We love Aron Ralston. His tragic, heroic tale told by James Franco and Danny Boyle in 127 Hours had us cringing, shaking our heads in awe and cheering him on to his victory over the cruel folly of nature.
Although we think his story is amazing, we sure wish he hadn't been painfully stuck for so long. So here we have compiled a dream list -- an "If I could do it all over again" list -- of what Aron could have brought with him on that fateful day that would've helped him get free sooner. Here are eight things that Aron could've used to get himself out in 127 MINUTES.
1) McMurdo Fast Find Personal Locator Beacon
This particular model may not have been available to Aron back in 2003, but a Personal Locator Beacon could have helped him to inform someone of his whereabouts deep in that canyon. The fact that Aron didn't tell anyone where he was going was something that Aron had to come to terms with and also was the basis of many discussions about his story. But it has also been argued that although signaling for help is always a good idea, one still really only has oneself to rely on in an emergency situation.
A little lube may have helped Aron to slip his pinned hand out of that rock sandwich. This one comes with a nice applicator to get into the crevices. Slip slidin' away!
3) Martin Tool & Forge Body Dolly Wedge
As Aron could've used some help making space between the rocks, this tiny little powerful tool could've possibly given him a little elbow room... no pun intended. To be used in conjunction with Bio Grease for best results.
Aron tried to chip away at the rock with the butterfly tool his mom gave him as a stocking stuffer, and thank goodness he had that on hand (no pun intended), but what would've been more effective is a good mason's hammer to chip away at the old girl until she set him free.
5) 3-Ton Easy-Lift Chain Pulley Hoist
Fast, efficient and safe lifting power for up to 6,000 pounds, this highly efficient, mechanized pulley system multiplies your work-force up to 100:1! Sounds like just the thing Aron could have used to try to lift the boulder up and off of his hand. Although he may have needed some help in rigging the pulley above...
6) Swiss Pionjar 120 Jackhammer
This one runs on gas, so Aron wouldn't be strapped to find an electrical outlet in a canyon! It may be a little big to deal with in breaking up a rock that you're trapped under, though...
7) Non-explosive Demolition Agent
Dexpan has amazing 18,000 PSI expansive strength when mixed with common water and Aron did have some water on him. Dexpan is easy to use: just mix with water, pour into holes and watch it expand -- it cracks reinforced concrete, limestone, marble and granite safely and quietly. Dexpan works without noise, vibration or dust by providing silent expansive cracking. It's safe to use and you don't need any special permits, training or equipment. This stuff sounds awesome! Not sure what it does to skin and bones, though...
8) Colossus
Finally, having Piotr Rasputin on hand couldn't hurt when you're caught between a rock and a hard place!
So, there you have it, both a look back on how Aron Ralston could've made it home in time for dinner (and still with an arm) and your resource guide for the next time you go rockclimbing. Have a safe adventure!
