During missions and training JSAR team members pack everything they need for around 24 hours of operations (“24 hour pack”) with extra space remaining for team items (rope/rigging, patient insulation, medical supplies, additional food/water).
No team member packs the same, and kit varies greatly by season and mission. The following is a rough guideline for a minimum JSAR 24-hour pack. The downloadable pdf is a more detailed list.
Clothing
- Base layer top and bottoms
- Insulating top and bottoms
- Hardshell top and bottoms
- Head insulation (Fall, Winter, Spring)
- Work/rope handling gloves
- Insulating gloves, mittens (Fall, Winter, Spring)
- Footwear appropriate for mission
- Spare socks and reserve layers in pack, waterproofed
Additional items
- Backpack (recommended 40-60L)
- Knife/multi-tool
- 1/2 length foam pad
- Shelter (space blanket, bivy sack, tarp)
Light
- Headlamp
- Second light source
- Extra batteries
Navigation and communication
- GPS (handheld device or mobile app)
- Maps and sighting compass
- Whistle
- Waterproof notepad/pen
- Flagging tape/chemlights (from JSAR stock)
- Spare batteries/cords for all devices
PPE
- Helmet (available in JSAR vehicles)
- Harness
- Medical gloves (from JSAR stock)
- Ear protection (from JSAR stock)
- Eye protection (safety glasses, goggles)
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses)
Personal items
- Water and purification method
- Lots of food
- First-aid kit and personal meds
Mission specific items
- Crampons, ice axe and climbing gear
- Backcountry skis/snowshoes and avalanche kit
- Stove/tent/sleeping bag and extra food
- Drysuit and PFD