The 10 Best Walkie Talkie For Camping, Tested And Researched

Tim Powers By, Tim Powers
Updated
Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS Two-Way Radio
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS Two-Way Radio

These durable walkie-talkies feature a 50-channel GMRS frequency range and a 36-mile range for easy use in open areas. Read Review

2. Runner-Up: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS Talkabout T460 Two-Way Radio

With a PTT power boost, you can extend your transmission range by increasing the transmitter power output with these devices. Read Review

3. Best Lightweight: Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies

These radios feature a range of up to 18 miles and use the advanced Intelligent Voice Activation system so you'll never miss a word. Read Review

4. Best For Channel Combinations: COBRA ACXT390 Walkie Talkies

These radios have 2662 channel combinations for privacy and security, as well as the voice-activated transmission for hands-free operation. Read Review

Camping is a fun outdoor activity that gets you in touch with nature. You get to spend time with your friends, family, and even pets in the outdoors without any distractions.

However, camping can be challenging. There are so many things that could go wrong—lost tent, sprained ankle, broken branch, lost pet or worse, lost camper! It’s not just about packing and unpacking bags. The best walkie-talkie for camping is one of the most important things you need for the trip.

They are an excellent way of staying in touch with your fellow campers without being limited by a boundary of sight. That's why we have come up with a list of the best walkie-talkies for camping to help you earn a successful trip.

Our Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS Two-Way Radio is a worthy choice as they support long-range up to 36 miles. These are also one of the most reliable two-way radios on the market.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Midland GXT1000VP4 GMRS Two-Way Radio
Our Score:
9.9
Midland
  • 142 Ctcss/Dcs Privacy Codes - The Privacy Codes Give You Up To 3,124 Channel Options To Block Other Conversations
  • Noaa Weather Scan + Alert - Noaa Weather Scan Will Automatically Scan Through 10 Available Weather (Wx) Band Channels And Locks Onto The Strongest Weather Channel To Alert You Of Severe Weather Updates. Noaa Weather Alert Will Sound An Alarm Indicating That There Is A Risk Of Severe Weather In Your Area
  • 2-Way Radios - These Walkie-Talkies Feature 50 Gmrs (General Mobile Radio Service) Channels, Along With Channel Scan To Check For Activity. The Jis4 Waterproof Protection Prevents Splashing Water From Having Any Harmful Effect On It (Splash Resistant)
  • 36-Mile Range - Longer Range Communication In Open Areas With Little Or No Obstruction. Easy Voice And Sound Activation Transmission (Evox) With 9 Sensitivity Levels For Hands-Free Operation
TOP Choice #2 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS Talkabout T460 Two-Way Radio
Our Score:
9.7
Motorola Solutions
  • 38 Channels each with 121 Privacy Codes. With 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, totaling 2,662 combinations, it is easy to find an available channel.
  • Keep updated with real-time weather conditions by turning on the weather channel or initiating weather alerts. With these capabilities, you will always be prepared for the unexpected.
  • Keep updated with real-time weather conditions by turning on the weather channel or initiating weather alerts. With these capabilities, you will always be prepared for the unexpected.
  • Push-To-Talk (PTT) power boost allows you to extend the transmission range by increasing the transmitter power output. It also saves battery life when no power boost is necessary.
TOP Choice #3 Topsung Long Range Walkie Talkies
Our Score:
9.6
Topsung
  • √ Top Rated Feature: Keypad Lock function can prevent people from accidentally modifying the channel or turning off the device. You can long press the CALL button to lock or unlock the MENU button or the Power button. The function can be very useful for some families
  • √ iVOX Hands-free Feature: The voice monitor function can help you talk without pressing the PTT button, perfect for when your hands are busy. Press the MENU button 4 times, then use up/down button to turn the iVOX function on/off
  • √ Better Usability: All walkie talkies have been completed factory settings, you can just simply press the PTT button to talk after installing the batteries. You can also set your own main channel and privacy code via the MENU button. The CTCSS privacy code can not communicate with the DCS privacy code, for example (07,CTCSS 11) can only talk to (07,CTCSS 11), not (07,DCS 11)
  • √ Advance Systems & Hardwares: The advance walkie talkies support more mature technologies, such as Smart control system(Auto squelch, Auto memory, Auto scanning, Auto power saving, Low battery alert), iVOX hands-free, Keypad lock, Drop-protection, 22 channels(142 privacy codes), HD backlit LCD, Compatible with most brands, NOAA's National Weather Service, etc. The Spiral copper ion antenna, Nano-scale Silicon-based CPU & Big size high-power speaker ensure a better voice communication experience
  • √ Energy Management Turbo: The rechargeable two way radios have original fast charger, it supports turbo charging technology and provides overcharge, overvoltage & short circuit protection. The 4500mAh large-capacity rechargeable battery has high safety and long life, so you don't need to buy the batteries again and again. The USB charging cables compatible with all micro USB charging port, more convenient to charge anytime, anywhere, such as charged by car, laptop or power bank, etc
  • √ NOAA's National Weather Service: The super power walkie talkies 2 way radio support NOAA weather scan and alert. The NOAA walkie talkies can scan 10 hazards weather channels transmitting in your area even with no cell phone service. If you turn on the weather emergency alert function, the work walkie talkies will auto alert you the warnings from designated NOAA broadcast stations, you can earn a critical time to prepare and save your family
  • √ Support Team Communication: The adult walkie-talkie has superior compatibility, super power and large capacity rechargeable battery(4500mAh), so you can make long-distance calls with all teammates at the same time for a long time. The portable PTT walkie-talkies have better usability and portability, the best walkie talkies are perfect for workplace or outdoor adventures, such as farm, school, warehouse, camping, hiking, hunting, boating, fishing, skiing, climbing, cycling, etc
  • √ How to Get Timely Reply from Seller: Please click the store name “topsung technology”below the "Add to Cart" button, then click “Ask a question” and follow the Messaging Assistant instructions, select “Other” twice, then send message. Seller customer service is different from Amazon customer service, the seller is more knowledgeable about products and can provide more personalized after-sales service
  • √ Amazon Partner_Better Quality: Reliable American design trusted by millions worldwide. 108+ technological processes, global sourcing and manufacturing, give you the optimum communication experience at home or on-the-go. Topsung hands-free walkie-talkies amazon prime with FCC certification (2ACVFK-12) support amazon & factory multi after-sales-guarantee, e.g. prime FBA service, exchange service, 30-days money-back... Your business is important to me so please contact me to address your concerns
4 COBRA ACXT390 Walkie Talkies
Our Score:
9.5
Cobra
  • LONG RANGE UP TO 23 MILES: Provides an extended long range signal with 2662 channel combinations
  • RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES INCLUDED: Includes rechargeable batteries and a micro-USB charging cable
  • 10 NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS & WEATHER ALERT - Be prepared for storms and emergencies with the built-in NOAA radio receiver providing coverage of all government operated weather channels
  • CALL ALERT WITH 5 SELECTABLE TONES: 5 selectable tones distinguishes between different parties on oncoming calls
  • VOX - VOICE-ACTIVATED TRANSMISSION: The user's voice is detected and the radio transmits without the need to press any buttons, freeing hands for other tasks
5 Midland X-TALKER 36 Channel Long Range Walkie Talkie
Our Score:
9.3
Midland
  • 121 CTCSS PRIVACY CODES - The Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System gives you up to 2,662 channel options to help block other conversations. Use silent operation to turn off all tones.
  • 32-MILE RANGE - Longer range communication in open areas with little or no obstruction.
  • 36 CHANNELS - These license-free walkie-talkies feature 36 FRS (Family Radio Service) channels, along with channel scan to check for activity.
  • HANDS-FREE - Easy Voice and Sound Activation Transmission (eVOX) with 9 sensitivity levels for hands-free operation. Also included: Belt clips (x2), 700mAh rechargeable battery packs (x2), desktop charger, micro USB charging cable and an owner’s manual.
  • NOAA WEATHER SCAN + ALERT - NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates. NOAA Weather Alert will sound an alarm indicating that there is a risk of severe weather in your area.
6 QNIGLO Kids Walkie Talkies
Our Score:
9.2
QNIGLO
7 Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0 Radio
Our Score:
9.1
Backcountry Access
  • Maximum Range: Approx 40 mi / 64 km line of sight
  • Useable Range: Approx 6 mi / 9.5 km line of sight
  • Power: 2 Watt (FRS) conforming to new FCC rules
  • Battery Life: Battery life: up to 400 hours in standby mode
  • Frequency: 22 FRS GMRS channels + 121 sub-channels ensures minimal interference
8 Retevis RT49 Walkie Talkie
Our Score:
9.0
Retevis
  • VOX function offers voice activated hands free operation;it can be a good tool for you when you are snowshoeing;and it's a christmas holiday gift for your family and friends
  • Built in flashlight and LCD screen can make your normal use even in dark environment;easy to use and operate
  • All walkie talkies have been modulated to the same channel;ready to use out of the box;and can work directly;the simple keyboard is easy for every operator to operate
  • 11 NOAA channels with weather alerts can help you know the weather in advance before you go out;locks onto the strongest weather channel
  • 22 channels each with 2262 different combinations of channels;Communication easily;dual Channel function can be set one-to-one or one-to more model
  • 3 X 1200mAh AA NiMH rechargeable battery give you a talk all day;you can choose desktop charger or the micro usb cable to charge them
  • IP65 weatherproof walkie-talkie;handheld 2 way radio water-resistant keypad for use at rainy or foggy days
9 NXGKET Walkie Talkies
Our Score:
8.7
NXGKET
  • Suitable for Anyone - Carry in backpack or on the belt, NXGKET walkie talkies rechargeable provides long-range communication and clear sound for hiking, biking, camping trip, road trip, scavenger hunts and so on. 4 piece set of radios walk-in talkies are also a great communication tool for men, women, kids, and elders to talk with others at home.
  • Modernized Design & Function - 4 pack walkie talkies smallish in size, durable and environmentally friendly material, Large LCD screen with backlight, also support many advanced features, such as Auto squelch, Auto memory, Auto scan, Auto power saving, Low battery alert, Keypad lock(Channel-lock), etc.
  • Compatible with Any Radio - With 22 channels, 121 privacy codes to choose from walkie talkie set. You can communicate with other FRS radios regardless of brand by being on the same channel and privacy codes. With VOX switched on, NXGKET walky talky will auto turns itself on when the user starts talking and shuts off when there is no sound.
  • Lifetime Support: NXGKET 2-WAYS Radio has been tested to comply with FCC standards.(FCC ID: 2AYV7YG-811), The introduction of advanced technology and strict quality process control of walkies give us the courage to offer a 1-year warranty. Please feel free to contact us if any concerns about the item.
  • Long Range Two-Way Radios - NXGKET walkie talkies for adults have pretty clear audio even at long distance, High/Low TX power selectable, just make sure you're on the same channel. 2-way radios walkie talkies support up to 3 miles communication range in open fields, adverse weather, buildings(yard, street), car and voyage will affect the range.
  • Durable Li-ion Battery - Each walkie talkie radio comes with 1200mAh lithium rechargeable batteries, a recharge cable that allows up to 2 radios to be charged at once, which minimizes the burden, the walkie talkies can be used for 3-4 days with a full charge.
10 Motorola Solutions Talkabout T503 H2O Two-Way Radios
Our Score:
8.5
Motorola Solutions
  • Item Package Dimension: 7.2cm L x 23.0cm W x 24.0cm H
  • Item Package Weight: 1.5 lb
  • Model Number: 8523726975
  • Country Of Origin :United States
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best walkie talkie for camping?

The best walkie talkie for camping is based upon a number of factors. Studying a product differs depending on the product type. So, we're on here to help, counsel, and provide solutions to these problems.

Please keep in mind the following points for selecting best walkie talkie for camping:

Maximum Range

When choosing a 2-way radio, the first thing to think about is how far you want them to travel. Consumer 2-way radios with a transmit power of 0.75W and the PMR446 frequency can travel up to 10 km. This could be possible only in the ideal circumstances: high above ground with no obstructions between radios. This range is unlikely to be achieved unless you use your walkie-talkies to connect between mountaintops. The maximum range in a dense urban setting is more likely to be lower. A good radio will provide sufficient range to reach the majority of people. You will require more power and range than that. They are more costly than the license-free model and require a license.

Weatherproofing

You can't keep your two-way hidden in your bag, but there is a good chance it will be exposed to other conditions than the cool, mild, early summer sun when there is a gentle breeze blowing. It is important to consider the weatherproofing of your two-way. If you reside in an area with moderate temperatures and light to predictable rains, some models can withstand splashing water.
An entirely waterproof radio is an option. Many models are waterproof and can withstand severe rain. Some models can be submerged up to 30 minutes without causing any damage. A model that floats will be your best option if your radio is used for fisherman, fishing or crossing open waters. If you drop your model accidentally, it can be easily picked up from the water surface.

Number Of Handsets

You will need as many handsets as you can afford when purchasing two-way radios. While a twin-set may suffice for camping trips, busy warehouses might need more to ensure everyone is connected. The price per handset drops when you purchase in bulk. To meet every customer's requirements, we offer many two-way radio packages. If you need to add more handsets, we also have single handsets.

Weight And Size

Both weight and size play a major role in carrying all you need. Two-way radios are small and lightweight, so they can be carried in a bag or attached to your belt. Although smaller units can be more affordable than larger models, they might not offer as many features or provide the same protection. Heavy-duty, impact-resistant two-way units that are heavier and more durable are a better choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want to be tough.

Battery Type

Many two-way radios can be powered with regular alkaline batteries. Others have rechargeable batteries that include a dock. Two-way radios should not be used for longer than one day without power access. A model that takes both regular and multiple batteries is a better option if you are going on camping trips. We recommend regular 2-way rechargeable radios. This is because used batteries are expensive and can cause damage to the environment.

Channels & Privacy Codes

Two-way radios that are license-free have a fixed frequency they can transmit on. PMR446 The majority of two-way radios without a license have 8 to 16 channels. These tune the frequency at which handsets communicate. There are usually privacy codes in addition to channels. These codes do not protect your transmissions, contrary to the title. They allow you to talk freely and without being interrogated by others. This can prove problematic if your use them in an area such as a ski resort, where many other two-way radios are in use.

Emergency Features

Your two-way radio is a great tool for emergency planning, whether you are camping, hiking or hunting. An Emergency Alert radio sends an alert to all radios within your radio group in case you need immediate help. There are many types of emergency alerts available, and they vary from brand to model. Some alerts combine a beacon flashing S.O.S with international Morse Code, others send a loud alarm to members of the group. These alerts block any activity on radios and get louder until someone responds.

FAQs

Why Do 2 Way Radios Have Multiple Channels?

Every channel can be programed at a different frequency. Most modern 2 way radios can have between 4 and 16 channels, although some radios may have up to 256 channels. Channel one will be the only channel that broadcasts on the frequency being used. It is beneficial for commercial applications to have different communication depending on the work group or whereabouts. Radios can be used by schools to broadcast the news. Teachers and administrators might prefer one channel.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of A 2 Way Radio?

Two-way radios of commercial grade are made to comply with Military Specifications as well as Intrusion Protection standards. These radios can live for a long time if they are maintained and used in accordance with the specifications. Two-way radios can last up to 10 years. But radio batteries rarely last more than 3 to 4 years.

How Many Radios Can I Use One Location?

You can use as many radios at any location you wish, regardless of the license. To manage communication better, we suggest that the channel's users be limited to ten.

Is VHF Or UHF Better?

The frequency band that a radio can operate within is called VHF (very high frequency), or UHF [ultra high frequency]. VHF operates between 136 and 174 MHz, while UHF operates between 400 and 512 MHz. Wave length is shorter the higher frequency. A signal will travel farther if it has a longer wave length. It is easier for the signal's to penetrate if the wave length is shorter. VHF broadcasts better over open water and from an unobstructed location to another. For broadcasting through buildings or other obstructions, UHF is better than VHF.

How Far Do 2 Way Radios Broadcast?

Broadcast distances of commercial-grade hand-held radios are generally between one and two miles. While VHF radios can broadcast further, they do not penetrate as far. UHF radios transmit a greater distance and have better penetration.

What Is 2 Way Radio VOX?

Voice activation is VOX. VOX promises hands-free operation. "Speak and the radio will open to broadcast your message." However, voice activation should actually be called sound activation. The VOX function on a 2-way radio can't distinguish between a call to help or the usual grunts, groans and grunts of normal physical activity. VOX may cause more problems than it solves. We do not recommend VOX being used in commercial applications.

Can I Change The Frequencies On My 2 Way Radios?

Many commercial-grade 2 way radios can be programmed from either a computer onboard or via a PC. Although you cannot change VHF to UHF, the radio can be programmed with a PC or on-board programming. However, it can alter the frequencies in the band.

As we are product consulting experts with a wide range of experience, we determine correct information. Apart from that, we keep the best walkie talkie for camping current. You may rest confident that the data is accurate and up to date.

Besides best walkie talkie for camping, we can advise you with anything. Please do not hesitate to contact us whenever you need guidance.


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About Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment & home theater gadget reviewer and the editor of TheAudioInsights.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.