A walkie-talkie is essential for anyone looking to stay safe in a survival situation.
With the ability to communicate with others who may not be within voice range or even potentially outside of line-of-sight communication capabilities due to being in rural or heavily wooded areas, having a reliable radio is paramount.
Knowing which walkie talkies are the best for survival requires understanding the features and functions that make them essential parts of any prepper’s kitbag.
Let us delve into the top 5 picks, so you can ensure your own safety in times of crisis!
1. Best Walkie Talkie – BTECH DMR-6×2 Dual Band Two-Way Radio
The BTECH DMR-6×2 Dual Band Two-Way Radio is great for the avid outdoorsman looking to stay connected in all conditions.
With 4000 channels available, support for GPS integration, and a range of five to 35 miles depending on the power setting chosen.
It is built with durability in mind, so it can hold up against even the harshest conditions you encounter when adventuring outdoors while offering superior features to those found in lesser models.
3100mAh high-capacity rechargeable batteries provide 37+ hours of power so you can stay connected without worrying about running out, and an intuitive display for easy navigation during your journey.
You can even program the radio with front panel-programmable channels and side keys for quick control and export/import CSV files to customize the device until it perfectly suits your needs.
Pros:
- Long battery life of 37+ hours
- GPS integration for pinpointing restorations easily and accurately
- Intuitive display for easy navigation
- Upgradeable firmware with exclusive BTECH software to customize radio settings and features
- Up to 35-mile range for reliable communication in emergency situations
Cons:
- More expensive than other models on the market
- Not compatible with the Chirp software programming tool
- No option to edit multiple channels simultaneously
2. Best Budget Walk Talkie – Baofeng BF888s Plus Walkie Talkies
The Baofeng BF888s Plus Walkie Talkies are a great option for those looking to get an affordable and reliable radio system.
These radios have a good transmission range of up to 1.5 miles, which is great in both urban and suburban environments as long-distance communication can be established without interruptions from obstacles such as buildings or terrain features.
The radios are also well built with strong battery life and are programmable for better use of the frequencies.
Additionally, they have an emergency alarm feature that can alert your friend or group in case of danger or distress calls without activating a verbal channel.
All-in-all, these radio systems offer excellent value at their price point, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for reliable handheld communication devices
Pros:
- Good transmission range of up to 1.5 miles
- Battery life is long-lasting and durable
- Programmable frequencies
- Emergency alarm feature
- Flexible charging methods (USB, cradle dock) to keep the radios charged.
Cons:
- Not suitable for use in areas with significant obstacles like mountains or hills which hinder communication range
- Need an amateur radio license if you want to explore beyond the FRS bands
- Not suitable for more serious ham radio users as it lacks features found on advanced models like Baofeng UV-5FR
3. Best Premium Walkie Talkie – DeWalt DXFRS800 Walkie Talkies
I’ve been using the DeWalt DXFRS800 Walkie Talkies for several months now and couldn’t be more pleased.
The radios are rugged, durable, and easy to use, with plenty of channels and privacy codes to choose from.
They also have a long-lasting battery life thanks to their Lithium polymer batteries that easily last up to 18 hours on a charge, and their drop-in charging dock makes recharging fast and simple.
The 2Watt RF output provides an impressive range of up to 300,000 sq ft or 25 floors, so you can communicate with clarity even over great distances.
Added features like hands-free VOX operation make using the radios a breeze in any situation, from communicating on your property to using them for survival.
Pros:
- Trusted by the world’s most demanding professionals
- IP67 is rated for water & dust protection with a shock-resistant, anti-slip design
-2 Watt RF output with a long range of up to 300,000 sq. ft/25 floors - Long-lasting battery life (up to 18 hrs)
– Drop-in charging dock and convenient accessories - Hands-free VOX operation, vibration alert, roger beep, and auto squelch
- Limited lifetime warranty for product defect or replacement as long as the original owner is.
Cons:
- Belt clip is potentially fragile in comparison to the rest of the unit due to the simple plastic construction
- Service and license fees may be required depending on the user’s location
- Headsets are sold separately, which might increase the cost for some users
4. Best Off-Grid Walkie Talkie – Motorola T800 Walkie Talkies
The Motorola T800 Walkie Talkie is a great piece of technology for both emergency and recreational use.
It features a 35-mile range with Bluetooth connectivity, an IPX4 water resistance rating, 22 channels plus 121 privacy codes, NiMH rechargeable batteries that last 14 to 25 hours on a single charge, and 11 weather channels with real-time alert features.
Not only are the communication options vast for this device, but it also has tracking capabilities so you can keep an eye on your exact location even when off-grid.
One of my favorite features is the Offline Location Sharing feature which allows you to share or broadcast your location with those in your group.
And if that wasn’t enough, the hands-free VOX operation is amazing–just talk, and it’ll automatically activate without having to press any buttons!
Pros:
- Lightweight radio
- Waterproof
- Hands-free VOX operation
- High range of 35 miles
- Easy to use
- Track incoming weather with 11 channels and alert features
Cons:
- Requires FCC License to use GMRS frequencies
- Limited range in certain terrains
- Can be pricey
5. Best Walkie Talkie for Teams – Midland GXT1000VP4
The Midland GXT1000VP4 is a great choice for those who want to stay in communication with friends and family while camping, hiking, or just enjoying nature.
The two-way radio set has an impressive range of 36 miles of coverage, so there’s no need to worry about losing contact during your outdoor excursions.
In addition, the weather channels feature will alert you of any severe storms in your area that may be coming.
The JIS4 protection makes it splash-resistant and can hold up to 30 minutes of water exposure, so if unexpectedly caught out by a sudden rainstorm, it should still work just fine.
Overall, this excellent walkie-talkie set offers advanced features to keep you safe and in contact with your group outdoors.
Pros:
- Long-range covers up to 36 miles
- JIS4 waterproof protection
- NOAA weather channel alert
- VOX hands-free operation
- Battery options include rechargeable/ four AA batteries.
Cons:
- Range varies depending on terrain conditions
- Not suitable for extreme cold weather activities
- The volume level can be quite low at times
What to Look for in the Best Walkie Talkies for Survival
Having the right tool for when you are out in an isolated or hostile environment can make all the difference. This is especially true if that situation involves some kind of escape and evasion from danger.
In such a scenario, having reliable walkie talkies is a must, as they are designed for two-way communication and will provide you with the means to get help if needed.
But what makes the best walkie talkies for survival? Here’s an overview of some things that should be considered before investing in walkie talkies.
Battery Life
When finding the ideal device option, battery life must come first on the list. The best devices should be able to last through long endeavors and extreme climates without needing a recharge or replacement entirely too soon.
Ideally, you want something that is also designed with battery-saving technology for extended periods without needing to be powered permanently. This will ensure reliable communication regardless of how long you are out in the wild.
Additionally, you should try to look for features that can help extend battery life even further, such as power-saving modes for when you’re in between communications.
Channel Range and Frequency Coverage
The efficient transfer of messages is an important factor to consider, especially if you are relying on walkie talkies in a disaster situation.
The good news is there’s no shortage of models that come with excellent extended-range channels and frequency coverage for a wide area network operation.
You should focus your efforts, particularly around devices that can offer open-field communication over normally challenging terrain like mountain tops or remote valleys – this can be very helpful if you need help from afar.
Durability & Waterproofing
No matter how good a model’s range and battery may be, if it isn’t durable enough to survive extreme conditions, then there is no point in having one.
This criteria often applies more to those that are using their walkie talkies out at sea or in wet climates as waterproofing is a must for any potential hardware.
It’s recommended to look for models with adjustable waterproof ratings or specifically designed enclosures that are built to be shock, dust, and water resistant so that you can use them in more extreme conditions without worrying about broken components.
This should also be accompanied by some sort of warranty – even if it isn’t industry-standard full coverage, since things happen, and you want to make sure that your investment is protected.
FAQs
What walkie talkies do the US military use?
The United States Military uses Motorola Federal Government Radios for communication.
These radios are designed and engineered to meet the stringent requirements of military personnel carrying out operations in hazardous environments, often far away from traditional telecommunications infrastructure.
What is the best radio for doomsday?
Ham Radio is one of the best radios for doomsday scenarios. This radio type has proven resilient to natural disasters and extreme weather events.
This makes it a great communication option when cell towers are down or out of service.
Ham Radio allows for distance communication during emergencies without requiring power sources.
It can also be used to access shortwave broadcasts in foreign countries, making it a great tool for gathering global news and weather updates.
They provide the ability to receive vital information over vast distances with minimal equipment and low-power transmissions—providing peace of mind regardless of what may come your way.
What is the best walkie talkie for off the grid?
The best walkie talkies for off-grid use are the Motorola T800. It is a highly reliable radio with an excellent range – up to 35 miles.
It also provides tracking capabilities, which makes finding your way back home much easier. This model features Bluetooth connectivity, 22 channels plus 121 privacy codes, and 11 weather channels with real-time alert features.
It also includes a hands-free VOX operation for quick communication without any button pressing needed!
Plus, the NiMH rechargeable batteries last 14 to 25 hours on a single charge, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power when off grid.
Final Words
Walkie talkies are critical for anyone looking to stay safe in a survival situation, having the ability to communicate with family or friends who may not be within voice range.
The five reviewed radios have features and functions that make them essential parts of any prepper’s kitbag.
Whether you need a simple two-way radio or something more complex for specific scenarios, these five picks are some of the best walkie talkies available to ensure your safety in times of crisis. Keep prepping!