Losing connection when hiking is a commonly encountered problem. However, one cannot ignore the risk factors involved while exploring out on the mountains. Therefore, you should always have a communication backup to call on others in case of need. A simple solution to this is buying the best walkie talkies for mountains.
But, before deciding which radio to buy, check for its battery capacity, range, output power, channels availability and durability. Also, inquiring whether the radio works with or without a license can save you from getting the wrong units.
In case you don’t have abundant time or knowledge to examine all this, worry not as here’s the list of top 6 radios we have searched out for you:
1. Baofeng BF-F8HP 8-Watt Two Way Radio
If you are planning long-distance voyages, Baofeng BF-F8HP is the befitting model for you. A radio’s transmission range is dictated by its output power. With higher power comes the boosted transmission capability. This walkie talkie with an impressive output power of 8W can transmit far better than other contemporary radios.
Also, the 3 power modes enable the user to transmit as per requirement along with conserving the battery life. Whereas there’s no need to worry about power outage as the unit installs a strong 2000 mAh battery. After fully charged, the radio can transmit from around 18 to 24 hours depending upon the activated mode of power.
For crystal-clear communications, Baofeng BF-F8HP installs an upgraded high gain antenna that can pull in the RF signals efficiently. Besides, modulating the radio is not at all perplexing. Due to the tri-color display and built-in keypad, you can get your hands on it after little practice.
Pros
- 1W/4W/8W power levels
- Upgraded antenna
- Wide transmission range
- Large battery capacity
Cons
- Requires license
2. Motorola T100TP Talkabout Walkie Talkie
This set of 3 Motorola walkies contains all the essential features required to start your journey. The unit is compact with a simplistic design making it operable for people of all ages. With a 16 miles range and 22 channels addition, you can plan to explore nature alone without any doubts about losing connection.
Also, you can enjoy limitless transmissions as the radio can connect with any random unit operating on the same channel combination. The auto squelch feature refines transmissions by suppressing the background noises. Whereas the call tone secures that you never miss any received message.
The Motorola T100TP installs 3 AAA batteries to continue operating for around 18 hours. However, to prevent an unintended shutdown, the radio will start flashing low battery alerts when running out of power.
Pros
- High compatibility
- Decent battery life
- 22 channels available
- Simple operating
Cons
- Not suitable for wide distances
3. Cobra RX680 Rugged Walkie Talkies
Long-range communications while mountaineering helps in keeping everyone connected. The Cobra RX680 has a transmission range of around 38 miles which is more than enough to secure connectivity. Also, with 2,662 channel combinations available on the radio, interferences are reduced to the minimum.
Since venturing involves rough handling, the built of the radio should be strong to withstand the beatings. For this, the Cobra unit has a rugged, waterproof and dustproof body. Hence, you can expect it to function smoothly even in the rough terrains.
Receiving updates on weather conditions can save you from an unprecedented event. The Cobra RX680 is equipped with NOAA weather channels that alert you of any imminent danger. Also, the installed Lithium Polymer batteries ensure that you get to enjoy these features for long operating hours.
Pros
- VOX enabled
- 18-hours battery life
- 121 privacy tones
- Super-durable
Cons
- Muffled reception encountered sometimes
4. DEWALT DXFRS800 Heavy Duty Walkie Talkies
These Dewalt radios are our favorite when it comes to ruggedness. With a built powerful enough to resist water, dust and shock, these walkie talkies have the potential to be your lifetime communication partner. Plus, the anti-slip design is an additional measure to ensure firm handling while on the move.
As for transmissions, there are 22 UHF bands available on the radio that can work for both indoors and outdoors. Also, there are 2,662 channel combinations preset in the walkie talkie that secures static-free connections for about 300,000 sq. ft.
The integrated LCD assists in swift checking of the status of the radio. With the powerful 2000 mAh battery installed on the radio, a large battery capacity is a conformity. To further enhance the battery life, a smart circuit works to switch the battery save mode if the radio is left unchecked for a few seconds.
Pros
- No license required
- Durable set of radios
- VOX activated
- Long battery life
Cons
- No weather channels available
5. Midland LXT118 FRS Two-Way Radios
With multiple channels available, searching for the most active band gets frustrating at times. The Midland LXT118 solves the problem by automatically scanning and playing the most active band. Plus, the 22 FRS channels available can render a transmission range of about 18 miles which is sufficient to serve while hiking.
Since the radio has a strong built and water-resistant design, you can continue transmitting through it in different weather or terrain conditions. Also, the walkie talkie allows the user to communicate with any other Midland unit regardless of the model. This upgrades the transmission experience by letting you connect with any of your fellows.
While hiking, maintaining a proper balance is necessary to avoid injuries. Midland helps you with this by integrating the eVOX function that permits hands-free transmissions. And to prevent unintended functioning, a keypad lock feature is available that locks the radio on the current channel.
Pros
- Installs both types of batteries
- License-free
- Cross compatible
- Channel scan function
Cons
- The range is not as strong as claimed
6. Kenwood TK-3402U16P ProTalk Two-way Radio
With a 5W output power, these Kenwood walkie talkies never fail to offer clear transmissions. There are 16 UHF channels added in the radio that can penetrate efficiently through obstructions to convey your messages around 7 miles away.
When it comes to durability, the Kenwood TK-3402U16P is one of the best radios to take for hiking or skiing. These radios can face storms of dust or sprinkles of water and still manage to operate excellently. Plus, extreme temperature ranges (-22°F to 140°F) cannot succeed in affecting the operating skills of these radios.
The strong 2000 mAh Li-ion battery installed in Kenwood TK-3402U16P offers long working hours. Whereas, to save your time, the drop-in charger recharges the radio fastly. In addition, the battery saver and low battery features assist in the intelligent use of the radio’s power.
Pros
- 5W power output
- Call alerts
- 90 UHF frequencies
- Clear transmissions
Cons
- Quite expensive
Our Top Choice
The Baofeng BF-F8HP with its exclusive output power has all to make your trip interesting yet safe. With a wide transmission range, you can freely roam around while updating others about your location. However, as the unit requires an amateur license, not everyone can get to operate it rightly after buying.
Instead, you can buy the license-free Dewalt or Midland units to start transmitting right away. The Motorola T100TP with its strong compatibility has also the tendency to be your long-term hiking partner.
In sum, all these radios come with potentially reliable features. Hence, buying any of them can help you with offering seamless transmissions.