Volunteer rescuers share concerns about summertime hikers

[OtherHand]

3/4 pound? Ouch. I've got bad knees, and I'm constantly looking for ways to lighten up. By virtue of necessity, I'm definitely an ounce counter (but not a "gram weanie" just yet). A radio is highly attractive, but 3/4 of a pound is not. I just spent a completley unreasonable amount of money (even with my REI 20% of coupon) for a Neoair pad just to shave off a quarter of a pound. Ah, choices. Welcome to life.

Thanks again,

HJ

Then consider something like a McMurdo Fastfind 210 Personal Locater Beacon. They weight 5.4 ounces and can be had for around $250. They will work in locations where there is no cell or ham radio coverage (anywhere on the planet, in fact). No subscription cost (your tax dollars at work).

Considering the number of people on this forum that hike solo or enjoy weird, out of the way places, it's a VERY cheap insurance policy. All it takes is a twisted ankle to turn a fun hike into a rescue operation, and PLBs make it a short, simple thing.

[Hikin_Jim]

3/4 pound? Ouch. I've got bad knees, and I'm constantly looking for ways to lighten up. By virtue of necessity, I'm definitely an ounce counter (but not a "gram weanie" just yet). A radio is highly attractive, but 3/4 of a pound is not. I just spent a completley unreasonable amount of money (even with my REI 20% of coupon) for a Neoair pad just to shave off a quarter of a pound. Ah, choices. Welcome to life.

Thanks again,

HJ

Then consider something like a McMurdo Fastfind 210 Personal Locater Beacon. They weight 5.4 ounces and can be had for around $250. They will work in locations where there is no cell or ham radio coverage (anywhere on the planet, in fact). No subscription cost (your tax dollars at work).

Considering the number of people on this forum that hike solo or enjoy weird, out of the way places, it's a VERY cheap insurance policy. All it takes is a twisted ankle to turn a fun hike into a rescue operation, and PLBs make it a short, simple thing.

Absolutely.

I currently have a PLB. It's an older ACR Aquafix which weighs 12 oz and is a bit bulky compared to the McMurdo Fastfind 210 which weighs 5 oz. The 210 is on my shopping list, but I haven't screwed up the courage to fork over the cash just yet.

BY THE WAY, do you know of any good deals out there on the 210? I've looked around and about $260 (out the door) was the best that I could do.

HJ

[Florian]

OtherHand basically said what i was going to say regarding radios and getting a license. I got the technician book by Gordon West, studied it for about a week, then took test passing 100%. I've only had my license since December so i'm still a relative novice.

I use the Yaesu VX-3R hiking. It's very small. Link to Yaesu product page ► http://is.gd/dhuus

This page describes the licensing process pretty well ► http://www.hamradio-online.com/firstlicense.html

The test changed this summer so you'd need the new book ► http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0945053622

-Florian

[Florian]

Then consider something like a McMurdo Fastfind 210 Personal Locater Beacon. They weight 5.4 ounces and can be had for around $250. They will work in locations where there is no cell or ham radio coverage (anywhere on the planet, in fact). No subscription cost (your tax dollars at work).

I had been thinking about getting a SPOT device but the $100/yr fee bothered me. That adds up over the years! But the Fastfind looks like what i want. Anyone have some personal use stories to share?

Seems like radio talk has hijacked this thread. Hope that's okay. Actually, it's all related to rescue and safety so we're not really off-topic.

-Florian

[Hikin_Jim]

I use the Yaesu VX-3R hiking. It's very small. Link to Yaesu product page ► http://is.gd/dhuus

4.6 ounces, now that's more like it.

HJ

[Ellen]

Howdy All

This is why I have issues with being interviewed by the media I only did the interview to give credit and thanks to RMRU in particular and SAR in general. Unlike firemen and police, these folks are volunteers.

I recommended having a personal locator beam as well as a signaling device-- whistle and/or mirror. Also gave the reporter the information on the Ten Essentials.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[asabat]

I have a website with some info on using ham radio on the Pacific Crest Trail that might be of interest. There's a little info about their use and an email conversation with a thruhiker about the pros and cons and use of radio.

www.qsl.net/aa6j/pct

[OtherHand]

BY THE WAY, do you know of any good deals out there on the 210? I've looked around and about $260 (out the door) was the best that I could do.

HJ

REI is currently showing the McMurdo 210 at $249 online. You would get stuck with tax, but it would be dividendable, which should more than offset the tax:

http://www.rei.com/product/791972

[Hikin_Jim]

BY THE WAY, do you know of any good deals out there on the 210? I've looked around and about $260 (out the door) was the best that I could do.

HJ

REI is currently showing the McMurdo 210 at $249 online. You would get stuck with tax, but it would be dividendable, which should more than offset the tax:

http://www.rei.com/product/791972

With tax that comes out to $273.28 which isn't bad particularly considering the dividend issue and the way REI stands behind what it sells. Thanks for the tip.

HJ