PACK LIKE A PRO: ADVICE FROM MOUNTAIN RESCUE

A key requirement for a Mountain Rescue volunteer is the ability to carry emergency kit out on to the hills where they’re needed. That kit is heavy and bulky, so any personal kit needs to be minimal. Given the need to keep themselves safe in all weathers, on all terrains and at all times of the day and night, what are their priorities? We asked MR volunteers to tell us which kit they consider essential. RACHAEL GATEHOUSE

Edale MRT and a trainee dog handler with Tarn Silva expedition compass – extras like a clinometer and slope card are useful, and the rubber housing means I can handle it easily with gloves on. Beanie hat – makes all the difference to staying warm. My favourite one is comfortable under a helmet and has a thin liner around the ears.

JANE ASCROFT

Teesdale & Weardale Search & MRT

Paper map – I use my phone for navigation most of the time, but paper maps don’t run out of battery and they also give you the ‘big picture’. Laminated maps also double up as a waterproof seat

– just don’t forget to pick it up when you leave.

HARSHARN GILL

Holme Valley MRT

Insulated jacket

– mine has PrimaLoft insulation that compacts well and a good fitting hood making it great for unexpectedly cold conditions or as a back-up.

Rechargeable headtorch – I keep this charged and ready to use in the sack all the time.

RICHARD BARRY

Aberglaslyn MRT

Foam sit-mat – seems low tech but something to insulate you from the ground is great in an emergency, as well as when you stop for a lunch break!

A plan – more something to carry in your head but it’s worth anticipating what you’ll do in an emergency if there’s no phone signal or your phone battery is dead.

NICOLAS PHILLIPS

Bowland Pennine MRT

Emergency shelter

– light, compact, easy to carry and a potential lifesaver. Provides a warm shelter from the elements until help arrives.

First aid kit – combined with some first aid training, a simple kit can reduce the risk of major injuries getting worse.

EMILY WOODHOUSE

Dartmoor Tavistock MRT

Emergency jelly babies – when the going gets awful, it’s amazing how much joy a friendly bag of sweets can bring.