High Sierra Topix

A whistle weighs almost nothing. Why not carry one? Best are the ones that are part of your buckle so you don't have to search for it if you need it.


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Sittingbull wrote:A whistle weighs almost nothing. Why not carry one?

My buckle whistle and the strap it attaches to weighs 0.4oz. Slightly heavier than the car key I usually leave behind at the trailhead.

If I apply your simple rule to a few dozen other items of similar weight my pack will grow by an extra pound. So I scrutinize each thing I might want to carry and consider the risk if I were to leave it behind. On almost all trips I do in the Sierra I evaluate the risk of traveling without a whistle as vanishingly small. So I leave it.

When in Canada I discovered a device called a "bear banger." While I would never consider carrying one for Sierra black bears, they are another line of defense against griz in that they can be used to discourage a bear before it gets close enough to use spray. The launcher is the size of an ink pin. The projectile has a small charge that will send the projectile about 50 yards and then discharges. Got to be careful though and not launch the thing on the other side of the bear and scare it toward yourself! Directions recommend a vertical launch so that doesn't happen. The launcher is also capable of firing a small flare about 50 yards up that then ignites for 4 to 6 seconds. For those of you concerned about searchers finding you both types of projectiles could be of some value. I guess my big concern about the use of either is if there is a chance of igniting a fire.

Mike

Bear bangers -- interesting idea. But I'll bet they're not legal in many areas of the Sierra.

A trip to the fireworks stand in early July would be roughly equivalent. A Piccolo Pete would attract attention. But it's just one shot per device, whereas you can keep on blowing a whistle as long as you can breath.

I carry one plus there is one built into my Osprey pack (Osprey one not very loud). A couple years ago I bought a box of good steal wistles and attached them to retractible badge lanyards from work. I gave them to everyone that hikes with me on a regularly.

One thing I was also thinking about with a whistle (both day and main pack have the sternum strap plastic), is that you can whistle S.O.S. if a SAR is not apparent. This, I'd assume, would grant some attention to anyone around that help is needed.

A trip to the fireworks stand in early July would be roughly equivalent.

Either the bear banger or fire works as mention, would be illegal, and would increase the chances of even more wildfires in the Sierra, which is the last thing we need.

Mav

Show me the regulations that coverbear bangers. Regs for seki are somewhat vague but think they would have a hard time prosecuting anyone for carrying a bear banger or even using one according to the directions.

Mike

You are correct Mike, the rules as written are quite vague. My main concern is that some folks may handle this as some toy, injure themselves, someone else, a bear, or start a wildfire, especially in drought conditions.

I carry a plastic whistle as a necklace. I also make a point to have some very bright colored clothing. It is amazing how much easier it is to find someone if they are wearing florescent hunter orange. A bright turquoise blue also works well. Another thing is that anything moving is easier to spot- perhaps have a bright orange kerchief and wave it tied to your trekking pole. A mirror is also useful.