Are you an outdoorsy type who enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, or biking? Do you sometimes worry that you won’t be able to communicate with others in your group or your family back home if something goes wrong? Depending on where you do your outdoor trips, you may find that cellular phones don’t work very well or that you don’t have the means to charge them on longer excursions. That’s why it’s good to have another method of communication so you can always stay in touch. One of the best means of communication when you are taking an outdoor trip is via two-way radio.

Here is more information on benefits of a two-way radio–also known as a walkie-talkie–and features you should know about before your next outdoor trip.

Benefits of Two-Way Radios

There are many benefits to using a walkie-talkie. Here are some of the best:

  • They are affordable. Unlike a cell phone, a walkie-talkie does not come with an expensive contract or have hidden fees. They usually come with a small yearly fee that can fit into most people’s budgets.
  • They are easy to use. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to use a walkie-talkie. Many are ready to go right out of the box and you can instantly connect with others simply by pushing a button.
  • They are private. With security features like end-to-end encryption, a walkie-talkie is a private means of communication and you never have to worry about your conversations being listened in on or your sensitive information compromised.

Features to Look For

When you’re planning to use your walkie-talkie for an outdoor trip, there are some special features to look for that will ensure you are always in touch. Here are the most important:

  • Long battery life. It’s likely you won’t have a way to charge your device when you’re on an outdoor adventure. Look for a walkie-talkie with a five-day battery life to ensure your device stays charged.
  • Choose a walkie-talkie that is made of durable materials and is shock and water-proof so you don’t risk damaging it while you are in the great outdoors.
  • Hands-free options. You may not have a free hand to use your device while you’re rock climbing, skiing, or otherwise engaged. Look for hands-free accessories that let you use your walkie-talkie no matter what you’re doing.
  • Long range. Want to make sure you can communicate with your group over rough terrain or want to check in regularly with friends or family back at the cabin or your home? You can now get walkie-talkies that have nationwide coverage so you can chat with anyone no matter where they are in the country.
  • Emergency features. Staying safe in the outdoors is key, so look for a walkie-talkie that features like flashlight functions, GPS integration, and emergency alert buttons.

The Right Walkie-Talkie for Your Adventure

If you’re planning an outdoor trip, a walkie-talkie is the perfect way to keep in touch and remain safe. When you know the right features to look for, you’ll be able to choose the perfect device for your next adventure.