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.
i thought about wiring a flashlight to it a crank one but that would be a waste
I have 2 bellsouth radios model 2210 issued i ’01 there great but eat up the batteries so much so i put in a smaller speaker and its better but i still go through a lot of batteries
i got a cobra micro talk it is great and a little waterproof
Make sure whatever you get has whether alerts. I got caught in a blizzard in Big Bear once!
if you want a good 2 way radio thats not to pricey you should get a motorala they last forever
these are awesome two way radios especialy the one with a GPS built in that could be handy for anything
There is no need to get a GMRS license. I have one and it was a waste of $80. No one has never ask to have my license #. I will never buy a nother one.
It is a federal law and you do need one because they do find people that don’t havfe a license. And yes there is a way to find you if you don’t have the license.
Hi,
Would I need a FCC license if I buy Motorola TALKABOUT EM1000R 2-way radio ?
It has both FRS & GMRS, but I have no intention of using the GMRS mode.
Pls advice
As long as you don’t use the GMRS Mode you don’t need the license.
where do u get a FCC license and why? Thanks.
People often forget that it costs 80 bucks for a FCC licence
Thats not all true you can get a Ham Radio Liscence For about 15 bucks.
Although you need to pass a written exam