Is there such a thing as a lightweight emergency strobe light?

The Cumbrian

The Cumbrian

Section Hiker
As winter is lumbering towards us, I'm thinking of adding an emergency strobe light to my kit. As it will be carried in the hope of not using it, I'd like it to be lightweight and small with a battery that can sit unused for years, or be charged up before a trip.
I started thinking about this a while ago after reading an article on UKH about being found by Mountain Rescue, and how difficult it can be, especially if people are wearing dull or drab coloured clothing. That pretty much describes my wardrobe, and I'm not about to replace all my clothing for bright colours that I don't like anyway.
I already carry an Inreach Mini, but if there was a strobe light that was a similar size and weight I wouldn't feel as if it was slowing me down when carried in the colder/ darker / more miserable months of the year.

Cheers, Michael.
 
cathyjc

cathyjc

Thru Hiker
When I needed rescued I was waving a bright orange Exped mat to attract the helicopter - worked.
But it was the end of the day and "lumpy" terrain - the MR guys said it was my torch light that caught their attention and helped them locate me.
So a light of any description is a must for getting found in poor conditions.
 
Ilovewalking

Ilovewalking

Backpacker
I have seen one that may suit on the Ordnance Survey web site. It is a head lamp, it also incorporates a whistle.
 
The Cumbrian

The Cumbrian

Section Hiker
My thinking is that if I have to take shelter amongst boulders or undergrowth I can leave a strobe light out where it's more visible as I hunker down as far out of the elements as I can get.
 
timday

timday

Trail Blazer
The "Luci light" people make one designed as a beacon https://mpowerd.com/products/luci-emrg-f2017 (not sure how available in the UK; most MPOWERD resellers over here just seem to have the "Outdoor" ones). Nice to have a lantern at winter camps as relief from wearing a head torch all the time when it's long dark nights.

Flashing beacons for dogs seem to be a thing, and are quite light and compact (could probably easily be put on some pack webbing rather than a dog collar). Saw these in the local petshop https://orbiloc.com/product/orbiloc-dog-dual/ (although looking at it now, they do a more general range https://orbiloc.com/orbiloc-safety-light/ ). Ruffwear do (did?) one too https://ruffwear.co.uk/products/the-beacon-safety-dog-light .

Not seen any of these things which claims to do an "Alpine distress signal" flash pattern though (6/minute); that emrg lantern's "SOS" mode seems a bit of a cliche.
 
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Diddi

Diddi

Thru Hiker
Just checked my headtorch, Nitecore NU33 and it has a red flashing led mode? Sos?
Is red easier to see in the dark horrible weather conditions?

Also there are strobe Apps.
 
B

BogTrotter

Thru Hiker
When I was doing Scuba, they used permanent flashing white lights to identify where other ‘buddies’ were up to. Something from their stores might work? Should be pretty waterproof too.
 
Shewie

Shewie

Chief Slackpacker
Staff member
Currently doing a beacon longevity test with my NU25 for my own curiosity, 14 hours in and still going strong

3 second press on the main switch then another tap within a second activates the turbo mode 360lm beacon, I'll try the SOS feature afterwards
 
Shewie

Shewie

Chief Slackpacker
Staff member
Shewie said:
Currently doing a beacon longevity test with my NU25 for my own curiosity, 14 hours in and still going strong

3 second press on the main switch then another tap within a second activates the turbo mode 360lm beacon, I'll try the SOS feature afterwards
Click to expand...

44 hours in and it's still going although it's no longer pumping out full brightness, probably the middle output of the 3 standard modes now
 
moab.in

moab.in

F.K.A Mike Duguid
I have a 'Moon Orion' front bike light that's quite compact - got it as a beacon for snowholing trips with a night hike involved (after a previous incident where we went for a night wander for aurora, then struggled to find the hole on return as spindrift started up and reduced visibility and filled in footprints)
 
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