SAR Fundamentals/Ready Pack/Brett

Stuff in my ready pack: (actual packing depends on expectation for the day) (items are packed in ziplock bags and stuff sacks to aid sorting)

top pouch:
 * cell phone (not stored)
 * watch
 * hand flashlight
 * this list


 * green stuff sack
 * top:	headlamp
 * avalanche transceiver (winter only)
 * ice picks (winter only)
 * monocular
 * searcher ID
 * hat, yellow, PCSAR
 * SAR log book, vol 1 & 2
 * 2 plastic shopping bags
 * notebook (evidence)
 * pencil
 * pen, www.spacepen.ca
 * multitool
 * whistle
 * flagging tape
 * GPS


 * small green stuff sack:
 * top:   tape measure
 * sun tan lotion
 * candle
 * snare wire, 2 gauges
 * Muskol insect repellent, double bagged (non-winter)
 * ear plugs
 * flint & steel
 * fishing hooks
 * 1 set spare batteries for headlamp (3 AAA)
 * 1 set spare batteries for GPS/flashlight (4 AA)

under flap:
 * map 82G/8
 * zip lock bags

main body:
 * traffic vest


 * small black stuff sack
 * (items that have aircraft warning)
 * butane lighter
 * 2nd lighter
 * flare pen and flares
 * 1 box waterproof safety wooden matches
 * 1 box strike anywhere wooden matches
 * (room for bear spray)


 * small Outdoor Research compression sack:
 * top:	fleece jacket
 * fleece pants with leg zippers


 * small blue stuff sack:
 * bellaclava
 * mitts with wool liners
 * 1 neck warmer


 * folding saw


 * large white stuff sack:
 * top:	work gloves
 * nylon pants with leg zippers
 * silponcho (non-winter)
 * rain pants with leg zippers (non-winter)
 * wicking long underwear, tops and bottoms
 * orange garbage bag
 * gaiters


 * small black stuff sack:
 * top:	2 pieces duct tape (about 8' around a flat piece of plastic)
 * 1 partial and in use
 * 1 complete and contiguous
 * 2 tea bags
 * tea billy
 * trail mix
 * signal mirror


 * water bottle, full (non-winter with filter)
 * experimental substitute: water bladder


 * thermarest


 * jetboil stove (experiment)


 * quicksplint (folding corrogated plastic)


 * avalanche shovel (winter only)
 * avalanche probe (winter only)


 * first aid kit: (bottom)
 * loose on top:
 * this list
 * latex gloves
 * pocket 1:
 * ziplock bag
 * patient info note pad
 * pencil
 * tweezers
 * antiseptic wipes, 8
 * e.g. PharaSystems Health Saver Wipes
 * insect bite wipes, 2
 * ziplock bag:
 * safety pins, 7
 * pocket 2:
 * sterile sponges, 10cm x 10cm, 2
 * combine dressings, 20cm x 19cm, 2
 * pocket 3:
 * mouth-to-mouth mask
 * pocket 4:
 * latex gloves, 2 pair
 * pocket 5:
 * small bandaids, 6
 * knuckle bandaids, 2
 * fingertip bandaids, 2
 * extra large bandaids, 3
 * sterile non-stick pads, 5 cm x 7.5 cm, 2
 * wound closure strips
 * blister/burn dressing (GlacierGel), 2
 * pocket 6:
 * pocket 7:
 * sterile conform bandage, 5 cm x 4.5m
 * sterile conform bandage, 10 cm x 4.5m
 * pocket 8:
 * adhesive tape, 1 roll
 * pocket 9:
 * medical shears
 * pocket 10:
 * pocket 11:
 * pocket 12:
 * rescue space blanket 56" x 80", 1
 * moleskin, 240 cm^2
 * pepto-bismol, 8 tablets, list of usage, contraindications
 * tylenol, 8 tablets, list of ingredients,
 * usage, contraindications
 * asprin, 12 tablets, list of usage, contraindications
 * salt, small packets, 8
 * temperature strips (NexTemp), 3
 * SAM splint
 * pocket 13:
 * pocket 14:

outer pouch:
 * cord, 25m, 7mm static, ~1000kg tensile
 * harness, swiss seat & chest
 * 2 carabiners, locking

outer pouch webbing:
 * check list of last minute packing items
 * (see call-out-check-list)

side pocket:
 * handkerchief

side pocket:
 * compass, attached by lanyard

belt:
 * bear spray

--- no longer carried:
 * thermometer with compass
 * hand chain saw
 * chemical hand warmer
 * plastic socks
 * fire paste
 * Meal Ready to Eat
 * electrical tape
 * figure 8 descender
 * disposable camera
 * waxed string
 * waterproof notebook
 * wicking wool socks

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do carry when you're hiking?

A: This is the pack I carry when I go hiking. I need to point out all the ways in which this pack is not typical.

This is a Search and Rescue "ready" pack. The intention is to have a backpack already packed and ready to go when there is a search called. We need equipment for all weather, all environments, all seasons. I do however pull a few things if I have the opportunity (I don't often need an avalanche shovel in the summer). I'm not as experienced with first aid as I'd like to be, so I'm still trying to refine things in that area. The pack weighs about 30 pounds.

The core items for Search and Rescue are considerably less than this. But I've found each of these things worth taking along.

I almost always carry this pack on my ordinary hikes, but mostly because I feel I need to train to this weight.

Q: Where's the mule to carry it all?

A: The mule is strapped on top of the pack. You have to make sure it's rested enough for when you really need it.