I found some flat whistles at the dollar store. When I got them home, I discovered they also have an LED flashlight built into them. Cheap enough for the kids' kits, and no loss if they lose them. Cheap enough to have them tucked everywhere. Button-press rather than sliding lock, but still not bad for a buck.

might be good for kids.

i went to big lots and found eddie bauerer pealess whistle with thermometer,compass, and magnifiying glass. it was 99 cents ...i had a dollar.i figured what the heck and now its on my key chain.it works well.

The loudest whistle is barely good enough! <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

If my ears are the ones you're trying to reach good luck, unless I'm standing within rock throwing range I won't hear you. I figure the whistle is for the dog that the SAR team is using to track me. I much prefer mirrors and bright ribbon.

Okay, we'll forget you! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

A lot can depend on the moisture in the air, and which way the breeze/wind is blowing. Both can carry sound.

About 30 years ago, a woman and her 8-9 yr old daughter were hiking, and the mother fell and broke her leg. The girl got back to the car and kept blowing the horn, three blasts and a pause, three blasts and a pause. Someone heard, and followed the sound to investigate. They would never have heard her yelling.

Sue

There's something to be said for economy in certain circumstances. Would I want a dollar store whistle and LED light to be my primary gear? No. However, the way my children lose things...it would be a great way to teach them, and if they lose it, I'm not out a Fox 40 or Jet Screamer.

I got them $6 single AAA LED lights because they like to play with them and read by them at bedtime. Those darn batteries don't last long when I forget to shut the lights off after they fall asleep. Could get some rechargables, but I'm thinking for Christmas, I'll get them small shake lights. Try it at least.
End rambling here.

I'm going to check out the dollar stores around here <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Too bad Big Lots closed here! I'd try an Eddie Bauer combo gadget...especially for 99 cents!

Sounds like you are another of us with crappy ears...

I have suffered some hearing loss from driving duce and a halfs in the Army for seven years. Plus, I was talked into shooting a .357 magnum 4" S&W with no hearing protection.

No, the reason is our Boy Scout Troop was camping at Camp Rayomd, in Arizona, and my 11 year old twins and 15 year old wandered off exploring. It was lunchtime and I we went looking for them. Blowing on my Fox 40 Micro did no good. I did not have my Storm whistle on me at the time. No matter how loud I blew they did not hear me. They were about 1/2 mile away.

ergo: the best is barely good enough!