Trail Chasers Blog and Other Interesting Facts
Welcome to the Trail Chasers Blog, where DIYers and professionals in landscaping, surveying, construction, and engineering can find valuable insights and practical advice. Our blog is dedicated to providing expert tips, gear reviews, industry updates, and more, all focused on helping you make informed decisions in your fieldwork. Whether you're a seasoned surveyor or just starting out, our content covers everything from the latest trends in marking tools to how-to guides for using our original Trail Chasers survey markers.
Our Trail Chasers Survey Markers are ready-to-use and made of highly durable 6-inch plastic whisker-type marking flags, available with non-rust aluminum stakes or heavy-duty steel stakes, are designed to withstand tough conditions on any project site.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve by exploring our expert articles, and compare us with other industry leaders. At Trail Chasers, we are committed to enhancing your project efficiency with the right tools and information.
5 Cheap Trail Markers for Hunting and Outdoor Use in 2024
When it comes to hunting, locating your stand or navigating through the wilderness without spooking your game is critical. Marking your trail effectively can save time, reduce frustration, and increase your chances of success. Whether you're tracking game, revisiting a specific spot, or ensuring your safe return from a remote location, having reliable trail markers is essential. Fortunately, you don't have to break the bank to set up a cost effective ground marking system. Here are five cheap trail markers for hunting and outdoor use along with tips on how to use them effectively.
Trail Markers for Hunting and Outdoor Use
Flagging Tape
Flagging tape is one of the most affordable and straightforward methods for marking a trail. Typically made from lightweight plastic, this tape comes in a variety of colors, with blaze orange being the most common for hunting. It’s highly visible during the day, making it an excellent choice for marking trails that will be revisited frequently or used to track game after a successful shot.
Pros:
Inexpensive and readily available.
Easily visible from long distances.
Quick to set up and remove.
Cons:
Not reflective, so it may be difficult to see at night without a flashlight.
Its bright color can also be a double-edged sword, as other hunters can spot your trail too, possibly leading to unwanted attention from poachers or competitors.
Best For: Hunters on private land or those who need a temporary solution while tracking game.
Marking Tacks
Marking tacks are another cheap and effective option, especially for night hunting. These small reflective tacks come in various colors, such as white, orange, or brown, and are designed to reflect light from a flashlight, allowing you to follow your trail after dark. Tacks can be placed on trees at regular intervals, and their reflective properties make them perfect for nighttime hunting.
Pros:
Reflective for easy night use.
Subtle during the day, reducing the chance of other hunters finding your trail.
Cons:
Can be challenging to spot during the day without reflective light.
Time-consuming to set up as you’ll need to place them on multiple trees along your trail.
Best For: Night hunters or those needing a low-profile marking system.
Hunting Trail Markers (Trail Chasers)
For a durable and reusable solution, Trail Chasers Survey Markers are a fantastic choice. Available in lightweight 10-pack or 25-count packs, these orange whisker-style markers are designed for outdoor durability. They're easy to carry, can be staked into the ground, and are perfect for marking your trail without drawing too much attention from other hunters. Their low profile makes them difficult for others to spot while still guiding you reliably.
Pros:
Durable, reusable, and weather-resistant.
Lightweight and easy to carry.
Easy to set up and remove.
Cons:
Not reflective, so they may not be as useful at night unless paired with a flashlight.
Can be buried under snow in heavy winter areas.
Best For: Hunters who need a long-lasting and reusable trail marking system.
For those looking for an affordable, ready-made solution, you can purchase Trail Chasers Survey Markers in various pack sizes here.
Hunting Tape
Hunting tape, specifically designed for marking trails, is another cost-effective solution. While it’s similar to flagging tape, hunting tape is often more durable and weather-resistant. Many options on the market are designed to be reflective, making them ideal for marking trails during early morning or late evening hunts when visibility is low.
Pros:
Durable and weather-resistant.
Reflective options available, making it useful for night hunting.
Easily removable and reusable.
Cons:
Bright colors can alert other hunters to your trail.
It can still be less durable than other options like marking flags or whiskers.
Best For: Hunters who want a versatile marking option that works for both day and night hunts.
GPS Markers
Though not the cheapest up front, using a GPS system or GPS app on your smartphone is a modern and reliable way to mark your trail. Many hunting apps allow you to drop waypoints along your path, making it easy to find your way back to your stand or vehicle. Some GPS apps also include topographic maps, land boundaries, and weather data, giving you a complete toolkit for your hunting trip.
Pros:
Accurate and can store multiple trails and waypoints.
No need for physical markers that could give away your trail.
Many apps offer additional features like weather tracking and public land boundaries.
Cons:
Requires a reliable GPS device or smartphone.
Can be expensive if you need to purchase a standalone GPS unit or app subscription.
Dependence on battery life, which can be limited in cold weather.
Best For: Hunters who want to go digital and are willing to invest in a GPS system.
Which Method is Right for You?
When selecting a method for marking your trail, consider your specific hunting environment and budget. For those looking for a budget-friendly option, flagging tape, hunting tape, or marking tacks can be a quick and cheap solution. However, if you're looking for a reusable and durable option that won’t break the bank, the Trail Chasers Survey Markers are an excellent investment. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and offer a long-lasting marking solution that blends into the natural environment while still being visible when you need them.
Ready to Mark Your Trail?
Finding an effective and affordable way to mark your hunting trail can significantly improve your success rate. Whether you’re using simple flagging tape or investing in more durable markers like Trail Chasers Survey Markers, each option offers its own set of benefits depending on your needs. Take the time to experiment with different methods to see which one works best for your hunting style and environment.
For more hunting gear or to buy Trail Chasers Orange Lightweight Survey Markers, visit Trail Chasers and explore their wide selection of affordable, high-quality trail markers and hunting accessories.
Trail Chasers are also Available Online at Amazon
The Original Trail Chasers Ground Markers for Hunting
Trail Chasers are also Available Online at Home Depot
Garmin 67i GPS used with Trail Chasers Ground Markers
What Color Survey Flags Fade the Least? Color Fast Test
When it comes to survey flags and ground markers, longevity and visibility are key. These tools are vital for marking boundaries, indicating hazards, or identifying specific locations on a site. However, one of the challenges faced by surveyors, construction workers, and landscapers is the sun fading of these markers over time, especially when exposed to the elements. The question then arises: what color survey flags fade the least?
Understanding UV Impact on Survey Flags - Color Fast Test
Survey flags and ground markers are constantly exposed to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can degrade the color pigments over time. This degradation leads to fading, making the markers less visible and, in some cases, completely ineffective. UV radiation is a major contributor to this process, and different colors react differently to UV exposure. Survey Marker Color Fast Test
To combat this, brands like Trail Chasers incorporate UV stabilizers into their products by using brands such as the Stake Chasers marking whiskers. These stabilizers are designed to absorb or screen out the harmful UV radiation, thus slowing the fading process. However, even with these protective measures, some colors are more resistant to fading than others.
The Science Behind Color Fading
The rate at which a color fades is influenced by several factors, including the type of pigment used, the intensity of UV exposure, and the geographic location where the markers are used. In general, darker colors tend to absorb more UV rays, leading to faster degradation, while lighter colors reflect more light and may fade more slowly. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, as some lighter colors can also be prone to rapid fading under certain conditions.
Test Results: How Long Do Different Colors Last?
To provide some insight into which APWA colors last the longest, let's look at our Survey Marker Color Fast Test results conducted on various colors of Stake Chaser brand marking whiskers. These tests were performed in a specific area of the United States characterized by high UV exposure—situated around 1,700 feet above sea level, with an average of 243 days of sunshine per year, and temperatures ranging from 74°F to 95°F. While these results are not a guarantee, they offer a general idea of what to expect.
Fade Onset: Some fade observed within 2 months.
Total Fade: Only a trace of color left by 9 weeks.
Pink is a vibrant color that is often used for its high visibility. However, it tends to fade relatively quickly when exposed to UV light, with significant fading occurring within just a couple of months.
Fade Onset: Some fading observed within 2 months.
Total Fade: Only a trace of color left by 9 weeks.
Red is a bold color, but like pink, it fades relatively quickly. After 9 weeks, very little of the original color remains, reducing its effectiveness as a long-term marker.
Fade Onset: Fading can begin as early as 3 weeks.
Total Fade: Can retain sufficient color for up to 7 weeks.
Yellow is somewhat more durable than the previous colors, with some markers maintaining visibility for up to 7 weeks. However, it is still prone to fading relatively quickly.
Fade Onset: Minor fading observed after 9.5 months.
Total Fade: Some markers may show fade at 11.5 months.
Orange, especially in its standard form, is one of the most durable colors. It can last over a year with minimal fading, making it an excellent choice for long-term projects.
Fade Onset: Lasts over 1 year with no significant fading.
White is a highly reflective color that resists UV degradation well. It can last over a year without noticeable fading, making it ideal for projects where long-term visibility is crucial.
Fade Onset: Lasts over 1 year with no significant fading.
Blue also performs exceptionally well, maintaining its color for over a year. It’s a good choice for projects where a distinct color is needed for an extended period.
Fade Onset: Lasts over 1 year with no significant fading.
Purple, like blue, is resistant to fading and can last over a year, making it another excellent option for long-term use.
Fade Onset: Lasts over 1 year with no significant fading.
Green also demonstrates strong resistance to fading, lasting over a year with minimal color loss. It’s a reliable choice for projects requiring durability.
Factors Influencing Fade Resistance
While the above test results provide a general idea of color longevity, several factors can influence the fade resistance of survey flags:
Geographic Location: The intensity and duration of UV exposure can vary greatly depending on the location. Areas closer to the equator, at higher altitudes, or with less cloud cover will generally see faster fading.
Environmental Conditions: Temperature, humidity, and the presence of pollutants can all impact the rate at which colors fade. For example, higher temperatures can accelerate the degradation of pigments.
Material Quality: The quality of the pigment
Choosing the Right Color for Your Project
When selecting survey flags or ground markers, it’s essential to consider the fade resistance of different colors. While some colors, like glow orange and pink, offer high visibility initially, they may not be suitable for long-term projects due to their rapid fading. On the other hand, colors like white, blue, purple, and green demonstrate excellent fade resistance, making them ideal for projects where long-term visibility is required.
Ultimately, the choice of color should be based on the specific needs of your project, the expected duration of use, and the environmental conditions of the site. For projects requiring long-term durability, opting for colors with proven fade resistance will ensure that your markers remain visible and effective throughout the duration of the work.
If you have any questions or need assistance selecting the right survey flags or ground markers for your project, don't hesitate to contact our Pro Desk. We can help you find the best solutions tailored to your needs, including special orders or bulk quotes for large projects.s and the presence of UV stabilizers play a crucial role in fade resistance. Higher-quality materials will generally offer better longevity.
Unsure whether to choose our ready-to-use lightweight or hard ground markers? Not sure which color whiskers best suit your project? Let us help! We’ll gladly send you samples. Message us above with your shipping address. Available for USA and Canada only.
Discovering Engineering in the Field: Ground Marking Tools
The field of engineering is incredibly diverse, encompassing a wide range of specialties and tasks. Yet, it’s often portrayed as a monolithic profession. In reality, engineers undertake vastly different kinds of work, united by their need for high-quality professional instruments. Among these essential tools are marking flags, which have become indispensable for various surveying tasks.
Marking flags serve as visual indicators, aiding engineers and surveyors in marking boundaries, identifying underground utilities, and mapping out construction sites. Among the most trusted brands, Trail Chasers ground markers stand out as a prime choice for professionals across different engineering disciplines. Trail Chasers ground markers are highly visible, rugged, reusable, impervious to dirt and will blend into most ground vegetation while still being easy to spot.
Land Surveyors
For land surveyors, precision is paramount. Trail Chasers marking flags offer high visibility and durability, ensuring accurate marking of property lines, easements, and topographic features.
Construction Surveyors
In the dynamic environment of construction sites, clear markings are crucial for safety and efficiency. Trail Chasers flags provide long-lasting visibility, even in challenging conditions, aiding in layout marking and equipment positioning.
Engineering Surveyors
Engineers rely on accurate measurements and data to design infrastructure projects. Trail Chasers flags help mark critical points during surveys, facilitating precise calculations and design processes.
Trail Chasers are available in eight APWA and international code colors including RED for power lines and lighting cables. YELLOW for gas, oil and steam lines. ORANGE for marking communication lines, cables or conduit. BLUE for potable water. PURPLE for slurry lines. GREEN for sewer and drain lines. WHITE for proposed excavation sites and PINK for temporary survey marking.
Geodetic Surveyors
Geodetic surveying demands precision on a global scale. Trail Chasers flags maintain visibility over long distances, supporting geodetic surveys for mapping and scientific research.
Boundary and Land Surveyors
Maintaining clear boundaries is essential in property management and legal disputes. Trail Chasers flags offer reliable marking solutions, aiding in boundary identification and resolution.
Within the engineering and surveying professions, the importance of specialized tools like marking flags. Trail Chasers ground markers exemplify the quality and reliability required by engineers across various disciplines, ensuring accurate and efficient project outcomes. Whether you’re mapping land, constructing buildings, or conducting scientific research, having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving success.
Use Trail Chasers Ground Markers Instead of a Fork!
When it comes to maintaining a pristine lawn or garden, precise irrigation is key. Sprinkler heads play a crucial role in ensuring that every corner of your green space receives adequate water. However, locating these sprinkler heads amidst grass or foliage can be a daunting task, often leading to accidental damage during lawn maintenance activities like mowing or trimming. This is where Trail Chasers come into play as a practical solution.
Trail Chasers are designed specifically for marking the location of sprinkler heads, providing a clear and visible indicator without the need for makeshift markers like forks or flags. Here’s why they are a game-changer:
Visibility
Unlike forks or small flags that can easily be missed or moved, Trail Chasers ground markers are designed to stand out. Their bright colors and sturdy construction make them highly visible, even from a distance.
Durability
Made from high-quality materials such as durable plastics or metals, Trail Chasers are built to withstand outdoor elements. They can endure exposure to sunlight, rain, and lawn equipment without fading or degrading, ensuring long-term visibility and functionality.
Precision
Trail Chasers ground markers are designed with precision in mind. Their height and design are optimized to align perfectly with the height of most sprinkler heads, providing an accurate marker for maintenance purposes.
Safety
Using proper markers like Trail Chasers enhances safety during lawn care activities. Lawnmower blades can cause significant damage to sprinkler heads, leading to costly repairs. By clearly marking their locations, you reduce the risk of accidental damage, making maintenance tasks safer and more efficient.
Aesthetics
Beyond functionality, Trail Chasers ground markers contribute to the overall aesthetics of your lawn. Their uniform appearance and clean design complement the landscaping without being obtrusive.
Trail Chasers offer a practical, durable, and visually appealing solution for marking sprinkler head locations. Investing in these markers not only improves efficiency during maintenance but also helps protect your irrigation system, saving you time and money in the long run.
Hiking Trail Markers - You Don't Want to Get Lost!!
Our Trails Deserve Beautiful Signs
Whether you are hiking, hunting, bicycling, riding on horseback or participating in motorized recreation, nearly everyone uses trails for a similar goal – to spend time outdoors.
Trail markers are an important tool for these activities and are used to help stay on the right path, avoid hazards and to keep you from getting lost. Trail markers come in a variety of shapes and sizes – and even colors (they aren’t always orange!)
Types of Trail Markers
There are several ways of marking trails: paint, carvings, affixed markers, posts, flagging whiskers, flagging tape, cairns (rock piles), and crosses, with paint being the most widely used.
At Elusive Hunter, with our Trail Chasers® brand ground markers, we use flagging whiskers combined with either lightweight stakes for easy carry or our upgraded hard ground stakes for compacted soil or gravel. The trade-off is weight; the hard ground stakes weigh three times as much as the lightweight version.
Trail Marker Colors
Trail markers typically come in four different colors: orange, red, yellow, and blue.
Orange trail markers that are widely used in hunting and on state park/forest hiking trails. Orange is universal and easy to see. Orange flags, whiskers and paint in trail marking is a color that generally holds up well against UV fade. Color tests show orange will last a year or so before fading.
Red trail markers are used to mark mixed use trails meaning bikes, horses, and foot travel all are fair game on the trail. Red pigments in marking flags, whiskers and paint don’t hold up as well as orange. Color tests show fade beginning in a few months and show only a trace around nine months out.
Yellow trail markers represent local hiking trails for foot travel only. Like Red, the natural paint pigments will begin to fade rapidly, but do hold on to the color for roughly nine months.
Blue trail markers are typically used to represent ski trails. Blue colored flags, whiskers and paint will generally hold up for a year or more.
Member of the Trails Community
We are a proud Trail Supporter of American Trails the national organization working on behalf of all trail interests. American Trials is passionate about trails and the positive impact they bring to all communities. Based in Boulder, Colorado American Trails is one of the world's most comprehensive online sources for planning, building, designing, funding, managing, enhancing, and supporting trails, greenways, and blueways. https://www.americantrails.org/
Our Trail Dogs
Our trail dogs for this post are: Cody, named for Buffalo Bill Cody of the American Wild West days and is our over-energized two and a half year old Golden. He’d run the River Trail ten times over if we let him. Cleaver is our six year old mellowed-out Flat Coated Retriever. He’s a rescue from the Republic of Turkey. He’d just as soon chill out strolling the trail.
Trail Chasers Survey Markers On Top of Pikes Peak, CO
Look what we found on the top of Pikes Peak
Recently we took the The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak. This Cog Train climbs to the top of one of the most iconic mountains in the United States, Pikes Peak in Colorado. Very scenic and a must add adventure the next time you’re in Colorado Springs.
As we disembarked the train at the top we immediately started seeing survey markers like Trail Chasers - Pink Hard Ground Markers. Land and construction surveyors use many different types of survey markers to mark survey control stations, set out points or property boundaries.
Trail Chasers - Hard Ground Markers are sturdy enough to drive into compacted soil and durable enough to withstand high winds, intense sunlight and wide temperature swings that are common on top of high altitude landscapes.
How’s the Color Holding Up?
Looking at these markers you can tell some color fade has occurred. Over time, color pigments in wire marking flags and ground whiskers will slowly fade due to UV exposure. While fading is going to occur, the Smi-Carr Stake Chaser brand marking Whiskers, like those used in Trail Chasers brand ground markers, have UV stabilizers added to protect against degradation from UV light.
Even with stabilizers added, different colors absorb UV rays differently resulting in variations in the degradation time. Check out our Blog from February 29th for more detailed information on UV Color Testing.
Front Range of the Rocky Mountains
Pikes Peak is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in North America. The ultra-prominent 14,115-foot fourteener is located in Pike National Forest, 12 miles west of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Stake Chasers - World's Best Ground Marking Systems
Since 1965, when the late Willard D. Carroll, Sr., invented a product that would streamline the road construction and surveying industries forever: the Stake Chaser® brand whisker flag has been a prime choice for both commercial and home use. Designed to provide maximum visibility and trusted for their durability and flexibility; Stake Chasers are the world’s best ground marking systems.
Smi-Carr’s Stake Chasers
Smi-Carr’s Stake Chasers brand marking whiskers are virtually indestructible, these APWA color-coded whiskers spring back up when run over by lawn mowers, graders and heavy equipment. Unlike flagging tape and wire flags, Stake Chasers are highly visible, rugged, reusable, impervious to dirt and will blend into most ground vegetation while still being easy to spot. These whiskers are perfect for construction projects, subdivision developments, landscaping designs, buried utility lines, survey, hunting and hiking trails; football and soccer fields.
Elusive Hunter’s Trail Chasers
Elusive Hunter’s Trail Chasers are prepacked Stake Chasers 6-inch whiskers with either 7-inch lightweight non-rust aluminum stakes for use in most topsoil conditions or heavier 6-inch galvanized nails for compacted soil or gravel. Standard packages of 10 or 25 count includes everything you need to start using immediately; no extra trips to buy nails or stakes. Our dedicated Pro Desk can help plan your entire job with any mix count of whisker colors and stakes to be sent to one or more job sites.
One Stop— Contact our Pro Desk to select products, get a quote and set up delivery for the entire project.
Trail Chasers - Easy to Deploy, Easy to Move and Easy to Retrieve!
Great Stocking Stuffers for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Perfect for Stocking Stuffers or Hang on the Tree
Outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and hikers included, can always use trail markers when camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, or trekking around the woods to mark that special location. Trail Chasers® ground markers are just the trick! Lightweight, durable, easy to deploy, easy to move and easy to retrieve. The 10-count package of Orange Trail Chasers is 6”x11”x1” and will fit in most stockings or hang from the Christmas tree.
Marketing flags, such as Trail Chasers® brand are available in eight code colors including Orange, Blue, White, Green, Pink, Yellow, Red, and Purple. All colors are available in packages of 25-count. Only Orange, Blue White and Green are in 10-count packages for stocking stuffers.
FREE SHIPPING inside the United States. Standard shipping on orders received Monday - Friday by 2:00PM EST (US & Canada) will ship same day. After 2PM, weekends and holidays items will ship the next business day. Tracking Numbers are confirmed and sent to you with each Purchase Order.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
www.TrailChasers.com
Use Ground Markers to Avoid Common Vegetable Garden Planning Mistakes
We can all learn from our and other’s mistakes and gain valuable experience in the process, but it’s much easier to learn from someone else’s experience! There are three very common mistakes that most gardeners will make at some point when planning a vegetable garden. Read on to learn what they are and how to avoid them.
1. Overcrowding
Even experienced gardeners will tell you that every now and again they succumb to the temptation to try to grow more in the space they have. When first planted it will seem as if they are growing perfectly well, so you may not notice the issue straight away – it’s only when the plants are approaching full size that the problems start, as each plant’s root system begins to compete with its neighbors for water and nutrients from the soil and the plants fail to mature properly, resulting in a disappointing harvest.
Use colored markers to designate the areas certain plants need to grow. For example, a White marker would indicate plants in this area need 18” spacing to grow to full size. Place the marker center point about where you would expect to place seeds or mark the whole area. By using a colored marker, you are reminding yourself this part of the garden needs more or less space between plants.
2. Ignoring Nature
A little forward planning can ensure that Mother Nature is on your side. For example, it’s a good idea to mix in several different companion planting flowers to attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies so that, when the pests descend, these natural predators will keep them at bay. If pests strike early in your area, remember to include some early flowering companions, or leave a few onions, garlic bulbs or carrots in the ground over winter to flower early and provide an excellent first source of nectar to attract nature’s defenders.
Use colored, highly visible, markers such as Pink to designate exactly where you might place companion plants to help keep bugs away.
3. Planting Everything at the Same Time
Planting out all your tender crops at once can be disastrous if there’s a sudden late frost; similarly, transplanting pea seedlings only to have birds or slugs eat them is all too common. The best method is to sow seeds in small batches, every two or three weeks. As well as ensuring you have backup options if disaster strikes.
Blue marked beds could indicate beds you want to plant early spring that will grow to harvest early summer.
Green marked beds could indicate beds you want to plant late spring and to harvest early to mid-summer.
Orange marked beds could indicate beds you want to plant late spring that will grow to harvest all the way out to late fall.
Plan Ahead, Use the Best Products and Avoid Mistakes
There’s much more to successful gardening than just these three tips, but by avoiding these common mistakes you’ll save yourself some hard work and heartache and get your garden off to a great start! Enjoy!
Gardeners PRO TIP
The original Trail Chasers are highly durable 6-inch plastic whiskers when combined with either a lightweight non-rust stake or hard ground galvanized stake can be driven into the ground to mark a position. Trail Chasers brand ground markers are sold in packages of 10, 20 or 25 in eight different colors of whiskers.
Utilities Field Services Controlling Survey Costs
Many utility companies both private and public have robust project pipelines going into 2022. Although business is strong, the current labor shortage has led to increased competition, increased labor costs, and capacity constraints. None of these are new issues, but the pandemic has certainly exacerbated the challenges; none of which is cheap.
The average cost to hire a land surveyor is $510, but a range of cost factors come into play
Exactly locating, aligning, and marking in the field projects using maps, GPS or other correlator equipment is critical to controlling costs and protecting margins. Once these points are determined, and following safe dig practices, these survey points need to be marked in ways not subject to changing. Lost or moved survey markers will result in added project costs and delays.
Choosing the Most Cost Effective Survey Marker
In the utilities industry, field worker techs have a variety of options including wire marking flags, wooden stakes, stake whiskers and more. Key to choosing the right ground marker are factors including how long do they need to be in the ground and visible, what kind of weather conditions will be in the area, what kind of equipment will be in the area, how many need to be placed and how many may need to placed and later repositioned as changes occur in the project.
Stake Whiskers are For the Long Run
For heavier commercial or industrial use in compacted soil or gravel for longer deployment periods, stake whiskers, also known as stake chasers, stake flags, nail whiskers or marking whiskers are considered the better option by many field techs. These can be purchased with either 7 inch lightweight or 6 inch galvanized stakes.
Trail Chasers® brand stake whiskers are available in UV resistant select APWA and international code colors including long lasting orange, yellow, blue, white, green, pink, red, and purple in packages of 10 or 25 with lightweight stakes or package of 20 with hard ground stakes.
Plan Ahead and Save on Project Costs
A well-planned, well supplied project with clear goals/vision with correct tool selection would help create a roadmap for implementation will result in saved project costs and shorter delays.
Surveyors PRO TIP
Lightweight stakes are great for carry, but sometimes the ground is harder than anticipated. Use a ¼” x 12 in. drill bit (carbide preferred) on a cordless drill to predrill a ground hole. This will make placement much easier; especially for projects requiring many to be laid out.
The Surveying and Mapping Industry in 2022
Surveying & Mapping Services in the US
The domestic Surveying and Mapping Services industry has grown over the last five years primarily due to strong demand in the downstream residential and nonresidential construction markets that was brought on by low interest rates. However, with inflation reaching levels not seen in years and the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic the industry has seen trends dampened which has caused activity in the survey and mapping industry to stagger. No longer can it be assumed that favorable market conditions will continue to lead to strong demand for services.
The industry's primary markets are building and construction companies; government departments and agencies; land development companies; professional service operators; and various utility and mining operations. Operators in this industry perform surveying and mapping services of the surface of the earth, including the sea floor. These services may include surveying and mapping areas above or below the surface of the earth, such as the creation of view easements or segregating rights in parcels of land by creating underground utility easements, which give certain rights to real property without possessing it.
Key factors and sensitivities for the industry for the next five years to facilitate strong demand for surveying and mapping services are the expected continued growth for the construction sector, primarily in infrastructure projects stimulated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts of 2021. As a result, industry revenue is forecast to rise during the period. As the housing and construction market continues to expand, downstream industries will continue to demand industry services over the five years to 2024.
Near Term Significant Industry Projects and Services Include
Highway and rail programs
Solar and other alternative projects
Highway safety improvement programs
Cadastral, property line and boundary surveying
Continued strength in construction surveying
Topographical and planimetric surveying and mapping
Geospatial processing services
Subdivision layout and design services
Surveying and mapping services extensively use Trail Chasers brand of ground markers for their durability and suitability to harsh conditions.
We Are Holding the Line on Price Increases
First quarter 2022 Pricing Guide
2021 was a wild ride on the supply chain roller coaster and once again we have received notice that prices on all our raw materials will be increasing in 1Q22. These increases will affect production costs on all Trail Chasers, Stake Chasers, stake flags, survey markers, flagging tape and trail markers for hunting. However, we are holding the line on our retail pricing going into 2022 for as long as possible.
Affecting the lightweight stakes used in Trail Chasers brand products, aluminum prices in 2021 continuously grew and in October 2021 reached $2934 per tonne, gaining 62% compared to October 2020. Due to increasing demand against expected supply limitations, the average yearly price of aluminum in 2022 is projected to rise by another 6% year-over-year.
The pandemic has also wreaked havoc on the historically stable resin market which is used in the manufacture of the plastics used for marking whiskers. Disruptions in the global supply chain by labor shortages, increased demand for plastic, increasing demand for plastic packaging materials, plastic production shutdowns, and domestic inflation has led to a severe spike in the price of plastic goods.
While there is no way to forecast prices on these raw goods, some of our suppliers are telling us that there is hope that costs soon will stabilize. Unfortunately, aluminum prices will probably continue to rally in 2022 but resin experts are anticipating a year-long recovery period for the plastics industry, meaning normalcy would resume in 2022, assuming there are no further interruptions. Whether that timeline is still feasible remains to be seen. We can only hope!
We appreciate each one of our customers, distributors and wholesalers and will always strive to produce the best product on the market at the lowest cost possible.
Bye Bye 2021 - Welcome 2022 Best Wishes!
Wire Flags or Stake Whiskers - Which to Use
Wire Flags or Stake Whiskers – You Decide
Which do you get for your project; steel wire marking flags or stake whiskers? It all comes down to durability and strength.
Wire flags are good for temporary marking, but their structure leaves them vulnerable to high winds, harsh weather, and heavy equipment. For projects that require ground markers to remain in place for extended periods of time, extreme conditions or need to be deployed in compacted soil or gravel; stake whiskers are usually the better option.
Stake whiskers are perfect for marking hiking trails, hunting locations, survey points, ground hazards, garden layouts, landscape designs, athletic fields, running courses, social events and more.
Stake whiskers are available in eight APWA and international code colors including RED for power lines and lighting cables. YELLOW for gas, oil and steam lines. ORANGE for marking communication lines, cables or conduit. BLUE for potable water. PURPLE for slurry lines. GREEN for sewer and drain lines. WHITE for proposed excavation sites and PINK for temporary survey marking.
Trail Chasers brand ground markers are stake whiskers and are available in packages of 10, 20 or 25 units. Each unit consists of a highly durable 6-inch plastic whisker when combined with either a lightweight non-rust stake or hard ground galvanized stake can be driven into the ground to mark a position. Package includes everything you need to start using immediately; no extra trips to buy nails or stakes. Over the years, Trail Chasers brand of ground markers have become the prime choice for home and industrial use.
PRO TIP – Trail Chasers lightweight stakes are great for carry, but sometimes the ground is harder than anticipated. Use a ¼” x 12 in. drill bit (carbide preferred) on a cordless drill to predrill a ground hole. This will make placement much easier!
