A recent search and rescue operation in the Vasquez Peak Wilderness serves as a great reminder of why your clothing choices in the backcountry could be the difference between a quick rescue and a prolonged, dangerous search.
Grand County Search and Rescue deployed a drone last week to locate a missing hiker in the Vasquez Peak Wilderness. Responders had a general idea of the subject’s location from the initial 911 call, but even with that information, spotting the hiker from above proved extraordinarily difficult. The subject was wearing dark green pants and a black jacket, clothing that blended almost perfectly into the terrain below. As Grand County SAR put it, he looked like a mossy rock.
Take a good hard look at the image below. Even knowing that the hiker was wearing green pants and a black jacket, there’s a good chance you’re unable to see the hiker. They’re there, but they blend in incredibly well. If they were attempting to go unseen, this outfit would be perfect. If you’re a hiker who might need rescue, this outfit is incredibly dangerous.
Grand County SAR is urging all backcountry travelers to wear bright, high-visibility clothing or to carry a space blanket, which is lightweight, inexpensive, and highly reflective. Either option gives aerial search teams a fighting chance of spotting you quickly if something goes wrong. If you still haven’t found the hiker, the below image has him encircled.
Stay visible out there. It could literally save your life.
