For general search work, the Suunto A-10 compass will more than fill the bill. I've carried a Suunto M-3D Leader for years for the extra baseplate length. If you're going for a mirror-sighting compass, then by all means look at the Suunto MC-2 Pro compass.

Some people are adamant about using lensatic compasses even though they will not pass the SARTECH pack checks. They're a great compass but they have drawbacks. They aren't the compass/ruler/protractor multi-tool that the baseplate compass is. They're heavy. They're more expensive. That being said, they're highly accurate in trained hands. The other problem with these is that some buyers have a tough time distinguishing the military-issue or -equivalent quality ones from the many "trash" brands out there. Get the Cammenga brand GI lensatic tritium self-luminous field compassor less-expensive GI lensatic phosphorescent-bezel compass With the lensatic compass you'll need a protractor for map work. A well-made combination protractor and UTM grid reader is available through REI.

Q: "Any brand of Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver that you suggest?"

A: I use Garmin. There are several good units on the market. Choose a unit that:

• Is sturdy and waterproof
• Uses batteries as well as a car charger. Try to find one that uses the same batteries as your other search devices
• Allows you to download/upload data to/from a PC
• Accepts extra memory cards
• Accepts topographic map software as well as automobile navigation software.

I currently use a Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx receiver. It's no longer top-of-the-line, but is still more than satisfactory. One of Garmin's current top-line models is the Oregon 400i receiver.

Q: "You're really picky about the brand of waterproof matches to carry. What's the big deal?"

A: The issue is that searchers tend to disregard how important their matches are. Because of that, they scrimp on the cost of a critical ready pack item. You must have trustworthy matches. A good match is windproof, waterproof, and has a long burn time. I also like a long, robust match. The cheap brands sold in big box stores won't cut it. And kitchen matches can't be counted upon even if they're coated with paraffin.

Having tested a lot of match brands, the best that I've seen are:

• REI Storm Proof Matches. These are sold in a pair of sealed paper cartons with 25 matches in each. Each carton bears two striker plates, and contains another, stiffer, striker plate inside. The only thing that seems to extinguish them before running out of chemical is complete immersion in water. They appear impervious to rain and high wind. If you've sat through my FUNSAR, you've probably seen these burnt
• British Lifeboat Survival Matches. These are sold in a pair of sealed, water-tight plastic containers that includes cotton wadding (for tinder) on the inside and a large striker plate on top.

Q: "Why are map and compass skills important if everyone has a GPS receiver?"

A: Batteries fail. GPS receivers break. GPS receivers are stolen or lost. The GPS receiver doesn't have map that you need. The map software in the receiver may be of too large a scale to be meaningful. Reception is bad because of heavy foliage other tall obstructions such as narrow canyon walls or large buildings. Your debriefer may expect you to submit a paper map that illustrates the route that you took. In an emergency in the field you may need to send a runner with a map of the route that other should take to reach you.

Q: "What are some lighter-weight choices for pack contents?"

A: Good choices in filling your pack can reduce your costs, lighten your load and protect your supplies from dampness and shaking. One suggestion that I make is for FUNSAR students or potential SARTECH candidates in a class or organization to team up to purchase the pack stuff that's only sold in bulk. In some cases you can find materials that are packaged in ready pack-friendly sizes, but the individual, single-use packages are sold in a large quantity. A group of students or candidates can agree that each one will purchase a different required item in the bulk pack. The group can then pool everyone's purchases to make sure each person has the right quantity of everything. Here are some of my suggestions:

• "4-Acetaminophen or aspirin tablets" - REI carries these in a two-tablet, restaurant "salt packet" in a ten-pack baggie
• "1-Antiseptic Ointment" - REI sells these restaurant-style "ketchup packets" of triple antibiotic ointment in a ten-pack
• "1-Candle, long burning - sold in convenient REI three-packs
• "1-Duct Tape, 5-10 ft" - BQ carries rolls of the quintessential "100-mph tape" in a 100-yard/36 m roll
• "8-Matches in a waterproof container" - discussed here
• "1-Moleskin" - this 24-inch roll of Dr. Scholl's Moleskin Plus is enough for several people. Remember, once you've opened the original packaging, you need to replace the moleskin in your pack each year. The adhesive dries up

Thanks to Allen Padgett, of Search and Rescue Dogs of Georgia (SARDOG), for his contributions to this FAQ.