How far we’ve come from my young adventurous years! The first 25 years of my life were in the state a of Colorado. It wasn’t even a second thought to go out on a mountain trail solo with in a 4WD half ton. Or with a buddy on snowmobiles 14,000 feet up, in December, many miles from anyone or even a cabin. Zero cell phones. Maybe a CB radio. EPIRBs were non existent. I don’t think the GPS sat constellation had even been launched yet. Guess I’m lucky to be here adding this comment today.
I would like to recommend The Hiking Guy RU-vid channel. Chris Hazzard is probably the #1 guy when it comes to all things Garmin and satcom. Excellent stuff on his channel - detailed, thorough, and informative.
Sounds like we roll very similarly :). Got an FT5DR to replace my FT3 last year and love it! Usually beaconing on 144.390 but there are quite a few gaps with no digipeaters in range of an HT which is why I don't rely on it exclusively for tracking. How do you like the Mini? I've been thinking about getting one of those.
What's up!? Yeah, the inReach devices are super practical IMO. My wife watched this video and said it seemed like I was acting as a Garmin spokesperson LOL. Not really, but I can see it. I'm just happy with their products so far.
I've had one for several years and fortunately all I've ever needed it for was texting. Terrific video and I'm going to be implementing some of your tips, especially training others. I also need a gear/vehicle extraction plan if things go bad.
I’ve never been able to justify the cost of one of these, plus the subscription which I don’t need. I don’t get out in remote enough locations long enough to make it worthwhile. I was excited to see my iPhone come with the 🆓 Emergency SOS feature.
I have the Garmin in reach 2 with the app on my phone. Went on a trip in maine and was able to text via satellite. And with the app on my phone was able to use GPS.
Great vid - - good points... Next Level Riding introduces beacons and apparel for snowmobiling back country, but similar premise could be considered for backpacking, and as you stated, where to carry them, vice leaving it attached to your bike. Missing 411 raves about similar ideas you've mentioned... All in all, you never know when you're going to need it vs not having it... Great narration, thanks for the information.
Hey TO! Yeah, I think a signal mirror is probably the easiest / low-tech / low-cost option. I dunno why, but I was imagining myself wrecked and stuck under a tree canopy where a mirror might not cut it. That special case not withstanding, a mirror should definitely be in the kit :)
@@TomtheDilettante yeah, they usually have a hole in them for hanging up, but you look through that hole to see the helicopter and them wiggle it while you watch the sun reflect off... Like you use toannoy your little brother as a kid.
Since tomorrow is Nov 10th, and I don't expect you to remember anything, or most anything from the day. Get a signal mirror! They are pretty cheap, and work better most times then a flare.
Rah. MC birthday woohoo! I like the signal mirror idea and do plan on making that part of my kit. I was thinking I might need a backup in case I'm under a tree canopy or something as well.
@@TomtheDilettante I have two, they both float, in case I somehow drop them in water, coast just shy of 6 bucks each. Take and put the magnifier on your breastplate compass over the hole, and you can get a fire going in a fair hurry also. Happy 248th, I'm off to do something my mother would not approve of!
Carry a gallon ziplock bag and a shovel to burry the firearm if your not disabled or you might have to bribe the emergency crew/pilot to burry it for you. A trigger lock would help also and discard the ammunition. Take a way point to retrieve later. Maybe the motorcycle can be rescued as well.
That could be fun. Would like to think any SAR team operating at night would have NVGs and/or IR gear. Otherwise I'll just be an invisible blip slowly bleeding out LOL
To signal a helicopter, you might consider a cheap Amazon work light I just got. It’s magnetic and I stick it to the side of my camper van as an exterior light. One of the light settings is a rapid flash, and another flashes SOS in Morse code, either of which could get the chopper’s attention. I don’t know how well that would work on a bright day, but it’s a thought.
I carry that too, but am not going to bet my life on being able to hit a repeater or someone else on simplex :). I usually roll with an HF rig too, but I would prefer not to jack around stringing up an EFHW or random wire while bleeding out LOL
Counting on Amateur radio for emer response would rely on what Tom mentioned, and depend on an Amateur operator actively monitoring the airwaves. I’m not sure anyone could count on that these days.
ha! Until I started this channel, I had never heard that before. Since starting the channel, I think that's been the #1 comment I receive regarding a "celebrity look-a-like". Still not sure if that's an insult or a complement LOL
@@TomtheDilettante No Orson was a good looking guy when he was young. I just had noticed watching your video that yeah, you look just like him when he was younger to and uncanny degree. Definitely not meant as an insult. Not really a compliment either, per se, just an observation. It was hard to overlook. Great videos, rock on.