In order to be prepared for an ARES involved incident the following lists
define those "Go-Kits" that should be packed in advance.
These are suggested items, your requirements may vary depending on the activity. Create your own list using this page as a reference guide.
Primary Kit
For portable station operation (so basic you can't do without it)
Carried on your person
- RADIO (2m HT w/30W linear amp and ps OR mobile unit w/ps)
- Earphone/headphones
- Extra batteries
- Speaker mike
- BNC adaptors
- Cig lighter adaptor
- Notebook/pen
- Watch/clock
Within easy reach (in a wearable bag or backpack)
- High gain HT antennas
- Extra AA batteries
- Personal comfort/survival
Carried on your person
- Cap (head protection)
- ID
- Money
- Multitool
- Mini first aid kit
- Vitamins
- Medications
- Sun glasses
- Water container
- Snacks
- Address book
- Rubber bands
- Paper clips
Within easy reach (in a wearable bag or backpack)
- Insect repellent
- Sun screen
- Rain protection
Basic Kit (less than 24 hours of duty)
For fixed station operation
Within easy reach (in a wearable bag or backpack)
- Scanner or weather radio
- Clipboard w/NTS forms etc.
- Maps (State, county; road, topographical)
- Markers
- Repeater directory
- Calculator
- Return address labels
- Post-Its
- Camera
In a tool box
- 144 MHz SWR Meter
- Multimeter
- Propane solder torch
- Solder
- Small tape measure
- Remote antenna(s)
- Slingshot/fishing line
- Fuses
- 50 Ohm Coax
- Coax seal
- Duct tape
- Electrical tape
- Misc coax connectors and adaptors
Personal comfort/survival
Carried on your person
- Hiking boots
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Pocketed vest
- Chapstick
- Kleenex
- Compass/whistle/matches (a combination item available in camping stores)
- Earplugs
- Eye protection
- Hard candy
- Stainless steel mirror
Within easy reach (in a wearable bag or backpack)
- Binoculars
- Collapsible cup
- Cord (2 50' lengths)
- Flashlight
- Kerchief/towel
- Leather gloves
- Bags and baggies
- Safety pins
- Salt
- Water treatment tablets
- Hammock
- In a tool box
- Rope
- Sterno tin
Extended operation (over 24 hours of duty)
Fixed station operation
In a tool box
- Cigarette socket splitter
- Misc hand tools
In local, secure storage (such as in an automobile trunk)
- Antenna assortment
- Camp shovel
- Power station w/charge cords
- Mini jumper cables
Personal comfort/survival
Within easy reach (in a wearable bag or backpack)
- Food
- Eating utensils
- In a tool box
- Butane lighter
- Fire sticks
In local, secure storage (such as in an automobile trunk)
- Change of clothes (with extra socks and underwear)
- Groom kit
- Main First Aid Kit
- Pocket-size First Aid Kit (fits in a soap dish or small plastic container)
- Assorted band-aids
- Adhesive tape
- Gauze pads
- ACE bandage
- Moleskin
- Folding scissors
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Forehead thermometer
- Antiseptic wipes
- Anti-bacterial cream
- Tylenol pills
- Immodium pills
- Benadryl pills
- Bee sting pain relief capsule
- Eye-contact lens rewetting drops
- Eyeglass repair
- Lip balm
- Tampons (they also soak up blood from wounds)
- Personal prescription medications