Time for a pack check!
Listed below is what I carry in my "regular" search
pack as well as the additional stuff in my 48 hour
pack I carry in the event of a longer or more distant mission. I try
to get everything down to two packs or a small pack and a large duffel.
This way if we end up carpooling it's much easier to grab two bags and go
rather than make multiple trips or be disorganized when other team members
(or a helicopter) is waiting.
My avalanche pack contents are also listed below.
Day search pack & clothing
I carry the day
pack on almost every mission, unless we're doing an in-city or fine
evidence search. Even then, I'll have a waist pack with a minimum of
first aid kit and water for dog and myself. I've used everything listed on
missions and in training.
- boots
- gaiters
- gloves (leather)
- radio chest pack (see detail below)
- knife/multipurpose tool
- flagging/surveyors tape
- first aid kit (see detail below)
- spare clothing (see detail below)
- space blanket/tarp
- cord/webbing for rigging tarp
- water purification (in summer I carry a filter)
- 2 one liter water bottles (three in summer)
- sierra cup (serves as cook pot for me & water bowl for dog)
- 2 flashlights (headlamp and mini mag)
- sunglasses
- AA batteries (at least a dozen)
- spare compass
- spare radio battery
- extra food
- fire starter and matches
- toilet paper or kleenex
- bandana
- watch/altimeter
- sleeping pad
- ear plugs (for helicopter transport)
Depending on the type of search, I may also have the following optional equipment:
- bivvy sack
- camera w/film
- large 6volt flashlight
- helmet (for helicopter transport)
- goggles (for helicopter transport)
Dog equipment:
- shabrack/vest
- collar and leash
- cyalume stick(s)
- food for 1 day
- poop bags
Avalanche pack
As much as possible, light and fast is the order of the day here. Contents
are the same as my day pack, omitting some clothing, shelter materials
(except tarp and pad), some food and water, and adding:
- snowshoes or skis
- folding shovel
- avalanche transceiver
- goretex overmittens
- spare gloves
Overnight/Flight/Travel pack
Some call this
the 48 hour pack. I always bring the following with me to every search. It
usually stays in my vehicle, but it's come in handy multiple times, like
when we've been called from one mission to another, or working in a little
camping on the way back from a mission.
- All items from day pack, including optional items
- sleeping bag
- bivvy bag or tent
- stove w/fuel
- small mess kit
- food for three days (handler and dog)
- water filter
- extra change of clothing
- PFDs for myself and dog
- cash, ID, credit card
Optional items:
- Climbing harness and asst. gear
- toiletries
- health/vaccination records for dog
Radio chest pack detail (apart from the radio):
- compass (w/mirror)
- whistle w/lanyard
- notebook & pen or pencil
- puffer bottle (small squeeze bottle filled with talcum powder)
Spare Clothing bag detail:
- extra socks!
- extra insulating layer top & bottom -- items change with seasons
- raingear
- hat and gloves
First Aid kit detail:
- triangular bandage (2)
- bandaids
- 2" roll gauze
- 1/2" tape
- elastic bandage (i.e. ace bandage)
- safety pin(s)
- 2x2 gauze pads
- needle/tweezer
- scissors/pliers
- OTC pain relievers (aspririn, tylenol, ibuprofen)
- mole skin
- 3" vet wrap
- dog boots
Optional suggestions
- antiseptic
- sting kit
- heat and/or cold packs
- sam splint material
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Text and photos copyright Dan Comden, 1995-2004
Dan Comden
Seattle, WA U.S.A.
Email -- dan*@*comdens.com (remove the asterisks around the "@" symbol)