When it ends without tragedy, we can all laugh about a search volunteer or technician getting lost, but in reality it is no laughing manner. All devices available should be employed to maintain the act of staying found. One such device is the personal strobe light. In the past personal strobe lights were primarily the domain of the military, expensive, somewhat bulky, and usually only issued to aircrew as part of their survival kit.

Thanks to Pelican personal strobes are now very affordable. So affordable in fact that there is now excuse for the search/rescue technician to not carry one. The Pelican Mini Flasher is less than 2” (50mm) long and less then 1¼” (33mm) wide. The nearly indestructible red polycarbonate lens covers an LED that produces a 4.7 lumen flash at a rate of 2 pulses per second. The bright yellow body of the Mini Flasher is polycarbonate as well, further insuring your flashing beacon is ready when you are. Molded into the body is a strong “pocket” clip that enables the Mini Flasher to be attached to an exposed edge of clothing such as a pocket flap, pack webbing or shirt epaulet. A small split ring is also provide for the attachment of a para-cord lanyard.

Battery life is 130 hours on what amounts to, two L1154 “coin” style batteries.

For those who operate around water, no fear, the Pelican Mini Flasher is capable of being submerged up to 500 feet (150m).

Operation is simple, just twist the lens cap to turn off or on.

Not just limited to professionals the Pelican Mini-Flasher can a lifesaver for cyclists at night or even attaching to search dogs.