               Poorman's Gear Review

     I examined many, many camp stoves before finally settling on
the perfect one. I wanted a stove that would preform well in any
weather, simple to assemble in the field, low maintenance with few
replacement parts to worry with, inexpensive efficient fuel, and
most importantly inexpensive. 

The stove I settled on did not, however, come from a camp store.
Instead it came from Wal-Mart. I purchased a Coleman single- burner
propane stove. It simply screws onto a mini propane cannister and
it is ready to cook. While my other friends in SAR are busily
putting their MSG's and Whisperlite's together and pumping their 
fuel.

I'm cooking away on my Coleman. At $17.88 for the stove, and $2.18
for the propane cannisters (which provide about 12-16 hours of cook
time) this stove is a real bargain. It has preformed admirably at
20 degrees Celsius and in 25 mph winds. The rain is also no match
for this stove. Contrary to popular belief, this stove will not
weigh down your pack, one cannister and the stove are all 
you will need, and best of all no parts to hassle with.
 

     In Search and Rescue, we spend a lot of precious time in the
field. We can't be weighed down by a huge, uncomfortable backpack,
which effectively does nothing more than tire the wearer out. Most
searchers have found that fanny packs are the most efficient. 

These packs are comfortable to wear, and still have enough room to
carry the essential equipment for wilderness survival. Many of my
friends use packs from Mountainsmith. These are very nice packs,
however they aren't extremely roomy, and are kind of expensive. My
personal preference is the Super Waist Belt Pack from ISIS
International. 

The pack is inexpensive, $44.00 plus shipping, and easily hold
every thing I need for the field, and more. The pack is of heavy-
duty construction and is very comfortable on the hips. It offers
five exterior pockets, two are on the belt, one large main
compartment with three removable dividers, and one internal mesh
pocket. Padded  and durable, this pack is a definate plus.</p>

     I have a few recommendations in this department. The fire
starter I use by choice comes from those stores in which everything
is only $1.00. The package contains approximately 20 bricks and is
manufactured by Flamgo. They are quick and efficient, easy to light
and relatively safe. What more can you ask for a buck. If you are
an extremely tight budget, try the lint from the lint screen in
your dryer. There is a reason they tell you to remove it before
use, it burns well. Best of all, it is free.

     I went a little eccentric here, and purchased a good bag. I
use a Kelty NBS-15 15 degree bag. I paid aroung $115 for it, and it
has never let me down. 

It is extremely comfortable mummy, and has some spare room for
keeping gear warm, too. I want to take this opportunity to make a
recommendation, though. No matter what bag you use, be it a box-
bag from Wal-Mart to a Marmot, sometimes you find yourself in
weather not suited for your bag. 

When I first started SAR I used a cheap 30 degree bag from A
department store. On searches, though, I sometimes found myself in
much colder temperature. I purchased an Emergency Space Bag, by
Space brand. Used on the outside of your bag, it could lower your 
bag rating by as much as 10-15 degrees. Used on the inside... well
let's just say you'll be toasty.

