Back when I knew little of preparedness, I loved to joke about a PLB being the most useless gift I’d received – “I’ve just never had a use for it, Mum!” I was, and perhaps still am, a classic young ‘Kiwi’: dumb, keen, and optimistic.

It started on a 4-day trip with a few mates into the Southern Alps. Great time hanging out, walking for days, and talking nonsense. Each day we bashed further up the river, getting higher and higher until the 3rd day when we would ascend a pass into the next valley.

As we ascended, things got snowy, and we realized we were in over our heads. Blind optimism turned into a realization that we were on steep snowy slopes above bluffs.

With limited knowledge and a storm coming, we popped out our ResQLink 400 PLB. About an hour later, a heli crew picked us up, avoiding the need for a winch or stretcher.

There were significant lessons learned about trip planning and the importance of acquiring skills for mountain safety. Though the rescue was a little embarrassing, it sparked a journey of growth – leading to avalanche, climbing, and mountaineering courses.

Now that I prioritize preparedness, I hit the mountains every weekend, learning from mentors and friends, all thanks to that “useless” gift.