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Bifferer t1_itj5i62 wrote

Glad that passenger was looking at the scenery. I wonder how many trains had gone by prior to that one.

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NotObviouslyARobot t1_itjrtin wrote

That's the Durango and Silverton. They're a slow-moving tourist train, and they often drop off adventurers. The Upper Animas River which she was on the other side of, is fast and lethal. If she had tried to cross it with broken limbs, she would have died.

The danger for her was that someone would have written her off as just someone waving to the train.

Source: I've been on the same train ride. People -do- wave to the train from the side. It's a fun train ride. Highly recommend it. Also, take a 4x4 tour up into the mountains above Silverton while you're at it.

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Obandigo t1_itjuust wrote

Yeah, but I'm sure she's waving at the train while she's laying down because she has a broke leg, or if she has found a way to stand while with a broke leg, I'm sure she looked very distressed.

The article said she had to pull her way out to the river bank to try to wave down trains, so I'm sure she is laying down, or sitting and looking very distressed while waiving.Also, very distressed people are usually waving with both hands side to side while yelling help.

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NotObviouslyARobot t1_itk0mwg wrote

She was South of the Colorado Trail Bridge. That's a very densely forested area, and the railway veers away from the river a little bit. She's damn lucky someone saw her. People move around a lot on that train.

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chargers949 t1_itl2mn4 wrote

Wow that’s a great point what is the wilderness emergency hand signal for help? With guns you shoot 3 times. Same with mirror or whistle you try to signal SOS. 3 short, 3 long, and 3 short.

But what the hell hand signal do you make to show emergency?! That is significantly different from hello happy to meet you i love you.

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Pantssassin t1_itl3yy1 wrote

It has been a while so I might have misremembered but waving your arms over your head means help, making an x means you require medical assistance, making a Y means yes, and making an N with one arm up and one down means no. So if it is a situation where rescuers are mistaken you can signal that you don't need help

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OhDavidMyNacho t1_itlmkoj wrote

Waving both arms over your head is the recognized distress signal. Like how arms move when doing jumping jacks, but your arms cross at the top.

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mamahazard t1_itm6rcj wrote

Place your thumb in palm, set other 4 fingers over thumb. Like a fist, but do not punch with this.

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Sdomttiderkcuf t1_itlx7en wrote

It’s insane that she survived the cold of the last 2 days at altitude.

That train doesn’t run that often so it’s indeed good someone saw her. That’s why you should always bring emergency gear with you, not hike alone, and have a way to signal for help.

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MizElaneous t1_itm4ohn wrote

If I didn't hike alone, I'd almost never get to go hiking. That said, I do usually take an InReach with me so I can call for help.

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Sdomttiderkcuf t1_itmzug7 wrote

If you were in Colorado and someone hadn’t totaled my car, I’d be your hiking buddy.

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MizElaneous t1_itohw5p wrote

If I was in Colorado, I'd totally pick you up in my car and take you hiking with me!

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DestinationPoutine t1_iuby49v wrote

>If I didn't hike alone, I'd almost never get to go hiking.

Same. I plan carefully. Watch the weather. Give someone a map that shows where I’ll park and the trails that I intend to check out. Tell them when I plan to be back. Send them a live tracking link. Bring the Ten Essentials and more. Dress in layers. All the usual stuff. This is not difficult.

On the rare occasions when I do have a hiking partner, I still do all of the above.

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BunchaCreeps t1_itkr211 wrote

You’re also blazing by so you don’t have much of an opportunity to be looking at them and determining if they’re okay or in distress

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NoYgrittesOlly t1_itkycnl wrote

> That's the Durango and Silverton. They're a slow-moving tourist train

Literally right above the comment you just made. C’mon man

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Obandigo t1_itml043 wrote

One hand up waving is completely different than two hands flailing in the air.

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Warfeint t1_itk3a1w wrote

I’ve been on that train a handful of times. Although people wave to the train as it passes, it would be easy to not see any onlookers as the scenery is simply distracting itself.

Sadly Silverton (when I initially visited) was diminishing and I mainly went to visit the Masonic lodge, which had since closed down.

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the_almighty_walrus t1_itm6rls wrote

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, wave both hands over your head and repeatedly make an X with your arms.

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raven1121 t1_itnbl5g wrote

I road in the Empire Builder (Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA ) and apparently it's a tradition to moon the train as it passes by , the conductor even made a announcement about it

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santichrist t1_itm3m36 wrote

> The hiker described spending daylight hours trying to get the attention of passing trains

Looks like plenty of people saw her

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kelce t1_itj8zt3 wrote

People give me shit but this is why I come prepared even for day hikes.

I carry my satellite phone, knife, fire starter, one dehydrated meal packet (4 servings per packet), and first aid kit on every hike at minimum. You don't pack your bag for if things go as expected, you pack as if things are going to go wrong.

Edit: Since this post has gotten some traction I'd like to add a couple things I forgot to mention. I also take ways to get purified water. For me that's either a lifestraw or a sawyer 1 gallon water filter. The choice usually depends on the length of the hike and how available water sources are.

I also have an emergency blanket in my first aid kit!

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Jammintoad t1_itjng9i wrote

Imo the more experienced hiker you are the more likely you actually bring shit with you in case you bite off more than you can chew

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Spicey_Pickled_Okra t1_itl1lis wrote

The opposite is true, in my experience. Experts pack their needs, beginners pack their fears.

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xyrer t1_itl2hzh wrote

Overconfidence is a killer. You don't need it until you need it.

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Spicey_Pickled_Okra t1_itl42lj wrote

Agreed, but with experience comes knowledge of what you actually do need and what you dont. Most people I know, myself included, trim fat from their kit as they get more experienced. Not the other way around.

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xyrer t1_itl4ndo wrote

Yeah. I don't mean you should pack everything possible, but the list posted here seems reasonable

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Spicey_Pickled_Okra t1_itl5jb1 wrote

In my opinion it is too focused on food and fire. Shelter and water are more urgent needs. If it gets cold and wet at night, you can die in less than 24 hrs. If you dont have clean water, you can die in 72 hrs.

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xyrer t1_itl5y5e wrote

Hm. Fair point.

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Spicey_Pickled_Okra t1_itl6twi wrote

And thats what I mean. Youd be better off with a poncho and a sawyer mini water filter. And that knowledge comes from experience, not anxiety.

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handsomehares t1_itlqb97 wrote

Especially because I can drink your piss to stay alive.

Not mine, I don’t care for the taste.

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NeoHenderson t1_itl5k5g wrote

My dad is like that except he brings the same stuff but smaller and lighter versions. A lot of people don’t get it. They’ll get him bulky camping lights and stuff for Christmas but I know he’d really like the worlds smallest and lightest water purifier or some shit

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Jammintoad t1_itm0pwy wrote

I do a lot of desert hiking. I mainly had in mind those that take a single water bottle for a long hike in 85-100 degree weather. I agree it's always a balance between taking what you absolutely must need and over packing. Risk management is a balance

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Runs_With_Bears t1_itnajgs wrote

100% correct. You trim fat and upgrade gear as you gain experience. Jesus the shit I used to pack. Once you do a 14 mile hike carrying shit you realize you were never going to need you don’t bring it the next time.

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AsyncUhhWait t1_itmy0ax wrote

Lmfao did you just make that up to feel superior about how you pack things?

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AULock1 t1_itjxadz wrote

That’s the literal bare minimum I ever take into the wilderness with me. Survival blanket and water purification tabs are a must as well IMO

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kelce t1_itjz8gr wrote

I forgot to mention my lifestraw or my 1 gallon sawyer water filtration system! I usually have on or the other depending on the type of hike.

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maxpowe_ t1_itkewcr wrote

Stainless wide mouth water bottle

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Runs_With_Bears t1_itlc451 wrote

That’s a shitload of excess weight that’s completely not necessary when a simple lightweight, plastic nalgene will work.

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bennetyee t1_itm1vtx wrote

When you run out of water purification tablets you can boil water in a metal bottle, assuming that you can start a fire (Ferro rod, knife, wood) and there's a water supply. Cannot do this with a nalgene bottle.

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Runs_With_Bears t1_itmm67s wrote

Considering a small bottle of iodine tablets lasts months I’d say you have a lot bigger things to worry about if you have to resort to boiling water out of a bottle because you ran out. I spend most of my time in the backwoods of CO and carrying a stainless steel water bottle is overkill. If I’m that lost in the woods that I run out of iodine then I’m just drinking the water regardless.

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bennetyee t1_itmxk44 wrote

Cooking?

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Runs_With_Bears t1_itn30lp wrote

When I was backpacking in Indian Peaks a few months ago I had my jet boil, my iodine tabs, my nalgene and my spoon. Had several days worth of dehydrated camp food. That was more than enough for all my eating and drinking needs. My nalgene and jet boil and bottle of iodine together weigh less than my stainless yeti. Definitely would have been overkill. Like trekking poles on the sidewalk overkill. Over time you will replace a lot of gear based on experience. I’d never feel the need to hike with a stainless bottle. Have one for car camping and it’s nice.

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bennetyee t1_itn712v wrote

i'm confused. what did you heat up w/ your jet boil? your spoon? or were you heating up water in your nalgene?

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Runs_With_Bears t1_itn9uyo wrote

Water goes from stream to nalgene. Iodine goes in the bottle. Water then goes into jet boil where it is boiled then put into camp food pack. Was just listing all the things I actually needed to eat and drink.

Years of hiking and backpacking and camping you learn what you will need, what you might want to have with you and what you probably don’t need. Again, experience can replace a lot of gear, either by realizing what sort of gear you actually need or eliminating that piece entirely. I’ve made a lot of mistakes and still make them but every time you go back out you do things differently, better. And I can honestly say I would never bring a stainless steel water bottle on a hike. To me that’s like bringing your camera, your laptop and CD player when you could just bring your phone. Why carry all that when I could bring a nalgene and a jet boil for the same weight and it’s easier to use that way?

It’s the people who have a false sense of knowledge who think they know what they’re doing out there and think they’re making the right choices on gear, route, etc that end up needing a dangerous rescue. It’s a false sense of experience and you can see that come out when someone says stuff like they’d bring a heavy stainless steel water bottle and use it to cook. Experienced people will scratch their heads at that. Knowledge comes from experience. Either your own or from talking to others with experience.

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maxpowe_ t1_itmqsu3 wrote

The same size nalgene is only a little less than half the weight. The steel has more advantages for the 120g extra.

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parsifal t1_itkywfg wrote

I noticed you said water purification tabs. Any reason we (me personally) shouldn’t trust the lifestraw we have?

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YourStateOfficer t1_itl4htd wrote

Yeah, life straws are awesome. They filter out most things you care about, but it won't kill viruses, and no desalination. It's just not as versatile as good purification tabs. I'm not hiker, just someone that did 3 years of water purification projects in school. Personally I'd recommend carrying both, they don't take much space and I don't think anybody will ever say "damn I have too much clean water".

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TSEAS t1_itl12wp wrote

It is usually just a weight and space savings thing. Tabs weigh practically nothing and you can keep them in your medkit without taking up much space. Life straws are a bit heavier and bulkier. The key is to make sure you have emergency backup for getting potable water.

My emergency kit has the normal stuff like bandages, pills, and ointments, but I also always keep a small gear repair kit, mini BIC, WP matches, and water treatment tabs in there at all times too. I plan to never use them unless shit really hits the fan.

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parsifal t1_itl68w7 wrote

Of course! Makes perfect sense. The tablets must take up no room at all.

Have you ever seen those USB arc lighters? That’s what I have.

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TSEAS t1_itlan79 wrote

I have, but I just stick to the mini BIC and WP matches for emergency fire since they are lighter, very reliable, and don't use batteries. I try to avoid batteries when possible, and the only emergency thing I have that is battery operated is my PLB (ACR ResQlink) which never needs to be plugged in.

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bigdogpepperoni t1_itl0ddj wrote

Because lifestraws are the McDonald’s of water filters. Sawyer squeeze, Katadyn, MSR, these are reputable brands that make excellent water filters.

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Ok-Butterscotch-6829 t1_itl52xv wrote

So the 99.9% filtration of bacteria LifeStraw claims is a lie? (Not saying you’re wrong I’m genuinely curious)

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bigdogpepperoni t1_itla7t2 wrote

Lifestraws will work a few times and then get clogged up, especially when drinking from a not pristine water source. The flow rate is also horrible which makes it basically useless in any kind of survival/emergency situation. You’ll get a few sips of water, but you won’t be able to filter larger amounts needed for cooking or hiking between water sources.

It works, but only as much as it needs to, and doesn’t stand out in any way other than being the worst option with the best marketing.

I’ve been using the sawyer squeeze for years, it’s super versatile (can be a gravity filter, in-line filter, or thrown on top of a water bottle), it’s easy to clean (back flush) so that you maintain a good flow rate, it’s reliable, and best of all it’s not crazy expensive. I’ve probably put 300+ miles on it with 1000’s of gallons filtered through it.

Katadyn and MSR make similarly versatile filters, I’m just a sawyer squeeze guy.

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Ok-Butterscotch-6829 t1_itlcdcp wrote

Thanks for the comment. So in summary it sounds like the LifeStraw works but isn’t as efficient as you’d like in an actual survival situation?

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bigdogpepperoni t1_itlekxm wrote

Again, it’s the absolute bare minimum, if you were actually thirsty you’d be disappointed.

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parsifal t1_itl5yh3 wrote

Yeah, I mean, we got one as a gift and I’m thankful to have it in our car and with us on hikes just in case. We’re never going to be very far from civilization, but safe drinking water becomes important so quickly that I feel pretty reassured having it. If it’s no good, I guess we’ll reevaluate.

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Ok-Butterscotch-6829 t1_itlc4jk wrote

It’s just a random redditors comment I wouldn’t take it too seriously. Although I’ll probably do a bit of research to see its effectiveness. But I’m pretty sure you can’t legally make a claim that it stops 99.9% of bacteria without it being true. If it was false then their operation would probably get shut down right?

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parsifal t1_itlcsj2 wrote

Yeah their whole reputation is that it makes water safe, and I’m guessing they have to jump extra hurdles to be able to say that legally.

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DukeLongholes t1_itlehcn wrote

Tabs are really small and cheap. I have some in every backpack (backcountry or otherwise) I own just in case

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AULock1 t1_itl2k9a wrote

Life straw is great, I just don’t have one personally. Nothing against the thing.

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birdieponderinglife t1_itk4k2e wrote

After binging several seasons of I shouldn't be alive it became quite clear to me that 90% of the people on that show could have been rescued within 24 hours if they had a satellite phone, or even just a flare gun. Hell, something bright colored or shiny even.

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meatball77 t1_itkj7oy wrote

My brother probably would have been in one of those situations if he hadn't had his rescue beacon (with insurance). He fell and sprained his ankle a couple days out in the Grand Canyon. Had to be hellocoptered out of there. He's a very experienced hikers, but even experienced hikers can fall and break an ankle.

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tripsafe t1_itl4avh wrote

Don't like to imagine what his bill was

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meatball77 t1_itm16mi wrote

He had insurance so he didn't have to pay for the rescue. Apparently the service he used covered the rescue and contacts your emergency contact. He is a very experienced hiker which is why he knew to have the service.

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tripsafe t1_itn2v5w wrote

Oh that's awesome. It obviously sucks that that happened to him, but it must have been kinda nice to see that it worked and paid off.

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meatball77 t1_itn3m3w wrote

He ended up with just a sprain. There's no way he could have gotten himself out of the canyon but there was no long term injury which was nice.

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Wolfram_And_Hart t1_itkvk1g wrote

When picking my families go bags I made sure we all bought some variant of orange or orange/red specifically for this reason. I was like “this isn’t about fashion it’s about survival.”

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TheSorcerersCat t1_itl4l88 wrote

One of my first summers in the field really nailed home the message.

Picture this scenario, me and my partner wearing red. Heli-pilot drops us in a cirque that's about 1 mile across. No trees. No bush higher than 1 ft tall.

When heli pilot returns he circles for 10 minutes to find us. Gives up and lands. Waits for us to use the Garmin to text him our coordinates.

Luckily we were a 4-5 hour hike from main camp and had a fully charged Garmin and sat-phone. We would have been ok even if the clouds rolled in and we had to hike out.

But yep. Never heading out without a heli flag again.

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parsifal t1_itkzkmv wrote

One of the reasons I’m super happy new iPhones will have satellite calling capability by the end of this year.

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kharmakazzi t1_itl8c1r wrote

I remember reading earlier this year about new device on the market that can turn any cell or tablet into a satellite phone (Android or iOS) Super cool and had me geeked out.

Found the link:

https://www.iridium.com/blog/how-to-turn-your-cell-phone-into-a-satellite-phone/

"Iridium GO! is a small, lightweight, and rugged satellite communicator that overcomes the limits of cellular networks...

...provides satellite connectivity, giving users the ability to make phone calls, send and receive texts, get weather updates, share and send photos and more, directly from their mobile phones or tablets.

...Additional key features include email access via custom email apps, GPS tracking and emergency alerts (SOS). It also works with a line of accessories (available separately), including an external antenna, a wall mount bracket, and an outdoor power cable for a more fixed-installation type use case."

I haven't checked out any reviews yet but I'de imagine actually getting a satellite signal is still a challenge of itself (sometimes) Trees, hills, mountains ect. I like that the additional features included a SOS alert.

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churdtzu t1_itkpowm wrote

I'm not familiar with the show. What would someone do with the shiny thing in that situation? Wave at a passing plane or something?

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parsifal t1_itkzous wrote

I’m not the commenter but I think with shiny things you can reflect sunlight at planes.

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neuropean t1_itl11kk wrote

Not just planes, can be used to signal any distance with open line of sight. If they see people off in the distance, it could be used for that as well.

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birdieponderinglife t1_itl7ond wrote

Yep, to wave and get the attention of a rescue crew. Sometimes there is too much tree cover and that’s when something like a flare gun would be needed.

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saltgirl61 t1_itlkftv wrote

I love that show! We saw the value of wearing high vis clothing in the wilderness. But I found out that even brightly colored clothing can be hard to spot. My daughter and husband wanted to hike further up a desert ridge, so I sat on a rock and waited. No tree cover, I knew what direction they went, my daughter was wearing a hot pink shirt, and I still had trouble finding them!

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birdieponderinglife t1_itlwdgp wrote

Ya that’s why a flare gun seems so important to me. Redundancy is important— flash light, shiny blanket, high vis clothes and a flare gun and a satellite phone

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AutomaticRisk3464 t1_itkoqh3 wrote

I worked at a national park as a 911 operator (public safety communications officer)..

The mindblowing fucking search and rescue i got while i worked there was this.

A sister wanted someone to check on her brother, he was supposed to go on the trail sleep in the woods at 1 camp, hike more sleep at 2 camp, then turn around and sleep at 1 camp, and be back out. He went there on a friday and was supposed to be out monday..she called us thursday saying she hasnt heard from him, so thats like 3 or 4 days she waited.

I let my rangers know and we assembled a team and i called in some back country hikers who were employees. The dude fell off a cliff and slid down and stopped on a small ledge, he had a survival book with him that saved his life.

He was drinking dew and had a pack of peanuts that he made last a week. He set a timer on his watch so he would yell every hour for help and he just laid there waiting. He was also using a mirror to try and shine at overhead planes when they passed.

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Wolfram_And_Hart t1_itkvpfg wrote

I truly hope that guy understands how lucky he was.

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Daddyssillypuppy t1_itl1e2g wrote

The whole point of telling someone when you'll be back is so they'll go to the authorities if you don't check in. I can't believe his sister waited so long.

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Catsdrinkingbeer t1_itk9c25 wrote

Or you can swing the other way like my ex boyfriend did when we went on our first hike together, literally one of the easiest and most populated 14er in the entire state of Colorado. He brought 2 pounds of trail mix and 7 water bottles. And then we had to keep stopping because his backpack was so heavy. I'm all about being prepared, but there are limits.

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cathpah t1_itks2dl wrote

The two pounds of trail mix is for after the hike. All two pounds of it.

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Runs_With_Bears t1_itld872 wrote

I’ve done 14 of the 14ers here in CO. All I ever bring is a 3L CamelBak, some snacks and maybe an extra shell jacket and even all that doesn’t get all used. Some people replace experience with gear and find themselves in sticky situations.

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resonatebliss t1_itnsxzl wrote

Or some people replace common sense with idiocracy. My partner & I helped 3 dumb college-aged kids hiking Haleakala crater last year. They hiked an 11mi trail with 2 12oz plastic water bottles, no snacks, dead cell phones, and the girl was walking barefoot because she had enormous blisters from wearing chaco sandals. My partner bandaged her up while I filled their water from our camelbacks. Gave them our snacks because we were only doing a quick jaunt down the crater & back.

Ironically, my CO friend posted something on social that night making fun of over prepared people say that “your hiking pack and trekking poles are overkill, my 4yr old just did the same trail in her tutu.” But we helped people with that overkill, damn it!!!

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Runs_With_Bears t1_itntnfg wrote

Lol it’s a delicate balance but there’s a line you cross where you’re at least basically prepared until you cross the line where you’re over prepared. These guys didn’t get to the first line.

I remember hiking out to the tea house at 7 glaciers in Banff. It starts out a simple paved walkway, then turns into a wide dirt path before turning into a pretty difficult trail. Having done some research I knew what to expect. Walking back we passed by people in flip flops or wearing slacks holding a 12oz water bottle. They hadn’t turned around when it got harder and they still had miles to go. Felt like telling them to turn around but some people will be stupid regardless.

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Euphoric-Carry1725 t1_itkgbk3 wrote

I had a python hunter woman stop us as we were hiking on the Florida trail in the everglades and ask if we were thru hiking. I said no, just a section hike. She asked me why I was wearing a backpack. Bruh. I was carrying water, snacks, and a first aid kit for three people. Looking back I can't help but wonder her intentions for asking, I assumed at the time she was trying to shame me for being prepared.

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BobsBurgersStanAcct t1_itld4fv wrote

Yeah she was big dickin you. Which is funny bc honestly I bet a python hunter Florida woman probably does have pretty big dick energy

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xiguy1 t1_itjuq4u wrote

Good thinking. What are you using for a sat phone? I’m thinking about getting one.

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miniwave t1_itkpfiv wrote

For the less-serious hiker the iPhone 14 has a satellite SOS feature. Can’t call but can send an SMS.

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YouWantAPieceOfMe t1_itkyr0j wrote

Important note that it’s not active yet. Should be next month IIRC.

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Jlsajdfowjqfpoiwfi t1_itl4x5g wrote

The little SOS icon pops up on my phone when I’m in the mountains already. It’s not activated yet?

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YouWantAPieceOfMe t1_itlb2ia wrote

On their website it still says "Available in November": https://www.apple.com/iphone-14/

The SOS icon means it can't reach your cell network, but it can reach A network to make emergency calls. Well, to be clear in my quick search it's not clear that it means it can reach a network, more simply that your network isn't available - but you can still try to make an emergency call.

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Jlsajdfowjqfpoiwfi t1_itlb8x0 wrote

Ah I see. Thanks for the info. That’s actually really misleading by Apple lol

I definitely thought I had the feature already

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parsifal t1_itkzxwm wrote

(Launching by the end of this year and requires a software update. An awesome feature I’m thankful for.)

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kelce t1_itjwqam wrote

I have the garmin inreach mini2!

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iama_bad_person t1_itkfibv wrote

I was about to ask where your PLB was but that's even better. People I hike with think I'm paranoid but I never hike without it.

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Pantssassin t1_itl5t7t wrote

I also second the in reach mini 2. Worked well on my 4 day trip in NH this year. I was able to pretty reliably send updates to my family although I wouldn't use it if you wanted to use the automatic tracking intervals because I don't think it has the battery for that on longer trips. I would just send updates when taking a break or if I were to need to change my route I set up a way to let them know and could send more frequent updates.

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joys_face t1_itl1766 wrote

> my satellite phone

This is my hang up. I'd love to have one but just don't have that money. I carry 1k calories in nuts and trail mix, a life straw, some water, a knife, 2 emergency blankets, a whistle, and a first aid kit. But none of that would be enough if I actually got lost.

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TheSorcerersCat t1_itl58yr wrote

The Garmin inreach is about $500CAD.

In my opinion it's worth saving for if you're going out of service area.

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joys_face t1_itl8ibo wrote

Plus the ongoing fees. It certainly makes me nervous not to have one!

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TheSorcerersCat t1_itlaw4g wrote

I've never used a personal locator beacon but that would be my next best choice. They don't usually require a subscription.

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Pantssassin t1_itl7smb wrote

Unless you are going deep into the Backcountry for a few that is pretty decent. As long as you are telling people your plan you should only need to stabilize and hold tight where you are for a few nights at most. I only really use my satellite phone as a locator beacon and only on longer trips in more remote/ foreign places.

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joys_face t1_itl8el6 wrote

I only do day hikes, but almost never have cell phone service on them!

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Pantssassin t1_itl9brk wrote

Same here, that's why it's important to share your plans in pretty good detail ahead of time. If anything happens it will only take maybe a day or 2 to be found on a day hike trail. One thing that works well with your phone is downloading maps as a backup. Depending on your phone/ the conditions you can still locate yourself via GPS without service and use an app like maps.me (free) or download on all trails( not free I think) to help with getting turned around. The only thing you wouldn't be able to do at that point is send out an sos but search and rescue would be sent by the person you told your plans to, just with a bit of a delay.

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Ocel0tte t1_itlqfrs wrote

I use AllTrails and COTrex, you're right AllTrails is not free for maps. It's 29.99/yr. Always check for a local app, I don't even have an account made on COTrex and they still let me download topographic or satellite maps as a guest. Also without reminding me, I was just looking to see if they have paid features and realized I've never logged in and I poke around on it almost daily lol. Before I leave I just open it, find the area I want, find a trail, and do whatever I need. 10/10 on local trail apps at least for CO, I bet other places have something similar.

I send them to my fiance more than I need them myself. Even if he doesn't know exactly where I'm at on the trail, I figure at least if I go missing he'll have a map to show the authorities.

2

Loggerdon t1_itkfbs0 wrote

Where do you get a sat phone?

4

SovietWomble t1_itl27a1 wrote

Like the motorbiking saying:

"You dress for the crash, not for the ride"

4

RedditNameChooser t1_itkvc8u wrote

I need to get into hiking. Sounds fun as hell

3

kelce t1_itlwm55 wrote

It really is and there's so many levels you can do. From flat land to up the mountainside. From day hikes to backpacking trips!

1

det1rac t1_itkx5hc wrote

How much is her satellite phone just to have on standby?

2

kelce t1_itlvx2e wrote

I pay $10/mo. I think you can turn the service off and on but I go on enough hikes where I leave it on all the time.

1

det1rac t1_itmae1w wrote

What service are you using cause I was going on a trip to Cuba and I wanted to get a satellite phone but it was 300 to $600 deposit and then there was a bare minimum amount to keep the service on and it was a lot more than what you're paying

1

kelce t1_itmx7sf wrote

I use the service through garmin. I haven't used it outside the states though.

2

Spicey_Pickled_Okra t1_itl1ilf wrote

Shelter and water are your two most urgent needs. Carrying food is not the worst idea, but in terms of usefulness in a survival situation, it is a secondary need. People who get stranded typically dont die from malnutrition. They die from dehydration or hypothermia.

My emergency kit that I carry in case I get stranded is a water filter, rain gear, and two mylar emergency blankets.

2

kelce t1_itlwelu wrote

I forgot to mention my lifestraw or sawyer filter. I take one or the other with me at all times. My first aid kit has an emergency blanket in it.

1

Red217 t1_itl5l3s wrote

LPT. TIL.

My dad always says "better to have it and not need it than need and not have it!"

2

ghhbf t1_itmva9o wrote

Good deal. I do the same. Safety first.

1

Ok-Butterscotch-6829 t1_itl30h4 wrote

I’d recommend adding pepper spray and even a firearm as well. Yah never know.

−1

domesticmail t1_itk1wvn wrote

I live in Durango, which is nearby! So glad they found her - we hear about hikers getting lost ALL THE TIME down here.

134

smithee2001 t1_itl5ou8 wrote

My extremist take: there should be TSA-style checkpoints at every hiking park entrance to confirm you have the essential gear.

The Search and Rescue team must be annoyed with unprepared hikers... or grateful that the lost souls keep them in business.

12

Unsd t1_itmau8t wrote

Maybe have a sign for the recommended gear, but at the very least, I like the idea of requiring people to check in with their plans. Their planned route and how long they plan to be out. My husband likes hiking and he goes solo, and I do require him to have all the gear, but he also needs to give me a map of his route, and check in on his sat phone at every pre-established checkpoint, so I know where he is on his timeline. Would at least help if route planning were enforced to make S&R a lot faster.

8

bloudy t1_itk3jv6 wrote

And this is why you don't stand on cliff edges for photos.

People are dumb. She's lucky she was noticed.

53

Jarmahent t1_itmsuas wrote

Nah just don’t be an idiot, I love those types of pics. Just don’t push it

0

SchipholRijk t1_itks006 wrote

That moment when you realize that the person waving at the train is actually desperately waving for help.

38

jesuisjc t1_itl6oh3 wrote

this reminds me of the case of a motorist who got stranded in the middle of a snow storm and was spotted from a plane

https://www.strangeoutdoors.com/true-crime-in-the-outdoors/alan-lee-phillips

36

Oriza t1_itlo36k wrote

bro you left out the fact that 40 years later he was revealed to be a fUCKING SERIAL KILLER

20

Boggie135 t1_itkkllx wrote

She fell trying to take pictures?!

27

basicalme t1_itmpir0 wrote

“She said she'd intended to go on a day hike, but ended up falling 90 feet down a cliff-face while trying to take pictures.”

2

Boggie135 t1_itmwdyo wrote

I’d lie and say a mountain lion was chasing me

4

kabicz t1_itl3o96 wrote

How do you wave for help!? I mean, everyone could be thinking the lady outside just loves trains and wave back at her..

17

Browzur t1_itl6m8s wrote

I imagine even just using two hands to wave would get someone’s attention, plus she was probably laying down and waving frantically

16

ScootScott t1_itk0r7x wrote

I really hope she have insurance, that rescue could bankrupt her.

13

HappyLittleFirefly t1_itl19l7 wrote

Search and Rescue services themselves are free, they don't want people avoiding calling for help for fear of a hefty bill. As far as I know, the helicopter ride is the gray area where charges may start (depends on medical treatment during flight, whether it's equivalent to an ambulance ride, or something to that effect). If it is treated as equivalent to an ambulance then I imagine that her health insurance would kick in then in whatever capacity it handles ambulance rides.

I'm really not sure of all the details, but I do know that SAR itself is free (at least in my state, Colorado). Never hesitate to call if you need it!

The sooner you call in a life threatening situation, the less you'll have to worry about that medical helicopter gray area.

28

Schwartzy94 t1_itkkuuz wrote

Do insurance cover for selfie stupidity?

No seriously those kinds of falling to your death while taking photos type accidnets have increased so much that insurance companies must have rules for that nowdays surely...

how much does a helicopter transport cost in usa?

−20

cathpah t1_itksd9o wrote

How do you know it was a selfie? That seems like quite an assumption.

I give her credit for getting out into nature, surviving a hellish fall, and dragging herself through a dense forest to safety.

33

Dekorath t1_itkusbm wrote

My father had to be life flighted from one hospital to another due to heart issues over 15 years ago and that alone was 5 figures. Not sure of the exact amount as I was a teenager.

10

rocharox t1_itkygmg wrote

Holy fuck I thought this was a joke...

Good for her

4

hastinapur t1_itl5p0e wrote

While it’s great she is alive it’s actual insanity to the levels people go to take selfie or shit for social media.

3

MSmasterOfSilicon t1_itmg3e8 wrote

Totally not the point of the story, but why are train names always so cool!? I'm naming my next son Durango & Silverton narrow Gage Diesel Engine No. 461

3

LetsTCB t1_itnbm04 wrote

Oof USA. Unsure if the medical debt is worth living for

3

NICKELN9NE t1_itl91ji wrote

I honestly thought this was a r/NoSleep story

2

santichrist t1_itm38qg wrote

There’s a way to wave that signals you need help and aren’t just waving to say hello, one of those things parents should teach their kids, imagine if that passenger mistook them for just waving at the train

Edit: apparently she spent the daylight hours trying to get the attention of multiple trains and no one thought to help her, must have been rough to see the trains pass and no help come

2

Girly_Shrieks t1_itnje37 wrote

Pro tip people, two arms flailing means help, one arm waiving in any other motion than "hi" means HELP.

2

bootycuddles t1_itnm3xz wrote

Okay this is only somewhat relevant to this article, but that married couple Nick and Kylah were featured in my Duluth Company catalog that I just rifled through today. Weird timing seeing them in this article today too. Awesome that they were able to save this hiker.

2

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1

ChaotiCait t1_itl8ogc wrote

I am assuming she dropped/lost her phone when she fell down the cliff, seems like a smart watch could have come in handy in this situation, if her phone wasn’t so far away as to lose Bluetooth connection?

1

Coldspot t1_itlyea0 wrote

Durango Harold 😂

1

Kgarath t1_itllkia wrote

She had no emergency supplies with her, or suitable clothing to spend the night outdoors.

Welp there you go, she almost recieved her dumbass Darwin award but luck pulled her out. Also what kind of dumbass falls off a cliff taking pictures, oh the kind that thinks standing on the edge of the cliff is ok. Dumbass.

If you go hiking for ANY length of time and don't take extra clothes and emergency supplies then your a dumbass and should have to get yourself out of the situation.

−2

danceswithsteers t1_itm5ol6 wrote

Good thing she was able to get her dumb ass out of the situation, right?

3

Kgarath t1_itm5vw1 wrote

Yeah like I said, luck, had the rider not seen her she most likely would have died. Again DON'T GO HIKING IF YOU'R NOT PREPARED.

−2

Kittelsen t1_itkbj60 wrote

A hiker who'd been missing what? Don't leave me hanging like that.

−27

rodrigorigotti t1_itkktkk wrote

The hiker herself was missing, as in she was lost / had disappeared. It's not that the hiker was missing someone or something.

9

[deleted] t1_itl6o8z wrote

[removed]

1

Kittelsen t1_itl8kna wrote

I never said it wasn't correct.

Could easily fit 2 more words in though, but oh well, atleast I had fun.

−2