The 10 Best Survival Whistles

Editor's Notes

August 18, 2020:

In today’s update, the titanium TI-EDC Emergency joins the mix. This lightweight, yet durable, choice is nontoxic and hypoallergenic, and resistant to corrosion. It can be heard from quite a distance, and its waterproof construction makes it suitable in both wet and dry conditions. It’s attached to a split ring, and comes with a bonus 24-inch ball chain and a key ring, so you’ll have everything you need to start using it right away. It replaces the Acme 636, which some find to be uncomfortable for extended use. We moved the Shoreline Marine Emergency into the second spot, as it’s a tried-and-true model that’s incredibly simple but loud enough to be heard from a mile away. Its bright color gives you a little added visibility and also makes it easy to spot in your purse or your glove compartment.

For a selection made from strong aluminum alloy with a double-tube design, check out the Rigtee Rescue, which is sure to attract plenty of attention when its blown. Like the Fox 40 Sonik Blast and the Storm All-Weather, this one features a waterproof build that makes it ideal for camping, fishing, and other outdoor sports. Speaking of which, a trip to the wilderness can be a lot safer with the four-in-one Coghlan's Four Function, which combines a whistle with a compass, a magnifying glass, and a thermometer. It’s lightweight and compact, with a removable clip for attaching to your backpack or belt clip. If you’re partial to a vintage design, you’ll appreciate the nickel-plated brass Acme Authentic Metropolitan, which is a shiny bobby-style model that’s actually used by law enforcement officials in the United Kingdom. For a lightweight, inexpensive solution that gets the job done, consider the Heimdall Safety Signaling, which comes in a pack of two in your choice of vibrant color combinations. They sport a flat, pea-less design, and each is attached to a stretchy lanyard that fits well around the wrist.

June 05, 2019:

A reliable survival whistle is a practical, inexpensive way to draw attention to yourself in the event of an emergency. They're a valuable tool to have on hand when you're camping, hiking, boating, jogging, and more. Choosing the right one for you can be tedious, but we’ve done much research to save you a lot of time and guesswork.

Joining our list is the Rigtee Rescue, which comes in your choice of either blue or red and produces up to 120 decibels – enough to be heard at a long distance and to attract plenty of attention. It features a compact build and comes with both a lanyard and a key ring for convenient carrying. Its pealess design means the harder you blow, the louder the sound. A rugged, waterproof housing makes it great for the outdoor enthusiast, referee, or dog trainer.

Other top choices include the Storm All-Weather and Fox 40 Sonik Blast, both of which feature a bright orange color that makes them easy to find in your bag or glove compartment, when needed. Both offer comfortable, ergonomic construction – and most importantly, both can be relied on to produce loud sounds. In this update, the Jetscream Floating was cut from the list since it wasn’t capable of producing as much noise as the rest of the selection.