Forum Index > Trail Talk > Do you carry a signal mirror?
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scottk
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PostMon Nov 11, 2019 2:21 pm 
It's equally important to know how to use a signal mirror. Hold the mirror up by your eye with one hand and extend your other hand making a "V" with your fingers. Keep the thing you're trying to signal between your fingers and move the mirror to light up your fingers. Here's a more complete illustration:
I have some friends that actually successfully used this technique to signal a rescue helicopter in the Pickets.

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grannyhiker
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PostMon Nov 11, 2019 3:33 pm 
I always carry a mirror, although a PLB is my first choice for emergency signaling, with the blinking feature on my headlamp next. The mirror, as others have stated, is most useful for tick searches, removing foreign body in the eye, treating facial wounds, checking for smudges when returning to the parking lot. A shiny pan, being larger than a small mirror, is probably more useful for signaling.

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.--E.Abbey
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Malachai Constant
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PostMon Nov 11, 2019 7:07 pm 
Lynda carries a signal mirror mostly to put in contacts.We have never used it and have never used the in reach for that purpose.

"You do not laugh when you look at the mountains, or when you look at the sea." Lafcadio Hearn
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graywolf
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PostMon Nov 11, 2019 7:25 pm 
My compass has a mirror. I've used it while sea kayaking to signal other members of the party where I landed to have lunch or set up camp. Technique: 1. Spot friend(s) with binoculars. 2. Place tip of thumb or finger where I spotted friend(s). 3. Flash reflected sunlight across tip of thumb or finger. 4. Look for acknowledgement (waving of paddle, etc) with binoculars. 5. Repeat until reunited.

The only easy day was yesterday...
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Brushwork
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PostMon Nov 11, 2019 9:02 pm 
Scott, that is an excellent video on how to use a mirror. Though my compass has a mirror, and I remember in the mountaineers being taught one could use it, I had actually forgotten all about that.... Great reminder!!!

When I grow up I wanna play.
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Bernardo
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PostTue Nov 12, 2019 6:10 am 
Surprised that so many carry a mirror. Interesting thread.

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80skeys
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PostThu Nov 14, 2019 6:38 pm 
I do carry a signal mirror. I've tested it out and it does work well to attract attention at a distance. My testing was around 3 miles and I'm sure it would work for farther distances.

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BigBrunyon
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PostFri Nov 15, 2019 2:10 am 
Good vid. Goes to show its the 'proach that matters not the 'tech!!!

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Sky Hiker
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PostFri Nov 15, 2019 6:08 am 
No I pack a pistol

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Navy salad
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PostFri Nov 15, 2019 11:02 am 
I carry a simple plastic signaling mirror in both my day and overnight packs, and also in my sea kayaking gear. Never used any of them!

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Schenk
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PostFri Nov 15, 2019 11:12 am 
Sky Hiker wrote:
No I pack a pistol
How are you going to signal a helicopter or plane that's conducting an aerial search? Shoot at it? biggrin.gif

Nature exists with a stark indifference to humans' situation.
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Sky Hiker
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PostFri Nov 15, 2019 11:28 am 
hihi.gif

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ejain
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PostFri Nov 15, 2019 12:26 pm 
Sky Hiker wrote:
No I pack a pistol

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Cyclopath
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PostFri Nov 15, 2019 12:33 pm 
Sky Hiker wrote:
No I pack a pistol
If you ever need to defend yourself against your rescuers, you'll be all set!

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Sky Hiker
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PostFri Nov 15, 2019 12:42 pm 
hihi.gif boy you guys sure are a funny group.

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