What are /r/searchandrescue's favorite Products & Services?

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It retains water and therefore is bad for preventing hypothermia. Plus it is very uncomfortable when wet, due to weight and inability to dry out. Many other fabrics are much better and wicking moisture away from your body.

Lots of articles about it, this came up first for me in a Google search: http://hubpages.com/hub/Why-Cotton-Will-Kill-You

I am not involved in SAR, but backpack and hike a lot. I really like Gaia GPS app. It was a one time $10 fee (never mind looks like it's $20 now). Very highly reviewed - I've never had any reasons to complain about it!

You can download and pre cache full resolution USGS topo maps for any custom sized areas you want.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gaia-gps-topo-maps-hiking/id329127297?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trailbehind.android.gaiagps.pro&hl=en

> "redesign urban search and rescue headgear "

Why urban specifically? And as others have pointed out, most of this subreddit is Wilderness, which tends to be more volunteer based than Urban SAR, which tends to be a secondary task of other professions (Fire, Police, Military, etc..)

But to be honest from the wording of your questions, it doesn't sound like you've done much, if any background research yet, and are just looking for Reddit to do your assignment for you...

*0. None of us are going to sit here listing every item in our packs when you can easily Google it. If you're looking for an idea of what people carry... Here are some blog posts that might help: https://skyaboveus.com/climbing-hiking/searchgear https://lifehacker.com/the-search-and-rescue-pack-1764813141

*1. Company with a long track history of reliable gear, provides good protection, light, and then if all of the previous points are equal, cost. You have to remember, we're looking for something to trust our lives to. We're not going to buy a new product just because an art student says it is better. And Search and Rescue is a relatively small community, so if you're building an item specifically targeted at us, that means low production runs, meaning high price. Which few people are going to pay a premium for a helmet specifically designed for SAR when we can use a climbing helmet that does all of the same things for a fraction of the price.

*2. You'll need to be more specific. Most "problems" with headgear come down to user error. Either failing to use it correctly, failing to notice damage before use, or not picking the correct helmet in the first place.

*3. Mine's a bit uncomfortable for long duration wear, but

As most SAR teams wear some variation of climbing helmets, there is already a lot of innovation going into this gear on a regular basis. The current "revolution" is a changeover to bicycle style foam core helmets.

I’m a broke ass college student so i went cheaper. This is on Amazon for $22 or so: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F377ETO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lrakDb34W45F2

I don’t have my own radio, so if base issues a radio to me I would put it in one of the pockets. Aside from that I carry map, compass, grid squares, Ziploc bags, pen and Sharpie, two carabiners for my gloves and knife, pocket flashlight, and garden shears.

I am thinking of trying to sew on some of those Molle style elastic loops to the front. If you are interested in buying this one I would advise putting some tape over the main Velcro flap: there is so much Velcro that opening the pouch takes considerable effort and makes a very loud Velcro-rip noise

Medicine for the Backcountry.

Each chapter starts with a real life anecdote about the topic matter about to be discussed.

I got these ones off of Amazon.

https://smile.amazon.com/Lightning-Color-Medical-Accessory-Pouches/dp/B01MYBLD1M?pd_rd_w=bgIq2&content-id=amzn1.sym.103341a1-5c8f-4c2c-b05f-a37b040aaaf4&pf_rd_p=103341a1-5c8f-4c2c-b05f-a37b040aaaf4&pf_rd_r=AT2T3TD0GZZA902BJT1V&pd_r...

Foam sit pad

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https://www.amazon.com/STKYGOOD-Waterproof-Backpacking-Mountaineering-Trekking/dp/B07RDD8Q7Q/ref=sr\_1\_1\_sspa?crid=EAB934BX7F7O&keywords=foam+sit+pad&qid=1669078592&sprefix=foam+sit+pad%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1-spons&sp\_csd=d2lkZ2...

I use https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CD9NFB4?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder-t1_ypp_rep_k1_1_6&amp&crid=3M8WETPX5VRV9&amp&sprefix=sawyer on my clothes. Maybe just lucky but no ticks yet (Houston region)

Agreed, and would add https://www.amazon.com/Caterpillar-Trademark-Regular-Sizes-Black/dp/B00ED8MACG/ref=sr_1_3?crid=36LE8HAKLP2F3&keywords=caterpillar+pants&qid=1662868189&sprefix=catepiller+pants%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-3

I agree with both of your recommendations and would add (mens) https://www.amazon.com/Caterpillar-Trademark-Regular-Sizes-Black/dp/B00ED8MACG/ref=sr_1_3?crid=36LE8HAKLP2F3&keywords=caterpillar+pants&qid=1662868189&sprefix=catepiller+pants%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-3

I'm in Texas, and my unit just got long sleeve fishing shirts like these. They also make hiking pants from the same material - it's light weight and breezy but will give you some sun protection. If y'all aren't having a lot of sun, short sleeves will be cooler too. I wear a straw cowboy style hat as well since it's vented and has a wide brim to keep sun off my face (and I wear a felt one in "cold" weather, but you and I probably have very different definitions of cold!)

Light weight Merino socks are a must because they wick the sweat away from your feet and out of your boots a bit. Carry plenty of water on you too -- you can half fill a camel back bladder and fill the rest of it with fresh water right before you go out and the ice will keep your fresh water cold and melt while you're out.

When I got mine a few months ago shipping was somewhere under $10, They also sell it on Amazon too, I’m not sure if they have the converter kit on there tho.

Scout on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081ZCKKRR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KQ4NMTS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these two. Second one swings around a bit more than I like, but has the drawstring. First fits nicely, but you have to run your belt through it - so may have to take your belt off first to fit on left side. One for water, one for spray paint.

I got one of these.

https://www.amazon.ca/TRU-SPEC-Combat-Shirt-Orange-Medium/dp/B06XHQN4DN/ref=sr_1_19?crid=1LMNG8E117C9M&keywords=1%2F4+zip+combat+shirt&qid=1646703353&sprefix=1%2F4+zip+combat+shirt%2Caps%2C82&sr=8-19

For packing, I tend to collect stuff in ziplock bags. For things I really want to keep dry, I use vac-sealed vac bags such as these available on Amazon (I don't get commission): https://www.amazon.com/Foodsaver-Compatible-Black-Vacuum-Sealer/dp/B07CXQQX2Q/ref=sr_1_4?crid=FX25NOZQLQJT&keywords=vac+seal+ziplock+bags&qid=1646495212&sprefix=vac+sealed+zip%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-4

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They come in different sizes. The advantage in them is that once you open a vac sealed bag, it's not watertight any more: These are.

For things like medical supplies they're great. If your standard is (say) 10 bandaids and you vac seal ten into a bag, as long as the bag stays sealed there are 10 in there. Vac sealing also tends to keep things like gloves in good condition much longer than factory or no packing at all.

Item dead center is for 14500 lithium batteries or other small lithium… used in my headlamp etc

Victagen Universal Smart Charger,Speedy 18650 Battery Charger for 3.7V Batteries 14500 Lithium Batteries Ni-MH Ni-Cd C IMR 10440 Rechargeable Battery (Included two18650 li Batteries) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZZ8Y89F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YKS4PKAJ5V0HJ0KZVZ8M?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I just ordered the USB charge cord on Amazon… but you can also order it with a charge base: Baofeng USB Cable Battery Charger with Indicator Light for Portable Baofeng UV-82 UV-82HP UV-82L Series Two-Way Radios https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W9DPB34/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3W5NEZ5FATQRY9JK1FXM

The extended battery: UV-82 Battery Accessories BL-8 Backup Battery for BaoFeng UV-82 Series, 3800mAh 7.4V (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZWR8GU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_J6YNB7GBE2GKWSBQ75X8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Just the right size Pelican case (18” x 8” x 12”) and this usb power distribution hub: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QHTD4BS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The rest is up to the gear you use and need to charge

some use the Condor T and T pouch but I prefer this one from Wynex. It's about the same price and has more room https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087NLCT5S?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details. You'll have to get the condor chest rig for it also. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AEM3G7I?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

I know you are looking for a rechargeable light but I highly suggest looking into this light, even if it's just a spare.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PYMWPFH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_0CXQ6KZQFRS12WJJERQJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I love this light. Personally, I try to run all of my equipment off of the same power source (Triple A) so I can keep a pack of spare batteries in my pack. This light has worked wonders for me. Strap fits helmets great, large button on the top so it's easy to operate with gloves no matter how thick, extremely bright with a red light option, and simple enough that it's missing the features a lot of high end lights have (specifically the ones I've found myself to click through trying to shut it off). Even when I do carry a different light I still throw one or two of these in my bag as a spare. Its great to give to teammates/patients in a pinch because it's so cheap (under $10) you don't really care if they destroy it.

The Magpul bags work pretty well for me. They come in different sizes too. https://www.amazon.com/Magpul-Window-Pouch-Zippered-Tactical/dp/B07NPZPRXF/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=magpul+bag&qid=1616882586&sr=8-5

These moisture/odor absorbing charcoal bags/inserts work well! And whenever they get too filled with absorbed moisture, they can be “recharged”/dried out by just placing them in the sun for a few hours. Cheap, too. Moisture Absorbers

/r/flashlight recommended https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D48V1Y7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And I recommend having https://www.amazon.com/Charging-Charger-Multiple-Connectors-Upgraded/dp/B08LD4VZJG/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=multi+charger+cable&qid=1603805204&sr=8-14

>APRS via the Emergency Response Manager phone app

Is this widely used? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.emergencyresponsemanager.response&hl=en

Could look at integrating with it if it is..

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.emergencyresponsemanager.response&hl=en

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cairngorm-John-Mountain-Rescue-Anniversary/dp/1912240645 Is an account over a career in mountain rescue in Scotland, spanning a few decades. There are lots of interesting anecdotes from the author’s time in the rescue team, I’d recommend!

"Where you'll find me" https://www.amazon.com/Where-Youll-Find-Decisions-Matrosova/dp/0996218157 is an excellent analysis of the search for a lost hiker on the Presidential Range. It made the rounds of my team earlier this year.

https://www.amazon.com/75-Search-Rescue-Stories-volunteer/dp/1893594114

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I quite like this book, but this is also my home state. Utah has a wide variety of environments, and seasons vary quite a bit. Some good stories, a quick read.

• Sorry, this isn't focused on techniques or anything, but just examples of what SARS comes across. Reading these stories can give you an idea of what your typical team deals with.

I'm Eastern Sierra so I'm partial to things that are relevant to my area. Off the Wall, Death in Yosemite is really good as it catalogs all of the deaths in Yosemite. Drownings, falls, exposure, murder, etc. This is in the same format as the Grand Canyon book.

The Death Valley Germans is a terrific Internet rabbit hole to spend a few hours in.

I've used the Propper Lightweight Tactical Pants for around five years and they have done really well. You can buy them on Amazon and they come in a variety of colors.

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https://www.amazon.com/Propper-Mens-Lightweight-Tactical-Pant/dp/B00DCJPDPI

You should be able to use something like this instead for mantracking: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1HX6SS/

And castration bands from your local feed & farm are far superior to anything else you can put on there.

There are good reasons for carrying a trekking pole, but "just in case you need a tracking stick" isn't one of them. Your team might have it set in stone that it has to be a trekking pole, but I hope that isn't the case. :-)

(Am certified tracker.)

Another vote for Casio. I use the G-Shock GW6900-1. It is waterproof, has illumination, solar powered, and syncs nightly with the atomic clock. Also, it's cheap for a G-Shock.

https://www.amazon.com/G-Shock-GW6900-1-Tough-Solar-Black/dp/B00284ADAI

If you really want a good look into the way subjects with Dementia and Alzheimers behave I'd recommend taking a Lost Persons Behavior class, or finding the book online. ERI also has a manual that contains a small bit of the info, but not as in depth. You can find the Lost Persons book on Amazon