SAR Fundamentals/Ready Pack/Brett

From PCSAR

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)

• Grouped by Purpose

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

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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.