I have a friend who is recently trained in Search and Rescue, and this is the list of supplies he needs for 24 hours out. It is a comprehensive hiking equipment list developed by NASAR. So, for those of you who love lists as much as I do, here is the most recent Search and Rescue (SAR) list (with comments – not mine):
Personal First Aid and Survival Kit
4 Acetaminophen or aspirin tablets
4 Antacid tablets
2 Antiseptic cleansing pads
1 Antiseptic ointment
6 Band aids, various sizes
1 Candle, long burning
2 Cotton swabs, non sterile
1 Duct tape, 5 – 10 ft.
1 Leaf bag, large
8 Matches in a waterproof container …………………………………………Use plastic screw lid – not the metal flip lid!
1 Moleskin
1 Plastic bag, zip lock, qt. size, for kit
1 Quarter, for phone call………………………………………………………….Yeah, right. Phones are now 35cents.
1 Razor blade, singe edge safety type
1 Roller gauze Bandage
2 Safety pins, large
1 Splinter forceps, tweezers……………………………………………………..Can be in a pocketknife
1 Space type blanket or space type sleeping bag
1 Towelette, clean
1 Whistle
Personal SAR Equipment
4 Bags, various sizes, zip locked
1 Bandanna, handkerchief
1 Cap or other headgear…………………………………………………………..Hat type depends on season
2 Carabiners (locking)
1 Clothes bag, waterproof………………………………………………………..trash bags double for this
1 Clothing, adequate for climate
1 Clothing, extra set, adequate for climate
1 Compass, orienteering
1 Flagging tape, roll
1 Flashlight or lantern
1 Flashlight, extra, extra batteries and bulb
1 Footwear, sturdy, adequate for climate
1 Gloves, durable, even in summer
1 Goggles, or eye protection, clear
1 Insect repellent
1 Knife, multi-purpose
1 Lip balm, with sunscreen
1 Measuring device, 18 in. minimum………………………………………..measuring tape (think small/light)
1 Metal cup or pot…………………………………………………………………..sierra cup?
1 Mirror, small
1 Nylon twine or small rope, 50 feet …………………………………………parachute cord
1 Pack, 1800 cubic inch (minimum)………………………………………….Go 2500 so you’ve got room for team gear on a mission
1 Pad and pencil
2 Prusik slings (suitable for 9mm to 11mm rope)* ……………………..Purcell Prusiks work here.
1 Rainwear, durable………………………………………………………………..Gortex fine
1 SAR personal identification…………………………………………………..I’ll have this for you
1 Shelter material, 8 x10 plastic or coated nylon…………………………tube tent OK
1 Scissors, multi-purpose
1 Socks, extra pair
1 Sunscreen lotion
2 Tea bags
1 Tissue paper or baby wipes (recommended)
1 Tracking stick, 42†long ……………………………………………………….can be trekking poles or old ski pole
1 Watch
1 Water container, at least liter size…………………………………………..canteens, water bladders, whatever
1 Webbing, 1†tubular – length suitable for harness
1 Wire, 5 – 10 ft., woven steel ………………………………………………….picture wire
8 Wire ties, plastic, self-locking ……………………………………………….SMALL ones!
Optional Personal Support Equipment – not required, but recommended
2 Antihistamine, 25mg Benadryl
2 Extra leaf bags
1 Extra water container
1 Foam pad
2 Food, nonperishable
1 Gaiters
1 Rain cover for pack
1 Sterno or stove
1 Sun glasses, 97% UV protection
1 Trail snacks
1 Water purification tabs
