jeepmedic46
Expedition Leader
Getting back into search and rescue and was wondering what people are using for boots and packs.
Equipment
- Thread starter jeepmedic46
- Start date
For the past 20 somethiing years I have worn Merrill 'Wilderness' boots everyday year round. Hiking, snowshoeing, riding my motorcycles. There American made(Rockford, Michigan), all leather construction, steel shank with Vibrum soles. They're not cheap. One pair I have had resoled at least 5 times. I would recommend them to anyone.
jeepmedic46
Expedition Leader
Thank you, I used to have Merrill boots in the past and have always been pleased with them.
Before you buy
The SAR team you are applying for may have Pro-purchasing discounts for all the gear you may need. I would ask your training officer if these discounts are available before you start purchasing a lot of gear. I have seen many of our newer members spend a lot of money on gear they could have received at 40%-50% off. We would be violiting our terms with the vendors if we publically display pro-purchasing accounts. Hope this helps.
The SAR team you are applying for may have Pro-purchasing discounts for all the gear you may need. I would ask your training officer if these discounts are available before you start purchasing a lot of gear. I have seen many of our newer members spend a lot of money on gear they could have received at 40%-50% off. We would be violiting our terms with the vendors if we publically display pro-purchasing accounts. Hope this helps.
jeepmedic46
Expedition Leader
Thank you for the heads up. Better to save.
jeepmedic46
Expedition Leader
Thank You.:smiley_drive:
DarkHelmet
Adventurer
+2
Huge HUGE fan of LaSportiva boots. I had a pair of K2 boots for about 9 years. When they wore out I replaced them with another pair of K2's. They are no longer made but pretty much equivalent to the current Glacier's.
I have a bit of a fetish for packs and headlamps. All Petzl on the lamps. Packs I have a mixed bag but for larger packs I really like the Osprey line. My wife, an EMT and SAR member has the Aura 50. I have a Mutant 38 (only available in Europe at the moment - I love knowing the Product Manager at Osprey!) and plan to add a couple of their larger packs.
Also - True North packs are great for SAR 24 hour packs. They are light, fast, and ride well with lots of space that is well organized. They are primarily geared toward Wildland Fire guys but now have a SAR line. I have some of their civilian/sport lumbar packs and love them. I have a friend that has their full-size trauma bag for a jump kit and the thing is huge, compared to my Conterra USAR pack.
http://www.truenorthgear.com
Conterra for my medical bag (USAR pack) and Radio Chest Harness (Tool Chest).
Hope that helps. I've got about 16 years of gear that works and doesn't work so if you want more advice before you spend money, just drop me a PM.