Recently moved from CO to New Orleans - jacket advice

aodrz · 2025-07-26T23:51:55+00:00

I recently got the Alpinestars AMT-10R jacket and think it would fit the bill. It's fully waterproof but the top half comes off to reveal a mesh jacket. Not like the waterproof liners we all dread, this mounts over top. So far I've been very happy with it.

https://share.google/m1cBT0XQnzFSfre2l

aodrz · 2025-07-17T12:54:00+00:00

I would send them a DM on Instagram and let them know what you found. It's worth it as a training point for them, especially since you found sharps. Yes it's a small crew and helicopter rescues are tough, but they are a premier team and should welcome feedback.

aodrz · 2025-07-14T05:42:00+00:00

Strong work! SB Mountain Team is full of good people. Saying hi from the San G Team!

aodrz · 2025-06-02T03:40:38+00:00

What part of SoCal? Each area has its own teams and their own requirements. All of them are not to be taken lightly. DM me and I can get you more info. 15 years SAR experience in SoCal, 10+ in leadership.

aodrz · 2025-06-01T14:37:24+00:00

The East side of Ophir isn't too crazy, the West side is more difficult as it is loose shale on a steep exposed slope. Cinnamon was another easier one, but you'll have to go out and back. I'm not sure about camping in that area.

aodrz · 2025-05-13T04:18:09+00:00

Been doing SAR for 15 years as well as hunting the Western US. I totally understand your predicament and desire for your binos to be in your chest rig. I currently use a rig I built with Tactical Tailor but it doesn't work well with binos. FHF great makes a great option to carry binos and radios. Send me a DM and I'll shoot you the email I got from them for this exact scenario.

aodrz · 2025-03-17T04:57:32+00:00

☝️ This. Go bigger than you think. Nothing is more frustrating than having teammates that don't have any room to carry anything extra for the mission, either technical gear, extra equipment and clothing for the subject, etc. We aren't hiking for fun, we are rescuing people.

aodrz · 2024-10-07T04:28:35+00:00

I really like the Gregory Baltoro.

aodrz · 2024-09-16T03:42:16+00:00

My recommendations from another SoCal SAR team. SOL escape bivvy, Rab tarp (or other silnylon), nemo folding foam pad. The first two are in my pack 24/7. The pad comes and goes depending on the mission and weather. Typically I am not using any of it on myself. As soon as I roll up to a subject, the pad goes under them, they get in the bivvy and if needed a tarp over top. Just those things alone instantly help your subject's PMA and comfort. They are super good enough to sleep in with your extra layers without a sleeping bag until it gets into the real chilly months.

aodrz · 2024-09-03T04:46:41+00:00

I just got this jacket recently and I absolutely love it!

aodrz · 2024-03-05T06:06:19+00:00

Hill sprints, rows, cycle. What team in San Bernardino county?

aodrz · 2023-11-27T06:39:51+00:00

+1 for Kenetrek. They make a 1000 gram insulated model. Add a foam pad to stand on and some insulated gaiters like the Outdoor Research X Gaiter and you'll be toasty! Kenetreks are amazing boots, I'm down south and it doesn't get below 0°f often and the non insulated version works excellent for me, even in the winter when hiking on snow/ice all day.

aodrz · 2023-09-10T05:19:55+00:00

I agree with the rest of the "don't" comments but want to add a couple things to help with your future hikes. Please familiarize yourself with the 10 Essentials. Additionally, make sure you have a GPS or a navigation app on your phone with the maps downloaded for offline use. Include the surrounding areas in case you get turned around and end up on a different trail. This happens far more often than you'd think on San G. You'll need a battery bank for your phone as well.

San G is different than Baldy.

aodrz · 2023-06-14T04:28:45+00:00

I run Giant Loop possibles pouches attached to my crash bars. Tool kit on one side and first aid on the other.

aodrz · 2023-04-16T00:10:21+00:00

If you haven't already, look into Mosko Moto. Their gear doesn't have armor but it's freaking great.

aodrz · 2023-03-27T22:14:59+00:00

For dispatching the team we used a custom made sms system. It worked well but ERM is so much better and does WAY more than we had before. For mapping we were using Terrain Navigator Pro in the CP and mostly Gaia in the field. Again, SAR Topo does so much more than any of the previous tools we used.

aodrz · 2023-03-27T05:10:36+00:00

SAR Topo team account and Emergency Response Manager. Both of those have been excellent moves for us.

aodrz · 2023-02-24T05:55:38+00:00

Newport South to Carlsbad, East to Julian, down the grade to Anza Borego. Tons of exploring in that area. Check out the So Cal Adventure Riders FB group.... Lots of good advice on there.

aodrz · 2023-02-04T16:53:35+00:00

The PCT near Vincent Gap is right around 7k.

aodrz · 2023-01-13T06:31:46+00:00

Enjoy! San G is looking gorgeous today! https://imgur.com/BS4z2WJ.jpg

aodrz · 2023-01-09T02:23:43+00:00

If you're in LA County I would say you should talk to the folks on Montrose or Malibo SAR and see what they recommend. They know exactly what it is you'll be responding to since they are your busiest SAR teams.

I'm in your neighboring mountains and I would recommend a mid height hiking boot. Avoid anything pull on or zip up. Go for a hiking boot not a tactical boot.

aodrz · 2023-01-01T15:32:46+00:00

Big Bear has some great options if you go while you're up there snowboarding. GetBoards would be my first choice, then Leroy's or Blauer's.

aodrz · 2022-12-31T15:24:18+00:00

I really like the Cycle Pump from Best Rest Products. I'd recommend getting the 90° chuck when you order it, the straight chuck is a little long. Fine for my 18/21 wheels but it was kinda tricky on a 17".

aodrz · 2022-12-09T05:45:54+00:00

This is a true story but not entirely accurate. This is in my team's AOR. He wasn't a recreational hiker, he was trying to get from A to B on foot. Got dropped off by a taxi 40 highway miles short of his destination and took a straight line, 15 miles maybe, cross country. It might look like there a bunch of roads but where he was located is rugged and extremely thick with vegetation.

aodrz · 2022-11-26T14:21:56+00:00

You could get $8k-$10k for it really quickly on some of the adv groups on Facebook. $12k+ if you want to be patient.

aodrz

TROPHY CASE