Coghlan's Emergency Survival Horn

This thing is loud. Don't test-blow it indoors or you might annoy the neighbors if you live in a multi-family dwelling!While I've heard louder portable disposable canister air-horns this one is as loud as many of them. When you factor in the limited number of blows from a canister this re-usable one is still going to be MUCH louder than any of them once they run out of charge and go dead. If you have ever found yourself out in the fog and surrounded by other boat traffic and had that bad feeling as your air canister went flat you will appreciate what a safety feature NEVER running out of air can be.For the extremely low price and small lightweight construction this is a piece of backup safety equipment you really can't afford to pass up. While it is not a perfect piece of gear for the price how could anyone complain?Minor issues that for this price are not that big of a deal:*You need to hold this with one hand while blowing into the hole. It can't be used like a whistle while just holding it in your mouth. A mouthpiece at the side hole would be nice although I suppose it would make the unit a little bit larger and then not fit into a stash bag. If you are trying to bail whle hanging on in rough seas that might be an issue.*It's not fully water-proof. While I don't think water would hurt it at all once it dried out it might not make much noise if it is wet or full of water inside where a safety whistle is self-clearing and some of them can even be blown underwater. That might make this less useful tied onto your PFD in a COB event. An emergency whistle would be a better choice here. In a storm with enough rain or spray this might not be the best choice if enough water gets in to muffle the vibrating membrane. A good survival whistle could easily be strung on the same line as this to keep them both together in your emergency kit and give you a choice. This is NOT a kayaking whistle as another reviewer pointed out.*Yet another reviewer said that his horn stopped working after a few years when the membrane came unglued inside. Any and all safety equipment should be inspected annually at the very least and a problem like should be rectified immediatly. This is boating, you know "a hole in the water you dump money into" and stuff doesn't last forever on any boat. Safety gear needs to be checked and re-checked to ensure it is all in proper working condition and this little guy is no exception. If in doubt, buy two of these -they are CHEAP. replacing a $3 item when it goes bad shouldn't bankrupt anyone. If it does, perhaps boating isn't the correct activity for you ;)*Finally, it says right on the packaging to "Blow into the SIDE of the horn." I have seen so many people complain about how this, and other similar breath-powered membrane horns here on Amazon wouldn't work, where they were trying to blow into the end the whole time. That just won't work!

We got two for walking in woods with our 3 dogs, for two reasons. First, dogs know the sound and will get a treat. Secondly, will scare off bears, hopefully lol. BUT, one broke within a month. Hey, I know there $3.00 bucks with prime and hitting the $25 order amount but they should last longer than that.

Purchased for something to have on hand for coyotes or other animal threats while in the backyard with our small doggies. Coyotes are common in our area and being disabled I needed an option that didnt require much strength. If you blow through the hole on the side, as stated in instructions, it DEFINITELY works. I didnt even test to it's full ability. So for something that is affordable, small, lightweight, portable ...it really performs. Also has a lanyard attached that has a clip to detach quickly.

Just so no one makes the mistake I made.This is NOT an aerosol spray can. You have to blow into it.This thing is constructed like a whistle. It has the same basic construction as an automotive oil-filter but with a rubber membrane at the bottom. When you blow in the little hole the membrane vibrates and makes quite a loud noise.This thing is suprisingly lound for its size and the fact that it is "puff powered", however, it is no where near as loud as the hand-held aerosol can type. But it should suffice as an Emergcy horn or for use at sporting events and such. I need it for maritime use and this did not quite cut the muster for that.I'm giving it 4 stars because for the simple device it is, it is well made and performs.-n

ultralight air horn. this was my #1 self defense tool while backpacking a new york state park and the AT for a week, which happens to serve as a black bear refuge. i kept it around my neck tucked into my shirt at all times.to note:i haven’t blown fully- but you need to make a plan to tuck one ear into your shoulder while covering your other ear. this thing is dangerously loud and due to it’s size, unavoidably close to your ear holes. i made a tiny test honk, and my i-devices alerted me of decibel levels.highly recommend over a bell or whistle to any hiker concerned about black bears, wildlife, and emergency rescue. this compact, affordable, super lightweight horn should be in every front and backcountry camper’s kit.

too quiety.....

J'ignore si cet objet a vraiment été testé mais le prix correspond à cette corne, vraiment passable. Très déçu...tout simplement, inutile de perdre son temps à tergiverser. Ne correspond pas à mon attente. Est-il défectueux? Mais c'est plus un gadget qu'autre chose.

So I just got it, blew into the side hole as instructed and no sound. I read the other reviews, opened the top and found the rubber balloon like thing was ripped. I opened a condom packet (I didn't have any balloons) and put one over the top part tight, then put the top back on and cut away the visible condom parts on the outside. Blew again into the side hole and now it works and it's loud. I also love that I can wear it around my neck for when out walking my dogs. It's plastic so not sturdy material but I'm very happy with it. And I guess the initial frustration of thinking it was useless led me to learning how to easily fix it when no sound is made. I recommend it and great for the money.

Small, lightweight and loud, comes with a lightweight lanyard/string, very easy to carry around. Tip: Read the instructions, the blow hole is the side hole (not the larger opening, but the small one on the side).

This is a great small air horn - it's loud and compact. I carry one hiking and running.