SARpack: Search & Rescue Gear

24-Hour Packs For SAR Personnel

When I was first training to be a Search and Rescue volunteer, one of the required courses was all about personal safety and gear. Being a well-seasoned hiker and long-distance backpacker, I already had a closet overflowing with packs, sleeping bags, water bottles, and so forth. In fact, I was just about ready to take over another closet. But, still, I didn't have everything the SAR instructor said we'd need for our mission-ready packs. And some of my new teammates had little in the way of gear.

During a short break in the class, the woman seated next to me turned to me and said, "I sure wish I could buy the whole kit and kaboodle, because I need almost everything."

Well, that got me to thinking. And that thinking eventually led me to start up my own company, selling pre-equipped backpacks intended both for Search & Rescue participants as well as a somewhat different version for recreational hikers.

Here I'll explain not only the contents of the SARpack, but what's not included as well. Keep in mind that the SARpack is intended as a starter kit for general, ground-unit Search & Rescue personnel. It does not include additional gear needed by those who take part in technical rescue or other types of SAR.

First, The Ten Essentials

What ever backcountry traveler should have

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:

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

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.

The 24-Hour Pack

According to the National Association for Search And Rescue, or NASAR, all SAR personnel should carry a particular list of contents in their SAR 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.

What's Included In The SARpack

There are a total of 44 items in the SARpack (not counting each item in the first aid kit), with the backpack itself and the GPS being optional. Each component of the kit is outlined below.

For pricing and information on the SARpack, the PREpack (for recreational hikers) and custom-built kits, please visit 24HourPack.com. Feel free to send an email to contact@24hourpack.com with any questions.

Want To Build Your Own Pack?

The items from my SARpack kit are available individually, so you can pick and choose, or pick up just the one item you need.

Click here
to skip to that section below.

Backpack

By Osprey

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 backpanel 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.

GPS

By Garmin

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.

Compass

By Suunto

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

Headlamp

By Petzl

Since Search & Rescue folks often find themselves on night missions, requiring a long-lasting, bright beam, I chose the dependable Petzl Myo XP 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 Myo XP fits the bill in that respect also.

Other Myo XP features include:

3 lighting levels for adapting the light's brightness to the activity
Wide Angle lens allows for quickly switching from flood beam proximity lighting to focused long-distance lighting in a single movement
Boost mode increases power if needed, while optimizing energy consumption and weight (175g including batteries)
Perfect for endurance-oriented activities: 180 hours of light duration at the "economic" level
Light body is tiltable to direct the light beam where needed

If necessary, you can up the light output to 150 lumens with the Boost mode. And, to efficiently manage battery life, the Myo XP comes with a charge indicator light.

Flashlight

By Princeton Tec

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

Multi-Tool

By Leatherman

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

Map Case & Map Tool

Because Search & Rescue personnel should never leave base without a map, I've included a NavTool map case in the SARpack to keep it handy and dry. It's a great place to keep note-taking supplies too, and the 17.7"x 11.8" clear PVC pouch comes with an elastic daisy chain for affixing your compass. It's also got document pockets and a shoulder strap.

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

Emergency Bivvy

By Adventure Medical Kits

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

The 6.5-ounche Thermo-Lite 2 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.

All-Weather Blanket

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.

Ground Pad

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.

First Aid Supplies

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 the 11.8-ounce Atwater Carey "Backpacker" 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.

Fire-Starting Kit

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

Waterproof matches, 1 box
Match case with striker
2 Sterno mini-column 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.

Water Bottles (2)

By Nalgene

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.

Water Purifier

By Aquamira

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.

Whistle & Lanyard

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 Windstorm can be heard up to a half-mile away on land and even works underwater, with the sound travelling up to 50 feet.

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

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

Tracking, Signaling And Note-Taking Gear

Glow Sticks: Four, 12-hour, yellow Omniglow 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.

Omniglow light sticks have a 5-year shelf-life.

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

Nylon Cord

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

Hand & Foot Warmers

By Heatmax

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.

Toilet Kit

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. :)

Stuff Sack

By Outdoor Designs

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.

Miscellaneous

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

What's Not Included In The SARpack

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)

Build Your Own Pack

From Items In The SARpack kit

Pick and choose from individual items included in the SARpack, or pick up that one piece of gear you still need.

Osprey Kestrel 38 Backpack (Lichen ,Medium/Large)

Amazon Price: $138.95 (as of 12/24/2009)

Garmin Legend H Handheld GPS Navigator

Amazon Price: $125.33 (as of 12/24/2009)

Suunto MC-2DLIN Compass

Amazon Price: $34.60 (as of 12/24/2009)

Princeton Tec Impact XL Maxbright LED FlashLight (Black)

Amazon Price: $30.94 (as of 12/24/2009)

Petzl MYO XP BELT Headlamp - E84 P2

Amazon Price: $89.95 (as of 12/24/2009)

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Mattress, Limon, Regular

Amazon Price: $39.95 (as of 12/24/2009)

Leatherman 830032 Blast Multitool with Leather Sheath

Amazon Price: $40.90 (as of 12/24/2009)

Granite Gear Map Cases - (Stormshield,Regular)

Amazon Price: $20.00 (as of 12/24/2009)

Adventure Medical Kits Thermo-Lite 2 Bivvy

Amazon Price: $28.25 (as of 12/24/2009)

All Weather Space Blanket by MPI

Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 12/24/2009)

Atwater Carey Backpacker First Aid Kit

Amazon Price: $24.50 (as of 12/24/2009)

SAM Splint Junior-(18 inch moldable splint)

Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 12/24/2009)

COGHLANS Waterproof Matches Package of 4 Md: 940BP

Amazon Price: $2.05 (as of 12/24/2009)

Liberty Mountain Lm Plastic Matchbox

Amazon Price: $1.63 (as of 12/24/2009)

Sterno #20403 6PK 1.5" Column Candle

Amazon Price: $7.20 (as of 12/24/2009)

WindStorm All-Weather Safety Whistle

Amazon Price: $7.86 (as of 12/24/2009)

CHUMS LANYARD DETACHABLE COTTON - ASSORTED COLORS

Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 12/24/2009)

Nalgene 48 oz Silo Wide-Mouth Loop-Top Bottle (White)

Amazon Price: $11.50 (as of 12/24/2009)

Aquamira Chlorine Dioxide Water Purification Tablets - 12 Pack

Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 12/24/2009)

Equinox Braided Nylon Paracord

Amazon Price: $8.51 (as of 12/24/2009)

Hothands 2 Value Pack 10 Pair

Amazon Price: $9.25 (as of 12/24/2009)

HeatMax (HOTHF-1) Hot Foot Feet Warmers (Pair)

Amazon Price: $4.15 (as of 12/24/2009)

Superlight 2 Oz Backpacking Shovel Trowel

Amazon Price: $2.98 (as of 12/24/2009)

INSTNT.HAND SANITIZER,2OZ.BOT.

Amazon Price: $1.92 (as of 12/24/2009)

SUN X SUNSCREEN WIPES SPF30 25/BOX

Amazon Price: $12.50 (as of 12/24/2009)

Window Drysack 9"X18"Asort Xl

Amazon Price: $16.80 (as of 12/24/2009)

Dritz(R) Lifetime Tape Measure - 5/8''x60'' White

Amazon Price: $6.55 (as of 12/24/2009)

Sharpie Chisel Tip Permanent Markers, 4 Black Markers(38264)

Amazon Price: $4.95 (as of 12/24/2009)

Glo Yellow Flag Tape, 150'

Amazon Price: $1.99 (as of 12/24/2009)

Brooks-Range All-in-One Map Tool

Amazon Price: $18.00 (as of 12/24/2009)

Energizer E91BP-16H Max AA Alkaline Battery (16 Pack)

Amazon Price: $13.62 (as of 12/24/2009)

Rite In The Rain - All-Weather Pocket Journal (4" x 6")

Amazon Price: $4.21 (as of 12/24/2009)

Rite in the Rain All-Weather Pen #47 (Blue Ink, Fine Point)

Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 12/24/2009)

For More Information

and to order a SARpack or other outdoor equipment, go to:

24HourPack.com

Your Comments & Questions Are Welcome

submit

Reply

Ramkitten Ramkitten May 5, 2009 @ 12:17 pm | in reply to wpick@cox.net

I've sent you a direct email to answer, but just briefly here:
The SARpack weighs in at 10lbs. Of course, that's without the water in the bottles (I know, duh!), food, clothing. The other kit I put together--PREpack--is less (7lbs) because some items are excluded, some are smaller/lighter. Since the SARpack has Search & Rescue responders in mind, it's got more STUFF and some of it is a little beefier.

As far as food weight, I've only tossed in a sampling of 3 bars and 2 drink packets, and the weight doesn't register on my scale. (I need to get a hanging scale that will give ounces, so I can weigh small individual items). Anyhow, I'm not including food or clothing, so it'll have to be up to the customer to add that. Just too much inventory and options to stock right now. Maybe someday.

And no, there's no hydration system right now, just bottles. It'll be an option in the "Build your own pack" area, which is under construction. Thanks for the questions!

Reply

wpick@cox.net wpick@cox.net May 5, 2009 @ 10:57 am

Deb

Very nice. What is the base weight of the pack. How much water is the SAR pack capable of? How many calories and net weight of food do you have in the SAR pack? Do you have any plans for adding a hydration system to the SAR pack?

Reply

BFuniv.com BFuniv.com Apr 25, 2009 @ 12:46 am

As complete a list as I've seen - all the goodies. Invaluable for peace of mind and a safe hike. Thanks

Reply

a_willow a_willow Apr 21, 2009 @ 9:40 pm

Excellent lens Deb! Well maybe I'm not SAR, but I have most of these things - I'm hiking! :) As used to carry raisins as energy boosters! ;)

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A Bit About Me

Lensmaster Ramkitten has been a member since December 7 2008, has rated 2,450 lenses, favorited 198, and has created 111 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "100 Things I'm Thankful For". See all my lenses

My Bio

I'm glad you've stopped by! So what's with the Ramkitten thing, you ask? Well, that's my trail name in the long-distance backpacking community (and now just about everywhere else), but you can call me Deb if you'd like.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail was the greatest experience of my life, and I have plans for more long-distance treks in the future. That's me in the photo, celebrating at the official end of the A.T., excited about the accomplishment, looking forward to being home again, but a little sad inside, too, because an amazing journey has come to an end. That was in 2000 but feels like yesterday, as I remember everything in such detail. That's often how it is when you're moving through life at no more than 3 miles per hour along the simplicity of a trail.

Anyhow, I'm originally from Rhode Island but now live in Flagstaff, Arizona with my mustached man, Steve, and beloved pooch, Sassafrass Tea (or Sassy, for short). I'm a Search & Rescue volunteer (love it!) and a writer of both fiction and non-. In late 2008, I began working on my own internet-based business, selling pre-equipped 24-hour packs for hikers and other outdoorsy folks. And, as a 40th birthday gift to myself, I quit my "real job" in favor of doing things I truly enjoy on a full-time basis.

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Lensmaster LittleIsMore (aka Claudette Mitchell) started a thread in the SquidU forums titled, "What are you thankful for?" She wrote:Although I knew how important it was to be thankful, I only learned a few years ago the significance... view lens
: Becoming a Search and Rescue Volunteer
Are you intrigued by stories about wilderness rescues and searches for missing hikers or mountain climbers? If so, perhaps becoming a Search and Rescue--often referred to as "SAR"--volunteer might just be for you. I've enjoyed and bene... view lens
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Some people laugh at my nickname, but, me, I'm proud of it. And it makes me smile too. Why? Because "Ramkitten" reminds me of special times and adventures. The name originated on RamCat Farm in southwestern Pennsylvania, where Steve and I lived... view lens