Search and Rescue Equipment

In this shot you can see my 'Pest' (version IV) - a cross between a Pack and a Vest (get it? Pest) in which I carry the stuff I'd like to have available in the event I have to drop my backpack. Essentially a radio harness with a bit of an attitude... it is designed to allow me to sit in vehicles (or other odd spots), and not interfere with things like ropes rescue operations. (see construction drawing here).

My knife and sheath are visible on right thigh, the Cold Steel Gurkha Light Kukri & folding saw are carried inverted in a custom sheath on the right chest. A Magellan GPS is in a case on the right shoulder, and a radio on the left shoulder. Other items carried include map & compass, whistle, food bars, 50' of 1" tubular webbing & carabiners, prusiks, integral shoulder harness, various gloves (latex, leather, polypro, wool), flashlights (many extra batteries), small waterproof camera, binoculars, goggles, aerial flares, smoke, lightsticks, space blanket, etc...

I have found layering gear (like clothing) to be effective. My base layer is the knife and sheath, then a medium sized fanny pack, followed by the 'Pest,' and finally a backpack. The modular approach to gear has also proven effective - easily (and securely) adding or removing components as missions/situations change can be quite useful.

I'm currently using a newer version which I managed to sew on a used machine I picked up, the basic design is the same - just a few refinements... Gak, I hate to sew...!

May someday have to update this, the basics remain the same, but there have been changes. Probably the biggest news is that True North Gear is now offering their version - info here.

My knife has been upgraded to a Busse, which means (among other things) I no longer carry a machete, and radios are now water/shock proof so they don't need special protection.

	The minimum of 50' of 1" tubular webbing (and Prusiks) carried with the 'Pest' allows me to get into (and/or out of) areas which may otherwise prove difficult. Click for a larger view in a new window.
	My wife Kathleen and I both wear 'Pests' on SAR missions. Here we complete the packaging for the recovery of a fall victim. The configuration of the 'Pest' easily allowed me to attend (hang on the outside of) the stokes during the 300' vertical lowering and raising operations - at night. Click for a larger view in a new window.
	Even in the inverted position of this helicopter rappelling training, the 'Pest' carried my equipment securely and comfortably. The integral shoulder harness is very useful in situations like this. Click for a larger view in a new window.

My SAR Equipment "Pest" Back to SAR Gear