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MyMedic MyFAK Review

The burliest first aid kit we tested, best for situations that need above average trauma gear
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MyMedic MyFAK Review (The MyFAK kit is sure to be appreciated by those with professional medical training.)
The MyFAK kit is sure to be appreciated by those with professional medical training.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $170 List
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Manufacturer:   MyMedic
By Ryan Huetter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 4, 2023
78
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 16
  • Quality - 25% 9.0
  • Assortment - 25% 8.0
  • Versatility - 25% 8.0
  • Durability - 15% 8.0
  • Weight - 10% 3.0

Our Verdict

The MyMedic MyFAK first aid kit is the most durable, robust kit we have tested, and we feel confident that it will help us deal with injuries and illnesses from minor scrapes to major trauma. We tested the “Basic” version of this kit. This fully-stocked kit is impeccably organized in a high-quality case and includes name-brand medications, quality tools, and supplies that are in proportion to their utility. This is not a lightweight kit but is a reasonable size and weight for a group backpacking kit. We feel strongly that this kit is worth the investment if you travel in rugged places and want the most protection that a pre-built kit can deliver. See our best first aid kit review to find out how it fares next to the competition.
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent quality
Useful supplies
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky
Medical book only available as eBook
Editor's Note: We updated this review on April 24, 2023, to include more information about the assortment of supplies included in this first aid kit.

Compare to Similar Products

 
mymedic myfak
This Product
MyMedic MyFAK
Awards Top Pick Award
Best for Trauma Response
Editors' Choice Award
Best Kit Overall
Top Pick Award
Best for the Car
Best Buy Award
Best Value for Home Use
Best Buy Award
Best Value for the Outdoors
Price $170 List
$169.95 at Amazon
$75 List
$49.99 at Amazon
$35 List
$33.98 at Amazon
$25 List
$16.41 at Amazon
$29.95 at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
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Bottom Line Well-equipped to handle the toughest first aid situations you will likely encounterBuilt for longevity, this durable kit has almost everything you need for your overnight tripsA first aid kit with plenty of practical supplies for a road trip or in the backcountryAn easy to store kit with plenty of bandages to keep the whole family coveredThis small kit is easily packable and has enough materials to treat many common backcountry injuries
Rating Categories MyMedic MyFAK Surviveware Small Homestock+ Professi... Johnson & Johnson A... Adventure Medical K...
Quality (25%)
9.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
8.0
Assortment (25%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
Versatility (25%)
8.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
Durability (15%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
5.0
6.0
Weight (10%)
3.0
6.0
5.0
5.0
8.0
Specs MyMedic MyFAK Surviveware Small Homestock+ Professi... Johnson & Johnson A... Adventure Medical K...
Measured Weight 31 oz 16 oz 21 oz 22 oz 10 oz
Dimensions 8" x 7" x 4.5" 3.1" x 6.2" x 6.7" 7.9'' x 5.9'' x 3.6'' 10" x 7" x 3.5" 6.5" x 5.5" x 3"
First Aid Book Yes, eBook Yes Yes Yes Yes
CPR Mask/ Face Shield Yes Yes Yes No No
Medications Yes - aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, Pepto Bismol, acetaminophen No No Yes - acetaminophen Yes - acetaminophen, ibuprofen, asprin, antihistamine
Type of Gloves 2 pair nitrile 1 pair nitrile 1 pair nitrile 2 pair nitrile 1 pair nitrile
Splint Yes - 1 finger splint No No No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

Product Update — September 2022


MyMedic updated the MyFAK since our test cycle. The updates mainly pertain to more space and enhanced organization, with a folding page design. There is also a laser cut Molle panel on the outside for attaching tools and other accessories. Above, the version we tested is pictured on the left, followed by the updated MyFAK on the right.


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


mymedic myfak - taking this kit to a remote climbing area that our reviewers are...
Taking this kit to a remote climbing area that our reviewers are developing was worth the weight for the added protection against heavy trauma.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

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.

Assortment


While some first aid kits are stocked with hundreds of small bandages, they may not have the assortment of supplies required 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? Though it may seem like a 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 a roll of high-quality tape, as well as Moleskin and Liquid Skin to deal with blisters — this is one of the best kits to deal with these sorts of common hiking issues. 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.

mymedic myfak - these useful items (saline irrigation tubes, pressure bandage...
These useful items (saline irrigation tubes, pressure bandage, digital thermometer, pupil light/flashlight) are not found in any other first aid kit we reviewed.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

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.

mymedic myfak - we appreciated having the extra gauze pads, pressure bandage and...
We appreciated having the extra gauze pads, pressure bandage and dermabond glue in our kit while out backcountry skiing. Practicing beacon skills is great, but injuries related to ski or snowboard edges may require more than the typical first aid kit has.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

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.

mymedic myfak - when leaving camp or the car for a short trip the tearaway pack...
When leaving camp or the car for a short trip the tearaway pack makes for a great pocket-sized kit.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

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.

mymedic myfak - mymedic says you can cut through a penny with their shears. so we...
MyMedic says you can cut through a penny with their shears. So we did it! While we don't advocate this, it shows how durable they are (and how well they could cut through a seat belt in an automobile emergency).
Credit: Ryan Huetter

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.

mymedic myfak - at almost 31 ounces, the myfak is not light, but it is certainly...
At almost 31 ounces, the MyFAK is not light, but it is certainly packed with useful items.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Should You Buy the MyMedic MyFAK?


This is a heavy-duty kit that is one of our favorites. It has quality supplies, is well-organized and durable, and is capable and effective. Though it is not an inexpensive kit, it offers a high value. 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. We heartily recommend it as a kit to keep in your car or RV or even to throw in the backpack on a multi-day hiking trip with a large group.

What Other First Aid Kits Should You Consider?


If you are looking for a substantial setup like this one, but something more tuned for at-home use or for your car, then you should consider the Homestock+ Professional and Protect Life First Aid Kit 250pc. For something much lighter but still worthy of backcountry use, the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Backpacker Medical Kit is one of our top options. And if you need just a super durable first aid kit for a wilderness adventure, you definitely can't go wrong with the Surviveware Small.

Ryan Huetter