The Backcountry Tracker DTS at first glance doesn't look like your typical avalanche beacon--truthfully it looks more like a child's toy. But make no mistake, this is one serious piece of hardware.

For anyone who travels in the backcountry, the need for an avy beacon is obvious. More importantly, though, is the knowledge of how to use one. Until now, using a beacon effectively has been reserved to the pro's due to the difficulty of operating these expensive little gadgets. The DTS all but eliminates this steep learning curve and has truly revolutionized the beacon world, making recoveries even by inexperienced users as much as 75% faster than when using an ordinary beacon.

What makes this little jewel so special? Well, several things, but perhaps most importantly is the visual indicator that more or less points you in the direction of the buried victim. The 5 LEDs and dual receiving antennas will align you with flux curve of the transmitting beacon turning the search into a simple game of follow the line or connect the dots. Not only this, but it even gives you a distance indicator (in meters--we would really like to see a reading in feet for US users) that lets you know approximately how far you are from the victim. Does it get any easier?

The initial sweep for a victim and protocols remain much the same, but once you acquire the signal, it's a matter of just following the flux curve. Unofficial reports have demonstrated a 75% faster retrieval of buried victims when compared with using other beacons. Not only that, but the time to learn how to use the beacon is a matter of hours rather than a lifetime learning experience. If you were buried, trust me, you want your searchers to have this beacon. If you have a DTS and your friend has a different beacon, make him use yours just in case you're the one that gets buried!

Positives:
EVERYTHING!! No complaints--and we're complainers when it comes to gear! Only drawback might be price, but it's consistent with the market.
 

     Tracker Features
  • Digital distance and direction displays simplify searches for inexperienced beacon users.
  • Dual receiving antennas eliminate “grid” and “tangent” searching, resulting in significantly shorter search times for both novices and experts.
  • Automatic sensitivity adjustment eliminates the need for manual volume controls.
  • Multiple search filtering helps isolate signals in the event of multiple burials.
  • Optional auto revert-to-transmit system can protect rescuers caught in secondary avalanches or who forget to switch back from search to transmit mode.
  • Bright distance/direction LEDs (light emitting diodes) operate efficiently in the extreme cold and in nighttime conditions.
  • Improved harness design provides comfort, speed, and protection to rescuers during search.
  • Compact/lightweight
  • Worldwide compatibility
  • US retail price $299.95

     Technical Specifications

  • Frequency: 457 kHz
  • Batteries: three AAA
  • Battery life: minimum 1 hour in search mode after 200 hours in transmit mode (approximately 250 hours in transmit only or 50 hours in search only)
  • Weight: 10.5 ounces (298 grams), including strap and batteries; 8.3 ounces (200 grams) without strap and batteries.
  • Size: 5-3/4” x 3-1/4” x 1-1/4” (14cm x 8cm x 3cm)
  • Limited 3-year warranty

For more info, visit www.bcaccess.com