Pros
- 100+ components cover both basic and trauma care in one bag
- MOLLE-compatible Cordura nylon bag holds up to real use
- Organized, labeled compartments make finding supplies fast under stress
- Includes basic first aid supplies the IPOK skips entirely
- Best value per component of any kit in this category
Cons
- Included tourniquet is entry-level, not the CAT used in the IPOK
- Larger footprint than a compact trauma pouch, harder to pocket carry
- Some smaller components are lower quality than dedicated single-purpose kits
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The MyMedic MyFAK shows up as the “Best Value” pick in our best first aid kits for protests guide, and the reason is simple: it’s the only kit in that lineup that covers both everyday injuries and serious trauma in a single bag. This review covers what’s actually inside, how its tourniquet compares to a dedicated trauma kit like the NAR IPOK, and who should buy the all-in-one over a more specialized option.
MyMedic MyFAK First Aid Kit
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The MyFAK is a comprehensive first aid kit that bridges the gap between basic and trauma care. With 100+ components in a durable Cordura bag, it covers everything from blisters to bleeding control in one MOLLE-compatible package.
Pros
- 100+ components cover both basic and trauma care in one bag
- MOLLE-compatible Cordura nylon bag holds up to real use
- Organized, labeled compartments make finding supplies fast under stress
- Includes basic first aid supplies the IPOK skips entirely
- Best value per component of any kit in this category
Cons
- Included tourniquet is entry-level, not the CAT used in the IPOK
- Larger footprint than a compact trauma pouch, harder to pocket carry
- Some smaller components are lower quality than dedicated single-purpose kits
Who This Kit Is For
MyMedic built the MyFAK to be the one bag someone reaches for regardless of what actually happens, not a kit optimized for a single failure mode. That breadth is the whole pitch, and it’s also the tradeoff worth understanding before buying.
If you want one kit that handles almost everything: the MyFAK is the strongest single-bag option covered in our guide. Blisters, cuts, headaches, burns, and serious bleeding are all addressed without needing a second bag.
If severe bleeding control is your primary concern and you’re willing to train for it: the NAR IPOK carries a higher-grade CAT tourniquet and QuikClot gauze than what ships in the MyFAK. Some buyers carry both: the MyFAK for general coverage, the IPOK for the highest-stakes scenarios.
If you’re on a tight budget and want the smallest possible kit: the Surviveware Small from our main guide is lighter and cheaper, though it trades away the MyFAK’s trauma components entirely.
What’s In the Kit
- SWAT-T style tourniquet — a flat elastic tourniquet, entry-level compared to a windlass design like the CAT, but functional for bleeding control
- Israeli bandage — a compression bandage with an integrated pressure bar for wound packing
- EMT shears — for cutting through clothing or gear to reach an injury quickly
- CPR mask — a barrier device for rescue breathing
- Splinting materials — for stabilizing suspected fractures or sprains
- Pain relievers and antihistamines — over-the-counter medication for common minor issues
- Burn treatment supplies — gel and dressings for burns
- Complete wound care supplies — bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and tape for everyday cuts and scrapes
That range is the MyFAK’s defining feature. The IPOK covers one failure mode extremely well; the MyFAK covers a much wider range of likely scenarios at a lower per-incident capability.
Tourniquet: The Honest Tradeoff
The MyFAK’s included tourniquet is a SWAT-T style flat elastic band, not the windlass-based CAT (Combat Application Tourniquet) that ships in the NAR IPOK. A SWAT-T is genuinely usable and widely taught, but it typically requires more wraps and more hand strength to achieve full occlusion than a windlass tourniquet, which can matter under stress or with one usable hand.
This isn’t a defect, it’s a design choice that comes with a comprehensive kit at this price point. If bleeding control is the single scenario you’re most worried about, upgrading just the tourniquet (or carrying a dedicated CAT alongside the MyFAK) closes that gap without giving up everything else the bag covers.
Bag Quality and Organization
The Cordura nylon exterior is genuinely durable, and the MOLLE webbing means it attaches to a plate carrier, backpack, or belt setup the same way tactical gear does. Inside, components are grouped into labeled compartments rather than loose in one pouch, which matters more than it sounds like: finding a specific item under stress is meaningfully faster in an organized kit than in a jumbled one, even if both technically contain the same supplies.
The tradeoff for that organization and component count is size. The MyFAK is noticeably larger than a single-purpose trauma pouch like the IPOK, so it rides better in a backpack or on a plate carrier than in a pocket.
MyFAK vs. the Alternatives
If you’re deciding between this and the other options in our first aid kit guide, here’s the honest breakdown:
MyFAK vs. NAR IPOK: The IPOK’s tourniquet and hemostatic gauze are higher-grade, but it has zero basic first aid supplies. The MyFAK is the better single-kit choice if you want one bag for everything; the IPOK is better if severe bleeding is specifically what you’re preparing for and you’re getting trained to use it.
MyFAK vs. EVERLIT Emergency Trauma Kit: The EVERLIT leans further toward trauma-only, similar in spirit to the IPOK but at a lower price and lower component quality. The MyFAK’s broader basic-care coverage makes it the more practical everyday choice.
MyFAK vs. Surviveware Small: The Surviveware Small is smaller, cheaper, and easier to carry, but it doesn’t include trauma components like a tourniquet. The MyFAK is the better choice if you want trauma coverage included; the Surviveware Small is better if size and cost are the priority.
The honest tradeoff: the MyFAK is the right choice for most people who want one kit and don’t want to think hard about which specific scenario they’re preparing for. It won’t out-perform a dedicated trauma kit in the single worst-case scenario, but it covers far more of what actually happens at a protest, minor injuries, not mass-casualty bleeding events.
Verdict
Buy the MyMedic MyFAK if you want a single, well-organized kit that covers the full range of injuries you’re likely to encounter, from blisters to serious bleeding, without needing a second bag. Its component count and Cordura build quality make it the strongest all-around value in this category.
Pair it with a dedicated trauma kit like the NAR IPOK, or skip the MyFAK’s trauma components in favor of upgrading just the tourniquet, if severe bleeding control specifically is your top concern and you’re training for it.
FAQ
Is the MyFAK’s tourniquet good enough, or should I upgrade it?
The included SWAT-T style tourniquet is functional and widely taught, but it’s entry-level compared to a windlass design like the CAT. If severe bleeding control is your top priority, many buyers add a CAT tourniquet to the bag or carry a dedicated trauma kit like the NAR IPOK alongside it.
Does the MyFAK include everything I need, or should I add anything?
The 100+ components cover the large majority of protest-relevant scenarios: cuts, blisters, burns, minor sprains, and bleeding control. Consider adding any personal medications, an extra set of nitrile gloves, and eye wash if you expect exposure to tear gas or pepper spray, since those aren’t standard first aid kit contents.
How does the MyFAK compare to the NAR IPOK for protests specifically?
The MyFAK is the better single-bag choice for most protest attendees because it handles the much more common minor injuries alongside trauma coverage. The IPOK is worth adding if you specifically want the highest-grade tourniquet and hemostatic gauze and are willing to train on them.
Is the MyFAK legal to carry at a protest?
Yes, in essentially all U.S. jurisdictions. First aid and trauma supplies are medical equipment, not weapons. If you have specific legal concerns for your area, our legal rights at protests guide covers general considerations.
Do I need training to use the trauma components in the MyFAK?
You can apply the tourniquet and compression bandage without formal training, but a free Stop the Bleed course, typically a few hours, significantly improves how effectively you can use them under stress. It’s a worthwhile pairing with any trauma-capable kit, not just this one.
How often should I check or replace items in the MyFAK?
Check the kit every 6 months. Over-the-counter medications and some wound care supplies have expiration dates, and any opened or used component (gauze, bandages, gloves) should be replaced immediately rather than waiting for the next check.
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