Blackhawk has a new aid bag

[Javahed]

Check it out Here (http://server505.hypermart.net/gogetemgear/m7.htm)

:smile:

Dan

_________________
www.gogetemgear.com (http://www.gogetemgear.com)

[Reasonable Rascal]

Do you have ANY idea how much that hurts just looking at that baby? The desire, the longing, the *need* for such a critter?

That is a nice looking bag and you can't beat the price.

RR

[Javahed]

Brother,

I feel your pain :grin:

I just convinced my Wife that a knife, and the Snugpak Merlin 3 we just got in, plus the Pertex bag liner, was all I wanted for my birthday - and today we recieve this info from Blackhawk?!?!? man I know I'm already treading on thin ice without asking (begging) for anything else ;-)

Ah well - Our anniversary is only a few months away :grin: I'm sure she'd love an aid bag - he he he.

Have fun!

Dan

[Craig]

Guys,
Im buying a new bag in the next few weeks. I cannot decide between the Blackhawk Stomp II, or the London Bridge ALS backpack.

Anyone got any opinions which is best of the 2 ? Dan, whats your price on the Stomp II ?

Id be using it for my main medical bag for remote medical support on a 3 month job. Need to be comfy to carry and reasonable space. The one Ive been using was an civilian EMS one, but it packed up way to quick, so I thought Id try military application gear.

Or any alternatives

thanks

Craig

[tangent]

Craig,

the two bags are functionally identical, basically the same layout and design. I'd suggest you go for the STOMP II for several reasons:

1) it's very well made, and I think you would be happy with it.

2) while I haven't handled the LB pack, there are things about the BH bag that I think are better - just judging by the pictures and noting that the LB does not have these features: extra compression straps, and pack straps that go off at an angle, making the pack very comfortable to wear. There are also construction details that are impressive. When full, and your wearing it - it makes your back feel good! lots of pockets for everything, well sewn, good reinforcement, it ballences well... the top handle has one that folds under the other and is a good carry design. etc.

3) it's less expensive. basically, if they were jeans, you're talking Calvin Klein (LB) vs levis (BH). In short, LB is going w/ a more expensive, more "elite" image - you're paying for a label... functionally, it's the same pack. Also note that Dan, while I can't speak for him, generally sells for less than retail, and retail for the BH bag is, I believe about $50 less than for the LB bag. I don't think he carries the LB line.

to summarize: get the STOMP II, it's functionally identical, has design tweaks that make it a superior pack and it costs less.

[Javahed]

Hi Craig,

The STOMP is a great bag, and I'm pretty sure it will have all the space you need ;-)

You could get a STOMP from me for $239 plus shipping.

Have fun!

Dan

[RESQDOC]

Craig, we have been using a STOMP II since September (from Dan) I love it, it is an excellent bit of kit. Very flexible in terms of gear layout, pretty comfortable too. I like it better than the LBTC unit, which I have used in the past (and is also very good, but not better and not as comfy.)I do wish the STOMP had light padding in the waist belt, that's just me and my short little back talking. Normal humans find it very comfortable and able to support a heavy load out.

Dan, what is the cubic volume on the new medic bag?

[Javahed]

It's 1944 cubic inches.

Must get new bag -- hmmmm...

Scheming like a madman,

Dan

[Reasonable Rascal]

Tax deduction, yeah that's it, you get a tax deduction for buying the new bag. That oughta get her to agree. :smile:

RR

[Javahed]

Tax write off, product tested/demonstrator, webmaster, honey I'll show all the guys at work and they will want one, but how can I answer questions about something if I haven't used it, please please please - I won't ask for anything else, don't you love me, I risk my life to keep this country safe - you don't want me to die because I don't have the best gear do you?

Brother, I've used 'em all :grin:

Dan

[Reasonable Rascal]

Well hon, I was thinking, since I won't be here for our anniversary this year, not that I don'ty want to be you understand, well, I thought maybe you'd like to give me my present early. ;-)

RR

[Javahed]

Dude!!!

I'm gonna be gone enough this year - if she thought i was not going to be here for "A" day, well, I don't think I'd survive the experience.

She did just tell me she wants a new leather couch from Ikea - I have aquired my target :sniper1:

Dan

[tangent]

Dan,

I'm querious what you liked about this new bag?

From the pictures, it looked like it was too "boxy" to me - stuck out too far from your body and would tend to catch on things or knock things over when you turned as well as throwing your center of gravity off. (used as a backpack). Maybe I'm thinking it's bigger than it is... I also wasn't that impressed with the layout on this one. It's not a pack I would consider working out of if I had a choice, but perhaps I'm missing something here... again, what do you like about it? Why would you trade in your STOMP II for this bag?

just querious...

[Javahed]

A couple things

1 - of course the new toy factor
2 - I can see packing the outer pockets with small "kits" - ABC types, for easy access without having to dig into the bag.
3 - the ability to stick extra pouches on the outside.
4 - that carry handle :smile:
5 - the clear pockets - quick id of stuff, items are secured from falling out of the bag at the same time.
6 - big interior pocket, gets my "kit fetish" all excited. I'm a pre-made kit kind of guy.
7 - Clear interior panels would be a great place for ACLS algorithms also (yeah - like you have every one memorized ;-) )
8 - did I mention the new toy factor?

I think it woild ride fine on my back. Only the side pockets would be away from me.

I would not trade my STOMP for this bag - different used. This is a more of a rapid response trauma bag where as the STOMP is a total deployment bag. I'm getting quite a collection of medical bags - and each has its own use. The more bags I have the less transfering of gear from one to another I have to do when I go on different missions.

This bag also looks like it would make a nice add on pack to my ruck, with the addition of some fastex. I could just clip it on the top :grin:

Ouch - my fingers hurt now - medic!!!

Dan

_________________
www.gogetemgear.com (http://www.gogetemgear.com)

[tangent]

ok - thanks!

yeah, I figured the "new toy factor" was in there...

this comment was interesting:

" big interior pocket, gets my "kit fetish" all excited. I'm a pre-made kit kind of guy"

how about some inventories of your favorite kits? - that would certainly be interesting! Perhaps a new thread for this would be appropriate. Also, if you "kit" something up, how long is it good for? (like if you prime the IV bags?)

on a related topic - the pic/inventory you posted/e-mailed for the STOMP II was interesting - do you think you could post a few alternate loads for that, for different mission profiles? For the one you posted, you didn't mention many things and left meds as vague descriptions w/ no quantities. Justifications for why X quantity of what is there or missing, would also be interesting - like you included t stethescope in the airway bag, but had no BP cuff... you carried a reflex hammer, though... interesting....

[Reasonable Rascal]

You've detailed several features I have come to appreciate in bags over the years. Keep in mind I'm from the "old" school, starting out with a wooden "jump box." Oh yeah, in the days when Cadillacs were the supreme EMS vehicle on the road, because without ALS only the quality of the ride benefited the patient, along with high RPMs on the wheels.

1. The ability to see what's hiding inside pocket #1, or #2 or #3, etc. In a true emergency you tend to glance and grab anything that is not 100% familiar, i.e. the O2 bottle for instance. Also, the clear pockets come out readily with a firm tug - same system my tactical bag uses. I love to rip and toss to my partner rather than manhandle the whole bag back and forth.

2. The ability to seperate care regimens into modules. IV start supplies here in one pocket, the minor dressing materials over here, the injection supplies in there. Beats going from one side of the bag to another to get tape here, dressing there, bandaging up there, and oh yeah, gloves are in that pocket out there.

3. Versatility as to carry methods. If I have to hump the bag 300 yds it goes on my back so I can carry a board or splint, etc in hand. If I'm just jumping in the ditch out of the rig (can you tell I'm EMS oriented?) I want to grab and go. Top carry handles fill the bill here. I don't want a shoulder strap that is going to drag the bag on the ground as I go. Shoulder carry straps are also notorious for slipping off at the worst time.
That particular handle is advantageous over other designs in that you needn't split it into two seperate halves to open the bag. Time consuming, not as comfortable or secure, and cannot be secured to the bag as firmly as that one can.

4. Having the ability to add on extra pouches on short notice can be a good thing. I'm sure you can find a qwikclip sort of system whereby you can toss on say an intraosseous module on the outside, or something similar sized, to supplement what you normally carry inside the bag.

Overall I like modular. We don't save trauma cases because we had everything we need (within reason) available to us, but because we use it efficiently and effectively. Having to dig through cavernous bag interiors for every little whipstitch costs you time and takes from the patient. Plus they also lead towards higher disposal rates as equipment gets mashed around while looking for particular items. Not to mention they get lost in the folds as it were.

I only have 2 or 3 bags these days. I really think I need more. Hydration and aid in one bag... Did I ever mention I was a gadget freak?

RR

[RESQDOC]

Dan, what is the cubic volume on the STOMP II, I forget. I agree that the STOMP is set up as a stand alone mission unit. I use it in combo with a medical waist pack as an entry bag if I need to drop the STOMP at the door, etc. Looks like the M-7 Medic Bag is just the ticket for quick repacks. I use an eagle MP-III for that job, and general utility mini-ruck.

Looks like I may have to get one of these M-7's for "evaluation for the Team." No honey, honest, it's for the Team...

[Craig]

Im really glad its not just me under the thumb :smile:

Craig - who is currently waiting for spousal permission prior to ordering his new STOMP II

[tangent]

I *KNEW* there had to be some advantage to being single! :smile:

[Craig]

I have this very evening received spousal permission to buy my new bag - conincidentally it happended at the same time she asked if she could have a new mountain bike she discovered today - amazing how we suddenly had spare money. :smile:

Anyway, Im sold on the STOMP II from Dan, unfortunately also tonight I browsed the back posts on the tactical forum and found some rather nasty anti-blackhawk posts - quality / design rip-offs etc. So before I send the cheque - the general consensus is its a good bag ? Last minute vote - it will do 3 months in the backcountry and come back for more ? Remember Ill be holding each and everyone of you personally responsible :smile:. As you may have guessed, outside of work I can never make decisions !!

Craig

[SwedeGlocker]

We have some BH gear in my unit. All the old stuff is great. I have had mixed sucess with the new gear. Some is great some have had problems. I will probably not buy more BH since Eagle is cheaper in Sweden.