Safety Equipment

Personal Locator Beacon

 



ACR ResQLink+ PLB



The ACR ResQLink+ 406MHz GPS Buoyant PLB is a floating pocket sized, compact and light, GPS-enabled Personal Locator Beacon which will quickly and accurately relay my position in an emergency and will guide rescuers to within 100m or less of my location.  It has a one time use.

 

Whilst they will function anywhere around the world, the first authority to be contacted in an emergency situation would be the UK Coastguard Agency in Falmouth as it is pre-programmed with the UK country code.  It has to be registered with them as well.

 

When the beacon is activated it sends a 406 MHz signal to military search and rescue satellites orbiting the earth, with my GPS location and personal information that I provided when I registered the device.  A 121.5 MHz local homing signal is also emitted that allows rescuers to narrow down my specific location in the immediate area, and an in built strobe light starts flashing.

 

Battery storage life is 5 years and operating life is typically 30 hours at 20 degrees C.  The battery can be replaced at an authorised service centre, which includes full testing and diagnostics. The + version floats and is waterproof to 5m.  When activated the beacon emits 5+ Watts of transmit power so is more likely to reach satellites in bad weather. 

 

If I ever do need to use it and get rescued, I can share my story on their website and they'll send me a new PLB for free.  The 406 Survivor Club can be found here...https://www.acrartex.com/survivors/

 

Taking a PLB on my adventures is a no brainer...there's been plenty of times I've been in places with no phone signal in the UK.  Whether you adventure alone or with people, carrying one of these could be a life saver.

 

 

 

 

Bivvy Bag

 

Rab Survival Zone Bivvy Bag.
 

For hill and mountain trips I was looking for something lighter than my British Army Bivvy, and purchased the Rab Survival Zone.

 

Weighing 440g and made of 70d Hyperlite Storm fabric it fitted the bill, being half the weight of the army bivvy and packing down small to boot.  Primarily for emergencies, the idea is to get yourself or an injured party into it, injury permitting...using a sleeping bag/space blanket for warmth and awaiting rescue if conditions are poor.

Occasionally I do use it in conjunction with my micro tarp for alternative camp set-ups and I'll slip it over the bottom half of my quilt when using the Trailstar if I know the wind direction is going to change overnight, potentially blowing rain in through the doorway.  It can also give an extra degree or two on those extra chilly nights.

It is fully waterproof with a hydrostatic head of 10,000mm and all the seams taped on the inside, however I seam sealed the stitching on the outside as well for additional peace of mind.  I tested it by chucking some cushions inside then putting the bag in the bath to soak for a little while.  Upon retrieval all cushions were dry.

 

Condensation can be a problem with this bivvy though....the outside of my quilt always ends up getting damp after a night spent inside it.  Using it for the odd night here and there is fine...but I'd hate to imagine the state of my quilt if I used the bivvy five nights in a row.  If I wanted to do nothing but bivvy I'd take my army bivvy or do some research and buy something better.

 

As I've said though, this bivvy is primarily for emergency situations and with that in mind the bag is perfect; fully waterproof, light, compact and bright red for visibility.

 

 

 

 

Ice Axe and Crampons

Essential kit for snow and icy conditions. 

Camp Corsa.

The ice axe is used firstly as an anchor to prevent slipping down a slope by planting it in the snow every couple of steps.  If your feet slide out from under you,  quickly grabbing the axe at its base where it goes into the snow with your free hand can prevent a slide.

 

If you are unable to prevent a slide then the axe is then used for self arrest.  A good video showing the techniques can be found here...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94QFImjdEAo&t=258s

 

As I only needed an ice axe for basic safety, I chose the lightest on the market...the Camp Corsa.  Being 6ft 2" I got the long 70cm version.  Made of a 100% aluminium with a head that is hot forged to dramatically increase its strength and durability...the axe weighs only 240g.
 

 

Hillsound Trail Crampons.

Having traction on ice whilst hiking is imperative especially with a big pack at height.  I didn't want something too heavy with massive spikes so elected for the Hillsound Trail Crampons. 

 

With eleven 1.5cm spikes these provide great traction on ice....walking downhill on ice covered slabs...no problem.  They are very easy to put on and take off and feel secure on your boot whist walking.  Durability seems good...mine are still in good condition.

 

At 526g they are light enough to pack for any icy eventualities.  On the Pennine Way I used them a couple of times and was definitely glad I had them coming down Pen-y-Ghent.  I carry them in a crampon bag strapped to the outside of my rucksack.

 

 

 

 

Sun Protection

 

New Balance Accelerate Long Sleeve Shirt and the Outdoor Research Sun Runner Cap.

 

Blue sky days at height can burn if you don't cover up...as I found out last year in the Cairngorms.  Even the backs of my hands burned...so make sure to use sun cream on exposed areas.

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

 

Whistle - normally clipped onto the arm strap of my rucksack.  If in trouble 6 long blasts, wait a minute, repeat.  If I hear the whistle of someone else, respond with 3 blasts and start searching for them.

Signal Mirror - this mirror I got free from ACR when I bought their PLB.  It has instructions on the back on how to use and is normally part of my wash kit.

Hand Warmers - could prove handy!

Thermal Blanket - will retain up to 80% of the body's heat.

Strobe - strong signalling option.

First Aid Kit - dressings, bandage, sterile wipes, plasters, and paracetamol.