Planning a family camping for the weekend? Or intend to go on a road trip? Well, you can make your getaway even more enjoyable by getting the best walkie talkie for camping. This type of communication device will make it easier for you to keep in touch with family or partners. Especially if you’re in a blank spot or somewhere with no coverage at all.
In this post, we’ll give you some great alternatives to a walkie talkie for a road trip. And to make sure you get the product that best suits your needs and budget, we’ll also present some useful tips on choosing a good walkie talkie for camping. So, are you ready? Sit tight and fasten your seat belts, because we’re getting started!
How to Choose The Best Walkie Talkie for Camping
Some of you may already know that walkie talkies are available in a large range. 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.
But here, we’ll focus on helping you to choose a good walkie talkie for camping. You could say we’ve dived into the rabbit hole to find what factors make up the best walkie talkie for camping. So, without further ado, here are a few things to consider when you are looking for a walkie talkie for a road trip.
Range and Clarity
The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing the best walkie talkie for camping 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, the overall radius will shrink if you use it in urban areas.
Design
Next, think about design. A walkie talkie for a road trip will really come in handy if it’s portable enough and easy to carry around. Especially for those who plan to go on a backpacking trip. Furthermore, don’t forget to consider battery life. See if the walkie talkie runs on rechargeable batteries or has battery saver mode.
Emergency Features
Finally, imagine how a good walkie talkie for camping could help you in a precarious situation. In other words, 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?
Again, yes. Walkie talkies will come in handy when you’re in a place with zero coverage. It’ll also work best for those planning on going to remote locations, where cellphones 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. But on the bright side, there are many apps that can make you use your cellphone like a walkie talkie, as long as it’s connected to a 3G / 4G network.
Backcountry Access BC Link
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If you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, get Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0. This device is specifically designed for an exciting road trip. It offers a good ratio between ease of use and features. Apart from that, the main shell is waterproof and dustproof.
As the best walkie talkie for camping, Backcountry Access BC Link has a pretty attractive design. Unfortunately, it’s quite heavy, making it less portable when compared to other products on this list. Furthermore, the price is also quite expensive, especially since it is sold as a single package.
What We Love
Designed specifically for an outdoor enthusiast
Pros:
- 80 hours of battery life
- Protected channel
- 2 Watts of power
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- The surface is prone to scratches
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Midland X-Talker T10
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Ask any outdoor shop about the best walkie talkies for family camping that doesn’t cost you a fortune and we’re pretty sure, most would be happy to recommend the Midland X-Talker T10. This device has long been a favorite of backpackers. Some have even dubbed it as ‘best bang for the buck’.
The Midland X-Talker T10 is basically a two-way radio that works well over a limited range. Apart from that, it’s small and easy to grip, making this walkie talkie fit easily in any backpack or jacket pocket. Furthermore, other features that we love about this radio set are the water-resistance casing and the rugged antenna.
What We Love
A decent walkie talkie that won’t cost you a fortune
Pros:
- 2-way radios
- 20-mile range
- 38CTCSS privacy codes
- Hands-free mode
Cons:
- The antenna isn’t replaceable
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Motorola MH230R Two-Way Radio (404)
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When it comes to the best walkie talkies for camping, there’s no name you can trust more than Motorola. One of their latest offerings, the Motorola MH230R Two-Way Radio, comes with a 23-mile range and access to 22 different channels. As a power source, this cool gadget uses rechargeable batteries. You should be able to get roughly 8 hours of usage on a single charge.
And in case you’re camping somewhere unpredictable, the MH230R has direct access to no less than 11 weather channels. If something goes wrong, you’ll immediately get the update. After that, you can pack your stuff and leave the site for a safer place.
What We Love
A great walkie talkie from one of the most trusted brands in the industry
Pros:
- 8-hour of battery life
- 11 weather channels
- Belt clips
- 23-mile range
Cons:
- It’s only available in yellow
Uniden 22 Channel Two-Way Radio (404)
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When you’re looking for the best walkie talkie for camping, Uniden 22 Channel Two-Way Radio can also be considered because it’s a superior product. This set of two offers up to a 16-mile range and access to no less than 22 channels. For power sources, Uniden uses three AAA batteries. It’s not rechargeable, but don’t worry, you’ll get enough usage time because there’s a power-saving feature available.
For those who often experience interference when communicating using walkie talkies, a similar problem will not occur with Uniden. That’s because the communication device has an auto-squelch function to ensure all transmitted audio is always crystal clear. Also, there is a ‘roger’ beep that will help you know that the other party has finished talking.
What We Love
A walkie talkie for superior camping
Pros:
- 22 channels
- Up to a 16-mile range
- Keypad lock
- 25 hours of battery life
Cons:
- It’s not rechargeable
Motorola MR350R Weatherproof Two-Way (404)
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As its name suggests, the Motorola MR350R Weatherproof Two-Way is built specifically to work in rough conditions. Sold in sets of two, these walkie talkies are claimed to be resistant to water and dust hazards. Apart from that, what makes it stand out even more compared to other similar products is the genius feature called ‘VibraCall’. It’ll make your radio vibrate when a message comes in, just like a cell phone! It should be useful when you’re in a situation where a ring will be too noisy.
For emergency features, Motorola provides access to NOAA weather channels streams. That’ll give you an early warning in case of a storm, flood, or other natural disasters. Apart from that, other features worth mentioning include USB rechargeable batteries, iVOX hands, and the 35-mile range. If you’re looking for the best walkie talkies for family camping, this one is worth reckoning with.
What We Love
Great option for those planning to camp somewhere rough
Pros:
- VibraCall
- 11 weather channels
- 22 channels
- iVOX hands-free
Cons:
- The included belt clips are easy to damage
Wouxun KG-805G GMRS Two-Way Radio
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The Wouxun KG-805G GMRS Two Way Radio will be perfect for the more advanced walkie talkie users. Because since the radio supports the GMRS frequency, you’ll need a special license to operate it. Apart from that, this device is more than a decent business-grade communication tool.
Being the best walkie talkie for camping, the Wouxun KG-805G Two Way Radio is capable of delivering up to 5-watts of power. It also has repeater support and a superheterodyne receiver. Furthermore, we’re also surprised by its audio quality, which is impressively clear.
What We Love
Great radio for more advanced users
Pros:
- 22 GMRS simplex channels
- 8 GMRS repeater channels
- CTCSS codes
- 5 Watts transmit power
Cons:
- Not recommended for novice users
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Motorola Talkabout T645 Two Way Radios
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Make the most of your outdoor adventure with the Motorola Talkabout T465 Two-Way Radios. This is a walkie-talkie set that’s not only perfect for camping but also hunting, fishing, hiking, and other exciting activities. For interrupt-free communication, the T465 provides no less than 22 FRS/GMRS channels to choose from. Meanwhile, for more privacy, there are 121 privacy codes embedded in this fantastic communication device.
Just as you would expect from the best walkie talkie for camping, T465 also allows you to get the latest weather updates via access to 11 NOAA weather channels. It should come in handy when you’re camping with friends or family.
What We Love
A versatile walkie talkie, perfect for a variety of outdoor activities
Pros:
- Emergency alert button
- PTT
- 22 channels
- 121 privacy codes
Cons:
- The range is quite limited when used in urban areas
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Motorola Talkabout T480 Two Way Radio
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We’re not going to lie here. The Motorola Talkabout T480 Two-Way Radio is a truly shocking device! It’s equipped with an emergency call feature, which will be very useful when you’re in a place with no coverage at all. Furthermore, you can also use it in case your smartphone has run out of power.
Apart from that, two-way radio fans will be pleased to know that this best walkie talkie for camping comes with 22 FRS / GMRS channels. It also has the usual features like NOAA weather channels, weather alerts, and most importantly, an FM radio!
What We Love
A great communication device, it comes with a built-in FM radio
Pros:
- FM radio
- NOAA channels
- Weather alert
- Emergency calls
Cons:
- Sold in a single unit
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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 will be an excellent choice for family trips, weekend camping, or a quick getaway. This tiny communication device has everything you need to keep in touch with everyone while 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. And just like the best walkie talkies for family camping in general, this gadget uses a AAA battery as the main power source.
What We Love
Great for a family trip
Pros:
- Easy to hold
- Ergonomic
- FRS channels
- Backlit LCD
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with rechargeable batteries
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Luiton Baofeng UV-5RH (404)
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The Luiton Baofeng UV-5RH is all about power. This walkie talkie is packed with a number of intricate features, including two different power levels and frequency ranges (400-480 MHz and 65-108MHz). Furthermore, advanced users will love using this gadget. That’s because it also has no less than 128 memories. All feature excellent simplex frequency and programming repeaters.
The best part is, you don’t need a license to operate the Luiton Baofeng UV-5RH. In fact, it is one of the best license-free radios powered by an impressive 1800 mAH Li-ion battery. And just as you’d expect from the best walkie talkie for camping, this product also comes with some bonus accessories such as a belt clip and wrist strap.
What We Love
A reliable walkie talkie, great for advanced users
Pros:
- Programmable power settings
- Auto keypad lock
- Dual display
- 1800mAh battery
Cons:
- It’s not waterproof
Samcom FRS Two-way Radio
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With 22 channels and a 36-mile range, Samcom FRS 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 104 CDCSS and 50 CTCSS codes. Keep in touch with your family, without compromising your privacy!
One thing we hate the most about using two-way radios is changing the battery. But wait, with Samcom FRS Two Way Radio, that’s a thing of the past. That’s because this gadget carries a rechargeable 1250mAh battery which can provide up to 10 hours of usage time! Let us tell you one thing. If you’re looking for the best walkie talkie for family camping, this one definitely won’t disappoint.
More recommendations you said? Well, don’t worry. For those planning to camp this weekend, we have a list of the 13 best camping foods and 13 best pop up tents for camping. Go and check them all out!
What We Love
Perfect for any camping activity
Pros:
- License-free
- Backlit screen
- 10 call tones
- Available in many different colors
Cons:
- The main shell is slightly thin
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Motorola T600 H20
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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. You’ll get nearly one hundred percent clear audio reception at distances of up to two miles. Apart from that, this gadget has an IP67 rating, making it completely resistant to water.
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. Now that’s what we call a walkie talkie for camping!
What We Love
A robust and reliable walkie talkie with lots of features
Pros:
- IP67 waterproof
- 22 channels
- Compatible with other FRS / GMRS radios
- Emergency alert
Cons:
- Not recommended for kayaking
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Topsung Two-Way Radios
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Easy to operate and portable. These are the two factors that made Topsung Two-Way Radios successfully gathered a lot of positive reviews on Amazon. One customer even claimed that her 70-year-old grandma could easily use this walkie talkie! If you’re planning to take your family on some adventures this weekend, Topsung is certainly the best walkie talkie for camping worth checking out.
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.
More about walkie-talkies you say? Well, you’re at the right place! You can check our in-depth coverage of the 13 best walkie talkies for long-distance. Or for those with kids at home, go and read our list of the 13 best walkie talkies for kids.
What We Love
Portable and easy to use
Pros:
- Auto squelch
- User-friendly design
- 22 main channels
- 30 days warranty
Cons:
- It’s not rechargeable
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