A backcountry injury can quickly become a dangerous situation when a skier or snowboarder is unable to make it out under their own power. The Bruce Wayne Rescue Tarp from Mountain Sense offers a lightweight, compact option for transporting an injured partner across snow without relying on improvised solutions like dragging them on a jacket. Priced at $136, the rescue tarp is designed to turn two avalanche shovel shafts, a few cords and an included air mattress into a functional emergency sled in approximately five minutes.
A Compact Backcountry Rescue Solution
The Bruce Wayne Rescue Tarp is made from DuPont Tyvek, a durable, lightweight material selected for its low-friction surface. According to its creator, the material is slick enough for one person to pull an adult across snow while remaining tough enough for use during an emergency evacuation.
The tarp measures 5 by 6 feet and weighs approximately 11.7 ounces. When packed, it measures just 1 by 8 by 12 inches, making it relatively easy to carry in a backcountry pack without sacrificing much space.
Setting up the system involves inflating the included Degree Dam air mattress, passing two avalanche shovel shafts through the tarp’s sleeves and attaching the supplied rigging cords. The system includes 28 feet of 800-pound UHMWPE rigging cord and 12 feet of Kevlar cord.
The Degree Dam mattress also provides an insulating layer between an injured person and the snow, an important consideration during a prolonged rescue.
The creator also offers a replacement guarantee for tarps damaged during an actual rescue. Users can submit photos and video documenting the incident in exchange for a free replacement. Several purchasing options are available, including a $136 tarp-only package, a $308 bundle with a rescue kit and a $332 package that also includes an online avalanche safety course.