Two packs are recommended for Search and Rescue operations, 24 Hour and 48 Hour Pack. The 24 hour pack is the minimum equipment needed for the field. Do not leave on a mission without these required items. This list should not be considered complete. Take into account all of the conditions of the search along with your personal needs and those of your horse when packing. Also do not forget any medications you may be taking.
Do not allow your pack to become separated from you in the field, unless watched over by a team mate for a short period of time. During training, an unattended horse will have the pack confiscated until the training event is over.

24 Hour Pack

The 24 hour pack is carried during a single day search mission, with enough extra items to be able to stay out overnight in an emergency, and still have enough left over to care for the lost subject. One example would be in the event that you found the missing subject, and the subject could not be moved immediately for medical reasons. You would then need to stay with the subject until he or she could be moved, or you were relieved by another member. The 24 hour pack should be carried partially on your body in the form of a fanny pack or small backpack, with all the essentials needed to survive should you become separated from your horse(Food, water or water treatment system, shelter, fire starting materials). With the 24 hour pack partially carried on your body, and with a small cantle pack and/or horn packs, you will be able to search with greater speed and mobility than with large heavy, saddlebags.

48 Hour Pack

The 48 hour pack contains the 24 hour pack plus the remainder of the gear, food and water necessary to camp out overnight for two nights. The combination of the two packs should sustain you for three days and two nights. The intention is to provide one full day worth of provisions, with enough extra to stay another night if required in case of emergency. The extra provisions may also be used for the subject if found. The 48 hour pack generally involves saddlebags. The 48 hour pack is required equipment and should not weigh more than 45 lb.

Itemized listing

24 Hour Pack Contents Carried on Your Body

Compass Requirements

1. Accurate to 1 degree
2. Protractor type base
3. Sighting Mirror
4. Declination offset design
5. Liquid dampened
6. Suitable for night use

Navigation Kit Contents

1. Pencils
2. "Write in the rain" notebook
3. Protractor
4. Ruler
5. UMS Ruler
6. Map and waterproof enclosure

Emergency Kit Contents

Whistle
4 Safety Pins
Single Edge safety razor
3 packages, 10 matches each,
waterproof candle stub
2 large heavy duty garbage bags
or space blanket
Signal mirror or compass mirror
Water treatment system
Food- enough for 4 meals,
no cooking required
Toilet paper- wrapped in plastic
First aid kit
Wristwatch
Head Lamp or standard flashlight
with extra batteries and bulb
Pocket Knife

24 Hour Pack Contents Carried on Your Horse