PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

REMINDER:  Please label EVERYTHING with your name — much of the gear you have, other people have — and it can easily be lost or misplaced.  

CLICK HERE for the full pack list document.

 

ITEM

DETAILS

EST. PRICE

REQUIRED AT 1ST OUTING

EQUIPMENT LOCATION

CLOTHING

Basic Covid Face Mask

Several basic Covid face masks. Doesn’t need to be N95. These break and get wet in the field so several are nice.

$1-15

x

On Person

Boots

Good ankle support, waterproof (Gore-Tex), half-shank (preferably fiberglass), NO steel toe, snow capable.  Be cautious of boots with ‘mesh’ on the toes – they aren’t waterproof

$100-300

x

On Person

Rain Gear

Top and bottom, rubberized nylon or Gore-Tex.  Poncho doesn’t count as rain gear.  Recommended: Black colored pants

$30-200

x

On Person

Shirt

MCSOSAR Orange Shirt

Provided by MCSOSAR

x

On Person

Base Layer

Top and bottom – two pairs (one to wear and one to pack), synthetic material or silk or wool, NOT cotton; (e.g. Under Armour or thermals).

$20 - $60 per piece

x

On Person

Mid Layer

Includes two of each of the following- NOT cotton (one to wear and one to pack):

  • Wool or fleece shirt/sweater
  • Black pants (for winter); One pair for warm weather – khaki pants (zip-offs recommended) 

$10 - $50 per piece 

x

On Person

Socks

Three pairs (one to wear, two to pack).  NOT cotton.

  

x

On Person and in Search Pack

Winter Hat

Ski cap, stocking hat, balaclava, etc.

  

x

On Person or Search Pack (weather dependent)

Warm Gloves

Wool or fleece

  

x

On Person or Search Pack (weather dependent)

Waterproof Gloves

Snow gloves or waterproof shells

    

On Person or Search Pack (weather dependent)

Leather Gloves

Actual leather.

  

x

On Person

Warm Jacket

     x

On Person or Search Pack (weather dependent)

CLOTHING - OPTIONAL

Gaiters

Gore-Tex is highly recommended.

    

On Person

Change of Clothes

For after mission/outing.  Keep in car or bring in ‘extra pack’

    

Ready Bag

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

Small Pack

School bag size or smaller, with pockets.

  

x

  

Search Pack

50-65 liters (3,050 – 4,000 cubic inches) must be able to hold all required gear, internal frame, load lifters; NOT ultra-light.

  

 

  

Water Bladder

Two liters minimum, three liters recommended, with hose AND shut-off valve.

When packing and transporting your pack make sure the shut-off valve is OFF.

    

Search Pack

Water Bottle

Shatter resistant, 1 liter, wide-mouth, plastic (to accommodate team water filters), recommended brand: Nalgene.

$7-10

x

Search Pack

Knife/Multi-Tool

Sturdy knife with locking blade required.

Recommended multi-tool; Not fixed blade knife

$15-40

  

On Person

Whistle

Plastic, NOT metal, without a ball (whistle on your pack clip is not appropriate) Recommended: Fox40

$3-5

  

On Person

Head Lamp

Minimum 60 meter beam distance on high setting.  Recommended: LED with multiple brightness levels

$30-50

x

Search Pack

Backup Light Source

Flashlight or extra headlamp (your backup can be generic) – NOT glow sticks

$10-30

x

Search Pack

Extra Batteries

Enough for your headlamp to burn 24 hours.  Enough for all other electronic devices to function for 48 hours.

$6-15

x

Search Pack

Water Purification

Iodine tablets or comparable chemical purification required (additional pump or pen optional). 

$8-12

  

Search Pack

Duct Tape

20 feet minimum (do not pack an entire roll)

$4-8

  

Search Pack

Parachute Cord

50 feet of 550 cord  Recommended: the real 7-strand core

$4-8

  

Search Pack

Cooking Pot

Large enough to boil 16 oz (2 cups) of water over an open fire.  Recommended: Pot with a lid and handle

$18-40

  

Search Pack

Tarp

8 feet by 10 feet minimum.  Blue, silver or bright colored – NOT camo, green or brown.  Recommended:  10 feet x 12 feet size - don’t go too big!

$6-10

  

Search Pack

Emergency Blanket

Heavy-duty, one side is typically red or blue tarp and the other reflective; NOT thin foil-like mylar emergency blankets. Look for the kind mounted onto a tarp.

$10-20

  

Search Pack

Sleeping Pad

Closed cell, full length (inflatable pad NOT recommended).

$10-40

x

Search Pack

Note Taking Kit

Kit must include:

  • All Weather Paper (e.g. Rite in the Rain or Aqua Notes)
  • Pencil
  • Ballpoint pen
  • Permanent marker (Sharpie)
  • Waterproof container/bag

$6-16

  

Search Pack

Fire Building Kit

Kit should include:

  • 2 Waterproof containers:
    • The first with waterproof matches
    • The second with a lighter
  • 2 types of fire starters (such as fire paste, fuel tabs, cotton balls covered in Vaseline, dryer lint)
  • Piece of aluminum foil (approximately 4 inches x 4 inches – can be folded to store) 

$3-15

  

Search Pack

Compass

Marked 2° increments, mirror, square base, oil filled.

Provided by MCSOSAR

  

Search Pack

First Aid Kit

For personal use will include:

  • 2 Triangular Bandages
  • 1 Roll of Athletic Tape
  • 1 Ace Bandage
  • 6 Bandaids
  • 4 Sterile Gauze Pads (4 inches x 4 inches)
  • 6 Antiseptic Wipes
  • 1 Piece of Moleskin
  • 1 Small Pair of Scissors
  • 1 CPR Mask or Barrier
  • 3 Pairs of Medical Gloves

1st kit provided by MCSO SAR


Please note that you are responsible for replacing these items when they are used out of your pack.

  

Search Pack

Wool or Synthetic Blanket

Fleece sleeping bag liner or blanket (6 feet by 6 feet) – Recommended NOT dark green, camo or brown.

$6-12

  

Search Pack

Sleeping Bag

Not to be carried in search pack.  Recommended:  Synthetic fill, 15° or cooler rating

$45-200

x

Ready Bag

Watch

Waterproof, with a seconds-hand; or waterproof digital.

$15-50

  

On Person

Ready Bag

Sturdy bag to carry extra gear, and clothing for training/search that isn’t required to be carried in pack.  Pack your extra gear in a plastic bag.

$15-50

    

Trash Bags

Heavy-duty 30-50 gal trash bag.

$1-3

x

Search Pack

Hand Sanitizer

Small bottle (at least 1 oz.)

$1-2

 x

Search Pack

Toiletries

Please bring and use these:  

  • Sanitary wipes (e.g. baby wipes)
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Toilet paper
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Other personal hygiene items

$6-15

x

Search Pack

Meals

48 hours worth – 4 freeze-dried or heat-able meals  Recommended: Mountain House, MRE, etc.

$24-36

  

Search Pack

Snacks

48 hours worth – High protein, high carbohydrates (e.g. bars, trail mix, jerky, etc.)

$8-16

x

Search Pack

Stove & Fuel

Safe stove and appropriate fuel storage

Free-$100

  

Search Pack

GENERAL EQUIPMENT - OPTIONAL

Saw or Hatchet

Not recommended: Axe

$10-50

  

Search Pack

Sunglasses

Attachment to existing glasses is acceptable.  Recommended:  Non-glass lens

$10-100

  

Search Pack

Clear Safety Glasses

Non-glass, clear, highly recommended.

$5-50

  

Search Pack

Pack Cover

Pack cover should be large or extra-large in size.

$20-40

  

Search Pack

 

Required Clothing

Basic Covid Mask
Several basic Covid face masks. Doesn’t need to be N95. These break and get wet in the field so several are nice. $1-15
Boots
Good ankle support, waterproof (Gore-Tex), half-shank (preferably fiberglass), NO steel toe, snow capable. Be cautious of boots with ‘mesh’ on the toes – they aren’t waterproof $100-300
Rain Gear
Top and bottom, rubberized nylon or Gore-Tex. Poncho doesn’t count as rain gear. Recommended: Black colored pants
Shirt
MCSOSAR provided field uniform shirt
Base Layer
Top and bottom – two pairs (one to wear and one to pack), synthetic material or silk or wool, NOT cotton; (e.g. Under Armour or thermals).
Mid Layer
Includes two of each of the following- NOT cotton (one to wear and one to pack): Wool or fleece shirt/sweater, Black pants (for winter); One pair for warm weather – khaki pants (zip-offs recommended)
Socks
Three pairs (one to wear, two to pack). NOT cotton.
Winter Hat
Ski cap, stocking hat, balaclava, etc.
Warm Gloves
Wool or Fleece
Waterproof Gloves
Snow gloves or waterproof shells
Leather Gloves
Actual leather, not synthetic
Warm Jacket
Change of Clothes
For after mission/outing. Keep in car or bring in ‘extra pack’
Search Pack
50-65 liters (3,050 – 4,000 cubic inches) must be able to hold all required gear, internal frame, load lifters; NOT ultra-light.
Water Bladder
Two liters minimum, three liters recommended, with hose AND shut-off valve. When packing and transporting your pack make sure the shut-off valve is OFF.
Water Bottle
Shatter resistant, 1 liter, wide-mouth, plastic (to accommodate team water filters), recommended brand: Nalgene.
Knife / Multitool
Sturdy knife with locking blade required. Recommended multi-tool; Not fixed blade knife
Whistle
Plastic, NOT metal, without a ball (whistle on your pack clip is not appropriate) Recommended: Fox40
Head Lamp
Minimum 60 meter beam distance on high setting. Recommended: LED with multiple brightness levels
Backup Light Source
Flashlight or extra headlamp (your backup can be generic) – NOT glow sticks
Extra Batteries
Enough for your headlamp to burn 24 hours. Enough for all other electronic devices to function for 48 hours.
Water Purification
Iodine tablets or comparable chemical purification required (additional pump or pen optional).
Duct Tape
20 feet minimum (do not pack an entire roll)
Parachute Cord
50 feet of 550 cord Recommended: the real 7-strand core
Cooking Pot
Large enough to boil 16 oz (2 cups) of water over an open fire. Recommended: Pot with a lid and handle
Tarp
8 feet by 10 feet minimum. Blue, silver or bright colored – NOT camo, green or brown. Recommended: 10 feet x 12 feet size - don’t go too big!
Emergency Blanket
Heavy-duty, one side is typically red or blue tarp and the other reflective; NOT thin foil-like mylar emergency blankets. Look for the kind mounted onto a tarp.
Sleeping Pad
Closed cell, full length (inflatable pad NOT recommended).
Note Taking Kit
Kit must include: All weather paper, pencil, ballpoint pen, permanent marker (sharpie), waterproof container/bag.
Fire Building Kit
Kit should include: 2 waterproof containers, first with waterproof matches, second with a lighter. 2 times of firestarter tinder (fire paste, fuel tabs, cotton balls & vaseline). Piece of aluminum foil (approximately 4"x4"). Highly recommended ferrocerium striker rod.
Compass
Marked 2° increments, mirror, square base, oil filled. Provided by MCSOSAR
First Aid Kit
Provided by MCSOSAR. Minimum personal kit should include: 2 triangular bandages, 1 roll of athletic tape, 1 ace bandage, 6 bandaids, 4 sterile gauze pads, 6 antiseptic wipes, 1 piece of moleskin, 1 small pair of scissors, 1 cpr mask, 3 pairs of medical gloves, personal medication
Wool or Synthetic Blanket
Fleece sleeping bag liner or blanket (6 feet by 6 feet) – Recommended NOT dark green, camo or brown.
Sleeping Bag
Not to be carried in search pack. Recommended: Synthetic fill, 15° or cooler rating
Watch
Waterproof, with a seconds-hand; or waterproof digital
Ready Bag
Sturdy bag to carry extra gear, and clothing for training/search that isn’t required to be carried in pack. Pack your extra gear in a plastic bag.
Trash Bags
Heavy-duty 30-50 gal trash bag
Hand Sanitizer
Small bottle (at least 1 oz.)
Toiletries
Please bring and use: Sanitary wipes, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, sunscreen, insect repellent, other personal hygiene items
Meals
48 hours worth – 4 freeze-dried or heat-able meals Recommended: Mountain House, MRE, etc.
Snacks
48 hours worth – High protein, high carbohydrates (e.g. bars, trail mix, jerky, etc.)
Stove & Fuel
Safe stove and appropriate fuel storage
Sunglasses
Attachment to existing glasses is acceptable. Recommended: Non-glass lens
Clear Safety Glasses
Non-glass, clear, highly recommended.
Pack Cover
Pack cover should be large or extra-large in size.

Optional Clothing

Gaiters
Gore-Tex or other waterproof material is highly recommended.
Change of Clothes
For after mission/outing. Keep in car or bring in ‘extra pack’

Required Equipment

Small Pack
School bag size or smaller, with pockets
Search Pack
50-65 liters (3,050 – 4,000 cubic inches) must be able to hold all required gear, internal frame, load lifters; NOT ultra-light.
Water Bladder
Two liters minimum, three liters recommended, with hose AND shut-off valve. When packing and transporting your pack make sure the shut-off valve is OFF.
Water Bottle
Shatter resistant, 1 liter, wide-mouth, plastic (to accommodate team water filters), recommended brand: Nalgene.
Knife/Multi-Tool
Sturdy knife with locking blade required. Recommended multi-tool; Not fixed blade knife
Whistle
Plastic, NOT metal, without a ball (whistle on your pack clip is not appropriate) Recommended: Fox40
Headlamp
Minimum 60 meter beam distance on high setting. Recommended: LED with multiple brightness levels
Backup Light Source
Flashlight or extra headlamp (your backup can be generic) – NOT glow sticks
Extra Batteries
Enough for your headlamp to burn 24 hours. Enough for all other electronic devices to function for 48 hours.
Water Purification
Iodine tablets or comparable chemical purification required (additional pump or pen optional).
Duct Tape
20 feet minimum (do not pack an entire roll)
Parachute Cord
50 feet of 550 cord Recommended: the real 7-strand core
Cooking Pot
Large enough to boil 16 oz (2 cups) of water over an open fire. Recommended: Pot with a lid and handle
Tarp
8 feet by 10 feet minimum. Blue, silver or bright colored – NOT camo, green or brown. Recommended: 10 feet x 12 feet size - don’t go too big!
Emergency Blanket
Heavy-duty, one side is typically red or blue tarp and the other reflective; NOT thin foil-like mylar emergency blankets. Look for the kind mounted onto a tarp.
Sleeping Pad
Closed cell, full length (inflatable pad NOT recommended).
Note Taking Kit
Kit must include: All weather paper, pencil, ballpoint pen, permanent marker, waterproof container/bag
Fire Building Kit
Kit must include: 2 waterproof containers, first with waterproof matches, second with a lighter and/or ferrocerium rod. 2 types of tinder (fire paste, fuel tabs, cotton balls & vaseline, etc), 4"x4" piece of aluminum foil.
Compass
Marked 2° increments, mirror, square base, oil filled.
First Aid Kit
Kit for personal use will include at minimum: 2 triangular bandages, 1 roll of athletic tape, 1 ace bandage, 6 bandaids, 4 sterile gauze pads, 6 antiseptic wipes, 1 piece of moleskin, 1 pair of scissors, CPR mask, 3 pairs of medical gloves, any necessary personal medication for 48 hours.
Wool or Synthetic Blanket
Fleece sleeping bag liner or blanket (6 feet by 6 feet) – Recommended NOT dark green, camo or brown.
Sleeping Bag
Not to be carried in search pack. Recommended: Synthetic fill, 15° or cooler rating
Watch
Waterproof, with a seconds-hand; or waterproof digital.
Ready Bag
Sturdy bag to carry extra gear, and clothing for training/search that isn’t required to be carried in pack. Pack your extra gear in a plastic bag.
Trash Bags
Heavy-duty 30-50 gal trash bag.
Hand Sanitizer
Small bottle (at least 1 oz.)
Toiletries
Bring and use the following: Sanitary wipes, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, sunscreen, insect repellent, any other personal hygiene items.
Meals
48 hours worth – 4 freeze-dried or heat-able meals Recommended: Mountain House, MRE, etc.
Snacks
48 hours worth – High protein, high carbohydrates (e.g. bars, trail mix, jerky, etc.)
Stove & Fuel
Safe stove and appropriate fuel storage

Optional Equipment

Saw or Hatchet
Axe is not recommended
Sunglasses
Attachment to existing glasses is acceptable. Recommended: Non-glass lens
Clear Safety Glasses
Non-glass, clear, highly recommended.
Pack Cover
Pack cover should be large or extra-large in size.

Where to find equipment?

Searchers must have weather appropriate equipment to operate safely in the field. While our demands on equipment are high, we understand that budgets are a concern, and have designed our pack list to accommodate. The following are some suggestions handed down from searchers for where they found field worthy items of gear.  In addition, it is important to remember to improvise and use one item for more than one use.

 

Places to Buy

  • AROUND PORTLAND
    • U.S. Outdoor Store
    • Next Adventure (Check out the Basement – it’s full of second hand used gear)
    • The Mountain Shop
    • R.E.I.  (Check out their Quarterly Members Only Garage Sale Events- Gear is over 50% off)
    • Portland Outdoor Store 
    • Oregon Mountain Community
    • Walmart
    • Army Surplus (Andy and Bax)
    • Sportsman’s Warehouse
    • Fisherman’s Marine and Outdoor
    • Columbia Sportswear
    • Costco
    • Cabelas
  • INTERNET: 
  • OTHER OPTIONS: 
  • GOODWILL/ THRIFT SHOPS: Check out the men’s section for wool and synthetic clothing like shirts, pants and sweaters as well as fleece.
  • YARD SALES: Be careful when purchasing used gear that you may not know the history about.