PLB for hikers
Although hiking or walking is not considered a dangerous or extreme outdoor sport, there are many examples of (experienced) hikers and walkers who have found themselves in emergency situations. Depending on the location and time, these situations can even lead to life-threatening conditions. Every year, hikers die because they were unable to call rescue services (on time).
Emergencies while hiking can have various causes. Medical reasons such as a head injury after a nasty fall due to a misstep, a broken leg or hip due to an unfortunate landing on the ground or cardiac arrest. In addition, life-threatening situations can arise due to sudden weather changes. The consequences can be serious, especially in the mountains, especially if you are inexperienced.
unexpectedly, a lot can go wrong during a (simple) hike. Being able to call the rescue services yourself while hiking is not an unnecessary luxury while hiking. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is therefore a real trekking essential!
| Call emergency services at the touch of a button
Why a PLB while hiking?
A Personal Locator Beacon helps to get you out of unforeseen life-threatening situations. With one push of a button you send out a powerful emergency signal that is received by a global system of satellites. So it doesn’t matter whether you go hiking in the Netherlands, Norway or Australia. The satellite system transmits the emergency call directly to a network of emergency organizations, so that the request for assistance ends up at a local search and rescue organization. The PLB automatically shares your location so that the rescue operation can be initiated immediately.
The PLB uses a satellite system so that you are no longer dependent on mobile network coverage. The PLB works worldwide and in remote areas*. A safety tip for hiking is to always have a PLB with you. To keep the choice clear, we only offer two satellite communicators. The Personal locator beacon (PLB1) and the Satellite Messenger (Bivy Stick). In our opinion, the two best options for sending distress signals.
*Works best with a clear view of the sky
Choose an Emergency Beacon or Satellite Messenger
The distress beacon (PLB1) is only for sending a distress signal. The Satellite Messenger (Bivy Stick) is also an alternative to the satellite phone and allows you to send (plain) text messages via satellite to friends and family. In addition, the EDF1 is a great addition to your Safe Outdoor kit. Because as soon as you are in need, you can use this LED emergency signal lamp to show everyone who is looking out for you where you are. The red LED light is so strong that you can see it at over >10km distance. For up to 6 hours.
| For every hiking level
Satellite Messenger (Bivy Stick)
€269
Do you want to be able to send text messages or your location to your friends and family via satellite? Then choose the ACR Bivy Stick (with subscriptions from €15). You can stay in touch via text message or email without mobile network coverage, even if there is no emergency. Of course, in the event of an emergency, you can send an SOS signal at the touch of a button.
The ACR Bivy Stick offers more functionalities than just sending a distress signal. The main features are:
Personal locator beacons (PLB1)
€423,50
The PLB1 can only be used in emergency situations and is very well equipped for this. A PLB is always ready for use, thanks to the battery that lasts up to 7 years without charging. This means you can use your mobile for more fun things, take photos, videos and send as many messages as you want. If you are in real distress, use your PLB and send an SOS distress signal via the officially recognized global search and rescue satellite network; Cospas Sarsat.
This satellite-controlled device sends an SOS signal to rescue services, along with your location. The main features are:
Hiking with a GPS locator?
Do you want to hike with a GPS locator? Then choose the ACR Bivy Stick. With the PLB, the GPS is only used to transmit your emergency position. You cannot track your own route or determine your position yourself. This is possible with the Bivy stick. If you connect to the app on your mobile phone, you can see where you are, even if you are just sitting somewhere enjoying the view during a well-deserved break. Your location can be shared with friends and family, they can even request your location.
The Bivy Stick is packed with extra features when connected to your smartphone. This way you can track the hike route (and the routes of other activities). You can even plan or follow routes via the Bivy Stick app. Even the current weather forecast can be requested (via satellite). This way you always know what to expect, and family and friends are aware of where you are. This way, they can call for help if they don’t see you moving (for too long) or if you haven’t checked in for too long.
| No more searching for signal
Successful rescues after using the PLB1
The PLB has already proven its added value while hiking. Ideally, you only have it with you just in case, but you never use it. The fact that these hikers were saved is largely thanks to a PLB.
When this experienced New Zealand hunter and hiker (70) tore his left Achilles tendon over six hours from civilization while crossing a stream with his backpack he activated his PLB1. In less than an hour, a rescue helicopter with an intensive care paramedic was already hovering over his head.
– Experienced hiker
THAT’S WHY YOU CHOOSE SAFE OUTDOOR, WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT SAFE!
Take responsibility for your own safety and no longer be dependent on your mobile phone or casual passers-by.
Hiking
When an experienced hunter and hiker from New-Zealand(70) ripped his Achilles-tendon while crossing a creek more than six hours from the nearest settlement he activated his PLB1. Within the hour a rescue helicopter with intensive-care paramedics hovered over him.
Kitesurfing
An experienced kite surfer went out to sea with two friends in wind force 6 without a contingency plan. When he fell into the cold water, released his kite and lost his board, disaster seemed inevitable. Fortunately, he immediately activated his PLB1, allowing the Dutch nautical rescue services to respond quickly and rescue him from the water.
Overlanding
Kevin had carefully prepared his motorcycle tour with two friends to cross the Simpson desert in Australia. However, when he fell over the front of his motorcycle and injured his back, his only option for rescue was activating his PLB1. Thanks to the PLB1, his friends were able to call for a rescue mission. A helicopter was necessary to swiftly carry him to the hospital for his grave injury.