Surviveware Small Review

This model consistently scores highly in our review metrics and is one we often reach for on trips requiring extra durable equipment. Our reviewers were impressed by this kit's quality and functionality throughout our testing, whether on short hikes or long trips deep into the mountains.

Performance Comparison

Quality

The Surviveware Small kit earns its place as one of the top performers based on the quality of its components. It accomplishes this by providing high-quality supplies in reasonable quantities without skimping on a weak case. The extremely durable case might be a little too rugged. The waterproof zippers will keep out precipitation, but they also take a little bit of oomph to open up.

The open kit greets you with an array of well-organized and well-labeled supplies. We could easily find what we were looking for and put it back once we finished using it. Single-use items are in sealed packages, and multi-use components are in resealable pouches. Although the resealable pouches are a bit on the small side, this is a helpful feature for keeping things like your bag of sealed band-aids clean and dry.

This kit has everything a layperson needs, as well as extra items that first responders and medical professionals will appreciate. It includes useful tools such as hospital-grade trauma shears, splinter probes, and more advanced tools like a tourniquet. This kit does include a high-quality, non-woven triangular bandage – one that resisted tearing and held up to rigorous use – though it would be much more useful if it included more than one.

Assortment

The Surviveware Small kit also has a nice assortment of supplies. It earned high marks for a good ratio of everyday supplies – like wound closure strips and alcohol swabs – to more specialized items like pressure bandages and a space blanket. This kit is useful for treating everything from common cuts, scrapes, and burns to more serious wounds and injuries requiring more decisive care.

With over 40 wound closure strips of varying sizes, gauze pads, and a large abdominal pad, this kit is equipped to tackle small to moderate-sized wounds. We liked the large roll of 25mm width hypoallergenic tape, which is wide enough to adequately tape an ankle. The removable CPR pouch is handy and includes a durable, step-by-step CRP guide. We really appreciated the size of this small CPR kit, which makes it easy to put on a keychain and take with you on more everyday trips like a dog walk or short hike. The kit also includes cotton swabs for precise ointment application, antiseptic towelettes, and gauze swabs.

Versatility

The Surviveware Small once again scored high for its versatility. With a wide range of supplies and implements, you should feel prepared to administer first aid in various settings.

One of the first things you will notice about the Surviveware Small kit is that it is very organized and streamlined. Our only knock against the functionality of this kit is that the individual pockets are quite tight, making it difficult to remove certain items without removing some of the other supplies around it.

This kit frees up space for higher-quality tools and a useful CPR kit by omitting unnecessary items- like rain ponchos. This kit also includes a mini first-aid guidebook in case you need a quick reminder in the moment or need to brush up on the basics. Although it leans toward backcountry use, the variety of its contents makes it plenty useful to keep on hand in a car, RV, or at home.

Durability

The Surviveware Small holds its own regarding durability. The case is made of high-denier nylon and includes large zippers, so it is unlikely to have to perform any first aid on the kit itself.

Inside the case, the contents are protected in either sealed or resealable packaging. But for users in wet environments – like temperate regions or on river trips – we would still recommend a dry bag to keep things dry and unspoiled. Tools like the trauma shears and tourniquet are high quality and will likely last through many trips, unlike some lower-quality items in other kits. The four-inch wide elastic pressure bandage was stretchy enough to use a few times, but it seemed to lose its elasticity over a shorter time than we expected.

Weight

Weighing around 1 lb, the Surviveware isn't the lightest of the kits we tested, but the tradeoff for the extra weight is a good variety and quantity of high-quality items. Even though it is not the lightest weight kit on the market, it holds its own as a group-sized kit for a backpacking trip.

For shorter trips, solo trips, or small groups, the weight may be worth carrying if you are going to be far from definitive care. However, we lean toward choosing a lighter weight kit for most day hikes and short solo trips.

Should You Buy the Surviveware Small?

This model is our favorite first aid kit for most applications. It has the capacity to treat all manner of injuries and illnesses while close to home or deep out in the woods. It comes with useful, high-quality supplies packaged in an extremely durable, thoughtfully organized case. The utility and versatility of this kit make it an easy recommendation as a top-tier first aid kit for any individual or group looking to prepare for any trip. It is also a solid value when compared directly with most other products in this category.

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