Search & Rescue Volunteers Need Your Help | How One Simple Donation Could Save a Life
Episode Introduction
Every hike begins with the hope of reaching the summit, discovering a hidden alpine lake, or simply enjoying another day in the mountains. But when an accident happens miles from the trailhead, a dedicated team of Search & Rescue volunteers becomes the lifeline that outdoor adventurers hope they never need.
Over the past 14 years exploring the Sierra Nevada, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly mountain conditions can change. A simple slip, an unexpected storm, or a wrong turn can transform an ordinary hike into an emergency. That’s why understanding the work of Search & Rescue teams—and how we as hikers can help support them—is just as important as choosing the right trail or packing the right gear.
In this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I sit down with Lawson Glidden, President of Minus33 Merino Wool, to discuss a remarkable nationwide program that’s giving gently used merino wool clothing a second purpose. Through the Minus33 SAR Kit Program, donated base layers become life-saving warming kits used by Search & Rescue teams across the country, helping protect injured hikers from hypothermia during mountain rescues.
Along the way, we explore why merino wool remains one of the most trusted materials for hiking and backpacking, what every outdoor enthusiast should know about mountain safety, and why supporting the volunteers who answer the call may be one of the most meaningful ways to give back to the outdoor community.
Whether you’re planning your first backpacking trip, preparing for another Sierra adventure, or simply looking to become a safer and more prepared hiker, this conversation offers practical lessons that extend far beyond gear. It’s a reminder that every adventure carries responsibility—and that sometimes, the clothing sitting in your closet could help save someone’s life.
Meet Our Guest
Lawson Glidden
President | Minus33 Merino Wool
Their reward for helping was that they would lose all of their own gear.”
As the fifth-generation owner and President of Minus33 Merino Wool, Lawson Glidden continues a family textile tradition that spans more than a century. An avid outdoorsman and advocate for mountain safety, Lawson has helped lead the development of the Minus33 SAR Kit Program, an initiative that transforms donated merino wool clothing into life-saving warming kits for Search & Rescue teams across the United States.
Topics: Search & Rescue • Mountain Safety • Merino Wool • Backpacking
In This Conversation
Together, Charlie and Lawson explore why Search & Rescue volunteers sometimes give away their own warm clothing to protect injured hikers, how the Minus33 SAR Kit Program supports rescue teams nationwide, and why merino wool has become one of the most trusted materials for hiking, backpacking, and mountain safety. Along the way, they discuss practical lessons every outdoor enthusiast can apply before their next adventure and simple ways the outdoor community can help support the volunteers who answer the call when emergencies happen.
Key Takeaways
Whether you’re planning your first backpacking trip or preparing for another season exploring the Sierra Nevada, this episode offers practical lessons that apply to every outdoor adventure.
- Search & Rescue volunteers often sacrifice their own gear to protect injured hikers from hypothermia during mountain rescues.
- Merino wool remains one of the best materials for hiking, backpacking, and emergency preparedness because it continues to insulate even when wet.
- The Minus33 SAR Kit Program gives gently used merino wool clothing a second purpose by transforming it into life-saving warming kits for Search & Rescue teams.
- Preparation begins before you leave home. The right clothing, thoughtful layering, and understanding mountain conditions can make all the difference in an emergency.
- Every outdoor enthusiast can help. Donating used merino wool clothing is a simple way to support the volunteers who protect our outdoor community.
Episode Highlights
Why Search & Rescue Teams Sometimes Give Away Their Own Gear
One of the most eye-opening moments of the conversation comes when Lawson explains that Search & Rescue volunteers often remove their own warm clothing and place it on an injured patient to help prevent hypothermia. It’s a reality many hikers never consider, yet it highlights the dedication of the volunteers who respond when accidents happen in the mountains.
Why Merino Wool Matters in the Backcountry
From changing mountain weather to unexpected overnight emergencies, proper clothing plays a critical role in outdoor safety. Lawson explains why merino wool has become one of the preferred materials for Search & Rescue teams thanks to its ability to regulate temperature, manage moisture, and continue insulating even in wet conditions.
Giving Outdoor Gear a Second Life
Rather than throwing away gently used merino wool clothing, the Minus33 SAR Kit Program transforms those garments into emergency warming kits distributed to Search & Rescue organizations across the country. It’s a simple idea that helps reduce waste while directly supporting the volunteers who serve the outdoor community.
Lessons Every Hiker Can Take to the Trail
Mountain safety begins long before an emergency occurs. Charlie and Lawson discuss the importance of thoughtful trip preparation, understanding changing weather conditions, wearing appropriate layers, and carrying equipment that can help you stay comfortable when plans unexpectedly change.
Episode Resources
Learn More
Sierra Rec Magazine Feature: Minus33 SAR Kits
Explore More Sierra Hiking & Backpacking Articles
Browse More Sierra Rec Now Podcast Episodes
Continue Exploring Sierra Rec
If you enjoy authentic conversations about hiking, backpacking, camping, mountain safety, and exploring the Sierra Nevada, you’ll find hundreds of destination guides, gear reviews, outdoor stories, and podcast episodes throughout Sierra Rec Magazine.
Whether you’re searching for hidden alpine lakes, planning your next backpacking trip, discovering a new mountain town, or learning practical outdoor skills, our goal is simple—to help you explore the Sierra with confidence, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for the people and places that make these mountains special.
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