If you're lost or stranded, being found fast matters more than almost anything else you're carrying. Search parties and passing aircraft or vehicles need something to spot — visually by day, audibly at any time, and visually again after dark.
We've picked a signal mirror that can be seen for miles in direct sun, a pealess whistle that carries far further than shouting and won't fail in the cold, and a glow stick for a simple, battery-free way to mark your position at night.
A heliograph signal mirror can reflect sunlight to attract attention from aircraft and rescue teams over distances exceeding 15 kilometres. Lightweight, durable, and requires no batteries or fuel.
A signal mirror with a central sighting hole or retroreflective aiming grid allows you to accurately direct the reflected flash at a specific target. Without an aiming aid, directing a flash at a distant aircraft is extremely difficult. This feature transforms the mirror from hopeful to precise.
Glass mirrors produce a significantly brighter and more focused reflection than plastic alternatives. Polycarbonate mirrors are lighter and less fragile, but their reflectivity degrades over time and with scratching. For maximum signalling range, a glass mirror with a scratch-resistant coating is superior.
A mirror of approximately 7.5cm x 10cm offers the best balance between signalling power and packability. Smaller mirrors are easier to carry but produce a weaker flash. The mirror should come with a protective sleeve or pouch to prevent the reflective surface from scratching in your pack.
Aiming a signal mirror accurately is a skill that requires practice. In a real emergency is not the time to learn. Practise the sighting technique at home by reflecting sunlight onto a distant wall or tree. With the sighting hole method, you should be able to hit a target at 100 metres consistently.
While direct sun produces the brightest flash, a signal mirror can still produce a visible reflection on hazy or partially overcast days. Even reflected light from bright cloud cover can be directed at a target. Do not dismiss your mirror just because the sun is not fully out — try it anyway.
A compact signalling mirror that reflects sunlight to flag down rescuers over long distances. A featherweight backup way to be seen when you're lost or stranded.
A loud pealess safety whistle whose sound carries far further than the human voice. A tiny, effortless way to signal for help and attract rescue.
Industrial-grade chemical light sticks that glow for hours with a single snap — no batteries, flame or sparks. Safe, reliable light for outages, marking and signalling.