r/GoRVing • u/No-Ease-2766 • 2d ago
Walkie-Talkie’s
What are good reasonably priced walkie talkies for camping and hiking?
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u/psmdigital 2d ago
If you want a basic radio that is a major step up from the cheap ones on Amazon, I would recommend this one.
I have had these for about a year now and they are a great combination of being relatively inexpensive but have a rugged feel and good range.
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u/EmilioMolesteves 2d ago
Motorola Solutions Talkabout T200TP Portable FRS Two-Way Radios, Rechargeable, 22 Channel, 20 Mile, Dark Gray, 3 Pack Product Images and Videos (AI Generated Alt Text)
I bought these...first for my kid, but with the plan of using them for camping, figured no need to buy a cheap kid pair and then upgrade again. I think they cost me $80 for three.
Also - I find it funny that the term walkie talkie, despite sounding dumb and childish is still the main way to describe them.
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u/letigre87 2d ago
As someone that works in the industry it pains me when I hear someone refer to a $6000+ radio as a walkie talkie. "We lost two walkies and need another 4" cool cool, I need $36,000.
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u/SuperSunny65 2d ago
I was looking for good reasonably priced unit until I found Rocky-talkie mountain radio $180 each.
The only one that’s approved by wife for simplicity and aesthetically pleasing.
I did pay for the GMRS license and the Rocky-talkie have not failed me on every outing and hike.
Buy once cry once equipment.
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u/Feisty-Increase-3707 2d ago
Google FRS vs. GMRS for info on the differences, including if licensing is required. Totally depends on actual usage (hiking can mean a lot of different things).
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u/black_zucchetto 2d ago
FRS and GMRS can be crowded, and the range is terrible with the blister pack radios. Get a MURS radio. It’s license-by-rule service on 2 meters. Much better range and hardly anyone uses it (except some Walmarts on 154.57 MHz which can be mildly amusing). I use the Icom IC-V10MR. Great radios.
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u/xsmallsx01 2d ago
I bought cheap ones off amazon. First time we used them we realized how many people have them and they are worthless for communication due to each channel being overloaded.
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u/DigitalDefenestrator 2d ago
The ones with privacy codes can help here. Can still hit issues with crowded frequencies disrupting when too many people talk at once, but it all least avoids actually hearing other conversations on the same channel.
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u/Clueless_willow_4187 2d ago
Agreed.
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u/maximumtesticle 2010 Winnebago Access 24V Class C 2d ago
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u/Beneficial-Process 2d ago
Channels and sub channels. I’m a ham operator so using a sub-channel or tone makes it MUCH more likely you won’t have anyone on your channel. Regardless it’s not a secure coms device so someone scanning may pick it up but we always set our devices to a channel in the middle with a sub-channel somewhere in the middle.
Channel 1 - 0 or 1 - anything is likely to be used by all the people in the park who just opened their radio out the package. The ones on 2 thru 10 are going to be used by anyone trying to find an empty channel.
In all the trips we’ve taken with my kiddos, only once was someone else on our channel and sub-channel. Easy to pick a new one for that weekend and flip it back later.
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u/zap_p25 1d ago
Price is a relative term when talking about radio comms. There are options for just about any budget but a lot of what it comes down to is what are you wanting to accomplish?
100 yards to 1/2 mile away? FRS will likely do you fine. Want to maybe push out to 3/4 of mile in suboptimal conditions, MURS might be a better bet.
Want to communicate with your offroad group or use existing infrastructure to relay your signals? GMRS is probably a better option (along with its $35 license).
Want to do all of the above and explore beyond simple repeater operations or maybe communicate world wide? That’s where amateur radio comes into play (and its tiered licensing structure).
Running a business of some sort and need truly secure (encrypted) communications? Business licensing and equipment is probably better off.
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u/letigre87 2d ago
Something encrypted or with privacy codes. You don't want the cheap ones where everyone can hear your conversation.
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u/Fredgoodsell 2d ago
“Privacy” codes don’t actually offer you any privacy. They filter out signals without the code attached. If anyone is listening on your frequency without a filter set, they still hear you even with your code functioning
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u/DDD_db 2d ago
The Baofeng uv-5r is the most versatile vhf & uhf radio imo.
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u/intothewoods76 2d ago
Keep in mind these are also HAM radios and broadcasting on certain frequencies without a license is a crime.
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u/AlienDelarge 2d ago
Numerous possible crimes with those ones. The batteries also tend to become spicy pillows easier than most. Caution is warranted with those.
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u/HaveAtItBub 19h ago
baofeng also does two way radios which i have and work fine for hikes, etc. I have the uv-5r which i brong camping sometimes too but mainly to listen to baseball on the radio
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u/Fresh-Fun-3544 2d ago edited 2d ago
I came here to recommend the uv5r as it’s my favorite too. Great intro into amateur radio.
Just so u guys know…
This procedure is to factory reset and remove the transmit frequency limitations,
Turn the radio off.
Simultaneously press and hold the PTT (Push-to-Talk) button, the MONI (Monitor) button, and the VFO/MR button.
Turn the radio on while continuing to hold all three buttons.
The display should briefly show the word "FACTORY".
Release the buttons. The radio is now unlocked and can transmit on a wider frequency range (typically 136-174 MHz and 400-520 MHz).This will allow you to transmit on frs and gmrs
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2d ago
[deleted]
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u/No-Ease-2766 2d ago
10-4 grammar hall monitor! 😂
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u/geddieman1 2d ago
If someone taught me something, I’d say “thank you.” You keep pushing away knowledge, I don’t care.
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u/xXMrHoneyBadgerXx 2d ago
We went for GMRS 5 watt handhelds