Search and rescue bag of tricks.

I have a unique problem where I may from time to time have to haul up to 300 pounds an undetermined distance through what could be total scrub hell (I.e. Hard enough to walk through. ) Any terrain is possible but scrub hell is what I'm most concerned about. I have up to four people at my disposal. Any ideas ? Helos are not available. Thanks.

Aside from making the experience a living hell for the person being lifted out, I'm at a loss, awesome question, I look forward to seeing what comes of this thread

Ha... need more info.

Can you cut the 300lb deal up?

Is it something that is alive?

Motorized OK?

interesting question...

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calf sled

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Maybe something from this website?

rescueresponse.com/store/st…

Use a guideline, similar to a tyrol, and try to walk it over the scrub crap.

The four people chosen should probably be tough as hell to start with :).

Thanks for the replies guys and good questions.

Firstly, the object in my case is not alive but I think it would be cool if the technique could transfer well to search and rescue scenarios. That would just be a bonus not a requirement.

The object can be separated into two piece. One piece weighing no less than 200 pounds.

Motorized is ok and encouraged. Also it would be nice if 2-3 people could lift the motorized whatever over your standard barbed wire fence.

@Buff Johnson
I too thought of the Tyrol/zip line idea and while I think it would be great for certain scenarios, some, as in flatter terrain or a longer distance to haul it would not be ideal. Overall I think it's a good idea and has its place in the bag of tricks.

@mike Gibson
I like where you're going with that. Have you used one before?

@ Chris rice
Three of the four people are tough as nails.

Can you give more terrain detail? If you are in thick trees with dense scrub up to your waist, there are no tricks that will save you.

On flat ground, some kind of single-wheel wheelbarrow-esque setup would be my first inclination, with a large all-terrain wheel. But it depends on how close the trees are, and how manageable the ground is.

Four gas-powered hedge trimmers and a wheelbarrow?

Having hauled generators over similar terrain, we set up a tight steel cable diagonal to the rock/slope. Ran a pulley on the piece and a separate line that pulled the generator, which was attached to a haul system at the top. A variation of Tyrolean, but it worked great for us.

Not sure what kind of budget you have at your disposal but a grip hoist and a high-line setup could easily move 300 lbs up a steep slope. You would need either good trees in the area or tripods and some knowledge of hauling. There are winches on the market that integrate with a chainsaw but in my experience its just as easy and much less expensive to haul with man power.

Grip hoist and high-lines do require some knowledge to operate safely but have been used in the logging and trail construction, and many other fields likely for some time.

Triangle Travois. 3" poles roped together in a triangle. The point feeds through the scrub, the other two tough as nails guys then get the onerous chore of pulling, pushing, or lifting as necessary. The trailing poles get to carry most of the weight.

Another method is a pole bag, single pole with a canvas bag (old tents work well) roped underneath in a sling. 2 persons on each end.

You can use an inexpensive Come-Along to help pull through/up stuff. It also comes in handy to mend barb wire fences should you break a wire getting your load over it.

amazon.com/Maasdam-PowR-Pul…

I have hauled some heavy gear through some rough areas using a "game cart". They are designed for retrieving meat and such for hunters.

Not much beats a good horse or mule though when it comes to heavy loads and rough terrain. Do you have any backcountry horseman groups in your area? I know our local SAR and Sheriff's office have volunteer horsemen available.

I wish I'd had this when I was making my way west on the Oregon Trail - I can't tell you how many times my 11 children starved to death because I shot a 500 lb. buffalo but could only carry 20 lbs. of meat back to the wagon.

Thread a pair of muskets through the sleeves of a wool coat, Peninsular War style

Don Ferris wrote: @mike Gibson I like where you're going with that. Have you used one before?

Father-in-law has one that he can pile in a mess of grandkids and then pull it behind an ATV or snowmobile. He also uses it to pull hunting and ice fishing gear up trails into the mountain. Sled is tough enough to handle anything. Farm and Ranch stores usually sell a variety of sizes.

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