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When packing for a camping trip or a beautiful hike up your favorite mountain or hiking trail, there is often one item that is overlooked and forgotten: the walkie-talkie. Walkie-talkies, or two-way radios, are nifty little devices that are used for wireless long-range communication. Because they don't use a cell signal, they're ideal for camping trips, hikes, kayaking, whitewater rafting, ski trips, and other outdoor activities where cell signals are few and far between. But the key is to buy one that best suits your needs.
There are quite a few differences in range, clarity, battery life, and other features among different models, so it's important to pay attention to the features to ensure that you buy a walkie-talkie that is fit for your purpose. To help you, we've rounded up our top picks of the best walkie-talkies and all their features, so you can buy the best walkie-talkie for your next adventure.
The Best Walkie-Talkies - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Walkie-Talkie: Motorola Talkabout T800
- Best Long-Range Walkie-Talkie: Cobra ACXT645
- Best Mountain Walkie-Talkie: Garmin In-Reach Mini
- Best Walkie-Talkie for Kids: Huaker Kids Walkie Talkie
- Best Walkie-Talkie for Beginners: Topsung Walkie Talkie for Adults
- Best Camping Walkie-Talkie: Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0
- Best Waterproof Walkie-Talkie: Retevis RT49P
- Best Budget Walkie-Talkie: Midland X-Talker T-10
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Best Overall - Motorola Talkabout T800
SPECS
- Dimensions: 7.52" x 2.2" x 1.28"
- Battery life: 25 hours
- Range: 35 miles
- Weight: 2.8 lbs.
Our pick for the best overall walkie-talkie is none other than the Motorola Talkabout T800. This walkie-talkie is a great way to stay connected with friends and family when you're out hiking, camping, or enjoying other outdoor activities. The bundle includes four radios that have 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, so you have an abundance of channels to use.
The weatherproof design means you don't have to worry about the elements, and the rechargeable batteries provide up to 14 hours of use. Additionally, the iVOX/VOX hands-free feature allows you to make calls without using your hands, and the Emergency Alerts feature lets you know if there is severe weather on the way. With all these useful features, the Motorola T800 is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.
What We Like
- Long battery life
- NOAA weather alerts
- Includes four radios with belt clips and USB chargers
What We Don't Like
- No drop protection
- Not float-friendly
Best Long-Range Walkie-Talkie - Cobra ACXT645
SPECS
- Dimensions: 1.74" x 2.54" x 6.74"
- Battery life: N/A
- Range: 35 miles
- Weight: 5.1 oz.
Cobra's ACXT645 walkie-talkies are designed for the adventurer in you. These rugged radios can withstand harsh conditions with a waterproof and drop-proof design. The ACXT645 also has a talking range of up to 35 miles, so you can communicate with your fellow hikers, hunters, or travelers even when you're far apart. In addition, these radios come equipped with 22 channels and 121 privacy codes to keep your conversations private from others. Plus, with VOX (voice-activated transmission), you can keep your hands free for other tasks.
The patented VibraAlert lets you know when there's an incoming transmission, and the built-in LED flashlight is great for camping or emergencies. The SOS function is also a fantastic feature, allowing you to send out a distress signal with the push of a button. And with NOAA weather channels, you can prepare for bad weather. So whether you're scaling a mountain or trekking through the forest, the Cobra ACXT645 walkie-talkie is the best long-range walkie-talkie for you.
What We Like
- Durable and waterproof
- Access to NOAA weather channels
- SOS function and LED light
What We Don't Like
- Doesn't float
- More expensive than other models
Best Mountain Walkie-Talkie - Garmin In-Reach Mini
SPECS
- Dimensions: 2" x 1.3" x 3.9"
- Battery life: 50 hours
- Range: N/A
- Weight: 3.52 oz.
Being prepared for the worst is always a smart idea when venturing into the great outdoors—and the Garmin InReach Mini Satellite Communicator can give you some peace of mind. This small, rugged device allows you to send and receive text messages using the Iridium satellite network, trigger an SOS if you run into trouble, and even check the weather forecast. And since it's so lightweight and portable, you can easily take it with you on all your adventures.
We like that it has a long battery life and access to a 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center, making it ideal for hiking in the mountains. And with the free Garmin Earthmate app, you can access detailed maps, charts, and aerial imagery on your compatible devices. Whether you're planning a weekend hike or a month-long expedition, the Garmin InReach Mini Satellite Communicator is a superb way to stay connected to the people and information you need.
What We Like
- 50 hours of battery life
- Access to maps, aerial imagery, and NOAA charts
- Lightweight and durable
What We Don't Like
- Only works if you have a satellite subscription
- No 2-way radio function
Best Walkie-Talkie for Kids - Huaker Kids Walkie-Talkie
SPECS
- Dimensions: 5.94" x 4.33" x 2.4"
- Battery life: N/A
- Range: 3 miles
- Weight: 9.1 oz.
If you need a fun and easy way to keep your kids entertained, then Huaker Kids Walkie-Talkies are the solution for you. These little gadgets are packed with features, like 22 channels, a built-in flashlight, and VOX. They're also eco-friendly and durable, able to withstand rough play. And with a range of up to 3 miles, they're excellent for outdoor adventures.
The compact bodies and ergonomic design make these walkie-talkies comfortable for small hands to hold, and the waterproof construction means they can be used in all kinds of weather. Whether your kids are hiking, biking, or just playing around the neighborhood, the Huaker Kids Walkie-Talkies are a fantastic choice.
What We Like
- Voice activated with clear sound
- Built-in flashlight
- Decent range for a toy
What We Don't Like
- Batteries aren't rechargeable
- Batteries aren't included
BUY: Huaker Kids Walkie Talkie
Best Walkie-Talkie for Beginners - Topsung Walkie-Talkie for Adults
SPECS
- Dimensions: 2.2 x 1.3 x 6.1
- Battery life: 18 hours
- Range: Up to 16 miles
- Weight: 16.4 oz.
Need a beginner-friendly way to stay connected with friends and family while enjoying the outdoors? Look no further than the Topsung Walkie-Talkies. These radios come with three rechargeable batteries, providing up to 48 hours of standby time, and a micro-USB cable for charging. They also feature a water-resistant design, making them ideal for rainy weather. And with 22 channels and a privacy code function, your radio chatter will be kept private.
Some features that make them stand out include drop protection, low battery alert, overcharge protection, VOX functions, and NOAA Weather Scan and Alert, which can be a lifesaver in severe weather. The scanning function is also a valuable feature, as it allows you to quickly find an available channel. Ultimately, the Topsung Walkie-Talkies offer an exceptional customer experience with their wide range of features and user-friendly design.
What We Like
- NOAA weather alerts
- Hands-free communication
- License-free
What We Don't Like
- Short communication range
- Doesn't float
BUY: Topsung Walkie Talkie for Adults
Best Camping Walkie-Talkie - Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0
SPECS
- Dimensions: 4" x 4" x 6"
- Battery life: Up to 400 hours in standby mode
- Range: Up to 40 miles
- Weight: 12 oz.
If you're an avid camper, Backcountry Access is an impressive choice for staying in touch with other campers. The system includes 143 channels and 121 sub-channels, so you can be sure to find a clear channel no matter where you are. This walkie-talkie has a maximum range of 40 miles, which will help you stay connected even if you're far from civilization. And with up to 400 hours of battery life in standby mode, you won't have to worry about running out of juice when you're out in the middle of nowhere. The long-range and incredible battery life make this walkie-talkie the best walkie-talkie for camping.
What We Like
- Long communication range
- Plenty of channels to use
- Lightweight
What We Don't Like
- No drop protection
- Not waterproof
BUY: Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0
Best Waterproof Walkie-Talkie - Retevis RT49P
SPECS
- Dimensions: 10.3" x 9.1" x 4.9"
- Battery life: 5-8 hours
- Range: N/A
- Weight: 4.7 oz.
Need a reliable and waterproof two-way radio? Then the Retevis RT22 radio is a great choice. This radio has a waterproof and floatable design, making it ideal for wet and rainy outdoor activities. With 22 channels, rechargeable batteries with 5-8 hours of battery life, and NOAA weather warning capabilities, this long-range radio is fantastic for kayaking, whitewater rafting, and canoeing. The best part? The Retevis RT22 works with any brand of FRS radio, as long as you're on the same channel. We like that the radio has a short, fixed antenna that's strong and won't get lost easily and a built-in flashlight that switches on automatically when it falls into the water.
What We Like
- Waterproof and floats
- SOS emergency alarm
- Built-in flashlight
What We Don't Like
- Battery life is limited
- No voice-activated transmission
Best Budget Walkie-Talkie - Midland X-Talker T-10
SPECS
- Dimensions: 2" x 1.2" x 5.5"
- Battery life: 10 hours
- Range: 20 miles
- Weight: 9.6 oz.
The Midland X-TALKER T10 is our best budget walkie-talkie pick. This two-way radio has a range of up to 20 miles and features 22 FRS (Family Radio Service) channels, as well as channel scan to check for activity. It also features a silent operation function to turn off all tones and the NOAA Weather Alert function will sound an alarm to warn you about severe weather. Plus, the hands-free eVOX feature makes it easy to use without having to hold the radio, and the 10-hour battery life means you can enjoy long days out without having to worry about recharging.
What We Like
- License-free
- Up to 22 channels
- NOAA weather alert
What We Don't Like
- Limited battery life
- Limited range
What to Look for in a Walkie-Talkie
When shopping for a walkie-talkie, you need to consider the range you need. If you're just looking for a way to stay in touch with family and friends while hiking or camping, a radio with a range of up to 20 miles should suffice. However, if you're looking for a radio to use on a construction site or other large work area, you'll have different needs.
Next, consider the features you need. Some walkie-talkies come with built-in flashlights, while others include weather alert functions. You'll also want to make sure the radio you choose is compatible with any other two-way radios you might already own.
Finally, consider the price. Walkie-talkies can range in price from less than $20 to more than $400. The most important thing is to find a radio that meets your needs and fits your budget.
FAQs About Walkie-Talkies
Are walkie-talkies worth it?
Walkie-talkies can be a valuable addition to your communication toolkit, whether you're looking for a way to stay in touch while hiking or camping or you need a reliable way to communicate during an emergency.
How long do walkie-talkies last?
The average walkie-talkie has a battery life of 8-10 hours. However, this will vary depending on the brand and model of radio you choose. Some radios have batteries that can last for up to 25 hours, while others require frequent charging.
Can walkie-talkies pick up police traffic?
Police radios use frequencies that are not accessible to the public, therefore walkie-talkies can't pick up police traffic.
Should I have a walkie-talkie for emergencies?
Walkie-talkies are an essential tool for emergency communication, especially when you are outdoors since most walkie-talkies have weather warnings and SOS functions.