I like messing around with gear that is very compact yet still functional.

One of the smallest functional whistles I've seen is the REI small keychain whistle. It gets so-so reviews since sometimes a batch of them is not made right. I also thought it better for a whistle to be plastic instead of metal, in case you use it in winter.

I saw one of those backpack sternum strap buckles with an integrated whistle and figured I could miniaturize it for a super compact kit.





I used a Dremel's cutting wheel and grinding wheel to remove the nonessential parts, leaving a tab for a 3/32" lanyard hole. The plastic is not brittle and it's easy to cut on. It worked out pretty well, and the whistle is darn loud. Not bad for about $2.

Great idea and nice execution.

Great idea! I think I may steal that one!

Wait, you write about those buckle whistles like they're a common thing!

Details, man! Price, and location. I'd buy a dozen and put them on every backpack I own.

I have a small metal whistle on my keyring -- tubular, 5cm long, cost about .50 on ebay.

they might just be.

my osprey stratos 40 has one on the sternum strap.

i didn't realize it was there until someone pointed it out.

Those are what I was looking for a while back. I already wrapped the kids packs so I'll have to wait until Christmas day to make sure the straps are 3/4"

Vey interesting. I'll check that idea out.

I've been wanting a tiny (or flat) whistle to put in my wallet, it may fit the bill.

Many thanks

With such a small size I'm guessing that the whistle is pretty high pitched. Is that true?

If so, what are the ramifications? Can older ears hear it well? What about penetration through vegetation?

I've been EDCing a Fox 40 Sonic Blast since Doug had mentioned them. I like it. Loud as heck and a decent form factor.

Aussie... TOPS Knives markets a flat 3 chamber whistle (about .3" thick), and I'm sure there are others... mine fits in multitool pouch, but would easily fit in a wallet

Thanks. I'll check into that.

This is definitely a "stealer" . . .

I think one of my packs definitely does. However, any military surplus pack I own won't.

Thanks for the link

The effectiveness of such a small whistle is the question.

Sounds like it is time for a field test. Since, I do not have one, I will have to wait.

Blow your whistle now and everyone that hears you post your location here so we can see how far the sound travels.

I am preparing to test a number of whistles to measure their decibel level and ease of blowing it. My purpose is to select the best emergency whistle for scouts. I will procure one of these from REI and include it. I have a decibel measuring device. Any advice and ideas on the best way to structure this test would be helpful.

Found them on amazon. I assume they will be of similar, if not identical, construction.

Montanero....for a SAR event, older individuals will have different hearing frequencies than kids, so would include a variety of age group

might include a directional vs. omni comparison, N-S-E-W

uphill vs. downhill

wooded area vs. open (I suspect frequency will have an impact)

orientation of the air exhaust port... most whistles are blown with the exhaust port vertical, might try lowering head to get the exhaust horizontal

I know most northerners don't recommend a traditional brass whistle with pea trill,... but I've broken several plastic ones...

I have some hearing loss in the 4000Hz range, but I perceive a brass referee style whistle to be "louder" than my 3 chamber TOPS and the mini Fox in an AMK kit...

appreciate your test...

These guys tested whistles in the field, including the Nexus buckle whistle I posted.

part 1

part 2

They measured it at an average 105.8 dB and noted that lip placement is important because it's so small, you could envelop a lot of it in your mouth if you're not paying attention.

This guy tested some whistles too, including the Nexus buckle whistle. His number for it was 93.9 dB.

Brian Green's whistle test

These two testers got very different results so I expect one's testing protocol is quite important. It goes beyond just having a sound meter on hand.

I have one that came on my North Face Recon pack. It is plenty loud enough, and if you can't manipulate it, you are a thumbless retard...regardless of other "expert" testers opinions...

With all due respect and noting that I am far from being a PC person, I would kindly ask that you refrain from using such a derogatory remark.

Thank you-
Pete

Glock-A-Roo, those are some interesting tests and some of the methodology is interesting too.

The actual dB rating (which manufacturers state) will be measured in a LAB with perfect conditions and probably using a source of compressed, dry air, so its not surprising that results will vary.

Montanero,
For field testing, having two (or more) people test each whistle, giving three blasts, three three times would give a good average sound.

The ease of use is important for a main whistle, but I think that - for me - I'm willing to compromise on some features because my principal criteria is the ability to fit in my wallet. But its still a consideration.

Afterall the Best Whistle is the one which you actually have with you when you need it.

Some additional tests could be to measure the sound over distance, perhaps from the other side of a bush to try and gauge how the pitch travels (I would expect the multi-pitch whistles to fair best).

And remember to wear hearing protection too, those whistles are LOUD.

I recently started using the handy little REI Flash 18 pack for ultralight dayhikes. I noticed that the sternum strap whistle on it is curved. Looking closer, the mouthpiece on the whistle has a larger air entry and is easier to use without overdoing it.

A little googling shows that ITW Nexus has redesigned the WhistleLoc for better performance. Check item #3081b on this page.

Old style with straight whistle body

New style with curved whistle body

Hey Glock. Great Idea and work on the whistle. Thanks for sharing and the great photos. Years ago I bought a knock off of the AITOR JUNGLE KING. Some of the gadgets were ok, butthe the tiny steel whistle was very good. Takes up little space in an Altoids tin and is very shrill but not as loud as a FOX 40 of cocourse. I think I'll look for one of those buckles and cut it down for the ultra light kit I'v been working on. Thanks again.

As the father of a daughter who suffered a head injury and multiple challenges as a result thereof, I join with Paramedicpete in requesting the end of the use of the "R" word, which is functionally equivalent to the "N" word, even if not intended as such.