There are a lot of walkie talkies out there – it can be overwhelming to pick the one that’s right for you! But, with this article, you will know what to look for in a walkie talkie and which ones are the best walkie talkie for preppers.
But first, why are walkie talkies important? They are important because they assist with communication in any emergency situation.
Whether you’re setting up a bug out location or simply out in the wilderness for a camping trip, a reliable set of walkie talkies can keep you connected and informed.
Let’s dive into more detail.
What to Look for in Walkie Talkies
Here are a few key things you should keep an eye out for.
Range
The range of a walkie talkie is one of the most important features to consider. The range of a walkie talkie is determined by its transmitter power and the environment it is being used in.
In general, the range increases with transmitter power. You should opt for a walkie talkie with a higher transmitter strength if you intend to use it in an area with lots of obstacles (such buildings, trees, and hills).
Durability
Make sure the survival equipment you choose can withstand the worst conditions. Look for walkie talkies that are made to be dust and water-resistant. Make sure the model you select can survive drops and shocks and is durable as well.
Battery Life
You should consider the battery life of your walkie talkie if you intend to use it for an extended amount of time. Choose devices with replaceable or long-lasting rechargeable batteries.
So that you won’t have to worry about running out of power, some models even feature solar charging capabilities.
Weatherproofing
You need to be equipped to survive in every weather condition. Look for walkie talkies that can survive severe weather conditions including rain, snow, and freezing temperatures and are entirely weatherproof.
Extra Features
Some walkie talkies have extra functions like GPS tracking and emergency alarms. In a survival situation, these capabilities can be quite helpful in keeping you connected and informed.
Here are the best emergency shortwave radios on the market.
1. Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio
The Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio is a long-range walkie talkie pair pack with 142 privacy codes, SOS siren and NOAA weather alerts, and a weather scan. We would consider this the best walkie talkie for preppers.
This two-way radio is perfect for long-range communication and is designed to offer an extra layer of security and privacy to your conversations. The radios are waterproof, making them great for outdoor activities, and they come with many features that make them ideal for a variety of uses.
The Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio comes with 142 privacy codes, allowing you to create a secure connection between two radios.
This ensures that your conversations are not accessible to anyone else and ensures that your privacy is maintained. The radio also features an SOS siren that can be activated in emergencies.
This siren will alert other nearby GMRS radio users of your location, making it easier for them to locate you and provide help.
The radio also features NOAA weather alerts and weather scans. This feature allows you to stay up to date with the latest weather conditions so you know when to take precautions or prepare for bad conditions.
The weather scan also allows you to scan for active NOAA broadcasts, so you can stay informed when you’re out and about.
The Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio is easy to use and comes with a clear LCD display.
The menu is easy to navigate, and the radio has an intuitive user interface that makes it easy to use. The radio also has a long range of up to 36 miles, which makes it great for outdoor activities.
The Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio is a great choice for anyone looking for a long-range walkie-talkie with plenty of features. The radio is waterproof, has 142 privacy codes, an SOS siren and NOAA weather alerts, and a weather scan.
It also has an extended range of up to 36 miles and an intuitive user interface. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities and for keeping your conversations secure and private.
2. Motorola T100
The Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio is the perfect solution for staying connected with family and friends during outdoor activities. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or doing any number of other activities, you can now stay connected with ease.
These two-way radios feature a range of up to 16 miles, 22 channels, and built-in flashlight and NOAA weather alerts, making them ideal for any type of outdoor adventure.
The Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio is made from durable materials that are designed to withstand the wear and tear of outdoor activities. They are lightweight and easy to carry, and the ergonomic design makes them comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
The radios also feature a range of up to 16 miles, 22 channels, and built-in flashlight and NOAA weather alerts. The NOAA weather alert system will automatically alert you to any severe weather that is headed your way, so you can be prepared and stay safe.
The Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio also features an emergency alert button, which will send out a distress signal if you need help.
This is especially useful if you are in an isolated area and unable to reach people on your own.
The radios also come with a rechargeable battery that can last up to 10 hours, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power in the middle of an adventure.
The Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio is easy to use and set up. It has a simple menu system that allows you to quickly select the channel you want to use, and the built-in flashlight makes it easy to see in the dark.
The radios also feature a VOX (voice activation) feature, which makes it easy to communicate without having to press any buttons. This is especially useful if you’re in a situation where your hands are busy, and you need to communicate quickly.
The Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to stay connected during outdoor activities. It has a range of up to 16 miles, 22 channels, and built-in flashlight and NOAA weather alerts, making it ideal for any type of outdoor adventure.
The simple menu system makes it easy to use, and the rechargeable battery can last up to 10 hours. With the emergency alert button and VOX feature, you can be sure that you’ll be able to communicate no matter what situation you’re in.
The Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio, 2 Pack is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to stay connected during outdoor activities.
3. Retevis RT22 Two Way Radio
Retevis RT22 are two-way radios that offer long-range communication and are rechargeable, portable, and hands-free. They are perfect for adults who need to keep in touch with each other while hunting, hiking, or on a commercial cruise.
The Retevis RT22 two-way radios range up to four miles, depending on terrain and conditions. This makes them ideal for outdoor activities.
They also feature a large, easy-to-read LCD display that shows channel, battery life, and other information. The LCD display also features a built-in flashlight, making it easier to use in the dark.
The hands-free feature makes it easy to communicate without holding the radio in your hand. The Retevis RT22 has a VOX mode that allows you to communicate without pressing a button. The radio also has a keypad lock feature, which prevents accidental transmissions.
The Retevis RT22 two-way radios come with rechargeable batteries and a charging dock. The batteries last up to 12 hours and can be recharged in about three hours. The radios also come with an AC/DC adapter and a car charger, making it easy to keep them powered up when on the go.
The Retevis RT22 two-way radios come with a variety of accessories, including a belt clip and wrist strap. The radios also have a built-in speaker and a microphone jack, making them easy to use with a headset.
The radios can also be used with a variety of external antennas, allowing you to extend the range of your communication.
4. Motorola T460 Rechargeable Two-Way Radio
The Motorola T460 Rechargeable Two-Way Radio is a great choice for anyone looking for an efficient and reliable two-way radio communication device. The range of this radio pair is up to 35 miles, which is ideal for outdoor activities.
The radios also come with 11 weather channels, a flashlight, and a hands-free feature, making them ideal for a variety of applications.
The radios are powered by NiMH rechargeable batteries and come with a charging dock, ensuring that you can use the radios for long periods of time without having to worry about replacing the batteries.
The rugged construction of the radios also makes them durable enough to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities.
5. DEWALT DXFRS800 2 Watt Heavy Duty Walkie Talkies
The DEWALT DXFRS800 2 Watt Heavy Duty Walkie Talkies are the perfect choice for anyone who loves to stay connected while outdoors.
This two-pack of waterproof, shock-resistant, long-range, and rechargeable two-way radios offer a powerful 2-watt signal and VOX (voice-activated transmission) that make communicating with family and friends easy.
The DXFRS800 radios are designed to withstand the elements. With an IP67 waterproof rating, these radios are able to survive being submerged up to 3 feet in water for up to 30 minutes, making them ideal for use in the rain and other wet conditions.
They are also shock resistant, so they can handle the occasional accidental drop or bump. The radios are equipped with a heavy-duty belt clip that allows for easy transport.
The DXFRS800 radios feature a long range of up to five miles, so you can stay connected with your group no matter where you are. The radios feature 22 channels and 99 sub-channels, so you can find an open channel and stay in contact.
The built-in LCD screen displays the current channel and battery life, so you always know when it’s time to recharge.
The DXFRS800 radios also feature a rechargeable battery system. The battery life is up to 10 hours when using the 2 watt signal, so you can stay connected all day. The radios come with a charging base, so you can recharge the batteries when they run low.
The DXFRS800 radios also include a VOX (voice-activated transmission) system. This feature allows you to talk without pressing the talk button, so you can easily communicate hands-free.
The radios also feature an auto-squelch feature that eliminates background noise, making sure your conversations are clear and uninterrupted.
6. Midland – X-TALKER
The Midland X-TALKER T51VP3 is a powerful and reliable two-way radio designed for extended-range communication.
It is a 22-channel FRS radio with 38 privacy codes for added security and privacy. It also has an NOAA weather alert feature that provides up-to-date weather information. The X-TALKER T51VP3 is a three-pack with a black and orange color scheme.
The X-TALKER T51VP3 is an ideal choice for those who need reliable communication over extended distances.
It has a range of up to 36 miles, allowing you to stay in touch with friends and family even when you are far away.
The 22 channels and 38 privacy codes provide extra security and privacy, so you can be sure that your conversations are secure. The NOAA weather alert feature ensures that you stay up to date on any changes in the weather, so you can plan accordingly.
The X-TALKER T51VP3 is easy to use and set up. Its user-friendly design makes it simple to operate, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The buttons are clearly labeled, and the menus are easy to navigate. It is also compatible with other Midland two-way radios.
The X-TALKER T51VP3 is durable and long-lasting. It is made of high-quality materials that can withstand wear and tear.
The radio is also waterproof, so it can be used in wet or damp environments. The battery has an impressive 12-hour run time and can be recharged via a USB cable.
By the way, here’s how to get your hand radio license.
7. DEWALT DXFRS300 1 Watt Heavy Duty Walkie Talkies
The DEWALT DXFRS300 1 Watt Heavy Duty Walkie Talkies are a great choice for anyone needing reliable long-range two-way radios.
They are waterproof, shock resistant, and feature a rechargeable battery and VOX feature, making them ideal for use in any situation where reliable communication is a must.
With their long-range and adjustable volume control, you’ll be able to stay in touch over vast distances. The DXFRS300 radios are a great value and make an excellent choice for those needing reliable two-way communication.
Final Words
Walkie-talkies are a great way to stay in touch with family and friends, whether you’re hiking, camping, or just having a day out.
In this guide, we’ve looked at the top 7 walkie-talkies on the market. From basic models with a range shorter ranges, to long-range models with a variety of additional features, there’s something for everyone.
We hope this guide has helped you find the right walkie-talkie for your needs.
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