Best Two Way Radios

(Last Updated On: March 24, 2018)

When you’re in the outdoors, communication without your group is crucial. The best two way radios are one of the best ways to make sure that you are everyone in your party knows where each one is and how they’re doing.

Walkie-talkies as we learned to call them as kids lets us coordinate any movement or strategy at the same time call for assistance should there be anything unforeseen that happens. Do understand that these radios are a long way from the walkie talkie toys, and you’ll want to read the instructions thoroughly before heading out with your group this way you know that all the units are properly charged, and everyone know how to toggle the different features and get in touch with one another.

Tips on using two way radios.

• Know the maximum range of the units. Also test them out based on the environment you’re going into. While manufacturers list the effective distances most use best scenarios when testing. This means line of sight. If you’re in mountain terrain or going to use it in the city with lots of buildings and interference the effective distance of communication will be lessened.
• Be aware of the battery life. How long the units work varies per model and manufacturer. You also want to make sure to fully recharge the 2 way radios before any trip or use.
• If possible, try using the same models and brands for the entire group. This ensures fluid communications plus compatibility in terms of privacy codes.

Here are the top rated 2-way radios for camping, hunting, backpacking and the outdoors.

Best Two Way Radios – Reviews

#1. Midland GXT1000VP4

This unique walkie talkie holds a variety of great features. Up to thirty-six miles one can locate fifty channels. If the person is outdoors for a long period of time, the radio’s weather channels will scan and alert anyone of any hazardous weather that may occur.

If caught in an emergency the radio offers a distress call and locator signals to assist in calling for help. To provide good, clear communication there are 142 privacy codes to keep out unwanted noise and other conversations.

The communication is so clear that one can whisper and still be heard. Also, one can call to either one person in the group or everyone in the group. Lastly, if there are multiple people, the radio can program a different ringtone for each person. The Midland GXT1000VP4 radio is a unique walkie talkie with wonderful features available.

#2. Motorola MH23OR

Due to its distinctive ability to work with other compatible Motorola devices, the Motorola MH23OR stands out from the others. If this radio needs to be charged, one can do so in four different ways- desktop, car, mini charger for hotel rooms, and a larger cord for regular wall sockets.

Up to twenty-three miles one can tune into twenty-two channels. The radio also has the ability to block out any interference. If worried about inclement weather there are eleven weather channels available that scan and warn of any hazardous weather.

With its ability to charge in several ways and communicate with other Motorola products, this radio is perfect for the Motorola fans.

#3. Baofeng UV5RA

The Baofeng UV5RA works with frequencies as well as channels. It uses FM broadcast band and has a range of one hundred thirty-six MHz. It can reach up to one hundred twenty-eight channels.

The unique features found on this radio are the dual band and dual frequency display, dual stand by, and dual reception. For anyone caught in the dark, this radio offers a built-in flashlight. This Ham radio is for those who are serious about having a radio.

#4. Uniden GMR1635-2

As far as sixteen miles one can find twenty-two channels. Due to the automatic squelch system this radio is capable of automatically blocking and eliminating unwanted noise.

Like its competitors it can also scan and warn people of any inclement weather that may occur. To keep the user from accidentally changing the channels there is a keypad lock available. A scanner assists in locating other users of this radio

When the speaker is finished talking the Roger beep lets the listeners know so they can talk too. With its various features the Uniden GMR1635-2 makes a handy radio for those in need of constant communication.