Camping with your loved ones is one of the most exciting ways to bond and create special memories. For my family, family camping is almost like a ritual. We usually go camping once every two or three months. And speaking from experience, you may want to get the best walkie talkie for camping. This communication device will make it easier for you to keep in touch with your precious ones during your next camping trip. It’s a super important device, especially if you’re in a blank spot or somewhere with no coverage at all. Today, I’m going to show you some of the top options on the market. That way, you don’t have to worry about the quality of the one you’re getting you’re getting. Plus, I’ll also give you some useful tips on choosing a nice walkie-talkie. So, are you ready? Sit tight and fasten your seat belts as we take a deeper look into the top options!
Table of contents
- Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0
- Midland T10 X-TALKER
- Retevis RT68 Walkie-Talkie
- Cobra MR HH350
- Radioddity GA-2S Long Range Walkie-Talkie
- Wouxun KG-805G GMRS Two-Way Radio
- Motorola Talkabout T645 Two-Way Radio
- Motorola Talkabout T200
- Moico Long Range Walkie Talkie
- Midland GXT1000VP4
- Samcom Two-Way Radio
- Motorola T600 H20
- Topsung Two-Way Radio
- Our Verdict!
- How to Choose The Best Walkie-Talkies for Camping
Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0
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If you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, getting the Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0 is a must. This device is specifically designed for exciting outdoor adventures like camping. It offers a good ratio between ease of use and features. When I tested this walkie-talkie, I found it to be super simple to use. With no complicated buttons, I’m sure everyone can use it. Apart from that, the main shell is waterproof and dustproof, ensuring it can last for a long time.
As one of the top models out there, this item also has a pretty attractive design. The mustard buttons and antenna help it stand out, so it’ll be easy for you to spot it as well. Unfortunately, I have to admit that it’s quite heavy, especially when compared to some of its competitors. However, if you can ignore this, I think it’s a decent choice that won’t let you down.
Pros
- It offers up to 80 hours of battery life.
- Everyone can use this walkie-talkie easily.
- Its build quality is among the best.
Cons
- Some people may not like its weight.
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Midland T10 X-TALKER
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When it comes to the best walkie talkies for family camping, that don’t cost you a fortune, the Midland T10 X-TALKER is a nice option to consider. With over 1,000 reviews on Amazon, it’s safe to say that it’s a quite popular option among campers, and I think I know why. For one, this high-quality walkie-talkie is available in a set of two or three. And considering the price tag, you don’t have to spend a lot even if you have a family of four or five. But for your little ones, you may want to check out these best walkie-talkies for kids instead.
This walkie-talkie is basically a two-way radio that works well over a limited range. One of the things that I adore about this device is its size. When I tested it, it was small enough for me to hold comfortably and didn’t slip easily. I could also put it in my jacket pocket. Not to mention, it’s designed to be water-resistant and comes with a rugged antenna.
Pros
- Considering its price, the quality of this walkie-talkie is better than expected.
- It has a nice 20-mile range.
- You can use it hands-free thanks to the Easy Voice and Sound Activated Transmission.
Cons
- You can’t replace the antenna.
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Retevis RT68 Walkie-Talkie
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Perfect for group camping, the Retevis RT68 Walkie-Talkie is another highly recommended option for short-distance communication. This small and compact device can be used right out of the box and is extremely simple to operate. It fits nicely in my palm and I’m sure all adults can use it without any problems. And to test its ease of use, I tried to teach my kid how to use it and he was able to master this device in less than five minutes.
What’s more, this walkie-talkie is specifically made to offer you clear and loud audio even in super noisy environments. For a better experience, it also comes with a knob, easy-to-push buttons, and an integrated antenna. I love how it comes in a pack of four, so everyone in the family can have their own. Also, I accidentally dropped it once during testing, but it was strong enough to withstand the impact and can still be used now without any minus.
Pros
- I love its lightweight and palm-sized design.
- It offers up to 24 hours of battery life.
- It has a strong penetrating power.
Cons
- Unfortunately, it’s not waterproof.
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Cobra MR HH350
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Best Floating. If you’re into boat camping, you’ll want nothing but the Cobra MR HH350. Yep; this walkie-talkie can float on water! If you’re the clumsy one in the group, this device is definitely worth the money. I tried to drop it into the lake and could easily spot and retrieve it thanks to its orange back. Apart from that, I’m also a fan of its battery. It’s rechargeable and can be used for a few days once fully charged.
That’s not all! One of the things that surprised me the most when I first used this device was its vibrating function. As the name suggests, it can help get the water out from the grille, allowing you to use it again as soon as possible. What’s more, it also features Bluetooth. Thanks to this feature, I was able to connect it to my phone easily. What’s not to like? For more information, click here!
Pros
- Though small and lightweight, this walkie-talkie is durable.
- The NOAA weather alerts will keep you up to date with the weather condition.
- It floats on the water.
Cons
- Its range isn’t the best.
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Radioddity GA-2S Long Range Walkie-Talkie
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Up next is the Radioddity GA-2S Long Range Walkie-Talkie, a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. This is an excellent choice especially for group or family camping since it’s available in a pack of six. In addition to that, with a range of three miles, I think it’s a versatile device that can be used for many activities. Aside from camping, I’m sure it’s useful for corporate events, games, and even other types of collaborative work.
One of the things that I still can’t believe is how it’s able to keep going like a beast for the whole day without being charged. Even as someone who has used it before, I’m still in awe. Additionally, you can easily program it using the included cable and your PC. And if the six-pack variant is too much for you, you can opt for the four or two-pack variant instead. That sounds like a good deal, right?
Pros
- The side buttons are customizable.
- Despite its lightweight body, this walkie-talkie is tough as nails.
- Thanks to the VOX mode, you can use it hands-free.
Cons
- Its water-resistant rating isn’t the best.
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Wouxun KG-805G GMRS Two-Way Radio
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The Wouxun KG-805G GMRS Two-Way Radio will be perfect for more advanced users. Since it supports the GMRS frequency, you’ll need a special license to operate it. What does it mean? Basically, to use this walkie-talkie, you have to obtain a special license from the Federal Communications Commission. Once you have it, you can then get a GMRS walkie-talkie from retailers, like Wouxun.
This is more than just a good walkie talkie for camping. For me, it’s an excellent choice as long as you can properly operate it. One of its biggest selling points is the fact that it’s IP55 water-resistant. It’s a huge plus for adventurers like you. Additionally, the LCD display features three backlight color options, giving you plenty of choices. It may not be the easiest to use nor the cheapest, but its comprehensive features make it a great option for professionals.
Pros
- It’s a nice choice for advanced users.
- This walkie-talkie can withstand impacts.
- It can be programmed easily using a PC.
Cons
- It’s not recommended for novice users.
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Motorola Talkabout T645 Two-Way Radio
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Make the most of your outdoor adventure with the Motorola Talkabout T465 Two-Way Radio! This is, for many people, the best walkie talkie for road trip. Unlike some devices that offer a range that’s only a few miles, this walkie-talkie is a monster as it has a range of up to 35 miles, making it one of the top walkie-talkies for long-distance. No matter how far you are from the rest of the group, you’ll still be able to talk to them and hear them clearly.
Sometimes, it’s extremely hard to predict the weather. And as someone who’s bad at predicting the weather condition, I truly appreciate the NOAA weather channels. Also, for safety, there’s an emergency alert button that can produce an alert siren when pressed. I’ve tested it before and the siren was super loud. This allows the rest to know you’re in danger and need help.
Pros
- This walkie-talkie is durable and weatherproof.
- It’s available in a pack of two.
- It comes with a carrying case and earbuds.
Cons
- The instruction manual is so hard to read.
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Motorola Talkabout T200
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We’re not going to lie; the Motorola Talkabout T200 is a truly shocking device! Cheap and reliable, it’s a nice addition to your camping gear. It’s available in a pack of two, which is great if you want to have a spare or give one to your camping buddy. There are many affordable options out there, but many of them feel like toys. Lucky for you, this one doesn’t. In fact, I love its rugged body and durable construction a lot.
Moreover, I love how easy it is to customize the call tones. To be honest, I didn’t expect it to have 20 different call tones. It took me a while to choose my favorite tone but it’s better to have options rather than none, right? Speaking of options, there are two ways to charge this walkie-talkie. You can use the included rechargeable NiMH batteries or use three AA batteries. Also, feel free to spend a minute watching this official YouTube video from Motorola!
Pros
- This is a small and lightweight model that doesn’t sacrifice durability.
- You’ll be alerted when the battery is low.
- The user guide is clear and easy to understand.
Cons
- The range is average.
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Moico Long Range Walkie Talkie
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Carrying FRS as its main transmission mode, the Moico Long Range Walkie Talkie is an excellent choice for family trips, weekend camping, or a quick getaway. This tiny communication device has everything I needed to keep in touch with everyone while I was out in the big outdoor area. It has a range of up to five miles and comes with an ergonomic casing that’s easy to hold.
As for the screen, Moico uses a backlit LCD which looks quite clear, even in low-light conditions. Like many of its competitors, this walkie-talkie uses an AAA battery as the main power source. However, you should note that the battery isn’t included. But since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, you don’t have to think twice about getting this compact device.
Pros
- It’s easy to hold and compact.
- Great for families, it’s available in a pack of four.
- It has a user-friendly design.
Cons
- No rechargeable batteries are included.
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Midland GXT1000VP4
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Best Range. Another walkie-talkie from Midland, this device is a nice addition to this list. One of the Midland GXT1000VP4‘s highlights is its Jis4 waterproof protection. When I used it on my camping trip back then, it can withstand a few splashes. It obviously isn’t made to be submerged. However, it can amazingly survive splashes. Also, I love how compact and comfortable it is to hold this device.
Furthermore, its 36-mile range is nothing short of impressive. It allows campers to communicate even when they’re far away. I also think it’s a super convenient option since it has easy voice and sound activation transmission with a wide variety of sensitivity levels. Lastly, it’s also available in a pack of three.
Pros
- It has a long communication range.
- The NOAA weather scan and alert will let you know the weather condition.
- It’s splash-resistant.
Cons
- Unlike some of its competitors, it’s not entirely water resistant.
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Samcom Two-Way Radio
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Best for Families. With 22 license-free channels and a 35-mile range, Samcom Two-Way Radio is your perfect companion for any campsite. There’s no need to worry about external interruptions since this fantastic device comes with no less than 154CTCSS/CDCSS codes. I’ve used this walkie-talkie before and I love it. It allowed me to keep in touch with my friends without compromising privacy.
One thing I hate the most about using two-way radios is changing the battery. However, with this one, that’s a thing of the past. That’s because it carries a rechargeable 1250mAh battery which can provide up to 10 hours of usage time! Additionally, I love how it comes with 10 different customizable alerts for messages. Need more recommendations? For your upcoming camping trip, check out these lists of the best camping food and the best pop-up camping tents!
Pros
- The key lock button prevents kids from accidentally pressing the buttons.
- You’ll be surprised to know that it also doubles as a flashlight.
- It’s available in three color options.
Cons
- It doesn’t perform that well in extremely bad weather conditions.
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Motorola T600 H20
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Best Value for Money. If you really want the best walkie talkie for camping, there probably won’t be a better option than the Motorola T600 H20. This communication device is truly extraordinary. It stands out in almost all tests. During testing, I got nearly one 100% clear audio reception at distances of around two miles. Apart from that, this gadget has an IP67 rating, making it completely resistant to water.
“The quality of the T600 H20 is hard to beat. I also love the fact that it comes complete with four AA batteries. It’s a nice option for any adventure, be it camping, skiing, or hiking.”
WOW Travel
In case you’re in a critical situation, there’s Motorola’s Emergency Alert Mode. This feature will emit a loud emergency tone and send out a 22-second transmission to any compatible Motorola walkie-talkie nearby. I’ve used this feature before and it was super loud, which is good. And speaking of emergencies, it also features a flashlight for when things get too dark. Learn more about this product by visiting its official product page!
Pros
- As a durable option, this walkie-talkie is waterproof.
- It’s compatible with other FRS / GMRS walkie-talkies.
- It can be used for up to 23 hours.
Cons
- It’s not the most lightweight option.
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Topsung Two-Way Radio
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Best Overall. Easy to operate and portable, the Topsung Two-Way Radio has successfully gathered over 9,000 positive reviews on Amazon. One customer even claims that her 70-year-old grandma could easily use this walkie-talkie, which shows how easy it is to use this device. This isn’t shocking, though. When I was handed this walkie-talkie, I noticed it didn’t have many buttons and looked simple. In addition to that, its ridiculously cheap price tag makes it a favorite among campers.
Apart from its user-friendly design, Topsung also includes a number of useful features. There’s an auto-squelch system to ensure every conversation is free from any static. For channels, there are more than 22 options to choose from. And to keep all your communication private, there are 121 privacy codes embedded in this tiny device. Considering everything it has to offer, I truly recommend this one.
Pros
- Its user-friendly design allows it to be used by anyone.
- This walkie-talkie is backed by a 30-day warranty.
- There are 22 main channels.
Cons
- Sadly, it’s not rechargeable.
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Our Verdict!
After considering its price, features, and design, I think the Topsung Two-Way Radio is the safest bet for everyone. And since it’s flooded with thousands of praises, you don’t have to worry about its quality. The rest, though, are also great. Below are some of the standouts in their respective categories:
- Best Value for Money: Motorola T600 H20
- Best for Families: Samcom Two-Way Radio
- Best Range: Midland GXT1000VP4
- Best Floating: Cobra MR HH350
How to Choose The Best Walkie-Talkies for Camping
There are so many walkie-talkies available out there. You can choose a heavy-duty model or a mini radio that’s more like a toy. In other words, it really depends on your needs. Today, I’ll focus on helping you to choose a nice one for camping. Here are the things to consider:
Range and Clarity
The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a walkie-talkie is range and clarity. It should be able to transmit your message completely and smoothly. Please note that a regular walkie-talkie generally has a range of 3-5 miles. However, for camping, there are those that have a range of up to 35 miles or even more. Note that the overall radius will shrink if you use it in urban areas.
Design
Next, think about design. A walkie-talkie can be really handy if it’s portable enough and easy to carry around, especially for those who plan to go on a backpacking trip. You don’t want it to be bulky or slippery. If you want, you can also look for one that’s water-resistant or able to float on water as well.
Emergency Features
Finally, imagine how a good walkie-talkie could help you in a precarious situation. In other words, you should look for a device that has a lot of emergency features. Several brands present their products with access to NOAA channels. That way, you’ll always get the latest updates, in case bad weather comes or a natural disaster occurs.
Do Walkie Talkie Work in the Woods?
Yes, of course. That is the main reason why outdoor enthusiasts need to use walkie-talkies in their every adventure. You should know that sound doesn’t carry too far in the woods, while emergency whistles tend to get lost easily.
Are Walkie-Talkies Useful?
Yes! Walkie-talkies will come in handy when you’re in a place with zero coverage. They’re also great for those planning on going to remote locations, where cell phones are not of much use or, perhaps, are too expensive.
Can a Phone Communicate with a Walkie Talkie?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Both devices have their respective frequencies and ways of transmitting audio waves.