BD Alpine Aiders are a handy addition to the pothole escape kit, working well for hooking and for other methods. They can also be the best way to assist others out of a pothole. They are light and compact - much more so than "real" etriers. A lot less expensive, too. The side-to-side style of aider works better than the ladder style for pothole escapes, as a single aider can be used for both feet on non-overhanging terrain, unlike the ladder style.