Here's a load-out list of the gear we keep available for mountain/cave/canyon rescue when we're teaching classes. With each team member loaded out the same, just about any technical rescue is possible. We've taught this "lightweight" self-contained approach for a while and have the gear narrowed down to what works. Personal Technical Equipment: · Petzl Falcon Harness · Helmet · Gloves · Petzl Rack · Headlight w/ Extra Batteries · Safety Lanyard (for edge work and also works to tie Radium Release Hitch) · Climbing System w/ QAS Anchor / Rescue Hardware: · Minimum 5 ea. Aluminum Carabiners (22kN MBS) · 2 ea. Micro Double Sheave Pulleys w/ Becketts · 2 ea. Single Sheave Prusik Minding Pulley · 1 ea. Micro Rigging Plate (36 kN) · Tricam set for ½” to 2” cracks · 15’ 1” Flat Webbing Cordage / Rope: · 120’ 9mm HTP static rope · 2 ea. Short 6mm Prusik loops · 2 ea. Long 6mm Prusik loops · 25’ ½” Webbing Survival Gear: · GPS (w/ Extra Batteries), Compass, Maps · Personal First Aid Kit / Toiletry · Pocket Folding Saw · Rescue knife · Rain Jacket · 2 ea. Contractor Trash Bags · Water / Snacks · Fire starter (Bic Lighter and Ferro rod) · Notepad / Pencil · Water Filter (Optional) Rescue Capabilities w/ Above Technical Gear · Set a single point anchor · Set a multi-point anchor (load distributing and/or load sharing) · Build a pull-down anchor · Build a “Set Of 4s” MA system · Build a simple mechanical advantage system: 2:1, 3:1, 5: 1, etc, · Build a compound mechanical advantage system · Build a mechanical advantage pickoff strap · Build a Radium Release Hitch · Build a belay system · Build a raising system · Build mirrored systems · Pass knots on raises and lowers · Build high directional / dynamic change of direction · Build a short highline · Build a counterbalance raising system · Descend / ascend mainline · Access a patient · Package a patient · Build improvised harness (patient harness)
I'm carrying the prototype of that on my swift water vest. In this pack I'm actually carrying a Petzl folder which is ok but just a bit too dangerous to me around tensioned ropes with its pointy tip. The Imlay will eventually be made a permanent addition to this pack once we get production going. The original goal of the Imlay was more of a rope rescue knife than a water knife but it works well for both.
I'm looking forward to that one. I currently have a stainless izula strapped to my kayak vest, and would prefer the flat tip.