Adventure-seekers can use all kinds of emergency beacon tech to help themselves get found in case they go missing — but in many cases, this requires sticking something in your pocket, from which it could conceivably fall out. A new antenna could instead be sewn right into your clothes, ensuring rescuers can find you so long as you’re wearing something.
Researchers at the European Space Agency worked with a private Finnish company to develop the stretchable, water-resistant antenna seen here. Click here to see a .GIF showing how well it holds up to scrunching.
I am sure that there are plenty of well intentioned purposes for this device but I'll stick to my signal mirror, whistle, and fire starting equipment for now. If I really want to be found I can do it with those tools, if I get desperate I'll take the tinfoil out of my hat. I can also imagine a few less than honorable uses of this kind of device, tracking people without their knowledge expanded beyond intelligence agencies and law enforcement for example.
I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you.
"Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him; better take a closer look at the American Indian." - Henry Ford
Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges; When the Republic is at its most corrupt the laws are most numerous. - Publius Cornelius Tacitus
No matter what there are things all hikers should follow to be safe. Let someone know exactly where you are going and when you expect to be back, and leave a note in your car. And bring along all those things. Expect the unexpected at all times and respect the mountains.
CinnamonGirl wrote: No matter what there are things all hikers should follow to be safe. Let someone know exactly where you are going and when you expect to be back, and leave a note in your car. And bring along all those things. Expect the unexpected at all times and respect the mountains.
Agreed, if you don't have those principals in the forefront of your mind stay home or go with someone who understands (and has) topographic maps and a compass (or trust in the batteries and "water proof" capabilities of your hand held GPS). If you don't have enough stuff and enough knowledge to get by in the worst conditions for 72 hours with the stuff you have on your person you might regret going out for a "short hike."
I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you.
"Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the Government take care of him; better take a closer look at the American Indian." - Henry Ford
Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges; When the Republic is at its most corrupt the laws are most numerous. - Publius Cornelius Tacitus
CinnamonGirl wrote: No matter what there are things all hikers should follow to be safe. Let someone know exactly where you are going and when you expect to be back, and leave a note in your car. And bring along all those things. Expect the unexpected at all times and respect the mountains.
Agreed, if you don't have those principals in the forefront of your mind stay home or go with someone who understands (and has) topographic maps and a compass (or trust in the batteries and "water proof" capabilities of your hand held GPS). If you don't have enough stuff and enough knowledge to get by in the worst conditions for 72 hours with the stuff you have on your person you might regret going out for a "short hike."
There are so many people who die from hiking and I believe 80% could have been avoided by being diligent in safety. I was taught from a young age. My kids always laughed at me on mountain day trips because I pack food and clothes like we are going on a vacation. And I pack for winter in the middle of summer. You cannot be too prepared. I get so upset when I see people die up there and it could have been avoided.
Many of my friends use it every time they hike, and have for years. Loved ones can log onto a special web page and see the progress of the person in the back country.
One friend found an injured hiker on a 14er, activated her SPOT and rescue arrived within 2 hours.
