Lori a third vote against a poncho from someone who has done a lot of bushwhacking and loves ponchos on the trail. in the kind of stuff you'll have to push through doing sar work you will shred a gatewood cape - while it'll make a good shelter it won't work well to wear when pushing bush. In your situation I'd probably just throw my lunar solo and a small sleeping pad an my wallcreeper bag into my daypack - alternatively perhaps just and 8x10 silnylon tarp - a BIG tarp makes it a lot easier make a dry area to crash in, and also has the advantage of being large enough to shelter another team member in a pinch. The ponch will definately work, but just don't count on wearing it for raingear when you are bushwhacking. Personally I think even the dri-ducks will shred.

And I don't think you're crazy for using and alky stove, I do the same, just make sure you can deal with it in inclement weather.

And if you haven't already figured it out, boots and full gaiters. Trailrunners suck for bush bashing