Thread: Gear You're really glad you bought.

Originally Posted by R93

Garmin Inreach. Having had to use the SOS function I am glad I have one instead of a PLB.

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@R93 - would you be so kind as to share some further thoughts on this situation? I'm not looking for specifics on the event but a general overview of the way things unfolded... for example:

After you activated the SOS function, what happened next? Did you get a ping back telling you the SOS had been lodged? What was the timeline before you received notification of a rescue underway? How did you find coms went... easy as/frustrating/took ages to get info in and out etc.

Clearly the fact you had an inReach would suggest you had the advantage of two way coms and I take it this probably eased the workload of the rescue team in that they knew what they were coming to and could bring the appropriate resources?

I note one of the lads on here stated he felt there was a need for an independent PLB in addition to any inReach/Sat phone/radios etc. Would your experience mirror this or do you believe an inReach would be adequate on its own?

I was going to PM you these questions however I figured there might be others interested to hear the answers. I have an inReach mini (and hope I never need to use it to be rescued) so I'm very interested to hear specific feedback on this kind of product. If you don't mind, please.

Thanks

Originally Posted by planenutz

@R93 - would you be so kind as to share some further thoughts on this situation? I'm not looking for specifics on the event but a general overview of the way things unfolded... for example:

After you activated the SOS function, what happened next? Did you get a ping back telling you the SOS had been lodged? What was the timeline before you received notification of a rescue underway? How did you find coms went... easy as/frustrating/took ages to get info in and out etc.

Clearly the fact you had an inReach would suggest you had the advantage of two way coms and I take it this probably eased the workload of the rescue team in that they knew what they were coming to and could bring the appropriate resources?

I note one of the lads on here stated he felt there was a need for an independent PLB in addition to any inReach/Sat phone/radios etc. Would your experience mirror this or do you believe an inReach would be adequate on its own?

I was going to PM you these questions however I figured there might be others interested to hear the answers. I have an inReach mini (and hope I never need to use it to be rescued) so I'm very interested to hear specific feedback on this kind of product. If you don't mind, please.

Thanks

I had a client break a femur on the hill. Once I decided I needed a rescue I activated the SOS function on my inreach mini. 2mins later I had a reply asking me to confirm I had an emergency. I was then able to send and receive details when I wanted but it worked out to be every 10-15 mins right up till the arrival of the helo. I knew exactly what was happening and so did my client.
I was able to reassure the fella that a rescue was in hand. He had his mishap at 16:30 and it was dark by 6pm ish. The helo arrived at 2045 and he was on his way to hospital by 2115.

I have never owned a PLB but being able to know that a rescue was going to happen and he wasnt going to have to spend the nite in place was priceless. I would never buy a PLB after this experience. Better off with coms. Where he was rescued has bugger all sky. It is a tight valley that would be considered useless for satt coverage however I experienced no issues.

I have used my inreach in 3 different countries and it has worked perfectly.
My wife at home was also updated regularly by phone thru the service coming out of Texas in the US.
It is a great service. I also have a sat phone but it was back at camp.
Battery on the device was at 90% when I initiated the rescue. Once initiated it wouldnt deactivate or allow you to turn off device until they had him safe in hospital. Battery went down to 77% at the confirmation he arrived at hospital and rescue was complete.




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Originally Posted by noboots

Which model did you get? The 120? I want.

MSA 200C

@R92

Thanks a heap for taking the time to put those words down, much appreciated. Its good to know what you can expect if it all goes bad.

I find it all very interesting. As you say, knowing there's a rescue underway is in itself priceless... otherwise you'd be erecting an emergency shelter, making plans for the night and a multitude of other tasks not necessarily required. On the flipside, if you were expecting to be hauled out but had to spend the night out due to a rescue being unavailable, then at least you can mentally prepare yourself and make a better camp knowing you're going to need it.

Also interesting that they didn't close off the SOS activation until the client was in hospital. Good to get closure I guess.

Fantastic. Thank you.

I have an old PLB (battery now U/S) I used to take only on major trips as it was quite heavy. I taught my son how to operate it but had to instill in him the understanding that if he activated it, he needed to plan to stay the night and at best expect rescue the following day. I remember him being quite shocked by this... his initial expectation being almost immediately recovery. PLB's and especially the inReach mini are so much smaller and lighter now that carrying them on your person -where they should be - is no longer a burden.

Originally Posted by planenutz

@R92

Thanks a heap for taking the time to put those words down, much appreciated. Its good to know what you can expect if it all goes bad.

I find it all very interesting. As you say, knowing there's a rescue underway is in itself priceless... otherwise you'd be erecting an emergency shelter, making plans for the night and a multitude of other tasks not necessarily required. On the flipside, if you were expecting to be hauled out but had to spend the night out due to a rescue being unavailable, then at least you can mentally prepare yourself and make a better camp knowing you're going to need it.

Also interesting that they didn't close off the SOS activation until the client was in hospital. Good to get closure I guess.

Fantastic. Thank you.

I have an old PLB (battery now U/S) I used to take only on major trips as it was quite heavy. I taught my son how to operate it but had to instill in him the understanding that if he activated it, he needed to plan to stay the night and at best expect rescue the following day. I remember him being quite shocked by this... his initial expectation being almost immediately recovery. PLB's and especially the inReach mini are so much smaller and lighter now that carrying them on your person -where they should be - is no longer a burden.

No worries. Definitely something I hope to never have to do again but very happy the systems work and he is ok. I froze my ass off waiting with him. It got down to -5° in a couple hours at 3500ft. I had to run up and back from camp a few times to bring him stuff but didnt look after myself. Got sweaty and then bloody cold when not moving.
Never knew you could break a leg, let alone a femur just by turning around to look at something but there ya go. You can.

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Interesting that you never looked after yourself. I did a double body recover off the bottom of the lake. Took 5 hrs to find them in the thick lake weed. Also i ran the boat operations as sell as the FENZ crew who supplied the logistics and refreshments, a
So provide emotional support for the family. My point is this. Because Was so occupied making things happen I didn't look after my self and it was only with the prompting of my Paramedic in my crew plus my 2ic I would not of done any thing. Cramp was a real issue and so was fatigue on our last and successful dive. At our debrief if was made clear by my Parrie that you cant function without nutrition, warmth, hydration and rest. If you cant function properly you become a hazard. Lesson learnt.

I used to be a big guy, 6’3” and 110 kj. Sleeping bags have always been a pain. When I was a rafting guide we all used to use MacPac gear, their sleeping bag was like trying to sleep in a sock, warm but no room for movement and certainly no xtra room for the scared young lass out in the wilderness for her first time. Four years ago I brought a Marmot sleeping bag and now I actually look forward to getting in to it. Theres shit loads of room, bloody warm and its super soft. Possibly my best outdoor buy. Haven't tried the young lass thing out in it thou.lol

Oh and those sleeping compression bags.

Originally Posted by H.M

Yep will try buy nz made merino also. But sorry not in the market for any bales of wool at this stage, cheers tho 

@H.M I am a devout Black Singlet wearer. I find the more coarse weave of the Shearers / freezing worker singlets is actually better than the finer weave merino type. The fine weave jobs don't breath quite as well and I can get too hot, whereas the coarse weave thicker ones from PGG, Farmlands etc give better temperature regulation and moisture wicking. Just bear in mind that they stretch so dont get a loose fit size

Duley Hat, Swaro Binos, Game Gear carry cape

Game gear inflatable sleeping mat picked it up on lockdown special for $79.00 down from $169 used it the other night and hands down the best nights sleep I've ever had on the hill.
Super thick and extremely comfy and it has a built in pump and it's long enough for us lanky buggers

Gambrel and Hoist for hanging deer. Have used it twice now, so much easier than faffing about with motorbike tiedowns.

Originally Posted by R93

Garmin Inreach. Having had to use the SOS function I am glad I have one instead of a PLB.

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Why? Just curious

OK. Read the reply

Vortex Diamondback hd. My best and most recent purchase.