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A range trauma kit is built for one job: controlling severe bleeding until emergency services take over. It's different from a general first-aid kit, which handles cuts, burns and splinters. Many shooters now carry both, and plenty of ranges keep kits on the line too.
We picked these kits and components on proven designs, quality, compact size, organization and value. Gear is only half of it: take a hands-on bleeding control class, such as the free Stop the Bleed course from the American College of Surgeons, so you know how to use what you carry. This guide is not medical advice or a substitute for training. In any emergency, call 911.
What goes in a range trauma kit
- A tourniquet for severe limb bleeding. Many trainers recommend carrying more than one.
- Hemostatic or plain compressed gauze for wound packing.
- A pressure bandage, such as an emergency trauma dressing, to hold pressure.
- Chest seals for penetrating chest injuries, if you're trained to use them.
- Nitrile gloves, trauma shears and a permanent marker to note the tourniquet time.
- An emergency blanket to help prevent hypothermia.
The best range trauma gear
| Pick | Role | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| North American Rescue CAT tourniquet | Best tourniquet | $$ | Every range bag |
| SOF Tactical Tourniquet Wide | Best alternative tourniquet | $$ | Shooters preferring a metal windlass |
| North American Rescue IFAK | Best complete kit | $$$ | A full bleeding-control kit in one pouch |
| MyMedic range trauma kit | Best range-focused kit | $$ | Shooters wanting trauma and minor care |
| Emergency trauma dressing (pressure bandage) | Best add-on | $ | Holding pressure on wounds |
| Tourniquet holder pouch | Best carry accessory | $ | Keeping a tourniquet on your belt or bag |
1. North American Rescue CAT tourniquet
$$Best for: Every range bag
The CAT is one of the most widely used and recognized tourniquets, with a windlass and one-handed application design. Buy only from North American Rescue or authorized dealers, since counterfeits are common.
What we like
- Proven, widely trained design
- One-handed application
Watch out for
- Counterfeits are widespread; buy authorized
2. SOF Tactical Tourniquet Wide
$$Best for: Shooters preferring a metal windlass
The SOF-T Wide uses a wide strap and a metal windlass. It's well regarded and some users prefer its buckle and windlass design. As with any tourniquet, buy from authorized sources and train with it.
What we like
- Wide strap
- Durable metal windlass
Watch out for
- Different technique than CAT; train with it
3. North American Rescue IFAK
$$$Best for: A full bleeding-control kit in one pouch
North American Rescue's individual first aid kits bundle a tourniquet, compressed gauze, a pressure bandage and other essentials in an organized pouch. They're a good, quality starting point.
What we like
- Complete and organized
- Quality components
Watch out for
- Pricier than building your own
4. MyMedic range trauma kit
$$Best for: Shooters wanting trauma and minor care
MyMedic makes kits aimed at shooters that combine bleeding control gear with supplies for common minor range injuries. Check the contents and whether a tourniquet is included in the version you choose.
What we like
- Combines trauma and minor care
- Well organized
Watch out for
- Contents vary by version
5. Emergency trauma dressing (pressure bandage)
$Best for: Holding pressure on wounds
An emergency trauma dressing combines a pad and elastic wrap to hold pressure on a wound. It's inexpensive and a useful addition to any kit.
What we like
- Cheap and compact
- Easy to apply
Watch out for
- Not a replacement for a tourniquet
6. Tourniquet holder pouch
$Best for: Keeping a tourniquet on your belt or bag
A dedicated tourniquet holder keeps it accessible on a belt, bag or plate carrier. Choose one that allows quick, one-handed access.
What we like
- Fast access
- Keeps tourniquet staged
Watch out for
- Must match your tourniquet model
Choosing a tourniquet
Windlass tourniquets are the most common design. The CAT (Combat Application Tourniquet) from North American Rescue and the SOF Tactical Tourniquet Wide (SOF-T Wide) are widely used and well recognized. Choose one you've practiced with, and keep it in a pouch where you can reach it with either hand. Keep a training tourniquet separate for practice so the one in your kit isn't worn out. Our Stop the Bleed range basics covers how bleeding control works.
Where to carry it
Put your trauma kit in an outside pocket of your range bag, not buried under targets and magazines. Some shooters also wear a small belt or ankle kit with a tourniquet so it's on their body, not across the range. Tell your shooting partners where it is. See how to organize a range bag.
Trauma kit vs first-aid kit
A general first-aid kit covers the common minor injuries: small cuts, pinches from slides and magazines, blisters, brass burns and splinters. A trauma kit covers the rare but life-threatening injury. Ideally you carry both. Our IFAK vs first-aid kit comparison breaks down what goes where.
Pre-built kits vs building your own
Pre-built kits are convenient and come organized, which matters under stress. Building your own lets you choose each component and pouch. A good approach for many shooters is to start with a quality pre-built kit and add a second tourniquet or extra gauze as your training grows. Avoid bargain kits with no-name tourniquets.
Maintaining your kit
Check your kit every few months. Hemostatic gauze and some supplies have expiration dates. Heat in a car trunk degrades adhesives and packaging over time. Replace anything used, expired or damaged. Keep the tourniquet staged, meaning pre-routed and ready to apply, as your training instructs.
Training is the most important part
Bleeding control skills are simple but perishable. A short class teaches you to recognize life-threatening bleeding, apply pressure, pack a wound and apply a tourniquet. Practice with a training tourniquet on yourself and others periodically. Many ranges and local hospitals host Stop the Bleed classes. This is the single best improvement you can make to your range safety plan. See the range safety gear guide for the full picture.
Cars, homes and hunting
Once you have a range kit, consider one for your car and home as well. Road accidents are a far more common source of severe bleeding than range incidents. For hunting, pack a compact kit in your pack; you may be hours from help. Choose compact packaging that fits your gear.
Checking for authenticity
Genuine tourniquets from major manufacturers include authentication features such as specific markings, packaging and sometimes QR codes or labels that can be verified. Compare what you receive to the manufacturer's images and descriptions. If something looks off, contact the manufacturer. Don't use a suspect tourniquet in your kit.
Sharing a kit with friends
If you shoot with a group, coordinate kits so everyone carries at least a tourniquet, and the group has a complete kit. Make sure everyone knows where the kits are and who has training.
Frequently asked questions
What should be in a range trauma kit?
At minimum: a genuine tourniquet, compressed or hemostatic gauze, a pressure bandage, gloves, shears and a marker. Training on how to use them matters as much as the gear.
How do I avoid counterfeit tourniquets?
Buy from the manufacturer or authorized dealers, check for authentication features and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
Do I need training to use a trauma kit?
You should get it. A free Stop the Bleed class teaches the basics in a couple of hours.
Is a trauma kit the same as a first-aid kit?
No. Trauma kits are for severe bleeding. First-aid kits cover minor injuries. Carrying both is ideal.
How often should I check my trauma kit?
Every few months. Replace expired gauze, used items and anything damaged by heat or moisture.