The Nat'l Assoc. of Search & Rescue and 8'x10' shelter material

**rebel** · 01-20-2009, 06:29 PM

Field and Stream magazine for Feb 09 devoted their main article and front page to search and rescue. Just got it but, I haven't had the opportunity to read the article.

**Arkansas_Ranger** · 01-20-2009, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by MOS19K

1 - Pack, 1800 cubic inch (minimum), this doesn't mean that you can't use a larger pack. It does state that 1800 cubic inches is the minimum. I've used construction grade clear, garbage bags, these are very strong and when sliced open they cover close to 8x10. You can find them at Home Depot or most DIY stores.

Well, it's a given that they're referring to the size as a minimum, but as minimum that implies that the entire list of supplies would fit in the pack and/or on the person wearing it. I have a NorthFace 1850 cubic inch bag for dayhiking, and I don't plan on buying another.

Our department gets these super thick trash bags for 55 gallon trash cans (the bags are larger than the cans) on contract that we refer to as "body bags." I think they're tough enough to coat the space shuttle with. I've got one or two in the above mentioned NorthFace, and I've considered that as an option.

**sthomas** · 01-21-2009, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by rebel

Field and Stream magazine for Feb 09 devoted their main article and front page to search and rescue.

Thanx for the tip rebel. I'll have to stop by my local outfitter store or some book store and grab a copy.

**teamonetl** · 01-26-2009, 07:56 PM

I just went through the list and noticed the 42" tracking stick is there for the urban section as well. Really, a tracking stick in an urban environment ? I live in a heavy urban environment, havent seen many tracks on the pavement. Maybe I am missing something here ?

**crashdive123** · 01-26-2009, 07:59 PM

In the urban settings it doubles as a club.

**Alpine_Sapper** · 01-28-2009, 12:25 AM

The ready pack is to cover *most* situations a sar tech will encounter, urban or wilderness.

As for fitting the tarp, did you include extra stuff that wasn't on the list? When you do the layout for your cert you don't need all that stuff, and you can drop some of the stuff on the list afterwards if you want. It's not like your going to show up to a tone out and have to inventory your gear for your chief.

My pack is roughly the same size as yours. I was able to fit everything for SAR II with a little room left over.

**Arkansas_Ranger** · 01-28-2009, 11:11 AM

Originally Posted by Alpine_Sapper

The ready pack is to cover *most* situations a sar tech will encounter, urban or wilderness.

As for fitting the tarp, did you include extra stuff that wasn't on the list? When you do the layout for your cert you don't need all that stuff, and you can drop some of the stuff on the list afterwards if you want. It's not like your going to show up to a tone out and have to inventory your gear for your chief.

My pack is roughly the same size as yours. I was able to fit everything for SAR II with a little room left over.

Oh, yeah, there are some things I'm adding and a few others I'll toss out after the test. The class is just another requirement for those in my department. I'm looking forward to it though. The way our evaluator described the practicals it sounded like you had to lay everything out on your trap and then pick it up as he called out the item which is why I was hear asking the questions. I'm glad to know you managed to fit it all in there.

Thanks Alpine.

**Alpine_Sapper** · 01-28-2009, 03:53 PM

np. And for the certification you do have to do the layout. After that, it's up to you to carry what you need. Some units may be really anal and wanna micro manage you, so they force you to do a layout of your ready pack, but it sounds like you work for a pretty laid back group.