Whistle

SOL Rescue Howler is my favorite. It’s got a low profile, no sharp edges and no pea to to frozen/lost. It has three tones which interact to make a trill like a pea. I actually just experimented with it and the two other whistles I have and it’s the clear winner according to my kid standing a ~100 yards away with a house between us.

I used to carry it on my shoulder strap. This year I’m moving it to the fanny pack that I’ve started carrying.

I have several that are quite lightweight.  While I don’t recommend any particular brand  ( they all seem loud)… I have used one to find a lost person who couldn’t find his way back to camp.  So I do recommend one.  It takes a lot less effort than yelling.

I carry the SOL Slim Rescue Howler tied to a cord carried around my neck since Murphy’s Law tells me that will be away from my pack when I need the whistle.

For example, there was one early June backpack in the Emigrant Wilderness where I made camp and went off to do some photography around a nearby lake during and after sunset.  There was a lot of snow on the ground that covered the trails and the trail signs were down. When I decided to head back to camp I realized I was more than a little disoriented. I did not need the whistle but I did use the compass on my watch to get myself back to my campsite.

Thanks for all the input! I just ordered some SOL slim howlers. Seems like a concensus. Hope to never use one, but who knows. I’ve been watching “I Shouldn’t Be Alive” and half those people would just fine if they had a loud whistle within reach.

I have always carried a whistle but  discovered they are very hard to hear in an area of dense foliage and out of sight with the person you are trying to communicate with. Maybe the frequency is too high and is easily absorbed by the terrain? My wife’s panic button she carries on her key chain would be much better. that thing is loud and doesn’t require a set of strong lungs to operate. I still carry the whistle because its so easy, but not all that confident its going to get any attention. Loud rock music on your cell phone may be better, something with lots of base.

I carry this Acme Tornado 636 whistle:

https://www.litesmith.com/tornado-636-slimline-whistle/

Tethered to a tiny Swiss Army Knife, to help keep both of them found. Lives in pack shoulder pocket.

Used to carry the Storm whistle from my whitewater rafting days. It’s much bigger, but supposed to be the loudest in the world:

https://www.litesmith.com/storm-whistle/

Both are available from many sources.

— Rex

If you have a relatively new backpack, the chest strap probably has a built-in whistle. Sometimes it’s on the belt buckle.

I just picked up a Vargo titanium whistle.  Everything else I had used a pea so figured it was time to get something better.

I used to carry an Eb, but I think it fell out of my pack in the Winds. So I got an F. It’s even smaller and lighter.

I carry the same Acme Tornado that Rex pictured above, but it is attached to the drawstring on my microfiber glasses case (and spare glasses) that are always on my person.  The shoulder strap/buckle ones are convenient as well, as long as you aren’t separated from your pack.

Two of our many life jackets have stretchy mesh pockets on them sized to hold a plastic whistle on 15-20″ of 2mm cord.  Such a pocket could be stitched onto a pack strap.  Then you’re not dangling the whistle and likely losing it, and yet it’s always at the ready on a cord long enough to reach your mouth.

Like the family earthquake plan, it only adds value if you discuss it in advance and everyone understands what different signals mean and how to respond.   Laser-printed computer paper last for a while in such a setting.  Laser-printed computer paper coated with MapSeal or Thompson WaterSeal (like for your wooden deck) lasts quite a while, so you could write up and print instructions and tuck them in that pocket with the whistle.

I always carry a whistle but have never used it

Someone on oregonhikers.org said that he got lost from a friend on a hike.  They couldn’t hear each other’s whistle.  Maybe try it out ahead of time to see how good it works for you?  Get the loudest whistle?

One of those portable panic buttons would work good?

I wonder what a bear would think of a whistle or panic button.

I carry a Fox 40 whistle. Super loud. I carry one in my waist belt pocket or in the very top zippered pocket of a lid if there is no waist belt. I carry one when skiing in the trees in my chest pocket as well. If it’s going to be carried, carry it close where it’s easily accessible if you’re injured and not doing well. They are loud. Ive tried others and am happy with this one. I also carry one close for possible bear encounters.

Fox 40 Sonik Blast CMG Official Whistle with Break Away Lanyard (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002ZUL6A6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_A9D4GXJXJ45A6B9CHPJZ

I not only carry one, but have used it.  Once getting separated from my hiking partner as we navigated very rough bushwhacking.  Our voices could not be heard, but the whistle was clear.

The Fox40 Classic works well. A bit lighter than the Storm, but may not be as loud.