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Helicopter

Our volunteers use their own or donated equipment for every search. While it is not required to have all the equipment listed below, we encourage members to build the rescue kit that will keep them safe and ready for the situation at hand. 

Rock Climbing Gear

Basic Equipment

A search can happen anytime; your gear should be ready all the times.

On Your Person

Fanny Pack or Vest

Vehicle 

  • 40ft of parachute cord

  • Whistle

  • Fire Starter

  • Compass

  • GPS

  • Signal Mirror

  • Headlamp

  • Strobe (may be in other light)

  • Watch

  • Cell Phone

  • 15-90 Vest, Jacket, ID Card, T-Shirt, Sweatshirt, Hat, & Roster

  • Issued Radio with extra battery

  • Pencil/Pen & Waterproof Notebook

  • Map of the search area

  • Firearm & Ammunition

  • Multi-tool

  • Folding Pocket Saw

  • Tire Chains

  • Flares

  • Jack or High Lift Jack

  • First Aid Kit

  • Tow Chains or Straps

  • Jumper Cables

  • Tools

  • Axe

  • Shovel

  • Red Emergency Lights (restrictions apply)

  • Two-Way Radio (will be issued)

  • 2 Extra 15-90 Rosters

  • Rope

  • Candle

  • Wire/Fencing Cutter or Bolt Cutters.

  • Contractor Trash Bag

  • Duct Tape

  • Fixed Blade Knife

  • Space Blanket

  • Glow Sticks (1 Red & 2 Green)

  • Extra Batteries

  • Candle

  • USB Power Supply for rechargable devices with needed cords.

  • Waterproof Matches & Lighter

Search Bag

  • First Aid Kit

  • Binoculars

  • Poncho or Small Tarp

  • Small Sleeping Bag

  • Stocking Cap

  • Socks

  • Rain Gear

  • Extra Mid Layer

  • Food

  • 1 Liter of Water

  • Gloves

  • Locking Carabiner

  • Sunscreen

  • Bug Spray

  • Snow Shoes and Trecking Poles

A Note About Clothing

Weather-appropriate attire is essential for every search event. Ensure your clothing selection accommodates changing weather conditions.

  • high-quality, weather-resistant boots.

    • In winter, avoid wearing leather boots.

  • wear winter pants made of wool or synthetic fabric. A snowsuit is also appropriate.

  • No jeans.

  • During hunting season, wear either a 15-90 reflective vest or an orange hunting vest.

  • When conducting water searches, always wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD/life jacket) when near the water.

  • Helmets are mandatory when riding an ATV, snowmobile, dirt bike, etc.

Additional Equipment

ATV Gear

  • Full Face Helmet

  • Goggles

  • Leather Gloves

  • Boots (over the ankle)

  • Individual First Aid Kit

  • Small Backpack

  • Wire/Fence Cutters or Bolt Cutters

  • Hydration

  • Repair Kit

    • Spark Plugs for your ATV

    • Spare Fuses

    • 8" Crescent Wrench

    • Heavy Duty Multi-tool or High Leverage Combination Pliers

    • Screwdriver with multiple bits

    • ATV Jumper Cables

    • Electrical tape

    • Bailing Wire

    • Tire Plug Kit

    • Fit-A-Flat or Slime

    • Small Air Compressor

    • Tow Strap

    • Snatch Block

Snowmobile

  • Full Face Helmet

  • Ski/Snow Goggles for day and night (different lens or goggles)

  • Small Bag (to be worn)

    • Individual First Aid Kit

    • Hydration

    • Avalanche Shovel

    • Avalanche Probe

    • 20 feet of Parachute Cord

    • 15 feet of 1inch tubular webbing.

    • Fire Start Kit (match, lighter, flint, etc.)

    • Extra Socks

    • Extra Gloves

    • Extra Hat

    • Headlamp/Flashlight

    • Emergency Food

    • Small Saw

  • Balaclava

  • Avalanche Beacon

  • Repair Kit

    • Spare Spark Plugs

    • Spare Belt

    • 8" Crescent Wrench

    • Heavy Duty Multi-tool or High Leverage Combination Pliers

    • Electrical Tape

    • Snowmobile Tow Strap

Swiftwater Rescue

  • PFD (Coast Guard Type III/IV) may be a rescue PFD

    • 3x Locking Carabiner

    • Tether with Locking Carabiner

    • River Knife

    • Whistle (no cork balls)

    • 10 - 15 feet of 1-inch tubular webbing

    • 2x Pulleys (one must be Prusik minding

    • 2x Prusik Loops

    • Strobe

  • Clothing

    • Thermal Protection (drysuit and liner or 7mm wetsuit)

    • Helmet

    • Footwear

    • Neoprene Gloves

  • 2x Throw Bag

  • Glow Sticks

  • Individual First Aid Kit (in dry bag)

  • Sunscreen

  • Baby powder (for a wet suit)

  • Towel

  • Optional

    • Swimsuit

    • Drybag

    • Snorkel

    • Fins

© 2025 by 15-90 Search & Rescue.

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