Using an Old Technology to Keep Hikers Safe
Our mission at Trek for Trevor is to promote safe hiking and exploration through preparation, awareness and education. It’s our goal to ensure that every adventure into the backcountry is as safe and exhilarating as possible. After all, there is no great adventure if you can’t return home to share it with friends and family.
Technology is taking the hiking community by storm, from navigation apps like Far Out, AllTrails, Giaia GPS, and onX Backcountry to Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) like Garmin, Zoleo and SPOT, the use of technology is making hiking more convenient…and safer. In fact, cellular carriers are even leveraging technology to provide users with satellite communication service on their mobile phone when they are out of range of a cellular tower. It’s a bit clunky at the moment, but make no doubt about it, simply having your cell phone with you in the backcountry is going to make you much safer.
PLBs continue to be the gold standard for safety for hikers entering the backcountry. And while these devices are expected to remain as the “go to” safety devices for hikers, there is an old technology making its way into the hiking community that is revolutionizing the world of search and rescue (SAR): RECCO.
What is RECCO Technology?
Developed in the early 1980s by Magnus Granhed, RECCO is a radar-generated technology platform built to aid in the location of skiers buried by avalanches. While this technology has been saving the lives of skiers for decades, it has since evolved and now offers significant benefits to the hiking community.
The RECCO system operates on a simple yet ingenious principle: it consists of two components – a passive reflector which can be integrated into outdoor gear or hung from a backpack, and an active detector used by SAR teams.
How Does it Work?
A RECCO detector emits a directional radar signal, much like a radar gun used by law enforcement. These detectors can either be handheld devices which cover smaller, but more targeted areas, or large devices hung from below a SAR helicopter designed to cover much larger areas. Once the radar signal hits the passive reflector, it is echoed back to the detector. The closer the detector gets to the reflector the stronger the returned signal becomes and as a result, can provide pinpoint accuracy for rescuers attempting to locate victims buried in the snow.
This technology does not rely on batteries or any activation from the hiker, making it a reliable backup in emergency situations where other devices might fail or become unusable.
How RECCO works
Ideal Applications for RECCO Technology
For Skiers and Avalanche Situations
The historical application of RECCO was for skiers, particularly for those venturing into avalanche-prone areas. Avalanches can bury individuals under several feet of snow, making it nearly impossible for rescuers to locate them without the aid of technology. The RECCO system has proven invaluable in these scenarios, enabling swift and precise searches, significantly improving the chances of survival. In fact, several clothing manufacturers targeting the skiing community are now imbedding RECCO reflectors into their products, thus creating a “buy it and forget about it” mindset for those who want to maximize their safety while on the slopes.
For Thru-Hikers and Backcountry Adventures
While RECCO's origins lie in the skiing world, its applications extend far beyond the slopes. For thru-hikers and backcountry explorers, RECCO offers an additional layer of safety. Imagine being in a remote location, away from the reach of cell phone signals, where a PLB is your primary lifeline. In the unfortunate event that you become separated from your PLB, incapacitated or severely injured, activating a PLB might be impossible. And this is where RECCO shines. As a passive system, it doesn't require your intervention; it simply works when rescuers come searching.
Image from Jack Wolfskin
RECCO as a Redundancy Precaution
It’s important to acknowledge that while RECCO is a fantastic technology, it should not replace your primary safety measures. PLBs and cell phones should be your first line of defense in emergencies. When wireless service is available, one should call 911 when an emergency occurs, however hiking in the backcountry often times takes you to rural areas where cellular service is not available. In these scenarios, PLBs serve as your lifeline and are designed to send distress signals to satellites, ensuring that your location is pinpointed. Within minutes of your SOS button being hit, you’ll be connected to an expert who will triage your situation and dispatch Search & Rescue personnel to your location, even in the most remote areas. In scenarios however where you are unable to manually activate your PLB due to injury or incapacitation, the RECCO reflector when added to your hiking kit can provide an additional safety net.
RECCO and the Search & Rescue Community
SAR teams in locations across the globe have integrated RECCO technology into their operations. The system's effectiveness has been proven in countless real-life rescues. SAR teams appreciate the RECCO system because it enhances their ability to locate missing persons quickly, especially in challenging conditions like dense forests, ravines, and snow-covered landscapes. The RECCO detector's ability to scan large areas swiftly and accurately means that the critical window for rescue is widened, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
As RECCO technology is more prevalent in avalanche-prone locales, SAR often times will assume buried skiers are wearing RECCO reflectors or they’re imbedded into their clothing. But what about the hiking community? As the use of this technology is not yet considered the gold standard in the hiking community, it will not likely be assumed that missing hikers are in possession of RECCO reflectors. As such, it would be considered good practice to notify your friends/loved ones that you are in possession of a reflector and, if you include a PLB into your hiking kit, it is recommended to include this information in your account profile with whichever device you use. The SAR team responsible for the coverage area in which you are hiking may not possess the RECCO detectors, however if they are aware you are carrying a reflector, it is likely they can borrow this technology from a neighboring SAR company, thus expediting your rescue or at worst, recovery.
Cost Considerations
Amongst the many advantages of the RECCO technology is its cost-effectiveness. The reflectors are relatively inexpensive and as already discussed, may already be imbedded into some of the high-end clothing used by many skiers. For hikers looking to add this technology to their backpack, there are numerous options available online. You can purchase RECCO reflectors through various retailers, including Amazon.
Trek for Trevor is not an affiliate partner of RECCO, nor do we receive royalties for the sales of their devices.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of hiking safety, RECCO technology stands out as but one asset which can be used to elevate your safety profile and add peace of mind to family and friends. While it should not replace your primary safety devices like PLBs or cell phones, RECCO provides an essential backup that operates passively, ensuring you are locatable even if you cannot signal for help yourself.
If you’re committed to a safe hiking experience, or perhaps more so, ensuring your loved ones have the ability to locate you in the event you are lost or in the worst-case scenario, suffer a catastrophic injury, adding RECCO technology to your safety strategy is a wise consideration. As technologies advance, it also allows those who love the outdoors the ability to recreate in wilderness areas more safely. As you prepare for your next adventure, consider integrating RECCO technology into your gear. It’s a small investment for a potentially life-saving advantage. Happy hiking and stay safe out there!
