13 Best Walkie Talkies For Hiking

Do you love hiking on the weekends? Do you spend a lot of time in the backcountry? Well, if yes is your answer, then you should probably consider investing in some good walkie talkies for hiking. As fellow outdoor enthusiasts, we never go on a hike without them. They help us stay connected to our friends and make communicating much easier. It also helps us to make sure no one will get lost. Apart from that, some of the best options on the market can effortlessly work in places with no network coverage at all. It certainly helps if you happen to be hiking in rough or remote places. Today, we would like to show you some of the best-selling and most recommended options out there. In addition, we’ll also provide you with a number of useful tips on choosing the perfect model that suits your needs. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at our favorites!

More walkie-talkie recommendations? Well, lucky for you, we have lots of them! For your precious little ones, check out our list of the 13 best walkie-talkies for kids! And for those planning to hit the slopes this weekend, check out our 13 best walkie-talkies for skiing!

Midland LXT600VP3

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The first choice that every hiker should consider is the Midland LXT600VP3. As a great solution for your outdoor communications, this two-way radio has a superior range compared to many other options from other brands. According to the Midland, this walkie-talkie is able to transmit a clear audio signal up to 30 miles away. That’s really impressive, right? Though our group members weren’t 30 miles apart, we were still able to communicate clearly and easily even though each of us was moving at different paces.

Another feature that we love is its NOAA Weather Scan. As you may already know, this feature gives you the latest updates on weather conditions, including storms, rains, and others. That way, you can properly prepare yourself before nature decides to be unfriendly. And aside from getting two walkie-talkies, you’ll also get belt clips, battery packs, a desktop charger, and an AC adapter.

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Motorola T605 Talkabout

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Motorola isn’t a strange name among veteran hikers as it has produced some of the top hiking essentials. And when it comes to the hiking walkie-talkies, we think many will agree that the Motorola T605 Talkabout is a good choice. One of the more durable choices, it’s specifically designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. With an IP67 rating, this walkie-talkie is waterproof. We’ve tested using this item when it was raining and it worked completely fine.

Apart from that, the T605 also has a built-in LED flashlight to help increase your vision when the sun is already down. For night hiking, this feature is a big plus. Also, for easy communication, there’s a single button dedicated to the Push-to-Talk function. Lastly, this gadget comes with a USB charging option so you can always charge it whenever you want.

GOCOM G600 FRS Walkie-Talkie

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No hike is too hard when you have the GOCOM G600 FRS Walkie-Talkie with you. This communication device is one of the most amazing options we’ve found. For its price, we think its performance can be considered great. Depending on the environment you’re in, its range may vary. When we tested this device, we were in the woods and could communicate clearly between a 4 to 5-mile distance. We think the range will be larger when you’re in an open area.

As the name suggests, this is an FRS radio, and it has 22 channels to keep your private conversations from being leaked. Also, we think the battery life is worth praising. It relies on AA batteries and can perform for up to 10 hours. And if you want, you can recharge the battery using a USB charger as well. If you’re new to hiking and are looking for an affordable option, we think this is a good choice. Learn more about this device by visiting its product page!

Baofeng UV-5R Walkie-Talkie

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With over 7,000 glowing reviews on Amazon, it’s easy to see why the Baofeng UV-5R Walkie-Talkie is loved by outdoor enthusiasts. After testing it, we found so many things to like about this device. For one, it allowed us to customize the channel names according to our likings easily. In addition to that, we’re also huge fans of its compact and lightweight design. Plus, unlike some of its competitors, it actually doesn’t look like a toy!

For entertainment, this walkie-talkie also lets you listen to FM Broadcast radio. For hikers who need a lot of breaks, this is certainly a nice addition to keep them busy when they’re resting. Moreover, the hands-free experience of this device is so enjoyable. Aside from the VOC function, it also comes with a headset connector. Finally, its battery packs are rechargeable.

Retevis H-777S Two-Way Radio Walkie Talkie

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Retevis H-777S Two-Way Radio Walkie Talkie is a fairly popular product among outdoor enthusiasts. Most of them love the fact that it supports UHF 400 to 475 MHz, which also makes it an ideal communication device for hunting. And to make sure you can find a free slot for all your talks, this radio has no less than 22 channels. For our team, this sure is more than enough, and we’re sure you’ll feel the same.

As for the construction, we would say that the Retevis H-777S is pretty solid and tough. The manufacturer even claims that it can withstand drops and exposure to various elements. We’ve tried dropping it a few times (though not too hard) and it did survive the impacts. Furthermore, as you may expect from one of the most reliable options, it features an LCD screen that remains highly visible even under low-light conditions.

Midland T71VP3 X-Talker

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The Midland T71VP3 X-Talker is all about toughness, and that’s what makes us love this walkie-talkie a lot. First of all, it comes with exceptional water-resistant capabilities. Though not impervious to water, it can still withstand rain. According to the official website, it’s capable of delivering crystal-clear audio up to a distance of 38 miles. And based on our experience of using it, we all agree that it has a satisfying transmission and reception.

For those planning on doing long hikes, the Midland T71VP3 will be a great option as it promises up to 15 hours of usage time. Based on our experience, we can proudly say that it’s true. Apart from that, it also has NOAA weather alerts, which will keep you updated with the surrounding climatic conditions. Last but not least, this device is one of the cheapest, license-free walkie-talkies you can get on the market today.

Arcshell Rechargeable Two-Way Radio

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Best Rechargeable. Compact and reliable, it’s hard not to fall in love with the Archshell Rechargeable Two-Way Radio. We’ve used this walkie-talkie before and all of us love its size. It’s small enough to fit the palm of our hand during hiking and is super convenient to use. Despite its size, it’s not a flimsy option. Besides being water-resistant, it can also survive some unforgiving drops.

Another thing that makes this two-way radio highly popular is its user-friendliness. Whether you’re new to the world of walkie-talkies or you’ve been using more than you can remember, no one will have a problem using it. Also, we would love to highlight the high-quality speakers. They’re both loud and clear. Plus, even when the surroundings aren’t ideal for communicating, this walkie-talkie can block out white noise.

DEWALT DXFRS800 Walkie-Talkie

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There are so many good walkie talkies for hiking on the market. But if what you need is something fully waterproof, look no further than the DEWALT DXFRS800 Walkie-Talkie! Sometimes, it’s hard to predict the weather. And if you need a device that can withstand the rain and one that you can use even when you’re kayaking, this is an obvious choice. We’ve tried using it before and we found that it can survive 30 minutes being in a 1-meter deep water.

Aside from being waterproof, this device also knows a thing or two about privacy. That’s because it comes with 22 channels that have privacy codes. In addition, the key lock won’t let you change the channel accidentally. Such thoughtful features! Best of all, this rugged walkie-talkie is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Seriously, what’s not to like?

Cobra ACXT1035R

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Best Floating. Aside from our previous pick, the Cobra ACXT1035R is an ideal option if you’re following a hiking trail that passes through rivers or lots of open water. That’s because this two-way radio has excellent waterproof capabilities. Apart from that, it’s also designed to float, in case you accidentally drop it into a waterway or lake. We’ve tried to drop it into the pool and we were shocked when we found out it truly floated.

In case you go somewhere unpredictable, this device also has a built-in NOAA weather receiver. It’ll bring you all the latest updates regarding the weather and climate conditions around. Another feature that we love is the Rewind-Say-Again. As the name suggests, this feature allows you to replay missed radio calls. Plus, you can record the last 20 seconds of your conversation.

Garmin InReach MINI 2

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Best Compact. As the name says and shown in the picture below, the Garmin InReeach MINI 2 is one small device. But just because it’s small, it doesn’t mean it’s not worth your attention. Despite its petite size, it’s still packed with awesome features. One of the things that we love the most is its screen, which allows you to send and receive text messages. It’s such a cool feature that keeps you connected to the rest of the world.

Again; you shouldn’t underestimate this tiny device. We’ve dropped it a few times and it didn’t even break and could perform flawlessly. In addition to the impact-resistant body, it’s also waterproof. Also, its battery life is certainly one of its biggest selling points. It can last for up to two full weeks on just a single charge. At this point, it’s normal for you to not believe what it offers!

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Midland T77VP5 X-Talker

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Best Set. The fantastic package is perhaps an apt phrase to describe the Midland T77VP5 X-Talker. Coming in a truly great bundle, this set provides everything you need for a memorable outdoor adventure. We were genuinely surprised when we first received this package. In addition to a handy charging station and power adaptors, we also got a durable carrying case that makes transport a lot easier.

As for the walkie-talkie itself, it offers full access to NOAA broadcasts, letting you get all the latest weather updates. And just as you’d expect from a Midland device, it also features a hands-free VOX feature. In other words, you can still communicate smoothly, even if you don’t actually hold the device. Super convenient, isn’t it? Need more convincing? Check out this review video by Adventure Rig!

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Motorola T800 Talkabout

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The Motorola T800 Talkabout is truly an amazing piece of technology. Even the most veteran hikers will be amazed by this tiny device. First of all, this two-way radio has a solid range up to 35 miles away. Next, it provides a more than decent battery life. And lastly, this portable communication device comes with a fantastic design that makes it completely safe from water, dust, and dirt.

Of course, that’s not all! Thanks to the embedded Bluetooth technology, we were able to communicate with each other during testing without any network service. How come? That’s because of the Motorola Talkabout smartphone app. Thanks to this useful app, users are able to track locations as well as send themed messages even when they’re in a rural area.

Topsung M880 FRS Two-Way Radio

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Best Overall. The Topsung M880 FRS Two-Way Radio has received over 9,000 amazing reviews on Amazon, and we’re not surprised at all. After using this device, we have nothing but good things to say. First, let’s talk about its performance. Depending on the area and the condition, this walkie-talkie can work in a 4 to 16-mile range. And thanks to the AA batteries, it has a stand-by time that can last for three to four days.

“The Topsung M880 is a reasonably-priced walkie-talkie that does it all. It’s an all-rounder that makes every hiking adventure much more enjoyable.”

WOW Travel

Only 2.9 oz, this palm-sized walkie-talkie is super lightweight. Some of our team members have small hands, and even they had no problems carrying the device around. Additionally, with smart automatic software, the M880 can block noises. We love this feature a lot as it allowed us to communicate clearly. Best of all, it’s not expensive at all.

And in case you’re planning to take your family somewhere outdoors this week, you may want to check out our recommendations for the 13 best pop-up tents for camping. But if you’re looking for something more compact, our list of the 13 best backpacking tents will certainly help.

Our Verdict!

The Topsung M880 FRS Two-Way Radio offers everything you need and is available at an affordable price without making many sacrifices. Because of this, I think it’s the best overall choice on this list. However, the rest are also worth considering. Below are some of the standouts based on their respective categories.

• Best Set: Midland T77VP5 X-Talker
• Best Compact: Garmin InReach MINI 2
• Best Floating: Cobra ACXT1035R
• Best Rechargeable: Arcshell Rechargeable Two-Way Radio

How to Choose the Best Walkie Talkie for Hiking

Deciding on the right hiking walkie-talkie can be challenging. Apart from various types and models to choose from, they’re also available at different price ranges. So, how do you find one that really fits your budget and needs? Here are the things you have to consider!

Channels

The more channels the walkie-talkie offers, the better. That means you’ll have more options for communicating, especially if you’re at a popular climbing spot. Chances are, there’ll be lots of people using two-way radios. In this kind of scenario, a large selection of channels will ensure every group member can transmit the message smoothly.

Battery Life

More often than not, it’s hard to find any charging points in the middle of the woods. So, make sure you get good walkie-talkies with decent usage time. See if it can last at least 6-10 hours. Otherwise, check whether the walkie-talkie has a battery saver feature or not.

Water Resistance

Yes; mountains are unpredictable. This is why it is important for you to get walkie-talkies that have water-resistance capabilities. In case of heavy rain, you don’t have to worry about possible malfunctions. Therefore, make sure that the two-way radio you get is well-made and has a good rating.

What is The Best Walkie Talkie for the Mountains?

Most climbers prefer to use two-way radios from Midland or Motorola as these brands are two of the most popular ones. Mostly because they offer decent audio quality over a fairly remote range. And you’ll be glad to know that some of their products were featured on this list.

Do 2-Way Radios Work in the Mountains?

Yes, of course. In fact, two-way radios actually work best in elevated areas with less obstruction. So, you can certainly understand why walkie talkies are the preferred communication option for most climbers.

Is a GMRS License Worth It?

Well, it all depends on your budget and needs. A five-year license from the FCC will cost you around 70 bucks. After that, you can use a variety of repeaters that are currently available on the market, without worrying about breaking any laws. So do the math, see if it fits your budget, and deserves to be earned.