The Best Walkie Talkie For Hunting
There are many different types of recreational activities. Some new activities are more fun and enjoyable than older activities. Hunting is an excellent example of an activity that has always been fun and engaging.
Many people think that hunting is an individual activity. But hunting can also be a social activity. Groups or friends can go hunting together and have a good time.
When hunting, it is important to spread out to cover more ground. However, this can make communication difficult. If you have walkie-talkies, staying in touch with each other will be easier.
You understand the importance of having the proper equipment when hunting. A good set of walkie-talkies is one of the most important pieces of gear. There are many different walkie-talkies on the market, and deciding which ones are best for hunting can be challenging. We’ve created this guide to help you choose the best walkie-talkie for hunting!
Quick Picks: The Best Walkie Talkie For Hunting
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The Best Walkie Talkie For Hunting
1. MOTOROLA T260
Motorola T260 helps you keep track of your kids. This two-way radio ranges up to 25 miles, so you can stay connected to them even when they’re not in your home.
This radio has 22 FRS/GMRS channels with 121 privacy codes. It means that it can put together up to 2,662 different channels. It also has a function that automatically scans for clear channels, making it easy to find one.
T260 also has many features that are good for children. These include an interface that is easy to use and a keypad lock that works well. Voice activation (iVOX/VOX) lets you and your kids keep the radio in your pocket while still being able to talk to each other.
When camping with your family, NOAA alerts will keep you updated on weather conditions in real-time. The device is fairly durable and can withstand light rain or splashes.
The 800mAh battery on this radio can last about 5-6 hours. It is not very long, but it has some charging options. If you want to keep it charged, bring AA batteries or a portable battery pack with a micro-USB cable. Finally, the radio can be loud, which is great for noisy campsites but not for night safari adventures.
This radio has also made our list of the best two-way radios for families and casual use.
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2. MOTOROLA T800
Motorola T800 is a great phone for people who have a lot of trouble communicating with their friends in areas with bad reception. The Bluetooth support lets you use a mobile app to talk to your friends, and you can download maps of the area you’re going to so you can access them offline.
The app also functions as a transmitter, allowing you to send messages from your phone without cell service. However, there is a 30-second delay between each message you send, so it is primarily for backup purposes.
You can share your location through radio frequencies if you get lost.
The T800 has 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, so you can always find a clear channel. You don’t need to touch your two-way radio to change the settings. The app provides access to the T800’s settings, which include radio bands, privacy codes, call tones, and more.
This two-way radio is very serious about emergency readiness. It has an IPX4 rating, which means it doesn’t get damaged in water. You can also access NOAA, ECCC, and VHF weather channels for updates on the weather, and you can set emergency weather alerts on your app. Plus, it has a built-in LED flashlight.
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3. MOTOROLA RMM2050
The Motorola RMM2050 is a two-way radio that can be used in various workplaces. It is built to last for up to 5 years, thanks to its military-standard construction.
Another benefit of this radio is its resistance to shocks and vibrations. If it falls or is hit, it is less likely to break. Furthermore, even when there are obstructions or interfering radio signals, Its advertised range of up to 13 floors or 35 miles is fairly reliable.
The RMM2050 is a great two-way radio for multi-story workplaces like hotels and cruise ships. Its powerful 1,500MW speaker ensures audio clarity. The RMM2050 operates on a 5 MURS business exclusive frequency that is license-free. 219 PL/DPL codes are available to you, making it simple always to find a clear connection for workplace communication.
This ham radio also has a plethora of hands-free options. Customized channel announcements ensure you always know which channel you are listening to without touching your radio. You can also communicate with your coworkers via microphone (VOX). It will allow you to keep your hands free to do other things.
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4. BAOFENG BF-F8HP
The BaoFeng BF-F8HP two-way radio is a popular choice among experienced radio operators. It is equipped with many useful features, and it has a modest price tag. This radio has a 10-mile range that is pretty good, even in rough terrain or bad weather. It also has a clear connection with minimal feedback disruptions. If you need help transmitting, this radio comes with a high-gain antenna that significantly improves your range. The best feature of this product is the long battery life – it offers 17 hours of usage.
This walkie-talkie can transmit four times the power of an average walkie-talkie. It also has a long battery life. The only downside is that it doesn’t work with AA batteries. Suppose the rechargeable battery runs out of juice. In that case, you can switch it out for a battery that has a higher capacity.
BF-F8HP offers many features, like being able to track two channels simultaneously. But it is a bit bigger than an average two-way radio. It can be hard to use these settings if you are a beginner. Plus, you need a license to use this powerful device, which is best for experienced radio operators.
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5. BAOFENG BF-888S
Suppose you want to try ham radio operations without spending much money. In that case, the BaoFeng BF-888S is an excellent option to consider. It is challenging and doesn’t have a keypad or LCD screen.
This two-way radio is a bit different from other radios, making it easier to set up and program. The knobs and buttons are in easy-to-reach places, so it is fairly easy to use. This radio has a range of 5 miles, depending on the conditions. It is meant for use on the FRS frequency.
With a GMRS license, you can get more transmission power by using a longer antenna. The sensitivity of the radio is good so that you can pick up signals easily. However, the selectivity is not as good as it could be. It can be hard to hear incoming transmissions in places with many other radio signals. The radio also doesn’t come with a scrambler, making your transmissions harder to hear when competing signals are nearby.
The BaoFeng BF-888S radio gives you about 9 to 10 hours of power. It is a reasonable amount of time, especially for a budget device. Another cool feature is the low-voltage alert, which reminds you to charge the device when the battery gets low. It is a handy feature that many more expensive ham radios lack.
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6. COBRA ACXT1035R
The Cobra ACXT1035R FLT is an excellent two-way radio for kayakers and rafters. It is IPX7-rated, indicating that it can be submerged for up to half an hour in water up to one meter deep.
The floating design means you are unlikely to lose it in the water. The rubberized grip also prevents it from slipping out of your hands. If you’re too busy having fun in the water, you can use VOX communication to talk to your friends with the radio attached to your belt. On top of a mountain, the range can be up to 35 miles, and it can be as little as 6 miles in heavily forested areas.
If you missed what your friend said, the Rewind-Say-Again function on this two-way radio would let you rewind your transmission for 20 seconds. It is a safety feature that ensures you always have the most up-to-date information. Additionally, the NOAA weather channels provide automatic weather updates, and the small LED light lets you see correctly in the dark.
However, some users have found that the buttons are not tactile and responsive.
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7. MIDLAND GXT1000VP4
Midland GXT1000VP4 is a two-way radio that is larger than other two-way radios. It is designed to be rugged and waterproof. It means you can use it outdoors, and it will survive a lot of physical strain. The bright, backlit LCD screen is helpful in all weather conditions, even the hottest sun. The GXT1000VP4 has an impressive 36-mile range, though this decreases when it comes into contact with any obstruction.
This radio’s 50 channels and 142 privacy codes provide over 3,000 free channels to keep your conversation private. Whisper mode muffles the radio’s operational sounds to improve hunting conditions.
This Midland two-way radio is more than just a basic device. It also has an NOAA weather channel that updates you on the weather. If you are in danger or are caught in bad weather, you can call for help by sounding an SOS siren. However, it takes approximately 12 hours of charging to provide 9 hours of usage. It might be a dealbreaker for some users, but it is still a great device overall.
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8. MIDLAND LXT500VP3
Midland LXT500VP3 is an excellent two-way family radio service because it is solidly positioned in the mid-of-the-pack price range. It balances cost and functionality to deliver a lot of value to users. This radio offers 22 channels with an automatic channel scanner. Fourteen are high-powered channels requiring a General Mobile Radio Service license to operate. With the permit, this two-way radio can reach 24 miles of range.
The low-powered channels are ideal for ski trips if you don’t want a license. At the peak of the mountain, they will provide you with the crystal-clear transmission. The radio works well in densely forested areas and most other open areas. However, it tends to lose signal quickly if you use it in an area with many obstacles, such as the city.
This Midland radio is waterproof. It includes a rubber seal on the in/out ports. This Midland radio is water resistant. It has a rubber seal on the in and out ports. Because it is made of plastic, it is lightweight and portable. In silent mode, you can also turn off all operating sounds; As a result, it is one of the best walkie-talkies for hunting.
After a full charge, it provides up to 12 hours of continuous use. Suppose you need it for an extended time. In that case, you can replace the rechargeable batteries with four AAA batteries when they run out.
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9. RETEVIS RT628
It can be challenging to teach your children how to use adult walkie-talkies. But it can be easier if you use a radio made specifically for kids. Retevis RT628 is small and lightweight, making it perfect for kids. Plus, it has only six buttons, making it easy for kids to learn and operate.
Suppose you have a child who enjoys pushing buttons. In that case, this phone has a keypad lock that prevents your child from accidentally changing her settings. It also includes a belt clip.
The one-to-one or one-to-many connection is one of its key strengths. Your children can easily communicate with one another as long as they are on the same channel.
This walkie-talkie has a good range of 2 miles. Because of the automatic squelch, the sound is loud and clear. It is a helpful feature because it keeps the sound quality clear even when there is a lot of noise around. However, one downside is that the instruction manual is poorly written and can cause more confusion than it solves. Another downside is that this walkie-talkie can only be powered by AA batteries, which can be costly in the long run.Pros
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10. Motorola T460
This Motorola walkie-talkie can reach up to 35 miles in mountainous areas and up to 6 miles on open water. It has a power output of 2 watts and a rechargeable battery that can last up to 10 hours. Its dual power option feature can last up to 26 hours with 3 AA Alkaline batteries.
The Motorola T460 has a Push-To-Talk Power Boost feature that makes it easier to talk to people. This feature makes your radio go to high power so you can speak to more people. The Quiet Talk Noise Filtration keeps the noise out so you can hear better. And the Vibracall Alert notifies you every 30 seconds that you have a message by vibrating.
Motorola T460 can help you have an adventure at night. It has a built-in flashlight that will help you see in the dark. And if you need help, its emergency alert feature will warn others for 22 seconds.
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11. Motorolla- Talkabout T465
This two-way hunting radio is perfect for experienced hunters. It has a flashlight that helps them find their way and stay safe. The flashlight makes it easier to see in the dark and read maps when you’re lost. This is helpful for new hunters or veterans who are exploring new areas.
This two-way radio is waterproof, meaning you can use it even after it rains or when you go through a river. This prolongs the life of the radio so that you can use it for a long time.
The radio also can be recharged with a USB port. You don’t need to worry about the battery life in the field, as you can quickly recharge it from a vehicle. The backlit display makes it easy to read in the dark, and all the settings remain as programmed. You cannot change them on the computer, but if necessary, you might need to make changes. It is convenient to use at night.
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12. Motorolla MR35OR FRS/ GMRS
The Motorola MR350R can withstand bad weather conditions. This tough model is easily portable, with a lot of useful features. It’s convenient for high-mountain hunting and can also be helpful in other rugged outdoor environments.
This model can receive the FRS or GMRS frequencies, but you need to ask for permission from the federal government to use the GMRS frequencies. This model also has a great feature- it can use AA or rechargeable batteries. The package includes a charging adapter, so it’s easy to recharge your device using that adapter. You can also choose to purchase new AA batteries if you want.
This lightweight model is easy to carry when hunting in dense woods or hills. It also comes with a belt clip and big buttons that you can press quickly without looking at them. Another feature is the vibrate function that enables you to receive calls in silent mode, which makes hunting easier. However, the hunter should be more careful during adverse weather conditions to avoid dropping the gadget in the waters; the belt clip can also slip off easily as it is not rugged.
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13. Midland LXT630VP3 36 Channel FRS
The Midland LXT630VP3 is a good choice for people who want to hunt in open areas. This radio has good sound quality and an extended range of up to 30 miles. It is also ideal for people who hunt in dense woods, as it will not be affected by the thickness of the woods. This radio also comes with a weather alert feature, which can help hunters prepare for their upcoming hunt.
This small, light, and compact model are easy to carry when you are hunting outdoors. Another feature is the ability to call out with your voice, which is important when you are busy calling. This way, you can focus on hunting without worrying about anything else.
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14. Cobra MR HH450 CAMO Handheld Floating VHF Radio
The Cobra Electronics MR HH450 CAMO is ideal for situations where the weather is unpredictable or when you’re hunting near a river. It has a high level of weather resistance – it can resist slashing water and rain and even floats on water. It’s also challenging and can be submerged in water without being damaged. Plus, the radio prevents water from entering the speaker and keeps the sound quality good. This is essential when hunting in silence, which is crucial to avoid scaring away your target prey.
Hunters use weather reports from two-way radios to help them prepare for hazardous weather conditions. The radios come with AA and rechargeable lithium batteries, so hunters can pack extra batteries or recharge them. However, the radios must be operated manually and do not have a headset. Some hunters may focus on the radios’ extraordinary water resistance feature instead of this shortcoming.
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15. Retevis H-777 Walker Talkies for Hunting
The Retevis H-777 is the most economical two-way radio. It is a good choice for beginners because of its low cost and practical features.
One important feature is the emergency alarm, which alerts hunters with less experience to potential dangers like fires and mudslides. This alarm can help hunters take the necessary precautions to avoid these dangers.
The H-777 also comes with a backlight, which lights the way in the dark and prevents confusion.
You can use two-way radios to have a private conversation with your partners. These radios have secret codes that ensure you are not bothering other people and staying safe. They also come with a rechargeable battery pack, which you can use to recharge the battery or to power the radio for a longer time. The USB port also lets you charge the radio directly. You can choose between low and high power modes depending on your needs.
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16. Midland GXT1050VP4
The Midland GXT1050VP4 walkie-talkie is a great choice for hunters who want a device that can provide clear communication over a long range. This two-way radio can transmit up to 36 miles away, but you will probably get the best results within a range of 2-4 miles. In addition, this walkie-talkie is weatherproof, making it perfect for use in any hunting environment.
This radio uses the GMRS frequency, which means you need an FCC license to use it legally. But it’s worth it because this radio has many great features, including a crisp sound. You can even whisper, and your partner will be able to hear your message clearly!
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17. Motorola MT350R FRS Weatherproof
If you’re planning to hunt in wet conditions, make sure you have the right equipment. The Motorola MT350R FRS Weatherproof is a great walkie-talkie for hunting because it works well even in wet weather.
The radio is also dust-resistant and water-resistant, which means it can be used in different weather conditions. Plus, it has access to NOAA channels so that you can stay updated on the weather.
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18. Radioddity GA-2S
If you’re looking for a reliable audio device to take outdoors, the Radioddity GA-2S walkie-talkie is a great option. It’s sturdy and can provide static-free communication up to 3 miles away. Some reviewers have even said the audio quality is still decent at 4-5 miles.
Radioddity brings you a belt clip, charging adapter, antenna, wrist wrap, acoustic earpiece, and a 1500mAh Li-ion battery with this two-way radio. What makes this two-way radio different from others is its side buttons which can be customized to your needs. You can program it to disable alarms, perform monitoring, or other different purposes!
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19. Midland X-Talker T77VP5
You can still communicate well in cold weather with the best walkie-talkie for hunters. The Midland X-Talker T71VP5 is tough and designed to work in very cold temperatures.
The Midland X-Talker transmitter can send up to 38 miles of audio signals. However, in reality, you will only be able to get about 12 miles in the backcountry. This is because there will be a lot of obstruction. Another good feature of this transmitter is that it has a 10-24 hour battery life, great reception, and a rugged case.
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20. Cobra MR HH350
This walkie-talkie is perfect for hunting because it has good reception in the woods, and its battery life is impressive, even in the lowest setting. Plus, it comes in a waterproof package.
The Cobra MR HH350 also has a lightweight design. It is easy to operate and doesn’t require a lot of learning. The channel can be locked, so you don’t accidentally change it.
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21. Uniden SX507-2CHKS
Some hunters say that the Uniden SX507-2CHKS is one of the best range walkie talkies. You should be able to get decent audio up to 50 miles away in areas without any obstruction. However, this two-way radio will work best between 2-3 miles if you plan to hunt in hilly areas.
Another feature that makes this product a good walkie-talkie for hunting is the ‘D Call’ function. This function automatically prompts you to the other party when you want to make a call. This is useful when you want to communicate in a noisy environment.
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22. Arcshell Rechargeable Walkie Talkie
When you’re trying to survive in the forest for a long time, you need tough equipment that works well. The Arcshell Rechargeable Walkie-Talkie is a powerful two-way radio that promises clear reception, even in an area with many hills and forests.
The Arcshell walkie-talkie is the best for hunters because it uses Ultra High-Frequency waves. These waves can go through wood, brick, and metal. This communication device also has a 1,500 mAh Li-ion battery, which means you can get good battery life.
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23. Cobra CXT1045R Camo
The Cobra CXT1045R is a great choice for people who like to hunt and do wet activities, such as kayaking and rafting. This walkie-talkie is also lightweight and easy to carry around, fitting perfectly in the palm of your hand.
The Cobra CXT1045R radio can reach up to 37 miles. However, you will only get good reception from 2 to 4 miles away. This radio also has some cool features, including a replay function, NOAA weather alerts, 121 privacy codes, and a high-intensity LED flashlight.
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HOW DO YOU SELECT THE PERFECT WALKIE-TALKIE FOR YOURSELF?
Walkie-talkies come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. It is essential to find the right one for you, depending on what you need it for. If you need a walkie-talkie for emergencies, ensure you get a long range. If you need it for fun, get one with more features.
ENVIRONMENT
It is an essential factor to think about when choosing a walkie-talkie. Professional walkie-talkies have more powerful features, such as a more extensive channel selection, privacy codes, and a more excellent range. You may need waterproof or explosive-certified clothing if you work in a harsh environment.
You can save money on walkie-talkies if you get what you need. Most people need a two-way radio with good battery life, sensitivity, and range for recreational activities. If you go too rough areas or forests, get a more powerful two-way radio that will work better in those conditions.
BANDS AND CHANNELS
Walkie-talkies can have some problems with interference. It can be minimized by using a range of different bands and channels. You can switch between them if you need to find a clear channel. However, if you only need a few channels, it is best to get walkie-talkies with 20 or fewer channels. It will save you money and allow you to change channels when required.
POWER AND RANGE
Most manufacturers publish their range numbers under ideal conditions, which may differ significantly from how the product will be used. Other users, cars, steel frames, and wooded areas are common obstructions that manufacturers do not test for. One watt of power per mile of coverage is a general rule of thumb for walkie-talkies.
You should have realistic expectations when buying a walkie-talkie that advertises an extensive range. However, suppose you are set on getting good reception. In that case, you can purchase walkie-talkies with better sensitivity to pick up weak signals. Additionally, high-powered GMRS channels and a high-gain antenna can significantly improve your reception, especially if you stand in a high position.
BATTERY LIFE
The type of battery used by your device can significantly impact your experience. Because of their high capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used in modern two-way radios.
Nickel-metal hydride batteries are used for devices that need a quick charge, like two-way radios. They are also very durable and can handle impacts well. However, they might not be the best option if you use your radios often because the cost can add up.
Most walkie-talkies allow you to replace drained batteries with new ones. So if you pack extra batteries when you travel, you won’t have to worry about it.
Read more: Hunting for the Best Carry-On Bag
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Walkie-Talkies for Hunting
Some obstacles, such as trees, will lower the radio signal. Other obstacles, such as mountains, can block the transmission entirely. So even though forested areas do reduce the signal strength. You will find that your range is limited more by the hills blocking your signal than the trees absorbing it.
Walkie-talkies are an excellent way to communicate with your hunting partners. They are more durable than cell phones and work better in areas without service.
Two-way radios are different than walkie-talkies. With two-way radios, you can converse while listening, unlike walkie-talkies, where you have to remain in receive mode while someone is talking. Two-way radios also do not require towers and can be used without electricity.
Walkie-talkies work by sending your voice through a microphone, encoding it onto a radio frequency, and transmitting it with an antenna. Another walkie-talkie can receive the transmission with its antenna, decode your voice from the radio signal and play it back through a speaker.