We’ve been fans of the Spot Satellite Messenger ever since we first heard about the GPS device that allows you to track the progress of backcountry expeditions remotely. GPS-enabled devices like the Spot and the personal locator beacon from ACR Electronics also allow the user to send exact location coordinates to emergency responders at the push of a button. Unfortunately, it seems some consumers are abusing devices like the Spot at the slightest hint of trouble or are putting themselves in danger because they figure they have an easy way out.
Take, for example, the group of hikers who summoned emergency responders 3 times in a single trip! In each instance, helicopter crews had to deliver water to the unprepared hikers who later admitted they wouldn’t have even considered attempting the hike without their GPS beacon. These devices have been dubbed “OnStar for Hikers” and “Yuppie 911″ but it turns out cell phone calls to rescuers are just as common in extreme environments with decent cell coverage like Death Valley.
Some may be quick to blame device manufacturers but we think that’s not quite fair. For one thing, GPS beacons are very useful devices when used appropriately (kinda like toilet paper - just because kids might use it to vandalize the neighbors, it’s still a good product). Instead, we encourage search and rescue organizations to continue charging victims based on response costs in cases where the individuals should have been better prepared. Yuppies should have no problem with that
Here’s a super cool product for 2010 that we’re filing under why-didn’t-someone-think-of-this-before: GearPods. GearPods is essentially a modular adventure gear system that’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, or even trail running. The “pods” are interlocking tubes that sorta look like those vacuum tubes they use at the bank or Home Depot and can be purchased as full kits or empty containers.
The Backcountry GearPods kit is packed with enough survival gear to sustain any adventurer for days in the wild and features items in the following categories: first-aid, basic survival, and even cooking. We’ve seen plenty of compact and portable first-aid kits but the Backcountry takes things to an entirely different level with matches, fuel, a CookMug, purification tablets, fishing tackle, whistle, compass, mini saw and knife, flashlight, and much more. Everything fits into a modular and durable package that’s roughly 9.5 inches high and 3 inches in diameter - the perfect size for an adjustable diameter bike bottle cage or side sleeve on a daypack. Fully stocked the Backcountry kit weighs in at just 18 ounces.
GearPods are water-resistant which means your important survival gear should stay dry even if you don’t. Although GearPods aren’t entirely waterproof (don’t drop yours in a lake, for example), you can enhance the water resistance by sealing the screw connections with duct tape (which is actually included!) or bicycle tubes and rubber bands. Before GearPods I often used zip lock bags for keeping things dry and organized but I found they often punctured inside my pack. GearPods are constructed of polycarbonate so they’re tough plus you can see what’s inside just like a plastic bag.
Beyond being insanely useful, GearPods are simply beautiful. From the iconography to the tight and neat packaging you can see that a lot of thought went into creating each GearPods kit. The orange caps and connectors make it easy to spot the kit inside a pack and the simple labels let you know what’s inside each compartment at a glance. There’s a raft of compatible kit components from aerated caps (for drying damp gear) to the GearPods Barista which turns your CookMug into a French press coffee maker.
Contents of the survival kit. The first-aid kit contains standard first-aid items.
As with any survival or first aid kit, it’s important to periodically check your kit to make sure things aren’t expired or broken. Even more important, check to make sure you replace any items you may have used in your last trail “emergency” - kits are only useful when they’re complete!
One GearPods enhancement I’d like to see is the addition of a simple survival guide. Many of us are probably already familiar with outdoor basics but in an emergency situation it’s important to make the most of your resources. I for one could probably start a fire using just one match but I’d struggle to use the included fishing equipment successfully. Some items, like the spool of thin wire, may require a little explanation. Should it be used for building small game snares? Fixing broken equipment? If it’s the former, I’ll need a primer, preferably with diagrams. The Backcountry does include instruction cards on signaling and CookMug operation but I could definitely use a little more info in the field.
Now that I have the Gear Pods Backcountry kit I sorta hope I get lost on my next epic hiking or mountain biking trip. Even if I don’t have to use my kit, at least I’ll be more confident when I head out into the woods, ready for any situation. Besides, I can think of worse things than turning a day hike into a 3 day adventure!
Thanks to the folks at Gear Pods for providing the Backcountry kit for review. If you’re looking for more info, check out the video review below.
