Laser pointers

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Bumppo

Joined
Jan 27, 2006
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Are laser pointers practical for the hiker? Especially as beacons in survival situations, but are they practical for other uses as well? Pointing out trail markers, or for whatever you might use them for, I would like to know.
 
I have a special laser that is made for boating that is for signaling aircraft from a liferaft or disabled boat. It is about the size of a big cigar. Instead of a red dot it makes a line, about six inches on a wall 10 feet away. It makes it easier to sweep across an airplane flying by than a single point. It would certainly work for a disabled hiker but is a little heavy at 4 ounces.
 
Flashing aircraft with a laser will *definitely* get you jammed-up. Get a set of mini flares if you feel that you are in need of night signaling equipment.
 
Something I have thought about is using a laser pointer as a last resort against something like a black bear. Pointing it in their eye, is there any chance that might work?
 
Bufford said:
Something I have thought about is using a laser pointer as a last resort against something like a black bear. Pointing it in their eye, is there any chance that might work?
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No that won't work.
 
Or get a strobe.

Streamlight make an LED torch/strobe, I think it's called a Sidewinder.
Multi use and all that.
 
I wouldn't use a laser pointer to signal aircraft, as that probably wouldn't be taken well. However, the strobe idea is a great idea, especially if one of your flashlights already has a strobe feature on it.
 
At the WLC, we use a green laser pointer for cellestial navigation class. Mainly to show how to find the big dipper and casiopeia (sp.) From these, you can find the North Star. The laser pointer also helps us out showing the LURD system.
 
I think using a red laser pointer in the woods may get you shot. Some people will see the dot and assume you are pointing a gun at them.
 
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