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Cyclopath
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Cyclopath
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PostSun Nov 10, 2019 9:00 pm 
The story about Cairns who fell descending Cannon Mountain brought this to mind. We've talked a lot about the usefulness of a PLB (or SEND), and I hope everybody is in the habit of leaving their plans with a responsible person. In this case a helicopter searched for him, but it's a big mountain and they didn't see him.

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RumiDude
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PostSun Nov 10, 2019 9:07 pm 
My compass, which I always take with me, has a mirror on it. Push comes to shove, I would use it as a signal mirror. Rumi PS: I also use the compass mirror to check if I have boogers hanging outa my nose ... and to help me put my eye drops in.

"This is my Indian summer ... I'm far more dangerous now, because I don't care at all."
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Seventy2002
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PostSun Nov 10, 2019 9:56 pm 
I have WWII vintage steel mirror I picked up at REI, back when they sold military surplus. I've carried for decades.

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awilsondc
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PostSun Nov 10, 2019 9:58 pm 
I just use the camera app on my phone and switch it to selfie mode. Acts just like a mirror and I don't have to carry any extra weight. (that's a joke by the way, in case you weren't following) lol.gif Put me down for a no, I don't carry a signaling mirror but I do carry a PLB (Inreach).

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Cyclopath
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PostSun Nov 10, 2019 10:02 pm 
I bought one at the dollar store, it's meant for makeup. Clamshell case should protect the glass. 45 g on my food scale. I know that a flash of light is very attention grabbing, but with my luck it'll be a very overcast day. Or even worse, I'll never get injured enough to need a helicopter rescue and I'll carry these 45 grams for nothing. wink.gif

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texasbb
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PostSun Nov 10, 2019 10:25 pm 
I carry one of these. Keep it in my FAK. Half-ounce, why not?

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BigBrunyon
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PostSun Nov 10, 2019 10:47 pm 
They were selling these in green labels at the fred meyer camping section. I only go to THAT location to purchase stove fuel!!! Otherwise no reason, case in point the mirrors!! These things were too big. Had handles, and case not included!! Cmon now that's gonna get smashed!

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I'm Pysht
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PostSun Nov 10, 2019 11:00 pm 
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InFlight
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PostSun Nov 10, 2019 11:26 pm 
If you actually intend to use a compass for navigation it should have adjustable declination, be mirrored for sighting, and have useful map scales. Any of the Brunton 15, Suunto MC-2, or Silva Ranger would get the job done. You then have a multipurpose mirror that might be useful when not completely overcast in the PNW.

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...” ― Henry David Thoreau
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Ski
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PostSun Nov 10, 2019 11:36 pm 
my Silva compass has a mirror in it. I also carry a small pocket mirror. never used either of them for signalling.

"I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach. I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each."
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K-rino
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PostMon Nov 11, 2019 3:22 am 
Always carry a Coghlan's Featherweight Mirror, I got it on amazon. Never used it for signaling but used it when I feel the need to check for ticks since I always hike alone. smile.gif

My mind is the place where I make my plans, the world is the place where I take my stand, the beauty of life is mine today, nobody can take my mind away.
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moonspots
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PostMon Nov 11, 2019 6:48 am 
Cyclopath wrote:
In this case a helicopter searched for him, but it's a big mountain and they didn't see him.
I've carried the disk from an old hard drive (but at the moment I'm not quite sure which bag it's in) as it's light weight and small, nearly unbreakable, two sided, and the ~1" hole in the middle makes it easy to sight to the intended target.

"Out, OUT you demons of Stupidity"! - St Dogbert, patron Saint of Technology
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Kim Brown
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PostMon Nov 11, 2019 10:18 am 
I carry an old CD, but whether or not I can get it to actually reflect a glare enough to help - I don't know.

"..living on the east side of the Sierra world be ideal - except for harsher winters and the chance of apocalyptic fires burning the whole area." Bosterson, NWHiker's marketing expert
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ejain
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PostMon Nov 11, 2019 1:10 pm 
I keep one of these in my first aid kit. Just noticed it's getting a bit scuffed; time to replace it with a better quality signal mirror made from glass rather than plastic?

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moonspots
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PostMon Nov 11, 2019 1:33 pm 
BigBrunyon wrote:
...fred meyer camping section. I only go to THAT location to purchase stove fuel!!! Otherwise no reason,...
Well, Freddies DOES have a fine selection of PNW beers! up.gif agree.gif

"Out, OUT you demons of Stupidity"! - St Dogbert, patron Saint of Technology
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