Are you planning an outdoor adventure such as a hiking trip, a camping outing with friends and family, or an annual hunting experience with the guys? Are you worried that you won’t be able to keep in touch with each other or with those back home due to the remoteness of the location where you’ll be or because there won’t be any way to charge cell phones while you’re in the great outdoors?
If so, you should look into an alternative means of communication during your outing–specifically, two-way radios (also known as walkie-talkies).
Here is what to look for when choosing a two-way radio for your next outdoor adventure.
A Long Range
If you and the rest of your group will be spread out over a large geographic area or you want to contact those in other locations such as your family back home or guides and experts who are not traveling with you, look for a two-way radio that has a long range. If you choose an option with a national plan, you will be able to communicate with anyone in the United States. Need to talk to someone internationally? Choose a satellite-based walkie-talkie that offers global coverage.
Long Battery Life
When you’re in the middle of nowhere, you usually don’t have any options to charge a cell phone or other device. If you’re going to be away from power for days on end, look for a two-way radio with a long battery life. Some walkie-talkies have up to a five day battery life so you can take a multi-day adventure and never worry about not being able to stay in touch.
Ease of Use
The last thing you need to worry about when going on an outdoor adventure is learning how to use a complicated device. Choose a two-way radio that has a touch-to-talk feature and is ready to go right out of the box. This is especially useful if you have kids, seniors, or those who are not technologically savvy in your group. To make your two-way radio even easier to use, consider getting a strap that lets you use it hands-free. That way, you don’t have to carry around your device or put other things down in order to use it.
A Rugged Design
When you’re out in nature, you don’t want to have to worry about protecting your device so it doesn’t get damaged. Look for a two-way radio with a rugged design that is shock-proof, shatter-proof and won’t be damaged if its submerged in water.
The Right Two-Way Radio For Your Next Adventure
Being in the great outdoors is a perfect way to deepen relationships, commune with nature, and get a break from your hectic day-to-day schedule. Though being off the grid is a good way to do a digital detox, you need to be able to communicate for safety and logistical purposes. When you get a two-way radio with features like a rugged design, touch-to-talk, nationwide or global range, and a long battery life, you can enjoy your adventure without the stress of being out of touch.