Cascade Traverse First Assist Package Evaluation

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Handy, moveable, and well-stocked for mountain climbing adventures, the Cascade Traverse medical package is ready for something, together with inclement climate. The truth is, throughout snowy day hikes in Northern Utah, we had been happy to throw it in or clip it onto our packs, unconcerned about moisture, understanding the provides inside could be protected. We had been even impressed by the provides it contained.

Along with customary gadgets, the package contained distinctive peripheral first support gadgets and essential gear, nevertheless it was lacking a couple of emergency provides. That stated, most of what we use repeatedly or wish to have readily available in a pinch was included, even when we’d wish to add an merchandise or two of our personal.

It’s considerably heavy for its dimension, nevertheless it presents a number of carrying choices for packing it inside or outdoors a backpack. We discovered it to be a wonderful alternative for prolonged day hikes in moist climate and, when supplemented with a couple of extra gadgets, quick backpacking journeys as properly. Check out our information to find the greatest first support kits for extra choices.

And for more information, try a few of our different standard gear guides:

How We Examined

Whereas testing, we took the Cascade Traverse first support package on adventures mountain climbing and snowshoeing by way of the attractive mountains of Northern Utah. We skilled it in snow, rain, and solar, dedicating hours to thoughtfully assess the package and its contents each on the path and off.

Portability

This primary support package is compact. We had no hassle becoming it right into a daypack or backpack. Even once we overstuffed our packs with layers or snacks, the package simply hooked onto an outdoor strap or belt through both a hook-and-loop strap that encircles the physique of the package or a MOLLE strap on both facet.

There are additionally sturdy loops on two corners, permitting us to make use of a carabiner to clip it on. There are many methods to make sure we by no means had an excuse to not pack a primary support package.

Group

There are 4 organizational pockets contained in the Cascade Traverse, however they’re neither labeled nor see-through. Because of this, it takes slightly longer to seek out three generally used gadgets in comparison with different kits we examined.

That stated, the pockets are simply accessible and deep sufficient to see what’s inside clearly. The sunshine-colored inside cloth enhances visibility. There’s additionally a further Velcro sleeve on the backside of the principle compartment for securing lengthy, slim gadgets like tweezers or an irrigation syringe (not included).

A number of gadgets had been loosely packed in the principle compartment, not in a pocket, so some care is required when opening it to make sure they don’t fall out. It will doubtless be true for any extra gadgets you add your self, too.

Amount & Selection

The Cascade Traverse package is well-stocked sufficient to rank close to the center concerning amount and selection. It consists of medicines, adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, gloves, bandages, and gauze, and wound dressings. Nonetheless, it lacks a CPR masks or triangle bandages. There are tweezers, shears, and Coban wrap.  

As an alternative of moleskine, there’s athletic tape, together with extra gadgets like electrolytes, a small SPF stick, moist wipes, a compressed towel, and an area blanket. It’s adequate for prolonged day hikes, particularly for many who typically overlook necessities like electrolytes or sunscreen.

The material bandages have a slight stretch. Whereas hooked up to our fingers, they loosened after a couple of hand washes however didn’t come off utterly inside a 24-hour window.

High quality & Sturdiness

The Cascade Travers could also be one of the sturdy kits we examined. It’s made of strong X-Pac materials, which is waterproof and proof against filth and scuffs. Throughout testing, it confirmed no indicators of wear and tear once we tossed it right into a backpack with sharp, abrasive gear. 

It’s additionally the one package that saved provides inside utterly dry with out requiring an simply puncturable plastic bag inside or outdoors the package. Plus, many gadgets that may be delicate to water injury had been packed in extra protecting packaging. Subsequently, we had been by no means fearful about clipping the package to the surface of our luggage on wet or snowy days.

Ought to You Purchase the Cascade Traverse?

The Cascade Traverse package is a wonderful possibility for lengthy day hikes or in a single day backpacking journeys for one or two individuals, particularly in case you’re anticipating rain or snow, or if you may be spending time on or close to water and don’t wish to fear about what’s going to occur to your package or its contents in the event that they get moist.

It’s one of many few waterproof kits we examined and is extraordinarily sturdy, so it would additionally enchantment to hikers who don’t wish to child their gear; this package can take a beating and carry on going.

It gained’t enchantment as strongly to those that have a tendency to stay with simple day hikes near civilization and desire a smaller, lighter package that’s both extra reasonably priced or extra packable. That stated, it’s nonetheless small and light-weight sufficient that we wouldn’t thoughts carrying it on most hikes. The truth is, it’s possibility for bridging the hole between day hikes and quick backpacking journeys for many who often do each.

It’s priced on the excessive finish in comparison with different first support kits, however for many who desire a sturdy, compact package with loads of obligatory provides, it nonetheless presents a good worth.

What Different First Assist Kits Ought to You Think about?

Now we have examined many first support kits for mountain climbing, so if the Cascade Traverse isn’t the precise alternative, one among these different choices is perhaps a greater match.

Journey Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 Evaluation: Smaller and lighter, but outfitted with the identical quantity of provides, this package is a wonderful alternative for many simple adventures. Moreover, it’s waterproof.

Journey Medical Kits Hiker Evaluation:  For a equally sized package that can also be well-suited for weekend journeys, lengthy hikes, or backpacking duos, this feature presents a strong number of particular person provides, with extra necessities and fewer peripherals.

HART Outdoor Weekend Evaluation: This package is bigger and comprises extra first support provides with a formidable stage of group. It’s preferrred for brief backpacking journeys or lengthy day hikes and can also be extra reasonably priced.