A lot of folks will tell you that the best place to use a walkie talkie is on a mountain. This makes logical sense, as the higher you go, the wider the signal range. But this is not true for all radios.
Some Two-Way talkies work better on flat terrains. Whether you’re hiking, mountain climbing or just a lover of mountains and hills, there are walkie talkies that will do you a lot of good.
The truth is, walkie talkies generally work best with little or no obstructions like buildings, trees and other structures (all other things being equal). Yet, range is not the only thing that walkie talkies for mountains should have.
If you have a thing for mountains or you simply live or work in a mountainous region, you would require a walkie talkie built for mountains. One that is durable, packs a lot of output power, and an impressive battery life as well. What’s more, you have to be weather ready.
Top 5 Best Two-Way Radios for Mountains and Climbing: By Best Feature
Buyer’s Guide: Critical Factors to Consider before Buying a Walkie Talkie
This post reviews the 5 best walkie talkies for mountains, as well as factors you should consider before you settle on a choice. Let’s begin with those factors.
1. Weatherproof/Durability
Climbing up a mountain can be a thrilling experience, but it is a very physically-tasking activity as well. As much as you need to be physically and mentally ready for the task, you also need a walkie talkie that is designed to withstand the rigors of mountain climbing.
The radio must be durable and sturdy enough to resist shock from impact and must also be weatherproof. Some resistance from the rain and other harsh weather element is required.
2. Battery Power
The strength of your walkie talkie’s battery is a huge factor to pay close attention to. You may spend several hour when you go up the mountain and you need a walkie talkie that will stay powered all through.
While a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery is usually the typical power source, having a dual-power walkie talkie means you can easily switch to AAA batteries when the need arises.
All things considered, ensure your battery can last for at least 10 hours to enhance your experience.
3. Noise Canceling
We all know how noisy and windy it can get in high altitude. This means you should be prepared. There are some walkie talkies that can cancel surrounding noise as much as 70%.
The SAMCOM 5-watt walkie talkie is a good example of such gadgets. Its long antenna and microphone features are also crucial to its noise-canceling ability.
However, you can always get a headset that has noise-canceling features. Just be sure your walkie talkie supports such a headset.
4. Hands-free
It is best to look out for a radio that has the iVOX/VOX feature which enables hands-free operations. When you go up a mountain, you need both hands for climbing.
Having a headset/earpiece or a microphone on your walkie talkie will also aid hands-free communication. Mountain climbing will be almost impossible if you have to hold on to a radio.
5. Size/Weight
The size and weight of the walkie talkie is another important factor to consider. You do not want a device dragging you down when you try to go up a mountain.
Be sure to get a walkie talkie for mountains that is lightweight and portable enough for easy carry. However, this should take nothing away from its durability and sturdiness.
6. Range
Range is considered a valuable factor when picking out walkie talkies, even for mountains. It is important that your walkie talkie is able to cover a wide area.
You want to be able to reach people on the ground, no matter how high up you climb. That means several miles vertically and horizontally.
The best walkie talkies for mountains usually cover as much as 30 miles in range. Be sure a large portion of that is retained in the face of obstacles.
7. Price
Most people do not want to talk about price when looking at such factors. We believe price is a major factor. The belief that the most expensive things are the best quality is not always true.
Just be sure you don’t get ripped off; at the same time, don’t compromise quality. The price of the walkie talkie is a major determinant. At the end of the day, you can only buy what you can afford.
This review covers products that may be as high as over $100, but also has some as low as $50.
8. Antenna Strength
When you go up the mountain, it is important your radio has a sturdy antenna with just the right length and power. The strength of your signal and your audio quality might just depend on this.
Furthermore, some walkie talkies for mountains have detachable antennas that you can remove when necessary to avoid damage; and fix when you require the extra punch.
Top 5 Best Walkie Talkies for Mountains & Climbing
1. Motorola Talkabout T460
Best for: Value for Money
The Motorola Talkabout T460 is a true delight for adventurers. It is a durable, sturdy and very dynamic gadget with just the right feel and grip for communicating when you go up a mountain.
It had a very wide range and several other amazing features that put it at the top of this review. It has a VOX feature that makes it possible to operate it without holding it.
This hands-free feature supports mountain climbing in no small way. The radio is not just lightweight, but also extremely durable and portable, which are some other features you need in a walkie talkie for mountains.
Specifications of Motorola Talkabout T460
- Contains two radios
- 35-mile range
- 22 Channels
- NOAA Weather Alert and Channels
- Comes with dual-power option
- It is weatherproof
- 121 Privacy Codes
- iVOX/VOX feature for handsfree
- Built-in flashlight
- Emergency Alert feature
- IP54 Weatherproof
Key Benefits of Motorola Talkabout T460
- Weather alert for safety
- Very impressive range
- 21-hour battery life on AA batteries
- It is water resistant
- Emergency alert
- FRS frequency requires no license
- Belt clip for easy carry
2. Uniden SX407-2CKFHS
Best for: Range
Ever wondered why the Uniden brand keeps coming up? Well, wonder no more. The Uniden SX407-2CKFHS comes with a unique feature that gives it an edge among walkie talkies for mountains.
This Two-Way radio is not just waterproof, but also has the ability to float when it drops into water. It also features NOAA Alert and Scan that help you stay ahead of the game.
Perhaps, the most admirable quality of this walkie talkie is the impressive range that it comes with, giving users up to 40 miles. If you want a walkie talkie that will give you optimum power, this is one product you should try.
Apart from its strong antenna which stabilises the audio signal, the headsets that come with this product also ensures the noise from atop the mountain is reduced drastically.
Specifications of Uniden SX407-2CKFHS
- 40 miles
- 22 channels
- Dual-charging cradle
- 142 Privacy Codes
- NOAA weather scan
- Weather alert feature
- Included headset
- Exterior camo design
Key Benefits of Uniden SX407-2CKFHS
- Extremely long range
- Weather monitoring
- Headset for convenience
- Multiple channels for options
- Pleasant to look at
- Able to charge 2 gadgets at a time
- Waterproof and float feature
3. Kenwood ProTalk
Best for: Battery Life
Kenwood is mostly known for good quality. And with their entry for best walkie talkie for mountains, they did not disappoint.
Critics will be quick to point at it’s high price, but with the kind of power and quality it packs, those who desire true value don’t have a problem getting one of these.
When you go up on that mountain, all that matters is your comfort and safety. Company is also a big deal, and with the Kenwood Protalk, you can be sure of amazing talk time with friends, family and emergency services (when necessary).
What’s more, there’s no obstacle stopping the signal as it runs on the UHF band.
Specifications of Kenwood ProTalk
- 16 channels
- 7 miles
- UHF band
- 207 Private Talk Codes
- 5-watt power
- 10 Call Alert Tones
- VOX feature
- More than 16 hours of battery life
Key Benefits of Kenwood ProTalk
- Impressive battery life
- Privacy Codes for secure communication
- Enhanced durability
- Great output power
- Signal can penetrate through obstacles
- Designed for hands-free communication
4. SAMCOMÂ Walkie Talkie
Best for: Durability
Remember we talked about the strength and length of the antenna earlier? Here is a perfect example of what a sturdy antenna should look and feel like.
The Samcom walkie talkie is known for its amazing penetration power. The long antenna is not a mere aesthetic, as it packs lots of output power, leading to clearer, crispier audio.
Another important feature is the private CDCSS code that comes with each channel, ensuring that unwanted signals do not interrupt your conversations.
There is also a built-in speaker and microphone that enhances communication while you climb up that mountain.
Noise from strong winds is reduced as a result of its amazing features and output power as well.
Specifications of SAMCOM Walkie Talkie
- 20 channels
- 5 watts of power
- UHF band at 406.1-470MHz
- Built-in speaker, mic and ear-buds
- IPS4 Waterproof and anti-shock
- Up to 5 miles in range
- 1500mAh battery
Key Benefits of SAMCOM Walkie Talkie
- Crystal clear audio
- Comes with lifetime warranty
- Impressive battery power
- Us-style earpiece
- Battery-saving feature
- It is waterproof
- Access to multiple channels
5. SOCOTRAN Walkie Talkie
Best for: Audio Clarity
If mountain climbing is what tickles your fancy, then you require a walkie talkie that makes your adventure worth the while. There is the need for durability, good output, long-lasting battery and great audio clarity.
Thankfully, the SOCOTRAN walkie talkie ticks off all these boxes. There are also several channels to choose from, including those that offer secure communication lines between you and your team. This product takes a proud spot on our list of best walkie talkies for mountains.
Apart from its impressive noise-cancelling abilities, this radio also checks the box for lightweight and portable design. It is certainly one walkie talkie you should try out.
Specifications of SOCOTRAN Walkie Talkie
- 5-mile range
- 22 channels
- CTCSS and DCS feature for enhanced signals
- 1500 rechargeable batteries
- USB support.
- Portable design
- Dimension of 4.9 x 1.9 x 0.9 inches
Key Benefits of SOCOTRAN Walkie Talkie
- Strong battery life
- Portable and durable
- Exceptional voice clarity
- Good reception and transmission power
- Multiple charging options
- Extremely budget friendly
- Good to look at
Comparison of Top 5 Best Walkie Talkies for Mountains & Climbing
Range | Channels | Weather Alert | Headset | Waterproof | |
Motorola T460 | 35 miles | 22 | Yes | No | Yes |
Uniden SX407-2CKFHS | 40 miles | 22 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Kenwood ProTalk | 7 miles | 16 | No | No | Yes |
SAMCOM | 5 miles | 20 | No | Yes | Yes |
SOCOTRAN | 5 miles | 22 | No | Yes | No |
Final Words:
Now you can have that truly complete mountain climbing adventure you’ve always wanted to go on. With the right walkie talkie, you can be sure of good company, safety and rescue when things go south. Just ensure you know what you really want and make a choice from this list. We are sure you’ll get value for your investment. You can thank us later.