EQUIPMENT
Med Gear Loadouts
There are a variety of ways to pack your day-to-day gear needs. Each patroller has preferences, and each method has pros and cons. Many patrollers use a combination of the below methods. Ultimately, your mission and environment dictate your loadout. Keep this in mind when choosing a method to carry your gear. Also take into consideration that your gear should try and match the color scheme of your uniform.
Backpacks
Backpacks seem to be the most common method used by patrollers for carrying their gear. Their varied size, versatility, style, and indubitable utility make them a popular choice. Backpacks are the most straight forward solution availabe to managing your gear.
However, they do have a few drawbacks. If your medical equipment is in your backpack, you must carry your backpack on you all the time. Some people find managing a backpack while getting on and off ski lift chairs as often as patrollers do to be a little problematic.
Most patrollers that use other carry methods still use a backpack to haul extra items around with them.
Chest Rigs
Chest rigs are an effective but less common option for carrying your primary medical gear and equipment. For patrollers that prefer to not be constantly wearing a backpack when skiing, a chest rig is a good choice. Typically utilizing molle and velcro attachment points, one of the main advantages of a chest rig is its modularity, being able to be customized to one's exact preferences. A properly set up chest rig provides quick, frontal access to medical items.
Chest rigs are not perfect though. Some people might find having bulk on their chest uncomfortable while skiing, working with a patient, or carrying out other patrol related duties. While a molle-based chest rig is durable and customizable, it is not a one-stop-shop, typically requiring the end user to buy components piece by piece from several different companies to fulfill their needs.
Use of a backpack to transport secondary items like water or snacks and larger tools like a snow shovel up to the bump shack may be needed.
Fanny Packs
Fanny packs are another good option for patrollers that want a compact method for carrying their primary gear. Fanny packs are easy to donn and doff, and most have decent storage capacity. A well organized fanny pack can provide quick easy access to needed medical supplies and personal items. Fanny packs can also simply be moved around the body when needed, such as when loading and offloading chairs or managing tobogann handles.
Some patrollers might not find a fanny pack comfortable because of how they distribute weight at the waist. This may make skiing or other prolonged movement uncomfortable. Fanny packs can vary by size greatly, and it's important to selct one large enough to house all primary equipment.
Some use of a backpack alongside a fanny pack may be be neccessary to carry all secondary equipment.
Patrol Vests
Patrol vests are another popular option among patrollers. Clearly marked with large patrol crosses and offering numerous large pockets for storage, the vest is an excellent option for those that want a quick solution to their equipment carry needs. Worn over your patrol jacket, the vest is easy to donn and doff and provides an extra layer of protection from the elements on those cold days.
Like everything else though, patrol vests have their pros and cons. Because it's worn over the jacket, it can complicate your layering process as the weather shifts and changes. Some vest models lack mounting loops, limiting your ability to augment your gear attachments in any way. Some models can get front heavy when fully loaded up, and can feel like there's a lack of retention.
The patrol vest has finite storage, and may need a backpack to go with it to carry other items.
