RECCO Rescue Reflector: A Must Have for Any Skier or Outdoor Adventurer
/While skiing in Chamonix, France one day this last spring, I happened to witness a small avalanche that had occurred just beside a piste at Grands Montets in Argentière. Having had no prior experiences with avalanches, I admit that at the time I was oblivious to the risks and naive to think that I was always safe if I was skiing within bounds of a ski station or a ski resort. I was fascinated watching the rescue team mobilize with their equipment to conduct a search. Luckily it seemed no one had been caught in the avalanche, and I was immediately inspired to sign up for my first course in avalanche awareness. Upon learning that what I saw the rescue team use during the search was a RECCO detector, my next logical step was to purchase rescue reflectors to attach to my gear.
Carina Otero skiing in Verbier, Switzerland in low visibility conditions
How it RECCO works: Originally developed for avalanche rescue operations, the RECCO technology can now be used to conduct searches for outdoor adventurers in any season. The technology consists of a RECCO detector (either handheld or attached to a helicopter) that is operated by a rescue professional, and a RECCO reflector that is worn by the individual. In this article I describe the reasons why you should use RECCO reflectors if you are planning any type of outdoor activity, regardless of season.
RECCO rescue reflectors are small, passive, wearable devices that bounce the signal that is emitted by a RECCO detector during a rescue operation, aiding searchers to quickly locate missing or buried individuals. The professional rescue teams at many ski resorts and ski stations around the world are equipped with handheld RECCO detectors, proving its value in situations similar to the one I had witnessed: an avalanche at a ski resort where a professional rescue team with a RECCO detector is readily available.
In recent years, major advancements in RECCO’s technology have been made— the RECCO helicopter detector allows professionals to conduct searches across a much larger area, aiding in the rescue and recovery of missing individuals in the outdoors during any time of year. This expanded application of RECCO technology further emphasizes the importance of adding RECCO rescue reflectors to your list of essentials to bring on any outdoor adventure or ski trip.
Reasons why you should use RECCO Rescue Reflectors
1. RECCO reflectors can save your life
The fact that it can save your life is the most obvious reason why I recommend any skier or outdoor adventurer to use a RECCO rescue reflector. However, it is still worth mentioning that while there are many advantages, I can think of one disadvantage to wearing them, which I hope you will avoid: a false sense of security. It is important to understand the potential risks and variation in terrain and conditions when adventuring outdoors and in the snow. While it is helpful to be as prepared as possible with gear, equipment, and various devices, exercising caution and awareness is always a priority.
2. RECCO reflectors are small and discreet
Easily attach a RECCO rescue reflector to your helmet or backpack to convert any outfit or getup into one that’s searchable to rescue teams. Reflectors are unobtrusive and hardly noticeable, making them convenient to wear. But note: because they are small and discreet, it is a good idea to explicitly let others know that you use RECCO reflectors, because in the event that you do unfortunately go missing while on an outdoor adventure, it can be helpful for the others to immediately notify rescue teams that you are equipped with RECCO.
3. RECCO reflectors are inexpensive
Attachable RECCO rescue reflectors are available for helmets, backpacks, or as a belt, and the average cost for each runs around $30-$40 USD depending on the retailer. Considering how helpful this technology can be during a rescue operation, the value of a reflector is truly priceless in my opinion. You can also choose to equip yourself with multiple reflectors to increase the likelihood that one is placed in an optimal position to bounce the signal emitted by a RECCO detector and be located more quickly.
4. RECCO reflectors don’t require any training
For individual outdoor adventurers, a RECCO reflector can be worn passively without any training. All that is required is to follow the recommendations of properly placing your reflector if you choose the adhesive helmet attachment. Instructions for positioning a backpack attachment or wearing the belt are pretty self-explanatory, but should you have any questions or concerns you can always refer to the clear instructions provided by RECCO on the product packaging or website. Because they require no training to wear, you can also place RECCO reflectors on children’s outdoor gear and apparel.
5. RECCO reflectors don’t require any maintenance
With RECCO rescue reflectors, all you have to do is attach it to your gear. It doesn’t require any activation, maintenance, servicing, battery replacement, or switching on and off. It is continuously ready and detectable at all times.
6. RECCO reflectors last forever
As long as it does not sustain damage, a RECCO rescue reflector will continue to last and function as intended without wearing out.
7. You can easily be equipped with a RECCO reflector before your next ski trip or outdoor adventure
RECCO rescue reflectors are often readily available and in stock on Amazon— and with Prime Expedited Shipping, you can make your purchase and be well-equipped before your next trip even if arrangements are somewhat last-minute.
Shop attachable RECCO reflectors
Shop RECCO integrated apparel and gear
You can find a list of outdoor apparel and gear brands that integrate or embed RECCO reflectors into their products by following this link to RECCO’s website here.
If you are based in the US, you can shop online at REI or Backcountry.com, whose websites easily allow you to search or filter specifically for products that are RECCO-integrated. If you are based in Europe, you can shop online for RECCO-integrated gear at Snowleader.com.
It is important to note that wearing a RECCO rescue reflector is not a replacement for an avalanche transceiver nor is it a replacement for avalanche awareness or training. But considering the many benefits of using RECCO reflectors, there’s really no reason why you should ever go without at least one on your next outdoor adventure or ski trip. For more information about how they work and how they were developed, you can refer to the FAQs on RECCO’s website here. Are you curious about using RECCO reflectors or have a question about my experience using them? Let me know in the comments below.
If you’re interested in learning more about the avalanche awareness course I participated in while in Chamonix, France, click here to read about the Avalanche Academy’s Avalanche Foundation Course which covers an introduction to avalanche safety and training of transceivers, probes, and shovels to conduct a self-rescue within your own group of skiers in some situations where a professional rescue team equipped with a RECCO detector would not be able to arrive on time.
RECCO Rescue Reflectors are a must-have for any skier or outdoor adventurer
About the author
Meet Carina Otero, avid skier and the creator of She is Not Lost, an online community for celebrating female travelers and a blog providing helpful tips, useful information, and inspiration for your future travels. Carina’s passion for skiing and love of writing and photography have inspired a new blog to share her experiences and personal favorites relating to the sport:
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