Great for peace of mind

By RockyMtnHigh Ranked #264 - Navigation May 5, 2009

I have never had to activate my MicroFix, and hope I never have to, but it makes me feel much better knowing that I have it. On solo backpacking trips, it gives my family and I more peace of mind. Even if I am in a group, if we are more than a day's hike in that means that help would be more than a day away (without a PLB). On a more mundane level, I frequently go on day (fly fishing) hikes into the mountains. While I always try to let someone know where I am going, the plans often change (based upon weather and fishing conditions). So even if I am a couple of miles from the trailhead, if I break my leg it could be a day or two before I am found. A PLB provides some security.

As for the MicroFix itself: It is relatively small, but not especially lightweight (such is the price you pay for a piece of equipment whose primary purpose is reliability). Use is very easy; there are only two buttons, one for testing and one for activation. It is recommended that the unit be tested monthly, and that the battery be replaced every 5 years (at a factory-authorized service center, as they also replace the O-rings and test the unit). The antenna cover prevents accidental activation. Unfortunately, there is no cover for the self-test button, but activating the self-test requires quite a bit of pressure from 0.5-1 second, so accidental activation seems unlikely.

This unit is not a toy, but having one does not mean that you can cut any corners in terms of safety. But if you are in a life-threatening situation and have done all that you can do to get help it is really nice to know that with one push of a button, help can be summoned. That peace of mind is invaluable.

View Details: ACR MicrOFix 406 GPS PLB

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