SAR KIT
By: Roxanne Johnson
"Okay, once again I've been going thru my SAR notes and this is the recommended list for our '72 hour kit'. Please remember, these kits are designed for a wilderness search environment, but can be utilized in any survival situation with a few minor additions/subtractions."
| Nylon backpack lightweight aluminum frame |
| Lightweight, roll-up rainsuit (or large plastic garbage bag) |
| In hot climates, a broad-brimmed, lightweight hat (preferably made of cotton) |
| In cold climates, a knitted hat or balaklava and extra gloves or mittens (preferably made of wool or polypropylene) |
| Extra pairs of socks (preferably made of wool or polypropylene) |
| In cold climates, long johns (preferably made of wool or polypropylene) |
| Blue plastic tarp (for use as tent. blue is the best color as it can be seen from the air by airborne searchers) |
| Roll-up 4 ft seine (Poles can be fashioned from available sticks or other wood found near a stream) |
| Waterproof, strike-anywhere matches |
| Waterproof, battery-less flashlight |
| Candle stub (can be used for light and/or plugging & patching) |
| Fire starter (can be found anywhere that sells camping/barbecue supplies) |
| Insect repellent (in plastic squeeze bottle) |
| Sunscreen lotion or cream |
| Sunglasses (even in areas with snow. Snow blindness can occur) |
| Signal mirror |
| Two flares |
| Compass |
| Appropriate topographic maps for area you are in |
| Halazone tablets for purifying water |
| Two dozen assorted fishhooks |
| Fifty feet of 50-lb test fishing line |
| Brass swivels & 25 feet of light wire for rigging snares |
| Swiss Army knife (or Leatherman's tool) |
| Needle and thread |
| 25 feet of parachute cord or other heavy-duty nylon line |
| Short file or whetstone |
| Axe or hatchet |
| A strong saw that is capable of taking down a tree of at least 6" in diameter |
| Plastic pack of bouillon cubes & chocolate packs of mix with water |
| One square yard of aluminum foil |
| Antiseptic cream |
| Small pad & pencil |
| Field rations such as MRE's or energy bars |
| Mess kit/flatware |
| Canteen |
| First aid kit |