headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries, spare bulb
eye protection
tracking and/or walking stick(s)
sunscreen and/or insect repellant
whistle
nylon rope (6 metres of 7mm)
Navigation
compass with mirror
notepad and pencils
ruler
map(s)
large transparent bag for map(s)
pacing beads
GPS with extra batteries
for night navigation add: – eye protection
red bicycle flasher
flashlight(s)
lots of extra batteries
Survival
toilet paper in ziploc
whistle
multitool (e.g., Leatherman)
good sheath knife or hatchet
waterproof matches
fire starter (paraffin-soaked sawdust or dryer lint works)
water purification tablets
space blanket
candles
bear spray and/or bear bangers
flares
duct tape
safety pins
large orange garbage bag
35 cents for phone call
Food
High carbohydrate, high calorie foods are recommended, as are lots of munchies and snacks.
water bottles (about 2L capacity)
Sport drink (e.g., Gatorade)
trail mix
instant porridge
energy bars
prepared meals (e.g., IMPs, MREs or Hotpacks, so a stove isn't necessary)
soup mix, dehydrated meals
stove and fuel
cooking pot
knife, fork & spoon
powdered drink
fruit leather
Shelter
tarpaulin, tube tent, or space blanket
large orange garbage bag
sleeping bag or bivouac sac
thermorest or ensolite pad
parachute cord (10-20 metres)
spare stuff sacks
First aid kit
Laminated quick reference cards
First aid report forms
Tylenol
antiseptic cleansing pads
sterile 4"x4" pads
safety pins
lip balm
gauze pads
moleskin for blisters
roller bandages
triangular bandages
latex or vinyl gloves
tweezers
tick removal tool
insect repellant
sunscreen
ear plugs
band-aids
CPR face mask
note pad and pencil
space blanket
Personal
Whether you take any of this stuff depends on your pack space, how much you can tolerate fuzzy teeth and smelling like a goat, and whether you think your teammates are likely to toss you in the creek!
personal medication; tell team members about relevant medical conditions!
toothbrush and toothpaste
waterless hand cleaner
hand sanitizer
hairbrush or comb
razor
deodorant
tampons or sanitary pads (with ziplocs for packing out used ones)
Clothing
Because falling in a creek or going through the ice is an ever-present danger, having a change of clothes in a watertight bag in the pack is a good idea. Synthetic materials are generally superior to natural fibres because of their ability to wick moisture and insulate even when wet.
From head to toe:
FSAR fluorescent baseball cap
warm toque
balaclava
Tilley-type hat for protection against rain and sun
bug hat
sunglasses
spare eyeglasses
ski goggles
scarf
long-sleeve shirt
yellow FSAR T-shirt
fleece sweater
fleece jacket
FSAR jacket
rain jacket
winter coat
thin leather gloves (especially for rope team members)
fleece gloves or mitts
heavy winter overmitts
underwear
long underwear
rad or cargo pants
fleece pants
rain pants
** jeans are strongly discouraged because they absorb so much water
socks, thin and thick (at least 2 sets)
gaiters
waterproof hiking boots
Winter pack-type boots
Note: The Foothills command post does stock AA batteries for use in the GPSs, but isn't likely to have other sizes. So make sure you care your own spares for unusual sizes.
Dog Team Pack
Your small pack (no more than 7 kg) should include:
water
small survival kit
small first aid kit
coat or other warm clothing
energy bars for you, dog handler & dog
map and compass
GPS
flagging tape
lots and lots of batteries for flashlights. Only powerful police-type flashlights are effective for tracking in sporadic snow. During the winter you will need 14 hours of battery power.