Best emergency whistle

Hikers walking in the mountains
(Image credit: Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash)

Simple is usually best when it comes to outdoor kit to keep you safe in an emergency. While GPS allows you to find yourself anywhere on earth, to attract help when disaster strikes nothing beats the humble whistle. A blast on the best emergency whistles will carry for miles and alert anyone in hearing range that you need some assistance say if someone in your party has slipped and hurt their leg on a trail. 

They are also good for unwanted animal encounters. Loud sounds will hopefully startle bears and cougars, break up fighting dogs and even deter human attackers when they know help could be on its way. Cheap, compact and easy to carry but with the potential to save your life, emergency whistles are an essential item to have on you when you venture outdoors. Here are the best to blow on.

Best overall

Best emergency whistle

(Image credit: Amazon)

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles

One-piece whistle which is easy to spot

This is a compact whistle you’d want to be able to find in an emergency and its reflective lanyard will help. Double tubes make it super loud - up to 120 decibels - and no moving parts in the high impact ABS plastic construction mean it's a reliable noisemaker on land or water. Handily, it floats too.

Best sports whistle

Best emergency whistle

(Image credit: Amazon)

Hipat Red Emergency Whistles

Traditional whistle that’s extra loud and durable

The traditional design of this whistle means it’s easier to use with the cork pea creating a loud, shrill sound with less blowing. Red for visibility and made from extra thick plastic, the nylon lanyard ensures it’s close to hand when you need it most.

Best on water

Best emergency whistle

(Image credit: Amazon)

All-Weather Whistles Safety Whistle

Loud orange whistle in a unique shape

The loudest whistle on the market according to the manufacturer. The unique patented design allows you to blow any water out of the sounding chamber and it can be heard up to 50 feet underwater! Easy to hold, there’s a ring to attach it to a lanyard.

Best for loudness

Best emergency whistle

(Image credit: Amazon)

HyperWhistle

Super loud whistle with no moving parts

Another super loud whistle - up to 142 decibels for over two miles - the company behind it reckon it has eight times the range of a standard sports whistle. Good job it comes with hearing protectors and also a neck lanyard. No moving parts mean it’s good for use on the water.

Bottom line

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We wouldn’t recommend any adventure in the wilderness without an emergency whistle. Simple but so effective, you wouldn’t want to be without one when you need it most - to attract attention, call for help or deter a dangerous animal attack. For most people, we would pick the LuxoGear Emergency Whistle. It’s bright, compact and dependable with no moving parts to go wrong. Keep it close for extra peace of mind.

If you want a whistle that’s so loud you should probably cover your ears when testing it, the All-Weather Whistles Safety Whistle is a clever design that works well brilliantly on the water or anywhere else you need to let people know you need some help.

Advnture team

Launched in July 2020, Advnture is the ideal destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Whether you're into epic hikes through the wilderness, camping trips with the family, climbing with your friends, or looking for a trail running personal best, our team of experts will point you in the right direction, with top buying advice and in-depth guides to help you get the most of your time in the backcountry.