Hiking is arguably the most popular and inexpensive activity these days. Besides the health benefits associated with it, it is a way of making memories and exploring the world. During such activities, a hiking walkie talkie radio comes in handy, especially when you are off-grid and with poor cell service. With good ham radio, you can maintain communication with your group without a hitch. Additionally, having the best walkie talkie helps in keeping you updated with weather alerts and emergency features.
When you are out in the market looking for the best two-way radios for your hiking trip, it is essential to consider the following;
Emergency features
Your choice of a handheld radio should offer emergency features and channels such as NOAA weather alerts and disaster updates. Be sure to get one with push alerts; you do not want to get yourself in the middle of rough weather. With an analog phone, you may have to monitor emergency channels manually, which could be so dull and tiring. A device that has SOS options, flashing beacons and sirens keep you alert should anything happen.
Design and Range
This takes into account the speaking distance at which the user’s voice can be heard and understood, and messages can be received. The model of the walkie talkie accounts for the weight, waterproof capabilities, and ruggedness. Long distance walkie talkie for hiking and outdoor pursuits is essential.
Below is a list of some of the best hiking walkie talkies which are likely to make your hiking experience awesome.
Best Walkies Talkies for Hiking
Cobra CXT 1035R FLT
The Cobra CXT is perhaps the best weatherproof radio in the market. CXT is considered among the best 2 way radios for any outdoor event. Additionally, it comes with a compact design and has bright colors hence easy to find when it drops. The CXT has rubber sides and edges, thus giving the radio an enhanced grip and makes it more shock absorbent on impact in case it falls.
Additionally, the CXT meets JIS7 (IPX7) standards, thus can submerge underwater up to 3 feet for 30 minutes. It comes with a floating design for easy retrieval whenever it drops. The BURP function in the Cobra walkie talkies makes the speaker grille spit water out; therefore, you can use it immediately after getting it out of the pool. Apart from its waterproof capability, one feature that makes this device stand out is the Rewind-Say-again feature that plays back the previous 20 seconds of the last message in case you missed something. Its ergonomic design enhances its portability while at the same time, resisting drop.
However, although the Cobra CXT is a two-way radio that transmits up to 2 miles, users noted that communication became spotty over one and a half miles.
Pros:
- Waterproof feature – the device perfectly floats in water
- The rewind say it again feature enables you to playback for 20 seconds
- It’s sturdy and durable
Cons:
Loses signal even with 1.5 miles
Midland GXT1000VP4
Most customers regard Midland radios as a premium option. The GXT100VP4 by far has outpaced its competitors when it comes to range and audio quality parameters. The GXT1000VP4 is preferable due to its variety of features. The gadget comes with an NOAA, and SOS features to provide the user with forecasts that run in the background. This scanning feature enables the user to get forecast information even in locations without cell service.
Additionally, the scanning and monitoring buttons enable the user to scan for available channels and monitor them. This two-way radio is ideal for significant group communication. With 142 codes on the radio, you can access up to 5560 channel options to enhance privacy when you want to keep a conversation confidential. Additionally, the GXT1000VP4 allows a user to create a group among the radio units and with different call tones.
Pros
- Great signal strength
- Clear sound over a long-range
- Waterproof with JIS4 weatherproofing
- Works with 4 AA batteries
Cons
- The mic is below average
- Very tiny screen making the setup difficult
- The menu is complicated
Retevis H-777 2 Way Radios UHF
The Retevis H-777 is considered one of the easiest to use multifunctional radio. Programmed to use the same frequency after manufacture, the Retevis H-777 assures users of a clear channel of communication. With a built-in voice response function and an LED light, this talkie is adaptable to various scenarios.
The Retevis H-777 comes with a 1500mAH battery allowing nine hours of continuous use to the radio. This walkie talkie is popular and considered most affordable since it is a pack of ten two way 16 channel radios. Additionally, they come with a year warranty. This ham boasts of a clear voice and good signal. A user is guaranteed of voice prompts on the channel number and secret codes for secure communications.
Pros
- Emergency button
- Scanning feature that helps scan a free channel
Cons
- The casing is smooth and easy to scratch
- The battery is short-lived
Arcshell AR-5
The Archshell AR-5 is rated as convenient and small in size by most users. The radio measures 4.53 inches in height minus the antenna. The Archshell AR-5 is easy to use and is water-resistant thus ideal for wet environments. With 16 preprogrammed channels, the AR-5 has each radio with identical frequency on every 16 channels out of the box.
Each radio comes with a 1500mAh battery, thus ensuring roughly 96 hours depending on transmission usage. With a high-quality speaker, the AR-5 ensures the user gets crystal and audible sounds. AR-5, however, the range is dependent on terrain. Thus cannot transmit up to 5 miles in a place with obstructions. This gadget is therefore suitable for less congested areas such in the less dense environment and suitable terrain.
Pros:
- Sturdy design
- Contains preprogrammed channel so you can use directly
- Contains a battery saving mode
Cons:
Requires a GMRS license
Rivins RV-7 Walkie Talkies for Adults
Make your hiking experience incredible with R77. Packed with 22 GMRS /FRS frequencies and 99 privacy codes, you can choose from 2178 frequencies available. The designer of this radio made it great for hiking, biking, and other long-range outdoor activities. One advantage of this device is that it requires no license. The simplicity in its operation makes the use of this ham radio seamless. One feature that makes this radio ideal for hiking in the UHF frequency that transmits up to 5 miles in open fields and 0.6 to 1.2 miles in obstructed zones.
The easiest way to keep the device on when the battery runs low is to replace it with the AAA alkaline batteries to save your charging time. You must ensure to insert the batteries correctly to avoid circuit damage. The backlit LCD keeps the radio operational even in the dark while the LCD shows the volume level, power level, signal status, and channel number. The built-in flashlight doubles as a safety feature when operating at night. The vox feature keeps you talking even when your hands are engaged in other activities, while the keypad locks ensure that no buttons are pressed accidentally. The device also supports roger beer and channel scan.
Notable features
- Channel scan
- LED display
- Built-in flashlight
- Fox feature for hands-free communication
- rechargeable AAA batteries to keep the device powered
BaoFeng Radio Series UV-5RH
UV-5RH is an ultra-power radio that transmits at 8 watts in the frequency of 136-174 MHz and 400-480 MHz. The Baofeng radio has a special VHF band from 65 – 108 MHz. It also supports the FM radio band and a dual reception. The radio has 128 channel memories. You can use the battery optimally using the battery saving options when transmitting, i.e., 8 (high) 4 (medium) or 1 (low) watts. Other premium features include the VOX channel for hands-free mode, keypad lock to prevent accidental dials. DCS/CTCSS encode, and a built-in flashlight for easy use at night
Other features include
- Belt clip and a wrist strap,
- High/Mid/Low power output
- Flexible antenna
- BL-5 Li-ion battery (7.4V 1800 mAh),
- 128 Channels
- AC adapter (8.4V 600ma) and a charging dock.
Greaval Rechargeable Walkie Talkies
Greaval ham radio is another ideal choice for outdoor activities such as biking and hiking. The ham radio comes with four radio sets that are sturdy enough with premium features for reliable communication. The ham radio is designed to work well with group communication. Each receiver has 16 preset memories with a 5 watt. Greaval can transmit up to three miles range in a clear field free from obstructions and up to 1.5 miles in residential places. Each radio has a 50-ohm antenna and loudspeakers for clear communication
The VOX features make it possible for hands-free communication so you can even communicate with your hands engaged. They contain an emergency alert and a low battery option, which informs you when the battery needs to recharge. The radio works with a UHF frequency range of 400 to 470 MHZ and an LED flashlight. They contain an earpiece for easy use with the VOX.
Pros
- Ideal for long-range transmission
- Contains 16 memory channels
- Uses rechargeable 1500 mAh battery which powers for 20 hours
- 3-mile range in a clear field
- Has a built-in flashlight for use at night
- Emergency and a low battery alert
Cons
- Runs out of power quickly
Topsung M880 FRS
Make your outdoor activities worthwhile and safe. Topsung 880 FRS helps you stay in touch in all situations and is famous for its emergency features. If you are planning to go hiking, it’s a good idea that you get yourself a Topsung M880 two-way radio. This allows you to keep in touch with many people, more so if you have a large family or working with a big team. Topsung radios come in assorted colors so you can choose a unique color to separate your device from others. There are many color options, Green Camo, Black, Red, Pink, or Orange
Unlike the other two-way radio providers who give a hugely unrealistic range, you can rely on the wavelength details provided by Topsung. You can transmit up to 16 miles range in open fields while you can enjoy 10 miles in high mountains. With the auto squelch button, you can communicate even in noisy backgrounds. The auto-scan feature helps you to find an open network easily while its ergonomic design enhances its portability in the outdoor activities. The device has 22 channels with 121 privacy codes giving the user multiple choices from the 21662 options available
Notable features
- Auto Squelch/ noise mute function
- Low battery alert
- Hands-free VOXX feature
- LCD backlit screen
- Keypad lock feature
- 3-4 days standby mode
- Belt clip
- FCC certification
Pros:
- An array of choices of different colors
- Reliable range
- Sturdy design for a long life
- Suitable for large group’s communication
Motorola Talkabout T200
If you are an outdoor enthusiast and you’re looking to shop for that ultimate communication tool, the Motorola walkie talkie T200 is your choice. Loaded with all radio features, the Talkabout radio has a communication range of up to thirty-five miles. The T200 is a rugged, light device and comes with twenty-two channels, each having 121 privacy codes. This guarantees you of secure transmission and privacy.
The T200 ensures you are updated with real-time weather alerts guaranteeing that you are always ready for the unknown. Additionally, the TalkaboutT200 has a built-in flashlight giving you a comfortable hiking adventure in case it darks before you get home. The talkie is IP-51 rated; thus, you are assured to use the device even if it is a dusty or wet day. With this device, you are guaranteed of up to 23 hours of stable communication during your hiking activity.
LUITON LT-188H
Built for durability and excellent performance, the LT-188H is an easy to use radio and comes with programming software to gear up your hiking experience. With auto battery saves feature, the LT-188H allows you to use the ham radio for a longer time hence no need to charge it more often. The LT-188H comes with among other features, an inbuilt torch, and an up to 15km communication range.
The LT-188H design is top class, and the anti-wrestling feature makes it outstanding.
Conclusion
The best handheld walkie talkie for hiking and hunting is one of these above, helping you stay in touch with your folks regardless of their location. You can make your hiking expeditions great with the above walkie talkie reviews. The ham radios in the list have been selected by putting in mind features ideal for long-range coverage, clarity, and efficiency. These hams will give a clear reception, weather alerts, and flashlights, among other great features. Most of these radios have been created in a sturdy design to make them durable and easy for use in outdoor environments. Visit Amazon today and pick yourself a good radio at a reasonable price. Take your hiking activity to an entirely new level of customer-friendly prices in Amazon.
