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A Recco Reflector and a GPS Tracking Device are great additions to your hiking safety essentials and you should never hike without them, we break down the differences between the two devices:
Recommended for hiking, the Recco Backpack Reflector is a small band-aid size battery-free transponder which you attach to the outside of your hiking backpack and is used as a missing person device.
A two part system which works as a reflector and a detector (held by mountain rescue teams), the reflector’s diode mixer acts as a harmonic generator to produce multiples of the frequencies received from the detectors.
The returned signal is translated into an audio tone whose volume is proportional to the returned signal, and using volume control, a trained rescue operator can literally go straight to the reflector once a signal is detected.
Primarily used in the summer to be located by a SAR Recco Detector Helicopter in the event of a missing person situation, see more about SAR below:
The SAR Recco rescue detector hangs from the Search and Rescue Helicopter and will scan the area to locate a signal from the missing persons Recco Reflector Tag, The helicopter flies at a height of 100m and is able to scan an area that is 100m wide.
When the speed of the helicopter is 100 km/h this translates to 1 km2 coverage within six minutes. This equals to 30 football fields per minute.
See graphic below:
32 countries employ RECCO handheld and SAR helicopter detectors for rescue operations.
A GPS Tracking device for Hikers is a handheld device that provides accurate location information and a SOS functionality using coordinates to pinpoint a missing person in the case of a Search and Rescue situation.
This also includes other features like navigating trails, warnings, tracking of your hiking progress and much more.
These devices ensure your safety during your hikes, you should not hike without one.
1. Function: The GPS Tracker has many functions including being searchable as it includes maps, messaging and SOS alerts, many other factors.
The Recco reflectors sole function is just to be found when lost hiking.
2. Power: The Recco Reflector is always ON. It require no batteries or power, you cannot switch it on or off and can last a lifetime.
With a GPS tracker device, it may run out of battery or the on /off may malfunction.
3. Price: A Recco Backpack Reflector is £25.00.
A decent GPS tracker which makes you searchable will set you back a good £300.00 or $500.00.
4. Weight: A GPS Tracker average weight is around 100 g, where as a Reflector is 0.4 g! you wont feel the reflector on your back.
5. Life Span: Due to the Reflector being a non powered device it offers a unlimited life span.
The average life span for a GPS Tracking device is around 3 years from purchase, lack of improper handling and not updating the devices can shorten the life span.
No doubt about it, Make sure you have both The Recco Backpack Reflector and a GPS Tracker when you are hiking.
The Recco is a cost effective safety device, a back up and a good one at that (a stand alone searchable device in many scenarios)
Not every where has Detectors and SARS Helicopters but where they are they can get to you fast in the case of a missing person situation, Recco coverage is increasing rapidly.
If you would like to feature a blog about your organization or experience in the outdoors please feel free to contact us at info@snowsafe.co.uk or 01273 920 707. We are happy to take guest blogs linking back to your website.
