Mounted search and rescue

["Jeff Hasse" <jhasse@comcast.net>]

The modular style wildland firefighting packs have some advantages for SAR 
work and some distinct disadvantages.

The main advantage is that you can quickly switch out modules for different 
types of missions.

The main disadvantage in my opinion is that this modularity comes at the 
expense of comfort.  While the harness system of the Coaxsher packs 
(Endeavor and Recon) is beefy, the load distribution is suboptimal.  For 
maximum comfort, you want the weight of your gear to be placed as high and 
close to your body as possible.  This places it close to your center of 
gravity.  The farther away the load is from the center of gravity, the more 
energy you have to put into bringing the weight forward (and the heavier the 
pack feels).  In addition, this type of pack lacks internal stays which 
allow weight to be transferred to the waistbelt (which significantly reduces 
the utility of this beefy waistbelt).  Most people find it more comfortable 
to carry weight on their hips than shoulders.

A pack also has to fit your frame well to feel good on your back.  I suspect 
that this is part of your problem.  Pack manufacturers for the outdoor 
recreation community have responded well to the needs of small-statured 
women.  You will likely find the best variety of choices there.  For most 
searches, I use an older tear-drop shaped Lowe Alpine Contour Mountain 40. 
For multi-day stuff, I use a smaller North Face pack.  Both are comfortable 
and rugged enough for off-trail use.

   For this weekend, I would suggest trying to get as much weight high and 
close to the body as possible.  Don't over pack the bag that sits next to 
the lumbar region of your back.  Good luck and have fun!

Jeff

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lila Corey" <Caballera@embarqmail.com>
To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 10:23 AM
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Standards for mounted SAR


> I realize this in not in keeping with the exact conversation here, but I
> need to know what type of back pack is working for people who are not only
> older (late 50's) searchers, but smaller in stature too?  I bought a
> Coaxsher, and even though it is constucted nicely, it seems to be a lot of
> weight.  I realize the support system in it makes it a little heavier, and
> that may offset the disadvantage of weight?  I am going on a wilderness
> survival training this weekend and have packed and repacked trying to
> eliminate weight.   Most of the time, I am using my horse, but this 
> training
> requires all foot work.
>
> Lila