RECCO is a small tag sewn into clothing or gear, or attached to a helmet or backpack, which amplifies a radio signal broadcast by special search equipment. The tag requires no power and should last indefinitely if not damaged.
First developed more than 30 years ago for avalanche rescue (or as one BPL member said “at least they’ll find your body before spring”), the latest RECCO helicopter equipment is now being used for fair weather, larger area searches.
Or, as REI points out “Your Shorts Could Help You Get Rescued”
Operators can search for RECCO reflectors across 250 acres of wilderness in just six minutes.
You can find lots of ski gear with RECCO tags; not so much for lightweight backpacking. You can also buy a RECCO Backpack Rescue Reflector and attach it yourself.
Several European countries have nationwide RECCO helicopter search coverage, but only three of these systems are in North America (Montana, Utah, and British Columbia) with plans to expand.
Besides avalanche search and rescue/recovery, if coverage expands in the USA I could see RECCO tags potentially helping backcountry SAR teams zero in on a victim after a satellite SOS sends GPS coordinates.
But maybe not. Anyone have experience with these?
— Rex
I can edit first posts now? Yes, even 16+ hours later. When did that happen?
