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Missing hikers survived thanks to safety devices

Posted at 5:01 PM, Apr 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-11 19:03:59-04
LifeStraw
The LifeStraw and similar devices help filter out bacteria and make water safe to drink.

DES MOINES, IA – Two missing hikers have been found alive after they disappeared while hiking in California last weekend.

Eric Desplinter and Gabrielle Wallace had not been seen since Saturday when they didn’t return from a hike to Cucamonga Peak.

Luckily they went prepared with items including a LifeStraw that helped them to survive. The LifeStraw is a $20 piece of equipment that filters out bacteria in flowing water, making it safe to drink.

Workers at REI say the LifeStraw is just one device hikers should include in their bags when they head out. They also say you should carry a map and a compass, or a GPS device.

Cell phone service was non-existent on the mountain where Desplinter and Wallace were hiking, so they couldn’t use their phone’s navigation.

REI also recommends packing more food than you think you’ll need and suggests several options that won’t take up too much space in your bag.

“So a lot of our power foods like cliff bars and gu gels and stuff like that are high-calorie, decent protein, so it’s very small, lightweight, put it in your pack it’s good for quite a while,” said store manager Taggart Lewsader. :So even if you don’t eat all of them on that trip they’re good for your next adventure. ”

It’s also a good idea to pack waterproof matches or a lighter just in case you need to start a fire.