SARpack: Search & Rescue Gear

Most everyone involved in Search & Rescue has probably heard the phrase "the ten essentials" umpteen times. The term refers to a list of items experienced hikers and other outdoor "experts" consider to be .... well, essential for safe travel in the backcountry. More often than not, the list looks like this:

1. Map
2. Compass
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen (that's two, I guess)
4. Extra food and water
5. Extra clothes
6. Headlamp/flashlight
7. First aid kit
8. Fire starter (ie. chemical heat tabs, canned heat, magnesium stick)
9. Matches or a lighter
10. Knife

Better yet, I like thinking of it as ten categories rather than ten items, as follows:

1. Navigation
2. Insulation
3. Illumination
4. Nutrition
5. Hydration
6. Sun Protection
7. Fire
8. First Aid
9. Emergency Shelter
10. Tools and Repair

Of course, when you really get down to it, the "ten essentials" is many more than ten items, particularly when you're talking about a true 24-hour pack. And winter conditions, for one, certainly adds to the list.

According to the National Association for Search And Rescue, or NASAR, all SAR personnel should carry a particular list of contents in their packs. These are "items that will assist the holder in functioning safely, effectively, and efficiently during a SAR incident. Some items may be carried on a belt, in pockets, or strapped to the person. This is the minimum equipment recommended to be carried on all missions in non-urban or wilderness areas." (Source: nasar.org)

In fact, during the SARTECH II Skills Examination, every item on NASAR's list must be present in order for the candidate to pass. That list includes specific items for the first aid kit as well as 50 additional pieces of required gear. Then there is an another list of 14 "optional personal support equipment recommended but not required." Interestingly enough, that list includes a pair of UV sunglasses as well as food, both of which are usually found in the "ten essentials."

See the NASAR SARTECH II Minimum Personal Equipment List to see the list in its entirety.

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For Search & Rescue, we need a pack that not only fits all of our own gear but sometimes extra supplies for those we set out to help. So I've chosen a pack that's a bit roomier than what I'd otherwise carry for "just a dayhike" on my own.

I prefer Osprey packs for their superior quality and comfort, not to mention great gear accessibility. And, as anyone in SAR knows, managing (and not dropping or losing) our gear is an ongoing task.

At 2200 - 2300 cubic inches (S/M - M/L), the Kestrel 38 is the perfect-sized pack for 24-hour preparedness for Search & Rescue personnel, also suitable for light overnighters. (I don't know about you, but a large percentage of the missions I've been on have lasted through the night.) Two torso sizes and an adjustable harness provide a custom fit, while the Airscape back-panel and a peripheral steel spring rod frame give excellent comfort.

Features include:

• Unique "Stow-On-The-Go" trekking pole attachment
  
• Stretch lycra mesh front and side pockets
  
• Hip belt pockets
  
• Integrated raincover (stowed in outside lower pocket)
  
• Hydration compatible
  
• Front daisies with bungee tie offs

For instructions on how to properly size a pack, visit Osprey's Sizing & Fitting page.

**The backpack is optional when it comes to purchasing the SARpack. See the other options and pricing at 24HourPack.com. Pack colors will vary.

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Garmin is the preferred GPS brand of the National Association for Search & Rescue (NASAR).

The e-Trex Legend is my model of choice for the SARpack, because it's a solid, easy to use unit that performs all the functions I've ever needed for Search & Rescue work, without unnecessary bells and whistles that would, of course, drive up the price. The Legend comes loaded with a full basemap of North and South America, with position accuracy to less than three meters. The basemap contains lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, national and state highways, railroads and coastlines.

Additional features include:

• Internal memory totalling 8 MB
  
• Stores up to 1000 waypoints with TrackBack and 20 routes
  
• Includes PC cable for downloading or uploading Mapsource maps
  
• Port for MicroSD card instead of built-in memory
  
• Runs for 18 hours on 2 AA batteries
  
• 1.1-inch x 2.1-inch display
  
• Weight: 5.3 oz. with batteries
  
• Waterproof

**For those wanting to upgrade to a different model, I've made the GPS another optional item when purchasing the SARpack.

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I most definitely prefer a compass with adjustable declination and a sighting mirror that can double as a signal mirror. That's why I chose the Suunto MC-2DLIN Navigator for the SARpack.

This 2.6-ounce, top-quality mirror-lid compass features:

• Adjustable declination
  
• Clinometer
  
• Large, easy to read bezel w/ self-cleaning bearings
  
• Rubber non-slip feet
  
• Measuring scales
  
• Luminous points
  
• Lanyard
  
  

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Since Search & Rescue folks often find themselves on night missions, requiring a long-lasting, bright beam, I chose the dependable Princeton Tec Apex headlamp, which can be adapted to your lighting needs. And, following my general rule of thumb that gadgets in my pack all take the same type of battery--only one kind of replacement to carry--the Apex fits the bill in that respect also.

Other Princeton Tec Apex features include:

• Choose between a super-bright (130 lumens), optically enhanced, Maxbright Rebel LED for long distance spotting or 4 standard LED's for close range flood lighting;
  
• Two buttons make mode selection easy;
  
• Proprietary heatsink technology allows the LEDs to burn brighter and longer;
  
• Illuminates up to 86 m away;
  
• Power: 130 lumens (4 AA);
  
• Waterproof to 1 meter;
  
• Burn time: 72-150 hours (low-high)

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Because one light source isn't enough for Search & Rescue work, I've included a hand-held in addition to the headlamp.

With a burn time of 50+ hours, the Princeton-Tec Impact XL has a rubber molded grip that ensures you'll be able to securely hold the light under demanding circumstances. Like the GPS, the Impact XL runs on AA batteries, which means you'll need to carry just one battery type and can interchange them if necessary.

Other features include:

• 1 watt LED, 17 lumens
  
• Weight: 6.4 oz. with batteries
  
• Waterproof to 100 meters

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In SAR, we're always fixing something, tightening or loosening something, cutting something and perhaps improvising something in the field. And the many facets of a good multi-tool can really come in handy for the task at hand. I've always been happy with the quality of Leatherman tools, not to mention the 25-year warranty. To me, the Leatherman Blast is just the thing for my own 24-hour pack, so I've included it in the SARpack kit as well.

The 6.9 oz., 4-inch Blast is equipped with locking blades and Zytel contoured handle inserts for comfort.

Features include:

• Needlenose pliers
  
• Regular pliers
  
• Wire cutters
  
• Hard-wire cutters
  
• Clip-point knife
  
• Scizzors
  
• Wood/metal file
  
• Saw
  
• Large and small screwdrivers
  
• Phillips screwdriver
  
• 8-inch ruler
  
• Lanyard attachment
  

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Because Search & Rescue personnel should never leave base without a map, I've included a waterproof map case in the SARpack to keep it handy and dry. It's a great place to keep note-taking supplies too, and you can affix the case to the outside of your pack for quick and easy access.

Included with the map case is an All-in-One Map Tool with all scales for topo maps in North America, UK, Japan, New Zealand and Europe.

Other All-in-One Map Tool features include:

• UTM readers for all above-referenced scales
  
• Slope indexes
  
• Compass Rose and cardinal directions plotting lines
  
• Compact 4"x7" pocket-size
  
• Accurate within 1%
  
• Illustrated instructions for each element included
  

Note: My suppliers have discontinued this product, so I will be substituting a different brand of map case when I run out of stock of this one.

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Since SAR personnel are often out all night, I've included a heavy-duty bivy, which can be combined with the All-Weather Blanket (below) for added warmth and protection from cold, wet ground.

The 6.5-ounce Thermo-Lite 2 Bivvy (now known as the S.O.L. Thermal Bivvy) is an ideal survival/emergency bag with an improved material on the bottom to withstand rocky ground and hard snow pack. This bag is easily repaired in the field with duct tape. The design allows you to open the side, bottom and top for moisture and heat to escape.

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The 12-ounce All-Weather blanket is a multi-use piece of gear. The tough laminate of fiber scrim and aluminized plastic reflects back up to 80% of body heat and can be used as a ground cover or a shelter, as well as to prevent hypothermia. There are grommets in all four corners, so you can use your nylon cord to rig the blanket up as a tarp, then use your emergency bivvy to keep the cold out.

Having the bivvy as well as the blanket means the rescuer can loan one or the other to a cold victim.

Colors will vary.

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I feel a ground pad is a must for any SAR member, not only for yourself but possibly for your patient, so I've included it in the SARpack.

This accordian-like, 3/4 Z-rest, foam pad may not be as comfortable as a blow-up mattress, but its purpose really is to provide insulation between the cold and/or wet ground and you (or your patient). This pad is light-weight and easy to clean. No need to worry about getting it wet or springing an air leak. The egg-carton pattern creates dead air space for improved insulation, and, when folded, the pockets nest together, making this a much more compact piece of gear than a rolled, closed-cell foam pad.

Colors will vary.

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In the SARpack, I've included a first aid kit sufficient to treat fairly minor injuries but will leave it to the medical professional to add more supplies as deemed necessary.

The contents of this 11.8-ounce Atwater Carey Medical Kit are:

• Water-resistant, zippered case
  
• Backcountry first aid book
  
• Emergency action card
  
• "Ask the Expert" free membership
  
• Nitrite gloves, 1 pr.
  
• 2 3"x5" Plastic bags
  
• 2 safety pins
  
• Tweezer in vial
  
• 6 antiseptic towelettes
  
• Iodine ointment
  
• Antibiotic ointment
  
• 12cc irrigation syringe
  
• 5 sterile butterfly wound closures
  
• Sting relief pad
  
• Tincture of benzoin
  
• Adhesive tape, 10 yards
  
• Pressure wrap
  
• 5"x9" trauma pad
  
• 6 Fabric bandages, 1"x3"
  
• 4 sterile gauze pads, 3"x3"
  
• 2 Moleskin pads, 2"x3"
  
• 2 knuckle bandages
  
• Telfa non-adherent pad, 2"x3"
  
• Antihistamine tablets
  
• Ibuprofin tablets

I've also added an 18" Sam splint to the SARpack.

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The SARpack contains a minimal fire-starting kit, including:

• Stormproof matches, 1 box
  
• Match case with striker
  
• 2 emergency fire-starting candles

Due to the fact that lighters are fully regulated, hazardous items, the cost of including and properly shipping one in each of my packs is prohibitive. I suggest adding a flint or other type of lighter to your kit as another means of starting a warming campfire.

Unlike other "waterproof" or "windproof" matches, the UCO Stormproof matches are easy to light, and will stay lit for up to 15 seconds, even after being submersed in water.

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There are two 48-ounce, Nalgene Silo water bottles made of 100% BPA-free Polyethylene in each SARpack.

This bottle has a wide mouth for the easy addition of drink mix, with a loop-top cap that stays attached in rough conditions. Nalgene Silos fit nicely in the Osprey Kestrel's outer side pockets for easy access.

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Chances are, you'll be able to carry enough water to stay properly hydrated for the duration of most missions and won't need to obtain additional supply from backcountry sources.

But just in case you're in the field longer than expected or it takes more water than you're carrying to quench your thirst or that of your subject, I've included a 12-pack of chlorine dioxide tablets in the SARpack. Each tablet purifies 1 liter of water.

Aquamira Water Purification Tablets release a powerful germicidal agent when dissolved in water, meeting stringent EPA guidelines and making it the safest solution on the market. Each tablet is sealed in an individual, foil pouch. To use, simply drop a tablet into one liter of water and wait the required time.

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When trying to locate a lost, responsive subject, it's certainly nice to be heard.

So I chose a whistle that's twice as loud as most popular whistles and capable of being heard above howling wind or other competing sounds. The Wind Storm can be heard up to a half-mile away on land and even works underwater, with the sound traveling up to 50 feet.

The patented double chamber design allows the Wind Storm to be blown when held right side up or upside down.

Also included is a Chums cotton lanyard with a swivel ring hook.

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Glow Sticks: Four, 12-hour light sticks are included in each pack. These waterproof and windproof, 6" sticks provide adequate light without batteries or electricity. The light is produced by a chemical reaction inside the stick when a small capsule is broken, simply by bending it until you feel the snap.

Safer than flares, these glow sticks are nontoxic, non-flammable, and non-heat producing. They are visible up to one mile away and are useful for marking your route ... or perhaps your location to be seen by a rescue helicopter.

The SARpack also includes:

Flagging Ribbon for marking prints and other clues or cordoning off an area;

A Sharpie permanent marker for noting the date, unit number and/or any other necessary information on the flagging ribbon;

A flexible sewer's measuring tape for measuring footprints;

Note-taking supplies, including a small notepad, pen and pencil

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In the SARpack, I've included a 50-foot length of Equinox Viper nylon paracord.

Why nylon cord? Let me count the ways ... or at least just a handful of them:

• Emergency boot or shoe lace replacement and other repairs
  
• Rigging your All-Weather blanket (see above) as a shelter
  
• Lowering or raising your pack
  
• Useful in making an improvised splint
  
• To hang a "bear bag" if you have to sleep out

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There are two hand warmers and two footwarmers in each pre-equipped pack.

Heatmax HotHands-2 Hand Warmers are air-activated and will provide up to 10 hours of warmth inside gloves, pockets or wherever you feel chilled. All Heatmax warmers are made of natural materials, including iron powder, water, salt, activated charcoal and wood fiber. When exposed to air, these materials combine and react to produce heat through a fast oxidation process.

The Foot Warm-Ups are designed to work in low oxygen environments, like inside your hiking boots. This odorless, disposable, nontoxic and nonflammable product is individually sealed in an airtight package to guarantee a shelf life of six years.

Users should allow 10 to 20 minutes for these warmers to reach their optimal temperatures.

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The SARpack contains:

• Heavy-duty, plastic trowel
  
• Bio-Wipe Toilet tissue, 1 small roll
  
• Hand sanitizer

Instructions for digging a cat hole, etc. are not included. :)

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For keeping your stuff and extra clothing organized and dry, I've included a 9x16-inch Outdoor Designs Window Drysack in the SARpack. This stuff sack, made of neoprene-coated nylon and fully sealed seams, has a clear view window so you can see what's inside and find what you need fast. The light gray coated inner reduces darkness and aids in viewing contents.

Colors will vary.

Note: My suppliers are no longer carrying the "window" drysack, so, from now on, my SARpacks will including an Outdoor Designs Drysack without the window feature. But you can still obtain the window sacks through Amazon in the "Build Your Own Pack" area below. (Or click through the photo here.)

These are the additional items included in the SARpack:

• Sunscreen
  
• Storage baggies for keeping things organized and dry
  
• Large, heavy-duty garbage bag for additional protection from heavy rain, both inside your pack and on your person (or your subject) as an emergency rain poncho
  
• (6) Extra AA batteries

The following is a list of items not included in the SARpack but that should be added to a 24-hour pack, or at least considered before heading out on a mission. And some of these things you'll be wearing to begin with:

• Fleece jacket or pullover
  
• Loose-fitting nylon pants (or convertible pants with zip-off bottoms)
  
• Synthetic shirt
  
• Synthetic thermal underwear, top and bottom
  
• Gortex jacket and pants
  
• Down vest or jacket
  
• Wool or synthetic socks
  
• Sun hat (or ball cap with bandana)
  
• Ski hat
  
• Ankle-supporting hiking or mountaineering boots
  
• Cold-weather gloves/mittens or glove liners
  
• Leather work gloves (particularly for technical SAR and litter carries)
  
• UV-rated sun glasses
  
• Watch
  
• Extra socks
  
• Extra clothing change for wet weather
  
• Appropriate forest map
  
• Appropriate topographic map
  
• Lighter
  
• Needle and dental floss or monofilament fishing line (for repairs)
  
• Duct tape, 10 feet (can be wrapped around water bottle or trekking pole)
  
• Adjustable trekking poles
  
• Small stove, pot, cup and spoon
  
• Food and electrolyte replacement (drink mix)
  
• Lightweight down sleeping bag
  
• Binoculars
  
• Cell phone (fully charged!)
  
• Camera (optional for some SAR teams but nice to have)