Waiting for the Brown Truck (just showed up)

we had a little incident in the backcountry this weekend where I had to hike out for an hour to summon help of a lady due to lack of cell service.  This convinced my wife that me purchasing a VHF radio might be a good thing...

Now waiting for a ICOM M36 to arrive on Wednesday via UPS    early Xmas gift for myself

That is why I carry a SPOT. Plus the fact I do a lot of solo backcountry hiking.

I don't want to discourage your plan to increase your safety profile, but you may want to research VHF use on land.  With some exceptions, I believe it's illegal to use on land - not to say that many don't...

Let us know what you find out if you would.  Thx.   

Yeah we were in Yosemite right below the top of Vernal Falls when a lady keeled over.  We got her stable and three other first responders stayed with her while I ran for help ( I was in the best shape for getting out quickly).  Spot and Radio would have been nice. Couldn't buy both so I went with what I will use most and that would be the radio with kayak.

as I understand it calling for help in a legitimate emergency is OK. other uses on land nope.

I believe they are line of sight to, so if you are in a canyon will the signal get out?

I don't want to discourage your plan to increase your safety profile, but you may want to research VHF use on land.  With some exceptions, I believe it's illegal to use on land - not to say that many don't...

Let us know what you find out if you would.  Thx.   

You would get prosecuted approximately never for calling out a legit emergency.

Depending upon where your are and proximity to the nearest relay, your call might not be heard. Probably better to broadcast on CB channel 9.

I believe they are line of sight to, so if you are in a canyon will the signal get out?

brought my standard horizon 851 to the Grand Canyon in case of emergency and never got a signal....was thinking the emergency gps beacon might work if it really was needed
maybe if aircraft was right above?

Brown truck just came by

I will gladly add this to my kayak safety gear checklist

Line of site.  Illegal for land based use to my understanding.  I'm sure that would be, possibly, overlooked in the case of an emergency.  Seems like a CB or HAM might be more effective.  SPOT, though good, won't speak to the nature of the emergency.

99% of the reason I bought it was for on water use in an emergency. If I happen to use it for something else so be it.  If in another use I get cited for using it in an act that saves someones else its a damn small price to pay.

99% of the reason I bought it was for on water use in an emergency. If I happen to use it for something else so be it.  If in another use I get cited for using it in an act that saves someones else its a damn small price to pay.

Amen!

99% of the reason I bought it was for on water use in an emergency. If I happen to use it for something else so be it.  If in another use I get cited for using it in an act that saves someones else its a damn small price to pay.

BINGO!!  well worth it!

You would get prosecuted approximately never for calling out a legit emergency.

approximately never 

for several days, every time I see this thread in the recent topic list my brain says "Waiting for the Brown Trout"