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