Pack Requirements

SSAR members must be willing, capable, and prepared to survive in the field at temperatures down to 0°F in inclement weather.

Items marked with an asterisk (*) are required for NMSAR field certification, others are requirements of Socorro SAR. Please note that for safety reasons, jeans, shorts, and sneakers are NOT permitted for search and rescue missions.

We want to make volunteering with the team as accessible as possible. Please contact us if you are experiencing financial barriers to acquiring pack list items and we will provide assistance if possible.

  • Gear

    • Backpack*
      • Internal or external frame backpack large enough to hold all gear
    • Knife*
    • Food for 24 hours*
    • Eye protection*
    • Water*
      • 2 quarts minimum
    • Fire-starting Materials*
      • This includes but is not limited to matches, lighters, and Magnesium Strikers.
        • Matches should be strike anywhere in a waterproof container.
        • Lighters should be butane.
        • Two different sources are recommended.
    • Orienteering Compass*
      • Must have 2 degree accuracy or better
      • No Military or lensatic compasses without approval of team leadership
    • Whistle*
    • Watch
    • Signal Mirror*
      • Military Style Sighting Mirror (mesh in sighting aperture)
    • Headlamp with Extra Batteries*
      • LED is best
      • Extra-bulb if non-LED
    • Extra light source with extra batteries
    • Personal First-Aid Kit*
    • Space Blanket*
    • Pen or Pencil*
    • Felt Tipped Pen with Waterproof Ink
      • i.e. Sharpie
    • Shelter Materials (bivy or light tent or tarp, etc.)
    • Large Garbage Bag
    • Toilet paper
      • In waterproof bag
      • Trowel or small collapsible shovel recommended but not required
    • Personal Equipment
      • Required personal equipment not on this list, including medications, toiletries, etc.

  • Clothing

    Note: Although cotton and cotton-blend clothing may be included in a summertime pack, each Candidate for NMSAR Field Certification must also have non-cotton/cotton blend clothing layers (inner, middle, and outer layers).

    • Sturdy Hiking boots *
      • Must have ankle support
    • Sturdy Work Gloves *
      • Leather or leather palmed
    • Head Cover *
      • Wide brimmed for warm weather
      • Wool or Synthetic for cold weather
    • Gloves and/or Mittens *
      • Wool or Synthetic
    • Socks *
      • Hiking Weight Wool
      • 2 pairs
    • Sock Liners
      • Wicking or Hydrophobic
      • 2 pairs
    • Inner Wicking Layer*
      • non-cotton long underwear
      • Top and Bottom
    • Middle Insulating Layer*
      • non-cotton
      • For Warmth
      • Top and Bottom
      • Suggested fabrics include polar fleece, wool, expedition-weight polypropylene underwear)
    • Outer Layer*
      • Wind and Water Protection
      • Jacket with hood and pants

  • Overnight Gear

    These items are not required to pass the gear check but are good to have in case of an extended search.

    • Sleeping Bag
      • +20°F or lower
    • Insulated Sleeping Pad
      • Solid foam is best but not required
    • Tent or Bivy
    • Waterproof Ground Cloth

  • Team Provided Gear

    SSAR maintains a cache of the following items to be used on missions. Items required for field certification (*) can be lent to team members as needed.

    • Trail tape
      • Biodegradable marking tape
    • 20 ft of 1" tubular webbing*
    • Compasses
    • Radios
    • GPS Units
    • Stokes Litter and wheel
    • Multi-person medical kits
    • Team branded hi-vis shirts
      • Available for free to all new members once they pass callout requirements
      • Short-sleeve, Long-sleeve, and Women's fit available
    • Team branded hi-vis neck gaiters
      • UV protective
      • Available for purchase