REVIEW: BLACKFOLIUM RIFAK

No one wants to be shot, we agree with that sentiment. But in case it happens, everyone needs to be prepared with their personal IFAK. From BLACKFOLIUM, there is now a lightweight, compact IFAK available. It is called RIFAK (Rip-Away IFAK).

It is really very small, measuring about 18 x 8 x 7 cm and weighs just over 100 grams when empty. This low weight is achieved through 500D Cordura and Ripstop Nylon.

On the side, the user will find a series of PALS loops to attach a tourniquet to the case.

The RIFAK is available in two versions, horizontal and vertical. This corresponds to the mounting options on the equipment. The advantage: when upright, it is only two PALS columns wide, so it takes up as much space on a belt as a magazine pouch.

The Rip-Away feature is more of a "Pull Out" feature. Simply grab the red marked tab and pull firmly. This is intentionally only possible in one direction, which can be seen as a disadvantage for a horizontally mounted IFAK. In this case, however, it was deliberately designed this way by the SOF team involved in the design process. The reason is to minimize the risk of losing it, and let's be honest, losing something is always bad, especially an IFAK.

For vertical mounting, it is recommended to attach it with the opening facing downwards. This way, you have more strength when pulling it out and you won't accidentally hit yourself in the face in the heat of battle. It is nice to see how compact the RIFAK is.

Once you have pulled it out firmly, the INSERT is finally in your hands and ready for first aid. This is the same for both versions, and the insert can also be purchased separately.

Now just unfold the INSERT and you have access to the life-saving contents of the RIFAK. Everything is compactly organized.

BLACKFOLIUM has created their own video for filling the INSERT. Due to its small size, you cannot use all medical products, so you are more or less restricted to the products shown. This approach emphasizes active minimalism, maximizing space savings wherever possible.

Here is the contents of the RIFAK compared to the TCCC Committee recommended contents. The sealed bag is an IFAK Refill Kit from MARCH Medical Gear. This kit has no chance of fitting into the INSERT. The RIFAK is therefore a very specific product, and that is intentional. It was developed in collaboration with SOF soldiers who wanted the RIFAK exactly this way. The goal was to achieve maximum compactness while still having everything essential for hemorrhage control. This was achieved successfully.

The INSERT is made of nylon, webbing, and elastic bands. The workmanship is excellent, as always from BLACKFOLIUM.

What we liked is that the INSERT easily fits in a double magazine pouch. Whether for M4 magazines, ...

... or in a double G36 magazine pouch. Therefore, theoretically, you only need to get the INSERT and put it in a suitable magazine pouch on your equipment.

As easy as the INSERT comes out, it is equally difficult to put it back into its corresponding pocket. The opening, despite being made of stretch material, is very precise and you will need both hands and some wild curses to store it. If you need to do it quickly, you have no chance.

Quality Made in Italy. The materials used and the workmanship are excellent.

CONCLUSION: For those who are satisfied with an IFAK that is reduced to the essential minimum and takes up little space, the RIFAK from BLACKFOLIUM will be a real pleasure. But for those who want - or need - to carry an IFAK according to TCCC recommendations, the RIFAK is not suitable. We particularly like the INSERT, as it can easily fit into normal double magazine pouches.

The RIFAK is available from BLACKFOLIUM Horizontal for 80.00 Euros, Vertical for 80.00 Euros, and just the INSERT for 58.50 Euros. All are available in the trending colors Black, Coyote, Multicam, and Ranger Green.

BLACKFOLIUM on the internet: www.blackfolium.com