RECCO, manufacturer of advanced rescue technology, has added RAB, global manufacturer of outdoor apparel and gear, to its family of 150+ partner brands who integrate RECCO reflectors into their products. As the partner network of RECCO® continues to grow, so does the number of people who can be located in the event of an emergency.
The technology is currently used in 900+ locations in 32 countries, through search-and-rescue organisations and ski resorts. The system can be deployed in the event a person is missing or caught in an avalanche as, if they have RECCO integrated into their apparel or gear are searchable by rescue teams equipped with RECCO detectors.
The first collection of Rab products to integrate RECCO reflectors will come to market in Autumn 2025 and include a range of products for all seasons, from technical mountain packs to performance shells and down jackets. Outdoor users who have RECCO integrated into their apparel or gear are searchable by rescue teams equipped with RECCO detectors.
Tim Fish, Product Director at Rab, said, “The RECCO search network has evolved into the global standard search system, enabling fast and effective response in avalanche situations and other mountain incidents. By integrating RECCO reflectors into our new technical GORE-TEX® Shells and professional mountain packs, we’re providing an essential additional safety tool for our mountain community.”
RECCO technology is a global standard used for search-and-rescue and avalanche burial detection. Lightweight, virtually indestructible and with no need for a power source, reflectors add an additional level of searchability and safety for anyone using products equipped with RECCO technology.
“Rab is a brand deeply dedicated to the mountain experience, and we’re proud to expand our roster of brand partners working with their team,” said Fredrik Steinwall, CEO of RECCO.
The RECCO system’s use has been growing in recent years with the introduction of a helicopter-based detector unit in 2016, expanding the RECCO system from winter searches to all-season use for locating lost hikers, mountain bikers and mountaineers.
The helicopter detector can quickly search large areas, covering a square kilometre in six minutes. Along with helping reduce search times for missing people, the helicopter-based detector can reduce the time and risk exposure for rescue workers during missions.
There is also a handheld RECCO detector more commonly used to search efficiently in snowy conditions for avalanche rescues. Currently, there are 43 RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors globally with 14 located in North America, 28 units deployed across Europe and one in Nepal.
While RECCO technology doesn’t replace personal avalanche transceivers or proper mountain safety training, it provides an invaluable additional layer of searchability that could prove critical in emergency situations.
Main pic – Rab’s new AW25 Latok GTX Jacket features RECCO technology.