Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit Now! Product Review
The Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit NOW! is an emergency access medical kit that can be quickly deployed. It is designed to hold the medical contents of the Armed Forces IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) but it can also be customized by the user to be suited for every environment.
The medical pouch is one of the most important pieces of equipment that an operator can carry. It has to withstand hostile environments, be rugged and easily accessible so high-quality is the first priority.
For many years there have been different types of medical kits on the market but most of them are not, in our opinion, suited for emergency situations. Most of these kits are organized kits designed to be attached to the webbing of backpacks or vests.
The biggest issue with internally organized medical pouches attached with PALS webbing is the difficulty with the application and the handling of the medical components. Usually, when attached on a full kit, the medical pouch tends to be mounted at the 6 o’clock position on the battle belt or on the sides of the plate carrier; sometimes in this position it is hard to look and access directly the content under the stress of an emergency.
The alternative for a long time has been to carry a standard pouch with all the medical content loose inside, which does not ensure success in finding what needed.
This new philosophy of use applied to medical kits seems to have caught the eye of both military personnel and civilians.
Blue Force Gear has decided to utilize the “blowout” system for their Trauma Kit. What sets this product apart from others similar on the market is the ruggedness and the lightweight of the pouch. After the release of a version made of standard 500 denier fabric they have decided to apply their patented Helium Whisper material. The inner supply carriage has been redesigned and constructed out of laser cut ULTRAcomp to reduce the thickness of the fabric while maintaining shape and strength.
One though shared throughout the military and firearms community is that the medical kit should be the first to put on and the last to take off. It is obvious that with this mindset the light weight and the comfort for prolonged use is ideal.
The kit can be quickly and easily deployed with the external pull tab, which contains a small weight. The medical sign color can be changed from red to black within seconds to ensure the perfect requirement for every situation or environment. It is extremely important that the content is secured to the pouch during the deployment, to ensure this Blue Force Gear has applied a very robust high quality elastic keeper.
In the assortment of the medical content we took in consideration both the needs of the standard IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) and those of a Combat Trauma Kit. This specific pouch can be also utilized as an extensive and enhanced EDC medical kit. The internal blowout kit can be closed on itself without using the external MOLLE pouch, making it even more compact and lightweight. In the middle section is applied a panel of loop Velcro, in which we have attached the SWAT-T Tourniquet with a small piece of hook Velcro and some glue.
(1) SWAT-T Tourniquet
(1) Fox Chest Seal
(1) Quick Clot Hemostatic gauze
(30) Band-Aids (4 Sizes)
(10) Band-Aids Backup (Vacuum Sealed)
(25) Vacuum Sealed Gauze Pads
(1) Combat Elastic Bandage
(3) 3M SteriStrips
(2) Pairs of Nitrile Surgical Gloves
(1) 3M Medical Tape
(1) Aluderm Aluminum Gauze Pad (20cmx20cm)
(2) Aluderm Aluminum Gauze Pad (10x 10 cm)
(3) Burn Gel
(2) Antibacterial wipes
(1) Emergency blanket
(1) aLokSak 3″x7″ waterproof bag
(1) Hi intensity 30′ Red ChemLight
(1) Fine Point Surgical Tweezers
Medical Substances
(2) Ketoprofene
(10) Ioperamide
(2) Paracetamole
(2) Amoxilline (Antibiotics)
(2) Antihistamine
(2) Antidiarrheal
(4) Electrolytes
(4) Aspirin
(4) Ibuprofen
The Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit NOW! Is available in Multicam, Tan, Black, Wolf Grey and OD Green.
ShotShow2016: LALO Tactical
The LALO Tactical Intruder is versatile boot designed for all sorts of action. The patented composite plate and TPU outsole offer an efficient “stealth approach” when transferring energy from foot strike to toe- off. The boot also features:
- Contoured climbing arch
- Compression molded EVA midsole and compression molded EVA insole
- Fin-lock, slip resistant, light- weight injected blown TPU outsole
- Articulating heel and outsole shape for assisting in noise reduction
- Blade resistant “SuperFabric® toe cap, 5” Microfiber H2O shedding synthetic leather upper with breathable membrane with moisture-wicking, H2O shedding antimicrobial upper lining
- Rip-stop nylon accents
- Engineered Achilles flex notch and sleek vamp profile for secure fin fit and climbing
- Gusseted tongue construction with invisible lace pocket
This lightweight cross-trainer is as light as a feather and looks as sharp on the street as it does in the gym. Features Anti-Inversion Technology, the LALO OCF Fit System, and a ceramic-coated SUPER FABRIC™ toecap. The Grinder is a mid-foot mobility shoe that shines in a variety of cross-training activities. It was engineered for dynamic, bodyweight-based agility drills and movements. It features a softer, grippier feel for multi-directional movements such as jump rope, burpees, box jumps, jumping lunges, and more. It is a practical shoe for rowing, short distance runs and sprints.
For more information please visit LALO Tactical website.
ShotShow2016: KRISS USA
For Shot Show 2016 KRISS has released the Gen 2 Vector, now also available in 9 x 19 mm. The Vector Gen2 has a Cerakote finish available in many different colors: Black, FDE, OD Green, Alpine and Combat Grey. The KRISS Vector GEN II is more ergonomic with a redesigned trigger, a short throw ambidextrous safety lever, and a more comfortable pistol grip.
The caliber change between the .45 ACP to the 9 x 19mm doesn’t require any tools, and it takes a few seconds. After releasing three pins the whole lower receiver assembly come apart and you simply swap it with the other one.
KRISS Vector GEN II SMG in 9mm FDE and KRISS Vector GEN II SDP in 9mm BLK.
KRISS Vector GEN II SMG in 9mm BLK and KRISS Vector GEN II SBR in 9mm FDE.
KRISS Vector GEN II CRB Enhanced in 9mm Combat Grey and KRISS Vector GEN II CRB in 9mm BLK.
KRISS Vector GEN II SDP with stabilizing brace in 9mm BLK.
KRISS Vector GEN II SBR in 9mm Black and KRISS Vector GEN II SDP in 9mm Olive Drab Green.
Throughout 2016 KRISS will also release the Vector Gen 2 in other calibers. The lower receivers and the complete firearms will then be available to the public in .45 ACP, 9×19 mm, 9×21 IMI, .357 SIG, 10mm and .40 S&W.
For more information please visit KRISS USA Website.
ShotShow2016: Oakley SI Alpha
We are very excited for the release of the new Oakley SI Alphas. At Shot Show we had the chance to get a close look at this new Eco-System.
The Alpha™ Eco-System consists of three parts: the SI Ballistic M Frame® Alpha™, SI Ballistic Halo™
Goggle and the Helo Gasket with a single lens working across all platforms. The Ballistic M Frame® optimizes
the most crucial elements of performance with flush-mount surfaces to help prevent fog buildup. The SI Helo-
Alpha™ Gasket is a lightweight rubber component designed for rapid deployment in situations of sudden high
wind or dust. The SI Ballistic Halo™ Goggle is specifically engineered to optimize the two things that matter most
in eye protection: a comfortable fit and equipment compatibility. It comes with multiple strap options including a
split strap, full strap and rail strap adapter. The SI Ballistic Halo™ Goggle is also compatible with all helmet and
O2 mask systems.
Equipped with the most advanced technologies in Ballistic Impact Protection and Lens Optics, the
Alpha™ system is Oakley’s most advanced platform to date. Both the SI Ballistic M Frame® Alpha™ and the
SI Ballistic Halo™ Goggle meet or exceed High Mass and High Velocity impact requirements per ANSI Z87.1-
2003/2010 as well as Ballistic Fragmentation impact standards per MIL PRF-32432. These tests have been
developed to simulate real life combat situations. Prizm™ Lens Technology is a complete advancement to our
lens performance which perfectly tunes contrast to make targets stand out against foliage, dirt and sky. This is
made possible by using a proprietary combination of dyes that strategically block specific wavelengths of light
that interfere with vision, while emphasizing ranges of the color spectrum where the eye is most sensitive to
detail. Ultimately, reducing the need to carry multiple replacement lenses to change as lighting conditions
change.
ShotShow2016: SureFire
This year at ShotShow SureFire has released an interesting new multi functional product: the FirePack 1500. This product attaches to the users smartphone and is connected to it via wireless comms. This allows to utilize the Firepack both as a 1500 lumen flashlight and as a flash for you smartphone camera, all through the app installed on the phone. It could also be use as an external battery to charge your phone. 
The other EDC new product from SureFire is the Sidekick. This keychain-attached compact flashlight is able to deliver up to 300 lumen and will cycle through three brightness settings with the use a single button. The Sidekick will also come with a retractable string for secure use.
Two very interesting product of the EDC line are the Titan and Titan Plus.

Surefire has extended the product line with the Intellibeam technology to the Fury, Lawman and Scout lights.

As for weapon-mounted light there will be more models with the capability of White-IR LED.

The product that has revolutionized the market of CCW weapon-mounted lights is the XC-1. This light is mainly designed for weapon with a size similar to the Glock 19. At the show it was mounted on a 1911 from Wilson Combat, not too sure about that.

The X-300 Ultra has now the mounting interface of the X-400 and has been powered up to 600 Lumens.

ShotShow2016: Trijicon
This year at they Shot Show booth Trijicon had some very interesting new products, that they have released during the past few months. The main new product is the MRO or Miniature Rifle Optic. This Red Dot sight is based on the production of the ACOG (the great success of this company), in fact we were told that it shares many tools and machines during the manufacturing process; this in our book is synonym of great quality and toughness, just like the bigger brother ACOG.

The MRO differentiates from the other tubular-red dot sight on the market with its unique design. Instead of having only one cylinder, that creates too much tunnel vision, this sight utilizes two, enlarging the viewing area and enhancing the situational awareness. The sight also features a very smart design regarding the windage and elevation adjustments, the controls are caps-free and they are surface-flush allowing an easy access without any sort of accidental change.
At the show Trijicon has released also the VCOG with a green reticle. The reason behind the green reticle is that is more effective on the user’s eye, allowing to dim down the LED intensity, this double the battery life. The VCOG features a first focal plane reticle with bullet drop compensation. The alluminum-alloy housing is rugged and it doesn’t require any ring mount.
The other product that we were very pleased to see was the back-sight pistol mount for the RMR. This base-plate interfaces with the back-sight of the handgun allowing the user to adopt an RMR without drilling or CNC machining the slide.
ShotShow2016: TNVC
Tactical Night Vision Company is the most reputable night/thermal vision company on the market. They are truly experts on the matter, here is part of our experience at their booth. Enjoy
This is the new M-TEK Flux Carbon helmet. It features M-Lok rails, Wilcox L4 Shroud and a new shape for enhanced protection and comfort.

Here is their line of weapon mounted visors, both thermal and night vision.
Above is their new weapon mounted dual-switch that works with 1913 rails and Keymod or M-Lok sections.
For more info please visit tnvc.com
Outdoor Research | Topo Waterproof Jacket
This week, at SHOT Show 2016 in Las Vegas, Outdoor Research has released a new jacket for their military/tactical line. The Topo jacket is based on Gore’s Light and Fast military fabric. The main feature of the Topo is flexibility of movement, this is possible with the application of a stretch fabric in key points of the jacket. The cut and the fit is inspired by the Axiom jacket, one of the greatest successes of Outdoor Research.
What is really interesting about the Topo is that even if the jacket stretches it still maintains waterproofness and breathability. It is articulated in order to provide flexibility and free of movements in key spots of the body. The Topo fabric, in coyote, is also designed to be worn under chest-rigs, plate carriers and backpack. In certain spots, during high-intensity activities, both breath-ability and stretch are required for comfort and maximum performance.
The Topo Jacket is available in Multicam and Coyote for a MSRP of approximately $500.
For more info please visit: military.outdoorresearch.com/










































































































