Outdoor clothing. Whys it all so dark?

[Garry Edwards]

I always make sure someone knows where I am and what time I should be back by.

Not a lot of use unless
1. They know exactly where you are
2. They press the red button in time

But mobile phones are good, the 999 system uses satellites, so there is always a signal, and the air ambulance can get your coordinates from the satellites. Just make sure that you keep the call alive, so that they can do this, and make sure that the battery isn't going to die on you.
But if you have smoke flares and the air ambulance has been told that you will deploy them once you have visual they will be able to fly much higher and faster. Also, foil blankets reflect light as well as heat and make people easier to spot. This can be important when people are injured and cold.

 

[Harlequin565]

But mobile phones are good, the 999 system uses satellites, so there is always a signal, and the air ambulance can get your coordinates from the satellites

Not strictly true. 999 will auto-roam onto any network giving you the best of all worlds coverage, but unless your phone has satellite comms capability you're reliant on plain old cellphone masts (just more of them). Most networks have a helpdesk for the emergency services allowing authorised call traces and cell handover information (phone on a call or not) to be provided in an emergency. Staying on a call just makes it easier.

 

[Phiggys]

Exactly, my mate and I always seem to have an otherwise excellent landscape scene compromised by someone wearing a day glow jacket who seems to just hang about in the scene. It's become a standing joke with us, we joke that there is a group of folk who wear dayglow and deliberately hang around good photography locations just to be annoying.

It wasn't me honest ! don't get the chance to intrude into many landscapes these days But I'm guessing you and your mate will be delighted to hear that

 

[Sejanus Aelianus]

It wasn't me honest ! don't get the chance to intrude into many landscapes these days But I'm guessing you and your mate will be delighted to hear that

I use people in bright clothing as "pings" in my pictures, so send them my way and I'll be glad to have them!

Mind you, a lorry will do in a pinch...

 

[mdjchat]

I bought this Berghaus 3 in 1 from Go Outdoors. They only have it left in black but elsewhere online it can be found in bright blue. For my first trip out in it I hiked along Baslow Edge in the Peak District and have never been as warm and cozy. That was on a pretty cold windy day and the sun went behind the clouds just as I'd lugged my camera gear to a likely location. I'd recommend it.

http://m.gooutdoors.co.uk/berghaus-ben-alder-3-in-1-jacket-p352252

 

[MidnightUK]

I can understand for wildlife photography this would be best to help blend in. But I am thinking just doing landscape stuff I possibly be better off in a bright colour to make me a bit more visible should I ever get in trouble but the range seems limited.

I never buy light or bright coloured outdoor coats. They are very very difficult to keep clean as they show any dirt so well. As soon as you start cleaning them it becomes a problem as the waterproofing dies or the sealed seams start to leak. You also need expensive specialist washing liquid and then probably expensive and not so effective re proofer to finish the cleaning with.

I have resolved this myself, by wearing good layers underneath and topping it all off with an inexpensive (in comparison) pack a mac or similar at £25 or less. They are lighter,, pack very small, seem to last well, are suitably waterproof and are very affordable to replace as soon as there are issues. I am replacing them every 2 or 3 years. I used to buy more expensive coats but found them bulky once stuffed in a rucksack and heavier than a cheap light weight. The last 'good' quality one I bought was less breathable too, which was a shock at the price - that was the turning point for me.. I have been very happy with the cheaper set up and do not intend to go back.

If you are heading off on your own, best to carry a bright coloured survival bag, a phone newly charged (or with a spare battery) and a whistle.