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Monday, May 23, 2011

Review: Condor Medical MOLLE

Had some extra time on my hands tonight and therefore decided to review a couple pieces of kit that I have used extensively. A while back, I ordered a bunch of Condor gear. I was looking for a good set of kit at a reasonable price. As a newly-wed, I didn't have the funds to throw at the higher end stuff but needed kit none-the-less. I found Condor and after reading quite a few reviews, bought a bunch of stuff from a retailer in Canada.

Condor EMT pouches
Two of those kit items were Condor's tear-away EMT pouch and their EMT glove pouch. Both items I intended to be used very strictly for range gear. I wanted to have a First Aid Kit handy for any accidents that may occur, but didn't want to supersede my knowledge level. Gloves, separate from the EMT pouch and accessible very quickly, I thought would lend well to the heightened stress level of a medical emergency, so that at least I'd be protected in the case of an accident.

I ordered mine in Tan and wasn't surprised to find the quality I had come to expect. I have handled a lot of gear, from made-in-china dollar store special to Maxpedition. Condor sits somewhere in the high-middle range of that spectrum. Much like I had expected, it was decent kit at a reasonable price. I'm not sure how it would stand up in wartime conditions - and I don't ever expect to be able to speak on that point, I'll likely never know. I do know that these articles will stand up to anything I can throw at them.

EMT glove pouch
The EMT glove pouch has a simple task and it accomplishes it well. It is supposed to dispense gloves for use in emergency situations. I have yet to encounter a situation that required the use of latex gloves at the range - and I hope I'll never see the day - but I've function tested this pouch numerous times. I have 6 gloves in the pouch - when I pull the exposed latex, 2 pop out. If I need more, it's a little piece of elastic fabric holding them in there. I don't doubt for a moment my ability to quickly and efficiently access gloves in a bad scenario. There's really not much more to say - this works.

Let's take a look at the rip-away EMT pouch. It's MOLLE compatible back webbing is velcro lined, along with the back end of the pouch itself. A pair of side closing buckles add to secure the pouch in place while being carried on a MOLLE equipped carrier. While on a vest or otherwise, the pouch on it's velcro carrier bounces around a little, but nothing that isn't manageable. Rarely noticeable, in fact.

extended view of EMT rip-away pouch
From Condor:

Description :


- Tri-fold design.
- Multiple pockets and elastic loops for storage.
- Double zipper closure.
- Addition 2" webbing, with pull-tab for quick/temperory closing.
- Two inch patch area across front of pouch.
- Wide handle for carrying or rapid removal.
- Two D-rings on the back for shoulder strap.

The pouch rips off of the velcro carrier and can be held in the hand or by a nylon carry strap on top. I have used this pouch as a stand alone barrel rest, in a pinch, while sighting in a rifle. I'm positive that most cheap-o stuff couldn't stand up to that kind of abuse, without obvious signs of wear.

Another look at the space available - blurry...


The pouch folds out into three distinct sections. One section meant for carrying tools, another for bandages and a mesh pouch for organizing your 'loose items'. Bandages can be held in by the use of elastic fabric - as well as some tool compartments.

bandage section
Here's a quick overview of what I keep in my Range-Med kit;

  • CRKT M16EDC - A fantastic little knife. As a matter of fact, the first one I ever bought outside of a utensil or 'swiss army knife'. Still sharp. It's been through the wash a few times with a little rust but nothing more. Still 100% workable and I keep it in there as a 'just in case'.
  • Tool bag - vaccum sealed. Mini Maglite, EMT shears, tweezers.
  • Bandages of various sizes.
  • Dressings - everything from EMT pads to bandaids. 
  • Instant cold-pack.
  • Insect bite oitment, alcohal pads, afterbite pads, sterilization pads.
  • Marker, pad of paper, lighter.
  • Medical tape.
  • Paracord
CRKT M16EDC
 All things considered, I would not only buy these pouches again but fully intend on incorporating more of them into different systems I use. Each built very sturdily - to give an example, I'll usually grab them last as I head out the door to the range. They get thrown into the back of my truck, from there, they're taken to the range; tossed, dropped and otherwise mistreated. The difference - they're always there. If something happens, I have a first aid kit ready to go. I'm sure not to include any tools or supplies that I'm not fully qualified to use. Do no harm.

Each have proven to be good kit to own and valuable items to use and maintain.

2 comments:

  1. My Condor molle bag was great... unitl it fell apart after 3 months of bringing lunch to work. Look here:

    http://www.google.com/search?q=condor+bags+fall+apart&rl

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've got a paramedic bag from the fire store online but It's a huge one so I can put all the things I need. But I am also looking for something similar to your bag. It's easy to carry.

    ReplyDelete