I agree the Camelbak BFM appears to be a great pack for SAR. Another poster said it was comfortable, I would need to wear it to tell.

I don't really feel the need to see my equipement. This is true for my first aid kit also, I don't need a kit that can be spread out to show a ton of elastics loops to hold everything. I know what I have and where it is. Keep in mind that this is for long hikes or search operations, if I had my car nearby it would be a different story, I would probably have a huge bag with a gazillion compartments! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I could fit everything I need in the Stratos and have no issues at all getting to my equipement (rain jacket, first-aid kit, headlamp, towel). I paid attention to all the features of the pack and I think it's paying out!

For example, the belt pockets. They are very roomy. In the left one, I have my MSR face towel and Tikka XP headlamp. On the right side, I keep my flagging tape, tissues, and there's some space left for my cell phone i'm sure.

Osprey really design some great packs. You can access the main compartment by unclipping only one buckle, and pulling a cord with one hand, it's very fast.

I definately need to see/feel a Camelbak BFM though.

Ttyl!