The Best Walkie Talkies for Camping and Hiking in 2022
When it comes to the Best Walkie Talkies for Camping and Hiking, you must pay attention to a lot of details. Moreover, you can quickly go through reviews of walkie-talkies on Amazon by just typing the word “walkie-talkies reviews” on Google. If you are looking for reviews, you must understand that it is very important to look at not only price but also features. I know you are ready to purchase because there are many models available.
However, this article will look into more detail so you have a better chance of choosing the best walkie-talkies for camping and hiking.
Criteria to Choose the Right Walkie-Talkie
Environment
It is important to know the environment in which you will be using your walkie-talkies. There are two kinds of environments; the first one is rural, and the second one is suburban. Each type can produce different problems when it comes to communicating. For example, there may be barriers like mountains or tall buildings between you and another person in a suburban environment, and you may experience less radio interference compared to a rural area. So before choosing the right walkie-talkie, you must know the environment you will be using your walkie-talkies in.
Radio Frequencies
Depending on where you live and your walkie-talkies environment, it is important to check the radio frequencies. For example, if you live in a rural area, choose a walkie-talkie that operates on 50 channels or less with a UHF frequency of 460 MHz – 468 MHz so a strong signal can reach far distances. Before making a purchase, you must go through the frequencies so you can avoid interference.
Range and Batteries
When you buy walkie-talkies, you will need to buy either dry cell batteries or lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Lithium-Ion is more expensive than the dry cell but is lighter and has a higher capacity. It is up to your preference whether you want to choose a dry cell or lithium-ion.
Pairing
When you are buying walkie-talkies, it is important to choose two walkie-talkies that are compatible with each other. Moreover, if they are not paired, they won’t be able to communicate with each other. Further, the best way to make sure they are paired is by making sure the model numbers on both of your walkover talkies are identical.
Licensing
It is also important to check whether you need a license or not. Licensing may be different from state to state. For example, in some states, you don’t need a license but only have the right to communicate on certain channels. In other areas, you must have a license before using your walkie-talkies.
10 Walkie Talkies for Camping and Hiking in 2022
Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio
This is the best option when it comes to buying walkie-talkies for camping and hiking in 2022. It is important to choose a pair of Motorola T100 walkie-talkies because they operate on low power and one charge can last up to six days.
Pros
- High quality for the price
- Great battery time
- Compact
- Small and simple
- Kid friendly
Cons
- Short range (1/2 Km at most)
- Does not work on rechargeable batteries
Specifications
- Channel: 20
- Power: FRS 462 – 467 MHz in the Ultra High Frequency Band
- Range: 16 Miles
- Battery: 3 AAA
- Water protection: Water resistant
- Dimensions: 1.1 x 1.91 x 5.22 inches
Price – $130.92
Available on – Amazon
Frequently Bought Together
Midland 50
This is an extremely powerful choice for those going on a camping trip. It is not small but rather meant to be put in the hands of kids or a bag when going into rough terrain. Keep in mind that it is quite heavy when compared to other walkie-talkies, so you might need to put it in a bag when going hiking or camping.
Pros
- Very powerful and clear signal
- Decent battery time
- Great Size
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Good quality
- Good price
Cons
- Noisy Receiver
- Long charging time
- Less Range
Specifications
- Channel: 50
- Power: 0.1 Volts
- Range: 36 miles
- Battery: 1 Lithium Metal Battery
- Water protection: Waterproof
- Dimensions: 7.9 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches
Price – $ 69.99
Available on – Amazon
Frequently Bought Together
Retevis RT628 Walkie Talkies for Kids
This kid-friendly walkie talked is not only lightweight but also has a 3.5mm headphone jack. Therefore, it is great for kids or beginners and comes with all the accessories you need to get started on your camping trip.
Pros
- Lightweight and kid friendly
- Great price
- Decent battery time (Lithium)
- Good Range
- Great performance
- Good sound quality
Cons
- Difficulty in catching channels
- Disconnecting of batteries with movement
- Difficulty in turning off the beeping
Specifications
- Channel: 22 channels
- Power: 0.01 Volts
- Range: 1/2 mile
- Battery: 3 AA
- Water protection: –
- Dimensions: 6.24 x 2.15 x 1.1 inches
Price – $ 21.99
Available on – Amazon
Frequently Bought Together
DEWALT DXFRS800
This long-range communication device is great for construction workers or outdoor activities like camping because of its durability and simple design. The battery also only takes two hours to charge fully.
Pros
- Durable
- Long range (Up to 10 miles) at high altitudes
- Good sound quality
- Corrosion resistant
Cons
- Speaker issues
- Belt clip issues
Specifications
- Channel: 22 preset channels
- Power: 2 WATT
- Range: Up to 300,000 sq. ft. / 25 floors
- Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer Battery
- Water protection: –
- Dimensions: 18.25 x 6.75 x 5.5 inches
Price – $ 20.00
Available on – Amazon
Frequently Bought Together
- DEWALT DXFRSSV1 Headset for DXFRS300 and DXFRS800 Walkie Talkie Two-Way Radios, 2.5mm Earphone Jack
- Motorola 53724 Remote Speaker Microphone (Black)
Motorola T600 Talkabout Radio
This cable charging option is great for camping and hiking, as well as construction work because of its durability. The battery lasts about ten hours when fully charged and up to six days on standby mode.
Pros
- Durable
- Longer range than the T100
- Great audio quality
- Lightweight and kid friendly
- Wide range
- Emergency alert button
Cons
- Range less than mentioned
- Low performing frequencies
- Low volume
Specifications
- Channel: 22 Channels
- Range: 35 miles
- Battery: 4 AA Alkaline
- Water protection: Waterproof
- Dimensions: 7.78 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches
Price – $ 70.99
Available on – Amazon
Motorola T260TP
With an advanced built-in flashlight, this walkie-talkie is great for camping and hiking because of its durability and compact size.
Pros
- Very durable
- Very long range (Up to 19 miles) at high altitude areas
- Lightweight and kid friendly
- Great battery time
Cons
- Troublesome split charging code
- Low performance in two way radio
- Less range than mentioned
Specifications
- Channel: 22
- Power: Dual
- Range: 35 miles
- Battery: 2 AA
- Water protection: Not Water Resistant
- Dimensions: 6.42 x 2.13 x 1.24 inches
Price – $ 78.00
Available on – Amazon
Frequently Bought Together
- Motorola 53724 Remote Speaker Microphone (Black) – $19.99
- Motorola 1518 Surveillance Headset with PTT Mic, Black, White – $24.40
Uniden MHS75 VHF
This international two-way radio is great for construction workers and outdoor activities like camping because of its durability and advanced features. It has one to five watts of power and can cover up to 80 miles.
Pros
- Great battery time
- Advanced features
- Great range even during worst scenarios
- Good price
Cons
- Heavy
- Not waterproof even though it is mentioned
- Discontinued manufacturing of batteries
- Easily breakable battery clip
- Terrible belt clip
Specifications
- Channel: 16
- Power: 1- 5 WATTS
- Battery: 1 AA
- Water protection: Waterproof
- Dimensions: 6.4 x 6.2 x 3.4 inches
Price – $ 99.98
Available on – Amazon
Cobra MR HH500
With maximum coverage, this walkie-talkie offers a great range of outdoor activities. It is great for camping and hiking because of its lightweight design and compact size.
Pros
- Great Range
- Durable
- Great price
- Lightweight
- Waterproof and durable design
Cons
- Heavier than expected
- Bad battery life when not used often
- Longer charging time
Specifications
- Channel: 16
- Range: 4 miles
- Power: 1- 6 WATTS
- Battery: 1 Lithium Polymeter Battery
- Water protection:
- Dimensions: 4.75 x 2.06 x 2.9 inches
Price – $ 149.99
Available on – Amazon
Glossary of Walkie Talkie Terms
FRS
Family Radio Service
GMRS
General Mobile Radio Service
MURS
Multi-Use Radio Service
FCC
Federal Communications Commission
Channels
The channel number on a two-way radio
Privacy Codes
A preset code on a two-way radio that does not allow anyone to understand what you are saying.
PMR
Private Mobile Radio
Squelch
A feature on a two-way radio to block out background noise so you only hear clear messages.
FAQs Related to Best Walkie Talkies for Camping and Hiking
What is the Range of these Radios?
The range varies greatly depending on the terrain, weather, and obstructions like trees and buildings. It is important to note that walkie-talkies for sale will always boast about their maximum range which may be exaggerated. Moreover, the average ranges for brands like Motorola, Cobra, and Uniden are averages between 1 to 5 miles.
How Long do Walkie Talkies Last?
Walkie talkies can last for up to three years with normal use. The best way to increase their lifetime is to not expose them to extreme conditions like heat and cold. Allowing your two-way radio battery to fully discharge before recharging can also increase its lifetime.
How do Walkie Talkies for Camping Work?
Walkie-talkies communicate using RF (Radio Frequency). Hence, they communicate using channels, privacy codes, and frequencies.
When Should I Get Low Power Walkie Talkies?
Walkie-talkies for camping with maximum range are usually more expensive. Therefore, if your reason for buying a walkie-talkie is to communicate long distances, it may be worth investing in high-powered walkie-talkies.
Where are these Walkie Talkies Legal?
Walkie-talkies for camping are legal in the United States, however, channels and privacy codes vary by state. Moreover, they may need to be registered in some states. Some brands like Cobra may not be allowed in restricted places like airways or prisons.
Are Walkie Talkies Water Resistant?
Walkie talkies for hiking and camping are usually water-resistant, however, they may not be waterproof. They will resist a little bit of splashing but should not be submerged in water.
Conclusion
To conclude, the best walkie-talkies for camping and hiking are a responsible purchase decision. It is important therefore to take into account the channels, range, and whether you will be using your walkie-talkies. Further, Many features enhance the convenience and safety of two-way radios like brightness and belt clips.
