Our Verdict
Hikers always need tools that are handy and compact. In the case of kids, this requirement intensifies even more. For beginners, a compass, a thermometer, a whistle, and a signal mirror are important inclusions in their backpack. Coghlan’s Four Function Unisex Whistle offers all the above in one compact item, which has length of 2.49 cm—barely exceeds the palm and is as lightweight as 30g. The whistle is for emergency signaling.
The mirror is a high-end alternative to whistles for the same purpose. The compass provides a basic understanding of the directions. For weather awareness, the thermometer aptly helps the user. It may not be as effective as professional devices, but it works aptly as a survival kit.
What is a Coghlan’s 4 function whistle?
Coghlan’s four-function whistle offers a compact design in a multi-purpose outdoor device. It offers a whistle, which is for emergency signaling; a mirror, which is also used for signaling; a compass, which provides a basic understanding of the directions; and lastly, it has a thermometer for weather awareness.
Key Features of the Coghlan’s Four Function Whistle
Coghlan’s Four Function Whistle is a compact device that gives a 4-in-1 option for beginners in hiking. The first feature is its whistle. It produces a sound with a high pitch and an elevated loudness. It can be used for effective signaling in emergency situations.
Secondly, this device also contains a compass. It is a small liquid-filled compass that helps in navigation. The precision of the compass can be questioned in comparison to high-end models; however, it offers basic directional guidance.
Thirdly, this device has a thermometer with both Fahrenheit and Celsius scales on it. The accuracy of this thermometer may not be high, but it still succeeds in giving a general understanding of the weather. Moreover, it has a signal mirror, which helps in finding help with reflected light.
Although it is a small mirror tossed inside the device, it perfectly functions in emergencies. Moreover, it is a lightweight and portable device that offers great value to the hikers. Lastly, its price value is also affordable, which makes it a great choice for the hikers.
Coghlans Four Function Whistle: Testing Results and Analysis
Whistle Test
As we tested the device, the whistle produced a sharp, loud, and high-pitched sound. You can hear it from up to 500 feet away. In dense forests and foliage, the sound may not travel as clearly as it does in open plains; it still carries fairly well.
High winds impact the audibility of the sound, but it works decently even in the winds. The sound remains clearly audible in open trails. As a whole, it performs decently in emergencies for signaling, which makes it a reliable tool for outdoor safety.
Compass Testing and Accuracy
The compass of the device is also a useful tool for navigation. It is a basic version, which may compromise precision compared to higher-end models; however, it works fairly well in emergencies. In our tests, the compass always pointed in the right direction with slight variations in comparison with professional compasses.
In repeated experiments, it has come to our knowledge that it works best in plains and open trails but struggles with heavily wooded areas and metal surroundings.
Its liquid-filled structure helps in stability and reduces excessive needle movement. In conclusion, it may not be reliable for professional hiking, but it works excellently for safety purposes.
Thermometer Accuracy
Thermometer showed excellent response on testing it in different weather conditions. We tested it in hot, humid, and cold temperatures and it aptly showed the right temperature with slight discrepancies (around 2-5 degrees off) compared to high-end versions and digital versions.
We recorded almost the same variations when we tested in the morning and afternoon which shows consistency of the zero error in the device. However, with time, it adjusted the variation and net zero error was null. In conclusion, it is a reliable device for hiking and general use but it cannot be reliable for scientific experiments. As a whole, it is a useful device for outdoor conditions.
Signal Mirror Functionality
While testing this feature of the Coghlan’s Four Function Whistle, I remembered Tom Hanks’ movie Cast Away, when he was stranded on an abandoned island for a long time.
Had he used a mirror to signal the planes, he would have gotten help earlier. The mirror is an excellent device for signaling, as it reflects sunlight and directs it appropriately to the target person. Although its signal mirror is small, it works almost the same.
After testing it, I came to the conclusion that had the size of the mirror been bigger, it could have been a perfect signaling device. However, with all the shortcomings of size, the mirror works accurately and appropriately.
Pros and Cons of the Coghlans Four Function Whistle
Pros:
- It has a compact and lightweight design.
- It is a multi-functional tool with an affordable price tag.
- The whistle can be effective for emergencies as its sound is loud and shrill.
- The compass acts as a useful device for navigation.
- The thermometer tells about the weather with a degree of accuracy.
- The signal mirror is small but works accurately.
- The main body is plastic, which is reliable and durable.
Cons:
- The features lack high-level accuracy.
- Its thermometer also has variations.
- The signal mirror is inside the device, which makes it prone to scratches.
- Whistle is less intense compared to professional models.
- Cannot be taken as a substitute for professional models.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Coghlan’s Four Function Whistle?
If you are in search of a device that offers multiple functions with reliability, durability, and affordability, Coghlan’s Four Function Whistle is an appropriate item for you. It offers four essentials of outdoor survival in one compact and easy-to-carry device. The usefulness of its thermometer and compass is second to none, but they are professionally inaccurate to a large extent. The whistle is loud enough for emergencies; however, it is not as loud as high-end professional devices. The signal mirror offers a satisfying service for emergencies, adding an extra point to the usefulness of this device as a whole. In conclusion, this device offers an excellent service for outdoor survival for hikers but is not as accurate as professional high-end gear.
