also, people were using it for what were basically minor wounds that only needed pressure applied. Plus the old version got really hot and it could be painful and even burn flesh. If the old version was in the wound too long it increased chance of infection.

        Even the new version is not the cure-all people think it is. It should not be a first resort thing and should be a last resort so only use QuikClot if:

        1. Direct pressure compress over several minutes isn’t stopping the bleeding.

        2. The compress becomes saturated with blood quickly and repeatedly. (A sanitary pad is helpful for these types of injury and provides an idea of the level of injury that would cause several of these pads to be soaked through in a matter of minutes.)

        3. You are miles and miles from any medical assistance.

        July 17, 2021 4:58 am
      • Darby Heavey

        If you are in the position of using Quickclot don’t worry about tertiary care. Stop the bleed first.

        November 29, 2023 9:36 pm
    • John

      Everyone needs at least basic life saving training, especially CPR for adults and children and infants. Medical kits don't do you much good unless you know how and when to use it and can do so competently and without hesitation when needed. Well meaning, well intentioned, first aid rendered incompetently and incorrectly to the severely injured can cause great harm. Get trained.

      July 14, 2021 10:41 am
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