Two way radios generally have access to a number of channels. There are Family Service Radio (FSR) channels, which are completely open to the public and free to use, and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) channels, for which you need a licence.
Two way radios need to be on the same channel in order to communicate. GMRS channels will have a longer range than FSR channels.
Best Two Way Radios (Top Picks)
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Best Walkie Talkies for Hiking
We reviewed over 14 walkie talkies for mountains in this article. Below are the best two way radios that made our short list.
- Rocky Talkie - Best Overall
- Midland GXT1050VP4
- Motorola T465 - Popular
- Cobra ACXT645
- Motorola TLKR T82
- Midland LXT630VP3 - Best Value
Read our complete buyers guide for two way radios.
Best Overall Two-Way Radio For Hiking
1. Rocky Talkie
Rocky Talkies are rugged backcountry radios designed by a small company from Colorado. Their lightweight yet durable design makes them a great fit for many outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, skiing, and mountain biking. They are FRS radios and are compatible with all other FRS and GMRS radios.
These radios transmit the maximum power allowed for a license-free radio (2 watts). Like any two-way radio, the range will vary based on terrain, but we’ve achieved great range and audio clarity in our testing with them. The company also developed a range testing video that we found helpful and transparent. You can expect 25+ miles of range in line-of-sight scenarios, 1 to 5 miles of range in the mountains, and 0.5 to 3 miles in hilly/forested areas. In urban environments, you will get up to 1 mile of range.
A standout feature on these radios is their lithium-ion cold resistant battery. The battery provides 3 to 5 days of battery life from a single charge, and operates down to negative 20° fahrenheit.
We especially like the attachment system built into these radios. Each radio comes with a Mammut carabiner that makes it simple to clip onto your pack, as well as a bungee leash to prevent drops. Like the attachment system, the radio itself is built to last, with a shatterproof LED screen (no glass) and shock-proof thermoplastic protective covering.
Despite the rugged build, the full setup (with carabiner) for this radio weighs a total of 7.9 oz, and the radio itself is only 4.8oz.
With just 5 easy-to-use buttons, operating these radios is straightforward while still including the critical functions needed for backcountry comms. The company provides a 2-year warranty, educational content, and top-notch customer support if you ever have questions.
While these radios have many benefits over your standard blister-pack radio, the price tag is also higher. The radios are sold individually for $110 / radio. That’s really our main piece of constructive feedback on these radios though. Other than that, they check all the boxes for the ideal two-way radio to use in the outdoors!
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
2. Midland GXT1050VP4
5/5 Overall Rating
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The Midland GXT1050VP4 two way radios are great for outdoor use and have many useful features that come in handy when you're out hiking, hunting or trekking.
They have 50 GMRS channels with a channel scan function that checks for any activity.
These Midland walkie talkies have up to a 36 mile range if there are no obstructions and privacy codes allow you to block other conversations.
With JIS4 Waterproof Protection, the two way radios are resistant to splashing water and light rain. Dual Watch allows you to keep an eye on 2 channels at the same time.
The Midland GXT1050VP4 includes a Weather Scan function that scans the NOAA broadcasts to alert you to severe weather updates in your area so that you can find shelter in time.
There is also a SOS Siren that you can use to alert others in case of emergency. The Whisper feature allows you to talk quietly but be heard clearly on the receiving end of the call, which is great for animal sightings.
With Direct Call and caller ID, you can easily contact one person in your group without disturbing the others. These Midland walkie talkies also have Auto Squelch technology which removes background noise for clearer communication.
While these Midland two way radios have many useful features, the batteries could be better. They come with rechargeable batteries that take about 12 hours to charge, and last can last for 11 hours of use. AA alkaline batteries can also be used if you want to carry extra with you on your outdoor excursion.
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Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Midland GXT1050VP4 are a great choice of two-way radios. They offer many useful and effective features that make using them easy and affective.
3. Motorola T465
The Motorola T465 are not as robust, but weatherproof and ideal for taking on rugged, outdoor excursions.
With 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, there are plenty of different combinations to use. They have an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance so you can pack them with you no matter what type of environment you'll be in.
They also feature NOAA weather channels so that you can keep up to date and be alerted to any Amber Alerts, storms, floods, tornadoes, or other unpredictable weather conditions.
These two way radios also feature a VibraCall setting, which causes the device to vibrate when calls are received instead of ringing.
This is a very useful setting to have in situations where any noises would be disruptive. The T465 also feature a built-in LED flashlight so that you can find your way in the dark.
The VOX feature allows for hands-free operation so that you can still communicate while climbing, skiing, hunting etc.
With a class D amplifier, the Motorola T465 two way radios have excellent sound quality so you can always hear the transmissions clearly. You can even extend the range of your transmissions with the Push-To-Talk Power Boost.
These walkie talkies come with a rechargeable battery pack, but can also take regular alkaline batteries. They also come with a convenient USB charger so you can charge them up in your car while on the road.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Motorola T465 are an ideal choice of walkie talkie. They are robust, weatherproof and offer crystal clear sound in addition to many other useful features.
4. Cobra ACXT645
The Cobra ACXT645 two way radios are ideal for you next outdoor day trip. While the battery life is only 8 hours, these walkie talkies have a multitude of useful functions and features.
They have an excellent range of up to 35 miles and have 22 channels with 121 privacy codes, which adds up to a total of 2662 channel combinations to try out.
They feature a weather alert that automatically monitors the weather around your location so that you can be warned of storms or other hazardous weather conditions.
With rubbery grips, the ACXT645 are easy to hold in wet conditions and are shock resistant.
They are water-resistant. A BURP function vibrates the handset to get rid of any water droplets in the speakers so the sound is still crystal clear.
The Cobra ACXT645 have a VOX setting so that you can operate them hands-free.
They also feature Rewind-Say-Again technology, which replays 20 seconds of the last transmission in case you missed any of the information that was said.
The walkie talkies also feature a LED flashlight in case you need some extra light.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Cobra ACXT645 two way radios are a great choice for hiking, boating, climbing, and other rugged, outdoor activities. They are durable and easy to hold, with great sound quality so you can communicate easily with your group.
5. Motorola TLKR T82
4/5 Overall Rating
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The Motorola TLKR T82 are license-free two way radios, with 8 channels and a 6.2 mile (10km) range.
License-free two way radios are radios that use pre-programmed public-access channels and have a maximum of 0.5 watt power.
The Motorola TLKR T80 Extreme radios have many useful features to aid you on your outdoor adventures.
They feature a push-to-talk (PTT) button, as well as a Voice Operated Transmission (VOX) function that allow you to communicate hands-free while you're skiing or climbing etc.
The TLKR T80 Extreme are very user-friendly and easy to setup and use. They can clip easily onto your belt or bag so that you can use your hands for other activities.
Two headsets are included which work well with the VOX setting. The TLKR T80 handsets are built to be strong and durable, and are bright yellow in colour so you can easily find them if you put them down or drop them.
The rechargeable batteries take 14 hours to charge and can last for about 16 hours of use. The handsets are also compatible with 4 AAA batteries so you can still use them while the rechargeable battery packs charge.
The Motorola TLKR T80 Extreme two way radios also feature a built in LED flashlight as well as a stopwatch and clock.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Motorola TLKR T82 two way radios are robust walkie talkies with good quality sound and plenty of useful features. They are an excellent choice of two way radios and can be bought in a 2- or a 4-pack.
6. Midland LXT630VP3
The Midland LXT630VP3 offer 36 channels and an up to 30 mile range in an unobstructed area. It has a small, compact design and light weight structure so that it's easy to carry and pack with you on your trip.
It comes with belt clips so that you can attach it to your belt or a bag strap if you need your hands to be free. The Voice Operated Transmission function allows you to operate the Midland LXT630VP3 using only your voice for if you're climbing or need your hands for something else.
It also features a HI/LO setting, which can be used to conserve the battery life if running low. The average battery life of the Midland LXT630VP3 two way radios is quite short as it lasts approximately 6 hours.
These walkie talkies also have NOAA weather alerts that will keep you up to date with changes in weather and notify you if stormy, hazardous weather is coming your way so that you can find cover in time.
The Midland LXT630VP3 come with a rechargeable battery pack, but are also compatible with 3 AAA batteries so you can pack some extra if you need the radios to work for an extended period of time.
There is also a silent mode option, which turns off all alert tones. Auto Squelch technology cuts out any background noise so that your transmissions are crystal clear.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Midland LXT630VP3 two way radios are small, powerful and affordable walkie talkies. They have many of the features you would find on more expensive models, so they offer great value and would be a good, reliable choice.
Buyer's Guide For Two-Way Radios
Number of Channels
Two way radios generally have access to a number of channels. There are Family Service Radio (FSR) channels, which are completely open to the public and free to use, and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) channels, for which you need a licence.
Two way radios need to be on the same channel in order to communicate. GMRS channels will have a longer range than FSR channels.
Privacy codes are used to block out other conversations so that you have more privacy with your group. All radios will need to be programmed on the same privacy code in order to communicate.
Range
Range is an important feature to consider as you need to choose a two way radio that can be relied on to be able to communicate. FSR radios will have a much shorter range than GMRS radios.
You choice also depends on what type of activity you need the radios for. For example, for climbing and hiking, a FSR radio should be fine, but for skiing or hunting, you should probably consider a GMRS two way radio.
Your surroundings will also have an impact on the range. Obstructions, such as trees and mountains, can severely limit the range on any type of two way radio.
Hands-Free Settings
Many two way radios come with a Voice Operated Transmission (VOX) setting, which is sensitive to the sound of your voice and will transmit as you speak without the need to push a button.
This is a great feature for activities where you need your hands, like skiing, hunting, climbing, cycling etc. Some two way radios will come with a headset that you can use to ensure clear, hands free communication
Battery Life
The battery life of a two way radio is very important. You don't want to be stuck in an emergency situation only to find the battery's dead.
Many two way radios are compatible with both rechargeable batteries and regular alkaline batteries so you should always try pack some extra. Radios that have a signal boosting feature tend to use up battery more quickly so be aware of that.
Safety Features
The battery life of a two way radio is very important. You don't want to be stuck in an emergency situation only to find the battery's dead.
Many two way radios are compatible with both rechargeable batteries and regular alkaline batteries so you should always try pack some extra. Radios that have a signal boosting feature tend to use up battery more quickly so be aware of that.
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See more reviews of outdoor equipment and our detailed hiking technology guide. Or check out these reviews:
I used Midland GXT1050VP4 on a trip with my friends. Battery life is short. Sitting basically idle the batteries would become weak enough to cause the radio to automatically drop from Hi power to Low power after 4 – 6 hours of idle “on” time. When the transmission was attempted the radio would turn itself off. We found ourselves carrying and changing batteries out in the field.
I like Motorola more. It works very well. Very clear reception. I was skeptical – but we used it last weekend and it was very clear both from car to car and in the woods.
My husband and I are doing a 3 month national park road trip. Out of the ones on this list, which walkie talkie do you think is most appropriate? We won't be doing back country, but still will be doing hikes with high elevation. We want one that is weather resistant, good battery life, SOS feature, and a good range.
Rocky Talkie is your best bet!
midland Gxt1000vp4