Walkie-Talkies for Hiking and Backcountry Trips: FRS, GMRS and Ham Options Explained

Cell service disappears on many trails, in canyons and in backcountry areas, which is why walkie-talkies still appeal to hikers, skiers, climbers and campers. The choice is less about brand and more about which radio service you want to use, what it legally allows and what range to realistically expect.

Three radio options for the outdoors

• FRS radios: no individual FCC license, 22 channels, up to 2 watts on some channels and half a watt on others. Simple and light.
• GMRS radios: an FCC license is required, with a $35 fee for ten years covering your immediate family. Higher power is allowed and repeaters can be used.
• Amateur (ham) radios: an amateur license is required, earned by exam. Flexible, but only for ham bands.

FRS: simple and license-free

FRS radios suit most family trips and short hikes. As an example of an FRS radio aimed at backcountry use, the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio is a 2-watt FRS radio that the maker describes as license-free. The maker’s own range table lists 1 to 5 miles in mountains and half a mile to 3 miles in forest and hills, with 35-plus miles only with clear line of sight. Use those as typical figures rather than guarantees.

GMRS: more power, plus the license

GMRS radios may transmit at higher power, and some can use repeaters. The FCC describes GMRS range as one to twenty-five miles depending on station class, terrain and repeater use. The license has no exam, and it covers the licensee’s family. Midland’s GXT series is an example, and its maker says it averages about half a mile to two miles in normal conditions and 36 miles only in perfect conditions. The store carries the Midland GXT1000 two-pack.

Ham radios: be careful with the labels

Some inexpensive radios, such as the Baofeng BF-F8HP, are sold as GMRS-capable or “good for any band.” They are amateur radios. Baofeng’s own manual for the model says it is not legal to use on FRS, GMRS or MURS. The FCC will not certify a radio for GMRS if it can also operate in the amateur service. If you hold an amateur license, such a radio can be used on the ham bands, but it is not a legal GMRS radio, even if you also have a GMRS license.

Water, cold and battery

• Ratings: look for a stated number. IP67 means protection from dust and temporary immersion. JIS4 means splash resistance. Motorola’s T600 H2O is rated IP67 and the maker says it floats with the supplied battery. The Cobra RX680 is listed as splash-proof only.
• Cold weather: batteries lose capacity in the cold. Keep a spare inside your jacket.
• Weather alerts: NOAA alert channels are useful in the mountains, though coverage varies by location.

Radios are not a rescue system

A walkie-talkie only reaches whoever is in range and listening. For remote trips, consider carrying a satellite messenger or a personal locator beacon in addition, and tell someone your plan and return time.

Practical tips

• Test your radios in similar terrain before the trip.
• Agree on a channel, a privacy code and a backup channel.
• Hold the radio upright, with the antenna clear.
• Use high ground to extend range.
• Keep messages short and save battery.

Finally, match the radio to the trip. A day hike near a trailhead is well served by a simple FRS pair, while a group traveling through canyons or across large areas may benefit from GMRS power and a license. Whichever you choose, practice using the radios before you leave home.

For help choosing between FRS and GMRS, read FRS vs GMRS: Which Walkie Talkie Should You Buy?.

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