We also got to spend some time with the Norwegian RECCO experts, including a helicopter activity where we utilized the tech to find “missing hikers” in the woods. For those uninitiated, RECCO is basically a passive reflector that’s sewn into outdoor gear that makes you searchable to rescuers with a RECCO detector that uses harmonic radar if you should go missing. The detectors (a handheld version and a helicopter one) are a standard rescue tool in more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries—so they’re pretty widely used by Search and Rescue teams. When you’re shopping outdoor gear, if you have the option to buy a RECCO version you absolutely should do so as it will pay for itself in spades if you ever need it.
The Transistor Backpack was the main bag I used on the trip, and sufficed well enough as a travel bag. But where it really shined was on our hikes, as this bag was made for the trail. The padded shoulder straps are comfortable enough for all-day lugging with heavy loads, the additional waist belt fits snug and doesn’t get too hot, and the pole attachments kept my poles in order when I wasn’t using them. At 30L it’s more of a daypack than a serious thru bag, but it performed impeccably for my purposes.
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