170 PCS Survival Kits review

Have you ever wondered whether a single kit can honestly cover both survival and first-aid needs for a true outdoor emergency?

Product Overview: 170 PCS Survival Kits, Survival First Aid Kit…

I bought the “170 PCS Survival Kits, Survival First Aid Kit with Essential Survival Gear Emergency Medical Supplies for Hiking Camping Backpacking Outdoor Adventure, Gifts for Him Dad Men Christmas” because I wanted a one-stop solution for trips where space and weight matter. The kit promises a mix of tactical survival tools and medical supplies in a MOLLE-compatible pouch, and my aim was to test how well it balances breadth, quality, and real-world usefulness.

What the product promises

The seller advertises 170 pieces, a tactical trauma focus, and a rugged 1000D nylon MOLLE pouch that can attach to a pack or vest. It’s positioned as a bug-out/bungee-on-your-pack kit for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and general outdoor use. I wanted to see if those claims held up when I actually used the items.

What’s in the box

I unpacked everything and took inventory. The kit contains a mix of survival tools, signaling and warming items, fishing gear, and 120 medical supplies. Below is a breakdown to help visualize contents quickly.

Itemized breakdown table

I organized the items into categories so I could see where quantity and purpose are concentrated.

Category	Example Items	Approx. Quantity	Primary Purpose
First Aid	Adhesive bandages, PBT bandage, tourniquet, non-woven tape, tweezers, scissors	~120 pieces (various)	Immediate wound care and trauma control
Cutting & Tools	Folding shovel/pick, 14-in-1 hatchet, wire saw, multi-tool card, folding knife	~10–15 items	Shelter, wood cutting, digging, cutting cord
Fire & Light	Flint stone & scraper, collapsible tent lantern, light sticks	3–5 items	Fire starting, illumination
Signaling & Warmth	Dual-tube whistle, emergency blanket	2–4 items	Attract attention, heat retention
Cordage & Fasteners	Parachute cord, safety pins	Several	Rigging, repairs, improvise splints
Fishing & Food Capture	Fishing hooks, line, sinkers	Several	Procuring food in the wild
Miscellaneous	Survival bracelet, compass, storage pouch	A few	Orientation, quick access, wearables

I found the counts and categories matched the product description closely. The table helped me see the emphasis on first aid, which is significant given 120 of the 170 pieces are medical supplies.

Build Quality & Materials

I inspected the materials closely because durability matters a lot in the field.

Pouch and attachments

The pouch is 1000D nylon and feels sturdy. The seams and zippers appeared well-stitched out of the box, and the MOLLE straps on the back are solidly sewn. The water resistance is decent—I splashed some water on it and the fabric beaded off rather than soaking through immediately. For long-term, heavy-duty use, I’d still treat it as weather-resistant rather than fully waterproof.

Tools and gear

The metal tools (shovel, hatchet, wire saw) are serviceable for light to moderate tasks. The folding shovel has a utilitarian feel and the hatchet is compact; neither replaces a full-size backpacking axe, but they handle campsite tasks like chopping kindling and digging a small latrine. The survival bracelet and multi-tool card are made of common alloy metals and cordage that feel adequate for emergency use.

Medical supplies

The bandages, tape, cotton swabs, and dressings are standard disposable-grade items. The tourniquet is a basic model—functional but not a professional CAT (Combat Application Tourniquet) level. The PBT bandage is useful, though I’d supplement with a few higher-grade items if I were prepping for extended or high-risk trips.

Usability & Organization

I paid special attention to the internal layout because organization in an emergency reduces stress.

Internal layout and compartments

The pouch has three main compartments and several elastic straps inside. When I put everything back in an organized way, I could locate items quickly. The elastic bands hold small items like tweezers and scissors firmly but allow quick removal. The three compartments make it easy to separate medical items from survival tools.

Accessibility in an emergency

I practiced opening the kit with gloved hands and under low-light conditions. The zippers are easy to feel and pull, and the internal straps mean I don’t need to rummage for essentials. I did find that the larger tools sometimes take up space that pushes smaller medical supplies into corners—so reorganization after use is necessary.

First Aid Supplies Assessment

Given that about 120 pieces are medical supplies, I focused on the usability of those items and how they might perform in real emergencies.

Bandages and wound care

The kit includes a good variety of adhesive bandages in different sizes, a PBT (pressure bandage) that’s useful for larger wounds, and non-woven tape. The sterile dressings seem well-packed and sealed. I treated simulated cuts and abrasions to check ease-of-use; the bandages stick well and the dressings are flexible enough to conform to joints.

Tourniquet, scissors, and hemostatic tools

The included tourniquet is serviceable for an emergency limb hemorrhage, but I noted it lacks the quick-release and one-hand application benefits of commercial CAT tourniquets. The scissors and tweezers are sharp enough for cutting tape and removing debris. I would recommend replacing or supplementing the tourniquet if you expect to face severe trauma scenarios.

Medications and consumables

There aren’t many pharmaceuticals included, which is expected; the kit focuses on disposables. I like that it includes cotton swabs and safety pins—small items that often get overlooked. For longer trips, I add my own pain relievers, antihistamines, and any personal prescriptions.

Survival Gear Assessment

I tested the survival tools for practicality rather than just novelty.

Cutting, digging, and woodwork

The 14-in-1 hatchet is compact and handy for light chopping. The folding shovel and pick are useful for small digs and clearing a fire pit. The wire saw works as advertised for cutting small branches—expect slow, patient sawing rather than instant results. These tools are great as backups but not primary equipment if you plan extensive woodwork.

Fire and lighting

The flint stone and scraper worked well in dry conditions and with some practice. The collapsible tent lantern is a nice touch for camp illumination and packs small. Light sticks are a good emergency option for signaling or temporary light without batteries.

Signaling and shelter

The dual-tube whistle is loud and simple to use, and the emergency blanket is a thin mylar sheet that provides surprising warmth and can be used as a bivvy or groundsheet. Paracord is long enough for basic shelter construction or gear repairs. These items are lightweight and effective in distress situations.

Portability & Attachment Options

Portability was a key factor for me, and the kit performs well in this area.

Weight and bulk

The combined kit is heavier and bulkier than a slim first-aid pouch, but for what it offers, I think the trade-off is acceptable. It’s most suitable for a daypack or a bug-out bag rather than hanging from a minimalist ultralight pack.

MOLLE system and carrying options

I attached the kit to my backpack and tactical vest using the MOLLE straps and it held securely. I also carried it as a standalone pouch attached to my belt during a short hike—access was quick. The carry handle is a useful fallback if the MOLLE isn’t used.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios

I used the kit on a weekend camping trip and in a day-hike emergency drill to test real-world performance.

Camping trip use-cases

At camp, the hatchet and folding shovel were frequently used to prepare kindling and clear a fire area. The lantern provided sufficient ambient light for cooking and tent tasks. I used some adhesive bandages for minor cuts and the emergency blanket to line an unexpected wet sleeping pad—both performed well.

Emergency drill and stress test

During a drill where I simulated an ankle injury and a deep laceration on a thigh, the medical supplies allowed me to stabilize the situation. The PBT bandage applied well, and the tourniquet slowed simulated arterial bleeding. The pace of working with the tools under stress highlighted the importance of practice: having the gear is one thing, being comfortable using it is another.

Pros and Cons

I laid out strengths and weaknesses to give a clear snapshot.

Pros

• Comprehensive mix of survival and medical items in one package.
• Durable 1000D nylon MOLLE pouch with good organization options.
• Useful signaling and warmth items like whistle and emergency blanket.
• Affordable for the number of pieces included.
• Great as a gift for outdoor enthusiasts, beginners, or as a car/boat kit.

Cons

• Some tools are entry-level and not a substitute for professional-grade gear.
• Tourniquet and some medical items could be higher-spec for severe trauma.
• The kit can be bulky for ultralight or minimalist users.
• Inventory requires regular checks and replenishment of consumables.

Who this kit is best for

I considered different user profiles to help match this kit to people’s needs.

Good fit

• Weekend campers, hikers, and anglers who want a versatile kit in one package.
• Beginners who need a ready-made starter kit without assembling components individually.
• Gift-givers looking for a practical present for outdoorsy friends or family.

Not ideal for

• Professional rescuers, EMS personnel, or serious backcountry guides who need professional-grade trauma equipment.
• Ultra-distance hikers who prioritize every ounce and want the lightest possible kit.

How I customized the kit

After using the kit, I made a few personalized changes that I recommend.

Additions I made

• Replaced the included tourniquet with a certified CAT tourniquet for faster, more reliable application.
• Added a small roll of Israeli bandage and a few hemostatic gauze packets for severe bleeding control.
• Slotted in my personal medications (ibuprofen, antihistamines) and a few extra sterile gloves.

Organization tweaks

• I used small ziplock bags and labeled them (e.g., “bandages,” “suture kit,” “small tools”) to prevent small items from shifting.
• I stored the heaviest metal tools in the lowest compartment to maintain balance when attaching to my pack.

Maintenance and shelf life

Keeping the kit functional requires occasional checks, and I outline how I manage that.

Regular checks

I inspect the kit every three months, replacing any used or expired items. Adhesive products and medications degrade over time, and I keep a small checklist to track restocking.

Storage tips

I store extra consumables in a cool, dry place. If the kit gets wet, I remove contents and allow the pouch to air dry completely to prevent mold and corrosion. For long-term storage, I keep the kit closed and occasionally air out the pouch.

Price vs. Value

I evaluated whether the kit’s price matches what it offers.

Affordability

For the number of items, the kit offers solid value. You’re getting both survival tools and a substantial first-aid loadout in one purchase, which would cost more if bought separately.

Long-term value

The true value comes from the time saved assembling a kit and the convenience in emergencies. With small upgrades (better tourniquet, hemostatic agents), this kit becomes a highly practical bug-out or vehicle kit.

Comparison with similar kits

I compared it to a few other kits I’ve used.

Compact first-aid kits

Compared to slim first-aid pouches, this kit offers far more items and tools but weighs more. It’s less ideal for minimalists but better for multi-threat preparedness.

Professional trauma kits

Compared to EMS-grade trauma packs, this kit lacks some high-end items and professional-grade components. However, it’s much more affordable and aimed at recreational users rather than clinicians.

Realistic expectations

I want to be upfront about what this kit will and won’t do.

What it will do

• Treat minor to moderate injuries: abrasions, lacerations, sprains, small burns.
• Help you signal for help and create basic shelter.
• Provide rudimentary food procurement tools like fishing gear.

What it won’t do

• Replace professional medical treatment for major trauma.
• Serve as the only survival toolkit for long-term wilderness living—this is a multi-purpose emergency kit, not a full-time survival outfit.

Gifting considerations

Because the product name explicitly mentions gifts for him/dad/men/Christmas, I tested it as a present.

Presentation and perceived value

The kit looks and feels substantial when wrapped or presented. For an outdoor enthusiast, it communicates care and preparedness. The MOLLE pouch looks tactical and masculine in a way that many gift recipients would appreciate.

Personalization ideas

I recommend adding a small note with tips for using the kit and a list of personal additions they might consider (like replacing the tourniquet or adding prescription meds). That personal touch helps the recipient use it thoughtfully.

My final verdict and recommendation

Overall, I think this 170 PCS Survival First Aid Kit hits a sweet spot between comprehensiveness and cost. It’s a strong foundational kit for outdoor enthusiasts, road travelers, and anyone who wants a balanced combination of survival tools and medical supplies in one package.

Final thoughts

I recommend this kit as a starting point for people who want a robust, ready-to-go option without assembling items piece by piece. If you plan on serious backcountry travel or professional rescue operations, supplement and upgrade certain items. For the average hiker, camper, or as a practical gift, I found it reliable, useful, and well worth considering.

Quick practical tips I used with the kit

• Practice using the tourniquet and PBT bandage at home so you’re not fumbling during an actual emergency.
• Add a certified tourniquet and a couple of hemostatic gauze packets if you expect high-risk activities.
• Label small internal groupings (bandages, tools, fishing) with small tags so you can find things quickly in low light.
• Replace consumables annually or when you use them; some adhesive bandages and medical items can degrade over time.

If you want, I can create a printable restocking checklist for the kit or suggest a prioritized shopping list for upgrades based on the types of trips you plan to take.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.