How to Choose a Backcountry Communication Device
Whether you want to chat with friends on the ski slopes or you need to send a message during an emergency, having a communication device sure comes in handy.
TWO-WAY RADIOS
The classic portable walkie-talkies are used primarily for communicating with party members over relatively short distances: While some devices have a range up to 25 miles, terrain and other conditions often limit the signal to a couple of miles.
Look for:
- Ergonomic radios that are easy to use, like when wearing gloves.
- High-powered (1-2 watts) models that provide better reception — even in steep terrain — and better signal quality.
- Radios with a Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) or Continuous Digital Coded Squelch System (CDCSS), which provide a privacy or interference-elimination code in addition to 22 channels, helping avoid the channel clutter of other conversations in busy places.
- Features like paging, scanning, weather radio, noise filter and keypad lock.
- Even though different types of walkie-talkies can communicate, buy units in pairs to enable the use of all features on your unit.
The durable and rechargeable MOTOROLA TALKABOUT T600 H2O ($120/pair, shop.motorolasolutions.com) is waterproof and floats, and has 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, hands-free operation, a Push-to-Talk power boost when extended range is needed, an NOAA weather channel and a keypad lock. It covers a range of up to 35 miles and runs on three AA batteries. 1 lb. 9 oz.
ONE-WAY SATELLITE MESSENGERS
For sending messages from the wilderness to a party back in civilization, look into a one-way satellite messenger, like the SPOT GEN4 ($150, findmespot.com), with options that range from sending customized messages (you can program up to 1,250 messages) and your location to specific recipients to sending an SOS to the appropriate emergency-response team. Spot requires a service plan; prices start at $12/month. One drawback: It doesn’t receive messages. 5 oz.
TWO-WAY SATELLITE MESSENGERS
The most versatile messaging devices for the backcountry are two-way messengers, used primarily for multiday wilderness adventures. They provide the ability to share your location as well as exchange text messages with another party.
The BIVYSTICK ($350, bivy.com) is a smart little device that’s half the weight of a smartphone and, when paired with a phone, provides two-way texting via satellite to phone numbers or email addresses. Features include location sharing and tracking, SOS signaling with Global Rescue and preset check-in messaging. Downside: It isn’t cheap and requires a data plan (purchased separately, $18 to $50/month). 3.5 oz.
The popular, compact and lightweight GARMIN INREACH MINI ($350, garmin.com) sends messages either directly or with a paired cellphone, and allows texting back and forth. The GARMIN MONTANA 700I ($700, garmin.com) expands the backcountry tool kit with GPS functionality and a 5-inch display and keyboard for typing messages more easily. Garmin’s annual plans start at $12/month. 3.5 oz.
what do you think about the garmin rino 110
Thanks for the tips Motorola FV200R looks good for me
The Uniden GMR 1438 ($50) is a great mid-level unit with a 14-mile range, 99 privacy codes, vibrate and silent modes and rechargeable NiMH batteries.
If this just carried luthium AA or AAA batteries I would buy it!
Do not think about the XT511 from Midland; it’s not going to come
to market anytime soon. Look for the older T7200 handheld from
Motorola. It has lots of features.
asome:)
walkie talkies are great for capture the flag wich our troop plays alot of
Pretty cool. 8) I’d prabably go for the MidlandXT511 or the Motorola T9500. That Garmin Rino 530 must be kind of rare, I mean, it’s $535. 😮
It is not rare, It is also a GPS.
🙂 🙁 8) 😛 😉 😮 😀
The Garmin Rino is Awesome!!!!!
Our Troop used it it was great!!!!!!
Thanks for your info on these Hand-helds.How does one get a license for the GRMS radios??
Go to the FCC website.