Radios are a great way to communicate in the backcountry or anywhere a cell signal isn’t easy to get. But with all the different frequencies, specs and buttons, which ones do you even look at? What are the best 2 way radios to use on your adventure?
We’ve sifted through the details for you so you can get outside faster. In this article we’ll cover things to keep in mind when choosing a radio for your next trip and some of the top-rated models of the year.
The Ultimate Guide To Find The Best 2 Way Radios
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TWO-WAY RADIOS 101
10 Things To Consider To Find The Best 2 Way Radios
1. Frequencies
Most of the handheld radios use FRS or GMRS frequencies. FRS channels are free to use without license. GMRS frequencies have longer range but require a license from the FCC to use. VHF are marine channels only for use on the water. If you’re out sailing, you’ll be using VHF to communicate. Ham or Amateur radios have more frequencies and longer range but require a written test to get the license.
2. Privacy Codes
Privacy codes or “Extra Channels” are additional combinations of the 22 main FRS/GMRS channels that radio makers add to help you find a quiet place to talk. These need to be used with radios from the same manufacturer.
For example, we could decide to talk on channel 13, code 10 and it should eliminate chatter from any other code on channel 13. It’s not perfect and sometimes you can hear people on other channels talking. If the specs list anything more than the 22 main channels, they are just privacy codes and may or may not work with other radios.
3. Range
Maximum range with a radio is very dependent on conditions. The range stated in the specs of the radios will usually be the maximum range under perfect conditions, say 35 miles. Up to 5 miles is a common range for GMRS frequencies and up to 2 miles for FRS frequencies. If there is anything blocking line of sight to the other radio like trees or a building will reduce the range.
4. Waterproofness
Many radios claim to be waterproof but are actually just water resistant. If you are in a wet environment, make sure you get a decent waterproof rating. The IP or JIS rating will tell you how resistant they are. The higher the number the better. Many radios are JIS4 which is splash resistant. IPX4 will be splash resistant as well whereas IPX7 will be waterproof to 3 feet.
5. Battery Type
Some radios use Lithium-ion batteries which will be better in the cold. Some have different options to use either a battery pack or AA batteries depending on the situations. Newer models can charge through a USB power pack or solar charger. Think about what conditions you will be in and how you want to charge your radio. You might even consider getting a solar backpack to make sure you’re able to recharge while you’re outdoors.
6. Battery Life
Battery life can range from a few hours to a few days. How long will you be using your radio each time? Can you take extra batteries or battery packs?
7. Weight
How much can you carry in your pack? You might need to stick with the smaller lighter radios that might not get the range or battery life as the larger units.
8. NOAA Weather Channels & Alerts
Most radios these days can use the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather channels to get updates on local weather. Some will alert you if severe weather is heading your direction. Look for NOAA weather alerts if you want to be notified without having to continuously monitor them.
9. Multi-Use Units
Some units have other capabilities like VHF radio or GPS on them. These can be useful to eliminate carrying 2 items. Make sure the battery life is long enough for your trips while doing both functions. If you are just looking for a dedicated GPS, check out our article on the best GPS for hiking.
10. Cell Phone Extenders
New cell phone attachments like the goTenna plug into your phone and allow you to text other phones with a goTenna when out of cell range. You can’t communicate with anything else but if you just need to chat with friends or family it might be a simple way to go.
Photo by http://istockphoto.com/es/en/portfolio/StasWalenga
2 WAY RADIO GEAR REVIEWS
Top 10 Best 2 Way Radios Of The Year
BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS BC LINK
BEST FOR: Cold weather adventurers
TYPE: FRS/GMRS
WEIGHT: 12 ounces
RANGE: up to 20 miles
SPLASH/WATER RATING: IP56, dust resistant, very water resistant
BATTERY TYPE: Lithium ion rechargeable
PROS: Separate mic unit to clip to pack, glove friendly controls, separate batteries available, battery indicator
CONS: No hands-free, can’t use AA batteries
MIDLAND GXT2050VP4
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Hikers needing a fast recharge
TYPE: FRS/GMRS
WEIGHT: 16 ounces for 2
RANGE: up to 36 miles
SPLASH/WATER RATING: JIS4, splash Resistant
BATTERY TYPE: Lithium Polymer
PROS: Comes in packs of 2, fast recharge, headsets included
CONS: Only JIS4 splash resistant
COBRA CXT 145
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Hikers looking for budget option
TYPE: FRS/GMRS
WEIGHT: 2.2 ounces
RANGE: up to 16 miles
SPLASH/WATER RATING: JIS4, splash resistant
BATTERY TYPE: AAA rechargeable NiMH or AAA alkaline batteries
PROS: Inexpensive, lightweight, NOAA weather channels,
CONS: No scan feature, no privacy codes
MIDLAND LXT600VP3
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Hikers looking for good value 2-pack
TYPE: FRS/GMRS
WEIGHT: 16 ounces for 2
RANGE: 30 miles
SPLASH/WATER RATING: JIS4, splash resistant
BATTERY TYPE: Rechargeable battery pack or 3 AAA batteries
PROS: 2-pack, 2 power options, NOAA weather alerts
CONS: No USB charge, limited range in use
COBRA CXT545
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Fast and light hikers
TYPE: FRS/GMRS
WEIGHT: 2.31 oz
RANGE: up to 28 miles
SPLASH/WATER RATING: JIS4, splash resistant
BATTERY TYPE: AA NiMh rechargeable or AA alkaline batteries
PROS: Small with good range
CONS: Only splash resistant, button lock doesn’t disable flashlight
UNIDEN ATLANTIS 270
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Adventurers on the water
TYPE: VHF
WEIGHT: 16 ounces
RANGE: up to 5 mile
SPLASH/WATER RATING: JIS7/IPX7, waterproof to 3 feet
BATTERY TYPE: Lithium ion
PROS: VHF as well, floats, 1/ 2.5/ 6 watt (VHF)
CONS: Low battery life
MIDLAND LXT500VP3 GMRS
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Hikers who want a small base station radio
TYPE: FRS/GMRS
WEIGHT: 16 ounces for 2
RANGE: 24 miles
SPLASH/WATER RATING: JIS4, splash resistant
BATTERY TYPE: Rechargeable battery pack or 4 AAA batteries
PROS: Small and light, keypad lock, base station available
CONS: No weather channels, no privacy codes, low max volume
COBRA MR HH450
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Hikers who are also on the water
TYPE: VHF/GMRS
WEIGHT: 9.6 ounces
RANGE: up to 5 miles
SPLASH/WATER RATING: IPX7, waterproof to 3 feet
BATTERY TYPE: Rechargeable lithium Polymer battery pack or 4 AA battery pack
PROS: Replay VHF calls, Weather alerts, floats
CONS: expensive, GMRS volume is low, no FRS support
GARMIN RINO 750
BEST FOR: Hikers wanting GPS and radio in one.
TYPE: FRS/GMRS
WEIGHT: 12.8 ounces
RANGE: up to 20 miles GMRS, up to 2 miles FRS
SPLASH/WATER RATING: IPX7, waterproof to 3 feet
BATTERY TYPE: Lithium-ion rechargeable or AA battery pack
PROS: GPS too, touchscreen, can use battery pack or AA’s
CONS: expensive, low battery life
MOTOROLA TALKABOUT MT350R
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Hikers looking for robust radios
TYPE: FRS/GMRS
WEIGHT: 7.3 ounces for 2
RANGE: 35 mile
SPLASH/WATER RATING: IP54, dust and splash resistant
BATTERY TYPE: 3 AA NiMH rechargeable or alkaline
PROS: USB charging, LED flashlight, battery meter, robust
CONS: Bright orange color, no base station
Now We’d Love To Hear From You. Which Model Has Been The Best 2 Way Radio For you? What Is The Best Range You Have Seen?
Disclosure: The Adventure Junkies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost for you. We also use other programs like REI, LeisurePro and others to keep our site independent. You can read more about how do we review here.
The post The 10 Best 2 Way Radios of 2016 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.
from The Adventure Junkies https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-2-way-radios/
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