Adventure Medical Kits Adventure 2.0 Review

Overall, the AMK Adventure 2.0 first kit scored better than average, outperforming several models in our review metrics, but fell short in others. We felt that the kit was too big and bulky for the day trips it is intended for, but for larger groups, the extra supplies could come in handy. The price is right, however, and this kit was a much better value than other more expensive kits we tested.

Performance Comparison

Quality

The AMK Adventure 2.0 was noticeably higher in quality than other kits in our review, but was surprisingly deficient in some regards even when compared to minimal, ultralight kits we have tested.

Immediately upon opening the case, we were dismayed at the contents having been shoved into two large compartments, making it much tough to find the needed item quickly. As usual, when using Adventure Medical Kits we were impressed with the quality of bandages and medications included, although we were disappointed when the cold compress would not get cold, making that useless weight in the kit. One of the few contenders in the review to include high quality, nitrile gloves, we were happy to see that AMK also included a separate bag for biohazard items like used gloves. We also wish that there were more robust trauma shears, though they did not fail on us during testing we also tried to be careful because of the plastic and lightweight metal.

Usefulness

The AMK Adventure 2.0 kit ended up average concerning usefulness. We liked that there were ample supplies for cuts and scrapes, and included over the counter medications to deal with headaches, inflammation, and allergic reactions, though important items like a CPR mask was left out.

Adventure Medical Kits includes several short instructional pamphlets that cover basic first aid, and while not a substitute for hands-on learning, serve as a prompt to deliver better care. We missed seeing a pressure bandage for snakebite victims or helping wrap an ankle since the medical tape included is too narrow to stabilize a severe strain effectively. Substituting a wider roll of tape into this kit is a good idea in our opinion. We were confused as to how useful 40 cotton swabs would be on a day trip, but at least everyone in your group will have clean ears!

Durability

The AMK Adventure 2.0 has decent durability, thanks to its coated nylon water-resistant outer case and quality tools such as the precision forceps. We found that the poor organization did affect the contents' durability as it was too easy to just stuff everything back into the oversized compartments when done. We grouped items in small ziplock bags, and this made a big difference.

Some of the claims made in the advertising for this first aid kit did not ring true in person; AMK claims that the contents are further housed in waterproof inner pouches, yet we found the majority of the contents stuffed into the large compartments with little organization. If you plan on using this kit in a humid or wet environment, we would suggest an additional dry bag or supplying your own resealable plastic bags to contain the contents.

Versatility

The AMK Adventure 2.0 was not a top performer in versatility due to the lack of CPR mask and a cold compress that did not work. We recommend adding these key items before using the kit.

We appreciated the inclusion of over the counter medications, especially those that treat allergic reactions like AfterBite swabs and 25mg diphenhydramine (Benedryl), which increase the versatility of the kit. A single 2-inch by 4-inch piece of moleskin for blister care seemed inadequate for a group, and the lack of multiple pairs of gloves implies only one medical incident on the trip.

Weight

With a weight of 16 ounces (1 pound), the AMK Adventure 2.0 was far from the heaviest test kit, but it seemed that much of the weight was derived from bulky discretionary items such as the cold compress. It is too bulky of a kit with too little overall versatility to call this a multi-day group sized first aid kit, though for a group of 3 to 4 then the number of supplies is worth the size and weight.

Best Applications

Exactly as advertised, the AMK Adventure 2.0 first aid kit is a good option for those small groups going out for a day or even a weekend trip. We recommend double-checking the contents against the list printed on the back of the case, to make sure nothing is missing before embarking on your adventure.

Value

The Adventure Medical Kits Adventure 2.0 is a screaming deal, even when you account for the Ace wrap, CPR mask and extra pair of nitrile gloves that we would strongly suggest adding to this kit before taking it out. Even considering the few extra dollars it would take to make this decent kit a great one, the excellent value is there, making it a good choice for those looking to buy multiple kits for different locations.

Conclusion