Personal Equipment List

CATSAR Recommended Personal Equipment List Feb 2017

MINIMUM ESSENTIALS:

  • Compass* - with clear plastic base for reading directly from a paper map
  • Whistle* - loud decibel plastic model
  • Signal Mirror* - glass or military spec plastic with mesh grid around sighting hole
  • Knife*
  • Flashlight and/or Headlamp* - with extra batteries and spare bulb
  • First-Aid Kit* - for personal use, including any necessary prescription medication
  • Waterproof matches and/or lighter and firestarter*
  • Pencil or Pen and Paper/Notepad* - for writing down coordinates, descriptions, messages, etc.
  • Toilet Paper - small roll kept in plastic ziploc bag
  • Rain Gear* - Poncho at the very least but waterproof/breathable parka and pants are better
  • Water* - at least 2 quarts in non-breakable container(s)
  • Food* - enough for 24 hours
  • Storm shelter - Tube Tent, Bivy Sack, or emergency Space Blanket*
  • Boots* - comfortable for hiking and waterproof a plus
  • Extra Socks*
  • Pack* - fanny or daypack for short assignments, large backpack for longer searches
  • Headgear* - with sunshade for warm weather, insulated or wool for cold weather
  • Eye Protection* - sunglasses, safety glasses, or goggles
  • Large Bandana - multiple uses including head/face protection and cooling, first aid sling/bandage
  • Wristwatch or other timepiece  - for keeping track of elapsed time and message records.

FOR LONGER SEARCHES :

(OVERNIGHT AT BASE CAMP OR IN THE FIELD)

  • Sleeping Bag - Down insulation is warmer and lighter, synthetic insulation better in wet conditions
  • Sleeping Pad - Ensolite is cheapest and lightest, self-inflating is heavier but has more insulation and comfort
  • Extra Clothing* - non-cotton inner, middle, and outer layers  (poncho/raingear qualifies as outer layer)

WARM WEATHER ITEMS:

  • Extra water - 1 gallon minimum/day
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip Balm
  • Gaiters - protect legs stickers, scrapes
  • Windbreaker
  • Insect Repellant
  • Nylon/Poly Pants or Shorts

COLD WEATHER ITEMS

  • Thermal Underwear* - silk, polyester, fleece
  • Balaclava and/or Wool Cap
  • Insulating Gloves or Mittens
  • Gaiters - protect legs/boots from snow, rain, wet conditions
  • Wool Socks
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Wool or Insulated Pants

OTHER HELPFUL ITEMS:

  • Sturdy Work or Leather Gloves*                    
  • Duct Tape for emergency repairs and foot blisters                                  
  • Hi-visiblity Survey Tape for marking trails, turns, etc.
  • Personal Toilet Kit - toothbrush, soap, etc.
  • Multi-tool  - Leatherman, Swiss Army Knife etc.                                             
  • Nylon Cord 50 ft.
  • 1" Tubular Webbing 20 ft.*
  • Small binocular
  • Gallon size Ziploc bags for map protection
  • Sierra Cup or bowl for hot beverages/food

ALL ITEMS MARKED WITH ASTERISK (*) ARE REQUIRED TO PASS STATE SAR FIELD CERTIFICATION TEST

Wilderness Emergency?

Call 9-1-1!

Comments are closed.