We put these two top-notch walkie-talkies head-to-head through hands-on testing and real-world use to see which is the best and which one you should spend your hard-earned money on.

BC Link vs Rocky Talkie at a Glance

*Going price at time of publishing. Prices may change or vary.

Rocky Talkie

The Rocky Talkie is a small handheld radio perfect for outdoor adventures. It is compact, light, and easy to use (once you watch the video). The Mammut carabiner easily clips onto whatever you want it to and allows you to keep it within reach.

The leash is a nice touch for times (like riding a chairlift) when dropping it could lead to problems. I find the Rocky Talkie more versatile than the BC Link, and, spoiler alert: it is the walkie-talkie I usually reach for.

Pros

• Well-built and sturdy
• Small size
• Great audio quality
• Well-laid-out buttons
• Easy to find and use the push-to-talk button
• Leash

Cons

• Expensive
• I wish you could switch out the carabiner for a more traditional clip
• Not completely waterproof

Rocky Talkie

4.3

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Who Should Buy the Rocky Talkie

Best For

• Hard outdoor use
• People that like high-quality equipment
• When you need the radio fully secured to you

Not For

• Budget-conscious
• Need a fully waterproof radio (e.g. kayaking with kids)
• Ability to change settings with gloves on

Backcountry Access BC Link Radios

Backcountry Access (BCA) makes two models, the BC Link 1.0 and 2.0. I have extensive hands-on with the Link 1.0 and reviewed the differences between the two. I have not had any real-world experience with the 2.0, but I will highlight the differences, when necessary, in this head-to-head review.

BCA designed the BC Link for winter sports athletes that need a sturdy radio that can be used effectively with gloves on. That is where this walkie-talkie shines, but other users will also appreciate the Smart Mic’s convenience.

While some will enjoy the Smart Mic experience, others might find it heavy and overkill for more casual use.

Pros

• Well-built and sturdy
• Easy to use and change settings with gloves on
• Lapel mic has a ton of functionality
• Great audio quality

Cons

• Has to be used with the lapel mic
• Heavy
• Expensive
• Not waterproof
• Short battery life compared to other high-end radios

Backcountry Access BC Link 1.0

4.2

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Who Should Buy a BCA Radio

Best For

• People who need to manipulate radio settings but don’t want to take off their gloves
• Best used in conjunction with a backpack
• Need to access multiple channels easily

Not For

• People on a budget
• People looking for a fully waterproof walkie-talkie
• If you’re looking for a stand-alone radio without a lapel mic

Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0

4.3

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Now we will put the radios head-to-head to compare them in various aspects. I will tell you which walkie-talkie I think wins in each category.

Range

Winner: Tie between the BC Link 2.0 and the Rocky Talkie

Neither of these brands has a truly long-range radio, but for license-free FRS radios, the range is admirable.

The winner is a tie between the Rocky Talkie and the BC Link 2.0. The BC Link 1.0 loses points for only using half the watts. It should be noted, however, that half the watts do not halve the useful range. Indeed, in my field testing, I found very little actual difference between the BC Link 1.0 and the Rocky Talkie.

Clarity

Winner: 3-Way Tie

Both the Rocky Talkie and BC Link radios have best-in-class audio quality.

Ease of Use

Winner: BC Link Radios

The ease of use category includes several different aspects. It includes how easy it is to set up and use, button layout and usage, and finally, how useful the screen is.

This was close because both radios are incredibly easy to use, but the BC Link takes a slight lead for several reasons.

First, I could set up the BC Link without any instructions but I needed to watch a short YouTube video to set up the Rocky Talkie. After watching the video, I had no issues, but the win still goes to the BC Link.

Second, the function of all the buttons on the BC Link Radios is easy to figure out. On the Rocky Talkie, all buttons, except push to talk, have at least two functions. Once again, after watching a short video it all made sense.

Last, the display on the BC Link had all of the pertinent information I wanted, and I did not have to search for it. The display on the Rocky Talkie was missing essential information like how much battery life was left and what sub-channel I was on. I could find the information but had to search for it.

Battery Life

Winner: Rocky Talkie

The Rocky Talkie lasts longer and is faster to charge thanks to the USB-C charger. The battery is also removable so you can buy spares for long trips.

The BC Link 1.0 comes in second since it also has a removable battery so that you can carry spares if needed.

Clip

Winner: BC Link Radios

I really like the BC Link radio clip. It is the best-designed and sturdiest radio I have tested in the FRM category. It is strong and spring-loaded. In my testing, I found that the radio and lapel mic stayed where I put them.

The Rocky Talkie went in another direction with their radio clip. They attached a high-quality carabiner to the radio. It attaches securely to whatever you clip it to, but it does tend to swing during dynamic movements, and at times, I wished it had a clip like the BC Link.

Weight and Size

Winner: Rocky Talkie

I am an ultralight fanatic, so weight and size matter to me. I tend to weigh anything I must carry for any distance, and the Rocky Talkie is smaller and about half the weight, making it easy the winner in this category.

Extra Features

Winner: BC Link Radios

Neither of these companies put too many extras in to clutter up their walkie-talkies. They are what they are: well-built, rugged, and reliable. With that being said, the BC Link takes a slight edge here. I will put the Smart Mic in this category, and I think you will either love or hate it.

The BC Link also has weather channels to provide updated weather information when you are out of cell service.

The one notable extra that the Rocky Talkie has is the provided leash. I love the leash. It saved my radio several times from being lost in the snow. It can also be taken off if you don’t need it.

So Which Radio To Buy

It really comes down to the Smart Mic on the BC Link. If you need or want the functionality it gives you, you should buy it. Just know that it is a little much for casual uses like hiking with your kids.

The Rocky Talkie is more versatile. It still works great in snowy and cold environments but is just as easy to clip on for a casual hike without the fuss of a lapel mic.

The Rocky Talkie is also lighter and has better battery life. That is why, for me, the Rocky Talkie is the two-way radio that I prefer.

The post Rocky Talkie vs BCA BC Link Walkie-Talkie Comparison appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Walkie Talkies are a great way to keep in touch with other members of your party in both urban and wilderness spaces. Radios can even be more convenient than a cell phone. But there are so many out there that choosing which walkie talkies to get can be tricky.

I have been using radios to communicate both professionally and on my own for more than 20 years. So I’m pretty picky about them at this point.

However, as you’ll see in this hands-on Motorola Talkabout T800 review, this model passes my sniff test.

T800 vs T801

I will get this out of the way right at the start. I used both radio models side by side and couldn’t find any differences besides the colors. The T800 is black and blue, while the T801 is black and green.

I have read online that the T801 comes with a carrying case, but mine did not, so I am a little sad about that.

The T800 is more widely available amongst many retailers, while the T801 seems to have limited availability only at select retailers like REI.

Given that the radios work identically and the T800 is more widely available, I will refer to the T800 in this review. However, this is with the understanding that the T801 is identical in function and therefore can be reviewed in the same way.

Motorola Talkabout T800 Series at a Glance

The Motorola Talkabout T800 series walkie-talkie has extra features not found on other radios, like making and receiving text messages while off-grid. Not everyone will use those features, but they don’t get in the way. It is not fully waterproof but did handle heavy snow without issue.

The only other downside that I found was a subpar clip.

Best For:

• Looking for a great radio but don’t want to pay a premium
• Want/Need to text off grid
• Casual users

Not For:

• Hard use (not the most durable radio out there)
• Someone looking for a waterproof radio
• You only buy the best/most expensive gear

Motorola Talkabout T800

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Are the Motorola Talkabout 801 and 800 Worth It?

The Motorola Talkabout 800 and 801 are great, mid-priced radios that worked well for me. While they held up to the abuse of multiple ski days while being clipped to the outside of my kid’s jackets, they are not the most bombproof radios out there.

I found the clip not to be as good as other radio clips. I was glad that I put leashes on the radios, or they would have fallen off the ski lift on more than one occasion, to never be seen again.

The inclusion of offline texting is a great addition, and while I did not use it myself, I can see it being useful while hunting when you want to communicate with your partner but don’t want to make any extra noise.

Should you buy the T800 or the T801?

Given that the T800 and T801 are essentially the same radio I would buy whichever radio you can find the best deal on.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Affordable
• Great extra features for the price

Cons

• Not the most durable
• Not waterproof
• Subpar clip

What is the Range of the Motorola Talkabout T800?

The Motorola Talkabout T800 uses the FCC maximum of 2 watts to push out radio transmissions. Under optimal conditions, this gets you about 30 miles of direct line of site communications. However, under most conditions, you will get significantly less.

Motorola Talkabout T800 Range in Real Life

During my testing for the Motorola T800 review, I was happy to get anywhere from .5 to 2 miles of range depending on terrain, with heavy trees and ridges decreasing the range.

I was able to hear and talk to my kids anywhere on the front side of my local ski hill. However, I would immediately lose connection if anyone went to the back side.

In town, which in my case is pretty flat and treeless, the range was closer to 3 to 4 miles. I could get ahold of my wife from anywhere inside my neighborhood without any problems.

Clarity

The T800 has average clarity. It was definitely easy to hear and understand, but it was not as clear as the BCA Link or the Rocky Talkie.

The Motorola Talkabout T800 Was Very Easy to Use

Let me clarify that statement just a bit. The base radio features were easy to use. I was able to program the radio and use the radio functions without using the owner’s manual or YouTube.

On the other hand, I had to dig into the provided owner’s manual a bit to use the extra features, and then I was good to go.

Buttons

There are many buttons on the front and side of the Motorola Talkabout T800. With a little bit of experimentation, I was able to figure out what most of them did. For the remainder, a quick look at the owner’s manual was all I needed.

I had no problems changing channels or functions in my testing for the Motorola Talkabout T800 review. There is also a lock function in case you need it.

There are actually two push-to-talk buttons. The first uses a total of 2 watts of power, while the second only uses .5 watts. This saves battery life but reduces range.

I actually found having 2 buttons cumbersome as I never knew which one I was pressing, especially while wearing gloves. If I really wanted to see it, I had to look each time.

Clip

This is the one feature of the radio that I was disappointed in. The clip is plastic and feels cheap. While I didn’t break the clip, I always felt like I was about to.

It also lacks a spring, so it just has to slide over the belt or strap. I prefer a spring, like the one found on the BC Link radio by BCA. In fact, I had the radio slip off several times and was happy to have the radio on a leash.

Display

The T800 has a nice and easy-to-read digital display that will turn off in about 10 seconds after use to save battery life. The display has all the relevant information I wanted to see at a glance.

It’s Not as Tough as I Wanted it to Be, and Please Don’t Throw it in a Lake

The Motorola T800 has a rating of IPX4. This means that it is tested to withstand water splashed on it and does not have a dust rating like other radios. This is a lower standard than more premium radios like the Rocky Talkie.

In real life, my kids wore this radio all winter on the outside of their jackets while skiing without any issues. The radio still works and looks brand new, but I wouldn’t have it out in anything more than a moderate rainstorm, and please don’t throw it in the lake.

How Long Does the Battery Last?

The Motorola T800 comes with a 3.6-volt NiMH battery. It is rechargeable using a Micro USB cable or an optional desk charger. Its stated battery life is 14 hours, and in my testing for the Motorola Talkabout T800 review, I was easily able to get two days of skiing with limited use. If you plan to be a heavy user, you should charge it after every use.

It takes several hours to fully charge, so plan ahead to have it ready to go. If you procrastinate like me, however, the T800 can also use three AA batteries.

The AA batteries also extend the battery life to 25 hours of standby time. I never used the radio like this, so I can’t speak to how well they work, but I appreciate the option.

Does it Have Good Extra Features or Just Gimmicks?

Motorola decided to double down on extra features with the Talkabout 800 series. I find some of them kind of gimmicky, but your mileage will vary, and something that I find gimmicky could be the exact function you are looking for.

Fortunately, the Talkabout T800 stands on its own as a great radio and the extra features don’t get in the way, so I guess we both win.

App

The free app allows for a multitude of different features. I downloaded the app, and it initially worked but when I tried to open it back up to write the Talkabout T800 review, I couldn’t get it to load. I didn’t spend much time on the app, so here is a list of its features.

• Offline maps, just remember to download them before leaving home
• Activity tracking
• Track other users
  • This is, unfortunately, not in real-time. Other users have to send you a notification so you can see where they are.
  • The FCC does not allow real-time tracking on FRS radios
• Offline text messaging
  • This is the most interesting “extra” to me and I can see it being useful during hunting or other activities when you want to communicate but don’t want to make a lot of noise.
  • Allows you to send text messages to an individual or group over the walkie-talkie frequency (without cellular service).
  • Just know that you get less range with texts than with the radio.
  • Using this feature isn’t very intuitive.

It is always a bit of a hassle to connect via Bluetooth and set the app all up, so my guess is that most people won’t take advantage of this feature.

Small Flashlight

There is a small flashlight on the top of the radio. It is not super bright but can be turned on when the radio is off. I like this feature and see how it could come in handy in many different situations.

iVox/Vox

Vox is a voice-activated system and while it’s easy to think of it as an open mic, that’s not exactly how it works. It opens the mic when it hears you start to talk instead of just being open like a phone. You can also adjust the volume or sensitivity so that only loud noises open the mic versus just a whisper.

My biggest problem was that the system would not activate until I was halfway through my first word so it always got cut off.

Weather Channels

The Motorola T800 has 11 weather channels, including 7 from NOAA. You can also set the radio up to receive weather alerts.

Distress signals

You can send distress signals to other radios in the area.

Leash Attachment

The Motorola T800 does not come with a leash, but there is a place to attach one. It is burly and big enough to attach a good size leash. This feature was useful for me, and I am glad it had the space.

Do You Need a License to Use the Motorola T800 Series?

No. The Motorola T800 series works off the FRS radio frequencies and they do not require a license in the United States.

The post Hands-on Motorola Talkabout T800 vs T801 Review (Same Thing?) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

I know this because I have been using radios professionally for the past 20 years. First as a wilderness guide, then as a ski patroller, and now as a full-time paramedic for the past 17 years.

The Backcountry Access BC Link 1.0 (camo addition) is a mouthful but a great radio. It is a two-piece set with a main radio that can be kept in a pocket while the lapel mic is clipped to the front of your pack for easy access.

The magic, which differentiates this radio from others, is that the mic includes essential adjustments that you need while leaving the main radio protected in a pocket or pack.

The BC Link is expensive and not fully submersible, so if you are on a budget or go kayaking with kids, you should look elsewhere. If, however, you want a serious tool for your winter activities, this is a great choice.

BCA BC Link 1.0 at a Glance

Backcountry Access BC Link 1.0

4.2

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• MSRP: $159.95 for one radio
• License-free FRS frequencies
• 12 ounces
• Charge with a mini USB connection
• IP56 (splashproof and dust resistant but not fully waterproof or submersible)

Best For:

• Winter sport enthusiasts
• Using in conjunction with a backpack
• Need to access multiple channels easily
• Hunters

Not For:

• People on a budget
• People looking for a fully waterproof radio
• Those looking for a stand-alone radio without a lapel mic

Are BCA Radios Worth It?

I think that the answer to this question depends on what you plan on using it for.

If you are a casual user who just wants to check in occasionally with other users or doesn’t want the hassle of always using a lapel mic, then this radio is probably not for you. It’s also expensive and not waterproof, so keep that in mind.

If you’re looking for a robust radio for your winter adventures, particularly for activities like hunting where gloves are essential, this radio is the perfect fit. Additionally, if you appreciate the convenience of a lapel microphone, it further enhances the appeal of this radio. Moreover, individuals who require seamless access to multiple channels with just a simple dial click will also find it highly appealing.

Pros:

• Well-built and sturdy
• You can change the setting with gloves on
• Lapel mic has a ton of functionality
• Great audio quality

Cons:

• Has to be used with the lapel mic
• Heavy
• Expensive
• Not waterproof
• Short battery life compared to other high-end radios

The Smart Mic

A radio is only worth carrying if it is accessible. If it is stashed in your pack, you will never use it. BCA recognized this and set out to design a radio that is convenient to use. More specifically, they went for a radio that is easy to use in the winter with gloves on.

To keep the radio easily accessible, they have come up with an interesting concept. They call it the Smart Mic, which is basically a lapel mic with added functionality.

This functionality differentiates this radio from other radios in the same class. First, I will go over a quick list of functionalities the lapel mic has, then give some of my thoughts on it.

Functionality of the Smart Mic

• Turn the radio on and off
• Adjust volume
• 6 Preset channels that you can scroll through
• Push to talk

What I Liked About It

In my testing for the BC Link 1.0 review, I mostly used the radio at the ski resort to keep track of my kids while skiing. I was able to stash the radio in a pocket or my pack to keep it protected from the elements and then just use the Smart Mic.

The functionality of the Smart Mic is definitely handy when in cold environments, and you don’t want to take off your gloves to dig a radio out of your pocket. It was most handy when I had a pack to put it in.

I also like having 6 preset channels that you can flip through. I think this could come in handy if you ever need to talk to multiple groups on different channels or if the channel you are on becomes busy. When this happens, you just move to the next one.

What I Didn’t Like About It

My biggest complaint is that you have to use the Smart Mic no matter what. The radio doesn’t work without it. On several occasions, the mic disconnected from the radio in my pocket, and then I couldn’t hear or send any radio traffic. There is no way to know it is disconnected; the radio just stops working. This happened enough to be a problem.

I am probably a little biased here because I have never liked lapel mics, but I feel like the radio would be more versatile if you could use the two separately.

Lastly, this setup is heavier than other setups in its class.

What is the Range on the BCA BC Link 1.0 Radio?

Range Score: 4.5/5

FCC regulations allow FRS radios to power the transmissions up to 2 watts. The BC Link 1.0 uses 1 watt instead, probably to save on battery life. However, that doesn’t mean that you lose half of the range.

Indeed, in my testing, I saw little difference in range and probably wouldn’t have noticed if I didn’t read the information page on BCA’s webpage.

Range

While testing the BC Link 1.0 at my local ski hill, I got a good signal all across the front side but would lose the signal as soon as one of us would go around to the backside. I wouldn’t count on getting more than 1.5 miles, with heavy tree cover and small hills cutting it back to half a mile.

In town, which in my case is flat and fairly treeless, I was able to talk to my wife anywhere in our subdivision. I was, however, unable to get her to the soccer field 3 miles away.

Clarity

In my testing for the BC link 1.0 review, I found the sound quality excellent. I didn’t have any problems hearing or understanding any transmission.

The BCA BC Link 1.0 was Easy to Use

Easy of Use Score: 4.5/5

The radios I got for testing did not come with a user manual, but I could still easily program the radio without it.

Buttons

The buttons are all easy to locate and well-marked. My only problem with the buttons is that my daughter accidentally hit them once while the radio was in her pocket, and it inadvertently turned on the NOAA weather forecast.

I did notice, after the fact, that there is a way to lock the buttons on the front so I guess that one is on me.

The push-to-talk button was hard for me to locate and I had to look down every time. Not sure what the problem was, but it was annoying. On the other hand, I never accidentally hit the button or had an open mic.

Clips

The clip holding the radio was by far one of my favorites out of all the radios I tested. There was a removable clip on the radio and one on the mic. The mic clip also rotated, making it easy to orient the radio how you want.

Both clips were well-made, durable, and had strong springs. I wish other radio manufacturers, like Motorola, would put quality clips on their radios like BCA did.

Display

The display is bright and easy to read. It also has all the pertinent information I want to see on the screen.

How Tough is the BC Link 1.0 Radio and Can I Throw it in a Lake?

Durability/Water Resistant Score: 4/5

Like the Rocky Talkie radio, the BC Link 1.0 Radio has a rating of IP56. This means it is water and snow resistant but not thoroughly waterproof. It is also rated to be dust resistant.

Related: Rocky Talkie vs BCA BC Link Radios

In real-world testing for this review, I spent several days skiing in heavy snow. The radio was inside my jacket pocket with only the lapel mic out. Snow got shoved down into the mic several times without any issues.

Durability takes a small hit here because of the extra connection between the radio and the Smart Mic. I didn’t have any issues in my testing, but I feel like it could be a weak spot.

How Long Does the Battery Last?

Battey Life Score: 3.5/5

In my real-life testing, I was able to get two full days of skiing in with my kids with mild use of the radio. You will probably want to charge it every night if you are a heavy user or use it in sub-zero conditions.

It gets about 40 hours in standby mode.

How do I Charge my BCA BC Link 1.0?

The BC Link 1.0 has a 3.7 VDC lithium-ion battery. It is rechargeable with a mini-USB charging port. Mini USB is getting a little old and unlike USB-C cables, I just don’t have spare charging cords.

Charging took about 4 hours, which seems forever if you need the radio. It is best to plan and charge these radios the night before you need to use them.

The BC Link 1.0 also has removable batteries, so you can buy spares if you need or want them. I would suggest buying some if you plan to use this radio a lot or over several days when you can’t return to a charger.

Does it Have Good Extra Features or Just Gimmicks?

Extra Features Score: 3/5

Besides the Smart Mic and the extra functionality that we have already talked about, there are very few things that I would consider to be extra features, but I will mention those here.

Weather Channels

The BC Link comes with 10 standard NOAA weather channels. These are nice for getting weather updates when you can’t get them over the phone.

Low Watt Channels

Channels 8-14 cut the wattage in half from 1 to .5 watts. This saves on battery life but cuts down on the range.

Camouflage?

I’m not sure that camouflage is really an extra feature, but the BC Link 1.0 comes in either a muted black or green and black camouflage.

Adjustable Beeps

After each transmission, a beep lets you know that the transmission has ended. The volume of this beep can be changed, or you can get rid of it altogether. This is great for hunters who need to make the least amount of noise possible.

BCA BC Link 2.0 vs. 1.0

Backcountry Access has slightly updated the BC Link, and there is now a 2.0 version. This is not a full review of the new version but I thought I would highlight some key differences.

Backcountry Access has also updated the button layout and changed how the Smart Link is attached to the radio body. For the most part, just looking at the specs, this is a modest update—more of a Link 1.5 than 2.0.

Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0

4.3

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In full disclosure, I did not get the chance to test or use the Link 2.0. However, for the price difference, I would buy the new model. It has slightly more range and charges faster. More recent models also tend to get more support from the manufacturer.

But it gets more interesting since the Link 1.0 is on sale for $119.96. At this price point, I don’t think the newer model adds enough to overcome a $70 difference.

Plus, if you need a camo unit, there is only one way to go!

The post BCA BC Link Review: Backcountry Access BC Link 1.0 appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

I can attest to this, having used radios professionally for the past 20 years in various capacities, including as a wilderness guide, ski patroller, and full-time paramedic for the past 17 years.

The Rocky Talkie is a small, handheld radio perfect for outdoor adventures. It is compact, light, and easy to use (once you watch the video). The Mammut carabiner easily clips onto whatever you want, allowing you to keep it within reach. The leash is a nice touch for times (like riding a chairlift) when dropping it could lead to problems.

If you are looking for a budget radio or something completely waterproof, then there are other options. But if you want a high-quality radio that is simple and rugged, then the Rocky Talkie should be at the top of your list.

Rocky Talkie at a Glance

Rocky Talkie

4.3

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• $110.00 for one radio
• License-free FRS frequencies
• 7.9 ounces for full system
• IP56 (splashproof and dust resistant but not fully waterproof or submersible)
• Recharges with USB-C cable

Best For:

• Hard outdoor use
• People that like high-quality equipment
• When you need the radio fully secured to you

Not For:

• Budget-conscious adventurers
• When you need a fully waterproof radio (kayaking with kids)

Is the Rocky Talkie Worth it?

This past fall, I was looking for a lightweight radio to help me keep track of my kids while skiing. In the past, I have tried cheap walkie-talkies and have come away unimpressed. So this time, I decided to spend a good chunk of money to buy a quality one.

After a significant amount of research, I bought the Rocky Talkie. This was long before my editor showed up with a box full of radios to test, but even after spending a month testing a bunch of different walkie-talkies, I am still happy with my choice and would definitely buy more of them in the future.

Pros

• Well-built and sturdy
• Small size
• Great audio quality
• Well-laid-out buttons
• Easy to find and use the “push to talk” button
• Leash

Cons

• Expensive
• I wish you could switch out the carabiner for a more traditional clip
• Not completely waterproof

What is the Range on Rocky Talkies?

Range Score: 5/5

Under optimal conditions and direct line of sight, the Rocky Talkies range is said to be about 30 miles. Does this mean that you will be able to talk with someone consistently at that 30-mile range? Well, no.

Rocky Talkie Range in Real Life

In my testing for my Rocky Talkie review, I found that the useful range was more like .5 to 2 miles. I wouldn’t plan on using it at any distance longer than that. Heavy tree cover and other obstacles like ridges reduced the range significantly.

I was pleased to be able to contact my kids anywhere on the front side of the mountain, but as soon as they or I went around the shoulder of the mountain to the backside, the radios would cut out.

In town, which in my case is pretty flat and treeless, the range was closer to 3 to 4 miles. I was able to get a hold of my wife from anywhere inside my neighborhood without any problems at all.

Clarity

The Rocky Talkie was one of the clearest radios I tested this winter. They have a great mic and speaker built into them. There was very little static, and the voice quality was excellent after I finally got my son to stop talking into the mic like he was eating it.

The Rocky Talkie is Very Easy to Use

Ease of use Score: 4/5

This radio was very easy to use…once I watched the 5-minute video. I might be a bit old school but I miss having a paper user’s manual included with products.

The first time I used it, I just threw it in my pack and headed up the mountain for a day of skiing. Unfortunately, I did not preprogram it before I left and had this ridiculous idea that I could figure it out on the go. I didn’t realize that most buttons have dual purposes, and I was a little confused about what each button did.

When I got home, I watched the video, had my “aha” moment, and never looked back. I can now easily program the radio to talk to any other FRS radios I have. The Rocky Talkie radios are fairly simple devices without many extras, so once you figure it out, they are indeed easy to use. Just watch the video before heading out.

Buttons

There are four buttons and a toggle switch on the radio. None of the buttons are on the face of the radio, which is nice. I never accidentally changed any settings even though I clipped the radio to the outside of my jacket all day. On the other hand, it only took my daughter an hour to accidentally change the setting on the Backcountry Access Link she was carrying, even with it in her pocket.

I won’t go into what all of the buttons do, there is a video for that, but they are well laid out. I could find the push-to-talk button without looking and activate it easily with my ski gloves on. The push-to-talk button is slightly recessed, and I never had any problems accidentally keying my mic.

Clip

The clip used to attach the radio to yourself or your pack is a little nontraditional. Instead of using a spring-loaded clip, Rocky Talkie went with a high-quality carabiner made by the climbing company Mammut. They definitely did not skimp on quality here.

The carabiner was easy to clip onto anything. Most of the time I just clipped it onto the collar of my jacket and it stayed put. When I was wearing a pack, it clipped easily on there.

My only problem was that the radio would swing during any dynamic movement. In the end, I wish that you could go back and forth between the carabiner and a more traditional clip that would hold it more snuggly against your body or pack.

Display

There is a digital display on the front face of the radio. The minimalistic display turns off when the radio has been inactive for around 10 seconds. The display was bright enough to see even in direct sun.

I would have liked to see a couple of missing pieces of information on this screen. The first thing that is missing, and to me, the most critical, is the sub-channel or privacy channel that you are on.

The second piece of missing information is the amount of battery life left. It is possible to see how much there is by short pushing the on/off switch, but it would be nice to have that on the main screen for quick reference.

How Tough is the Rocky Talkie Radio and Can I Throw it in a Lake?

Durability/Water Resistant Score: 4.5/5

The Rocky Talkie radio has a rating of IP56. This means it is water and snow-resistant but not thoroughly waterproof. It is also rated to be dust resistant.

In real-world testing for my Rocky Talkie review, I spent many days with the radio attached to the outside of my jacket in snow storms without any problems. I *might* have even fallen several times right onto the radio without issue.

I also didn’t have any problems with durability during my testing. The thing just feels sturdy without being heavy. It has a hard inner plastic body covered by a slightly softer removable shell.

The real test is that I let my kids play with the radio and ski with it over multiple days and they did not break it or damage it in any way. After a full winter of use, it still looks brand new.

How Long Does the Battery Last

Battery Life Score: 5/5

Rocky Talkie put a 1550 mAh rechargeable battery in their radio with a stated battery life of 130 hours in standby mode. I appreciate the rechargeable battery via USB-C cable since I already have many of those sitting around my house. No need to keep track of a specific cable.

In my Rocky Talkie review, I found that the battery would last 4-5 days of skiing with moderate use.

The battery is also removable, and you can buy spares from Rocky Talkie online. The website makes it seem like this is pretty easy, but I lost one of my fingernails while getting the case off. It is doable, but I don’t plan to do it again unless I need to.

Does it Have Good Extra Features or Just Gimmicks?

Extra Features Score: 3/5

The Rocky Talkie is pretty short on extra features. Its selling point is being a high-quality walkie-talkie, not gimmicks. That being said, there are several simple features that I really liked.

Leash

The radio comes with a high-quality leash that clips on the outer case then you can clip the other end anywhere you want. I really appreciated this feature when I gave expensive radios to my two not-very-responsible children to use on a chair lift. The leash can also be removed if not needed.

I liked the leash so much that I bought two extras for other radios that I own. The leash saved them several times from falling to a cold death while riding the chair lift.

Low Voltage Mode

If you want or need to save battery life, you can reduce the transmission wattage from 2 watts to .5 watts. This does indeed save battery life but also reduces transmission range significantly.

A lapel mic does not come standard in the box but can be purchased separately if wanted.

Rocky Talkie

4.3

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Where are Rocky Talkies Made

Rocky Talkie is a small company based in Denver, Colorado. All of their radios are designed and tested there. According to their website, the actual manufacturing is done in China.

The post Rocky Talkie: a Real-World Review appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

At first glance, there can be more buttons and knobs than you may understand. But each one plays an important role that impacts your range, power, battery life, and who you’re talking to.

Knowing how to use a walkie-talkie comes down to a few simple pieces of understanding. You need to understand how to:

• use every button and dial
• turn it on
• set the frequency
• properly manage the battery power

Let’s get to it, then!

What Walkie-Talkie Buttons and Dials Do

Some walkie-talkies have two buttons and a dial, while some have a full panel of buttons and multiple knobs that can lead to a huge amount of confusion.

The most common walkie-talkies have at least some of the following controls.

How to Use a Walkie-Talkie Step-by-Step

Most walkie-talkies maintain a similar design to others. They use one knob and a few different buttons to control every function.

For many modern walkie-talkies, everything you’re controlling can be viewed on a small LED screen where you will find the battery indicator, selected channel, and other functions.

Here, we go over how to operate a walkie-talkie so you can get out and on to your next adventure without a hitch.

And by the way, if you’re looking for a good walkie-talkie, we’ve reviewed the best ones for outdoor recreation. Be sure to check that out!

1. How to turn on a walkie-talkie

Every walkie-talkie will either turn on with a knob on top of the device or with a power button on the side or face of the walkie-talkie.

For those with a knob, simply twist the knob clockwise and you will feel a click and hear a tone as the volume increases.

Using walkie-talkies with a button simply requires you to hold the power button until it powers on. This is usually indicated by an audible tone as long as the batteries aren’t dead.

2. Check battery life

Battery life is typically displayed on the screen of your walkie-talkie (if it has one). Some simple walkies have a basic LED light indicator or an audible warning when the battery is low.

I prefer to head out with a full charge, no matter what, but some people will be okay with 3 out of 4 bars of battery life.

Ensuring your battery is fully charged should always be the first step of any adventure. When you get out into the backcountry and your communication dies simply because of one bad AAA battery, you’ll never forget to charge up before leaving the house again.

3. How to set walkie-talkie frequency (channel)

The channels on your walkie-talkies are essentially just numbers set to different frequencies. If you’re operating a more high-tech walkie-talkie, you may be moving along different frequencies. But for the most part, switching channels will be how you change the walkie’s frequency.

To select the channel, simply turn the dial, or press the channel button up or down until the same channel is indicated on all the walkie-talkies in your group.

Always try to pick a channel that is free and clear with no other users in your area.

PRO TIP: Channels 1-7 and 15-22 transmit on a higher power than channels 8-14 on most walkie talkies. Stick to the higher power channels if you think you’ll need longer range, but know that it will likely consume more battery power too. If you’ll be staying within a half mile (0.8 km) of your group, you’re probably fine to stick to channels 8-14.

4. Push-to-talk

Now that you’re all synced up, it’s as easy as pushing the talk button and getting your message across.

One thing to keep in mind when you start to talk is to hold the talk button (a.k.a. push-to-talk or PTT) down for at least one second before starting to talk. This prevents any messages from getting cut off at the beginning, which happens all the time.

When talking on the radio, it’s essential to know the proper walkie-talkie etiquette to respect other radio users and get clear and concise messages to other group members.

For many walkies, the talk button will use a set level of power to put out your signal. This helps to save battery life, rather than always boosting and maximizing the radio’s range. But there always comes a time when you need to get a message past all those obstacles.

5. Boost power

This is when you utilize the walkie-talkie’s ability to boost a message. For many walkies, the boost button will be located right below the talk button so that you can hold them both at the same time.

Boosting your message will inevitably use more power than usual, so use this function only when necessary. For example, when you get out of eyesight with others and there are a lot of trees or other obstacles in your way, boost your message to ensure it gets across.

NOTE: You cannot “boost” power on channels 8-14 due to FCC rules, so it won’t work on those channels. If you think you might need to boost where you’re at (e.g. forest, mountains, urban area), choose one of the other channels in advance.

Remember that if you use the boost button, it’s going to consume more battery power. So don’t get too carried away!

RELATED: Best Long Range Two Way Radios

6. Where to keep your walkie-talkie

Now that you know how to use a walkie-talkie, you must know where to put it. This can seem like a silly thing to consider, but it can make a huge difference in a variety of situations.

For example, if your walkie-talkie is zipped in a pocket and an emergency pops up, scrambling to get it out of your pocket can delay getting the help you need. Having the radio in an easily-accessible place, like clipped to a backpack strap, makes it easy to get to when you need it most.

7 Common Mistakes You Can Avoid

There’s a learning curve when you first start using walkie-talkies. After a few outings with them, it will become second nature, but here are some common mistakes you’ll want to look out for in the beginning.

1. Avoid channel confusion

Here are some tips to make sure your walkie-talkies are keyed into the same channel as the others in your party:

• Sync up on site. Decide on channels once you’ve reached your starting destination, but before setting off on the trail or into the woods. If you choose a frequency at home, it may not be the best where you’re going.
• Choose a primary channel for your group. Choosing multiple channels in a prioritized order is a good idea in case others are in the area on the same frequency.
• Decide on a private channel. For larger groups, pre-select a second go-to channel as the ‘private’ channel for side conversations.
• Choose a backup channel. A backup channel that everyone in your party knows can become incredibly useful.

2. Confirm privacy codes

Many nicer walkie-talkies enable you to set a privacy code which are essentially sub-channels. While they provide even more options for communicating solely with your group rather than everyone else around, they can also add to the channel confusion.

If you use privacy codes, make sure your walkies are all set to the same one. These can vary by brand, some having multiple privacy codes available. A mixed fleet of different brands of walkie-talkies may struggle to find compatible privacy codes. You’ll need to reference your particular walkie’s manual to set your privacy codes.

Setting privacy codes is usually just as easy as setting your channel, but sometimes it’s unnecessary. To avoid confusion, I only switch on privacy codes when I’m in a heavily trafficked area or if I run into some interference while out and about.

In a way, privacy codes are to a channel what room numbers are to a floor on a building. There can still be other people milling about on your channel, but being in a private room reduces your chances of being disrupted.

3. Use the keypad lock

Perhaps the most common mistake is not to utilize the keypad locking feature. This prevents the walkie from switching channels or transmitting when a button mistakenly gets pushed. The keypad lock will keep you on the same frequency as your group.

Buttons get pressed all the time when you’re moving around outside. The result is a lot of radio noise filled with the rustling of one’s jacket or background conversations.

This can be hilarious. But it can also be dangerous when you need to send an urgent message but the radio waves are occupied by someone’s recollection of last weekend’s shenanigans.

It’s a good idea to turn the keypad lock on if you stick your two-way radio in a pack or pocket. Just remember to turn it off when you need to talk.

4. Check for low battery

Another big mistake is failing to check the battery before heading out. Batteries will die, especially in the cold weather, and it’s necessary to plan by checking before you go.

5. Turn up the volume

Always make sure that your volume is turned up! It can be easy to turn the walkie on and leave it be, but when a message comes in, you want to ensure that you can hear it loud and clear.

6. Have realistic range expectations

Walkie-talkies aren’t like cell phones. They operate based on line of sight, though the radio waves can penetrate some obstructions.

Within a mile or so is usually doable with most consumer-grade walkie-talkies. Up to five miles can be achieved in terrain that is not too dissected or forested, especially with a decent GMRS walkie-talkie.

However, the 15, 25, and even 35-mile range specs found on many walkie-talkie packages are based more on theoretical physics than real-world conditions. Maybe you could get that on a perfectly clear day from one mountain peak to another with zero obstructions, but don’t count on it.

If you’re planning on being separated by longer distances, looking at more long-range alternatives to walkie-talkies is always a better option.

7. Get a GMRS license, if you need one

Standard walkie-talkies that don’t require a license (FRS) are the most common ones you’ll find at outdoor retailers.

However, they are limited to a maximum power output of 2 watts, depending on the model. If they have a boost function, you’re likely going from something like 0.5 watt output to 1 watt output.

A GMRS walkie-talkie can boost power up to 50 watts and use an external antenna, though 5 watts with a built-in antenna is typical.

These generally have additional channels or frequencies available that transmit at a higher power, have greater communication range, and are less prone to interference.

But GMRS walkie-talkies require a special FCC-issued license in the US, so be sure to get that if you get GMRS-enabled walkie-talkies. They’re sold everywhere, but the fact that you need a license for them is not widely advertised.

A GMRS license costs $35, is good for 10 years, and applies to an individual and their immediate family.

Managing Battery Power

Battery life on walkie-talkies varies widely by model, battery type, and the environmental conditions you use it in, especially temperature. Here are some things you can do to get the most out of your walkie-talkie battery.

Where to carry

In the cold, you want to make sure you have your walkie-talkie right up against your body when possible. This will keep it warm, helping to extend the battery life as much as possible. For example, a chest pocket in your ski jacket is a great spot.

On the other hand, when it’s hot, keep it out of direct sunlight and outside of any container that might heat up inside.

Your backpack strap can still be a good spot if it’s shaded by a hat, but don’t leave it in a hot car or inside an airtight container in the sun like a Pelican case or bear box. The greenhouse effect and batteries are a bad combo.

Radio check-ins

When on a longer trip or working with low battery levels, I like to schedule radio check-in times with my group. This means that we don’t all need to have the walkie-talkies powered on at all times and will only turn them on to check in.

This helps significantly reduce the time the radio is powered on and saves a ton of battery since having them on all the time uses a huge amount of battery.

Multi-day trips

On multi-day trips, it’s necessary to bring spare batteries and another power source. Depending on your trip, bring some batteries, a solar charger, and maybe even a power bank to charge up beforehand so it’s ready to go when needed.

The post How to Use a Walkie-Talkie (Step-by-Step Guide with Photos) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Every piece of technology has an in-depth history of how it came to be. Like everything else, the walkie-talkie has its own fascinating, albeit complicated, history.

Today, our world is full of different technologies like the walkie-talkie that we pick up and push a button to use. But it was more challenging than pressing a button for the men and women who have made the tech world advance quickly in the last hundred years. 

The invention of the walkie-talkie is credited to multiple engineers across North America between 1936 and 1938. Donald Hings, Alfred J. Gross, and Henryk Magnuski were all working on similar projects around the same time and are all credited as the first inventors by different sources.

Back then, the walkie-talkie wasn’t a small device. It was around 17 inches tall and made of heavy metal rather than the sleek, compact, plastic designs you find today. The journey from the first-ever device to what we consider to be the best walkie-talkies today is a long one.

Who invented walkie-talkies? Trying to find the “real” walkie-talkie inventor. 

There’s a lot of confusion when you look into who invented walkie-talkies. There are three main names that come up: Alfred J. Gross, Donald Hings, and Henryk Magnuski. Each time you read about one of them, you start to think that you’ve found the true inventor. That is until you read about the next guy. 

As it turns out, there’s no clear and accurate answer to the question if you’re looking for a single person. This tech was developed by multiple people around the same time in different locations.

We’ll break it down so you can better understand how each one of these three inventors played a role in the invention of the beloved walkie-talkie. 

1. Henryk Magnuski

When looking at a timeline, Henryk was the first to have a walkie-talkie patented and in operation. His patent was granted in March  1936, the first of its kind. Even though he held the patent, he did not have a physical, functional walkie-talkie in his hands like some of the others on this list. 

Henryk went on to work for Motorola in 1939 to contribute to the development and perfection of the first “real” walkie-talkie. Don’t forget Henryk. We’ll come back to him. 

2. Donald Hings

Canadian Donald Hings created the first portable radio signaling system for the company he worked for in 1937. He called this device a “packset,” later known as a walkie-talkie. 

The packset functioned as a portable emergency radio. It turned voice into radio waves using a unique method of modulation he nicknamed “Ever Expanding.” This has been called the key to everything for future radio development. 

Hings’ C-58 packset was perfect for war. It used voice scramblers for privacy and an audio filter system so the radios could be used over the loud drum of vehicles and gunfire. There were thousands of these packsets produced at the onset of WWII. It was the popular model until Motorola came up with something even better. 

It can be said that Hings was the “true inventor” of the walkie-talkie. The truth is, there are too many different variables to choose a single inventor. Many people give credit to our next inventor, Alfred Gross, and they’re right in a way. The walkie-talkie wouldn’t be anywhere near what it is today without his influence. 

3. Alfred J. Gross

Alfred J. Gross is well known in the radio industry for multiple developments, including the walkie-talkie and Citizens’ Band (CB) radio. Gross set out to explore frequencies above 100 MHz, which had previously been unheard of. 

The Office of Strategic Services recruited him right after his patent of the first walkie-talkie in 1938. While working for the OSS, he worked on the Joan-Eleanor system, a VHF (very high frequency) ground-to-air transmission used in war and espionage efforts. 

The Joan-Eleanor system had a range of around 30 miles, making it effective for missions close to the base but unable to transmit much farther. Today, long-range two-way radios have become much more capable than that small 30-mile range. 

4. Motorola and its team of engineers

The years immediately before and during World War II saw the development of the walkie-talkie really take off. Motorola entered the story around 1939 when they took these developing technologies and brought together the best engineers in the world to improve wartime communication. 

They played a huge part in bringing about the radio and the walkie-talkie. Today, Motorola is more well-known for the phones they manufacture, but if we take a closer look, there is much more to their past.

Motorola’s Role in Walkie-Talkie History

Motorola, previously the Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, brought about the first fully-functioning walkie-talkie during World War II. Engineers like Henryk Magnuski, Marion Bond, Lloyd Morris, and Bill Vogel took on the project. What they came up with in 1940 was the SCR-300, a backpack transceiver that also got the nickname “walkie-talkie.” 

A year later, in 1941, the first handheld model was developed by Motorola. The SCR-536 was first referred to as a “handie-talkie.”

If you look into it, the definition of a walkie-talkie is usually laid out as a handheld, portable two-way radio. With that definition, the first-ever walkie-talkie would not actually be considered one today. The SCR-300 was held in a backpack, while the SCR-536 was actually able to be held in one hand while in use. 

The History of the Walkie-Talkie: A Timeline

The post Fast Facts About the Men Who Invented Walkie Talkies appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Walkie-talkies often fail to carry enough power to provide a long range of transmission or the ability to get around certain obstacles. There are plenty of alternatives to using a walkie-talkie or even any two-way radio that can fill in the gaps where walkie-talkies fall short.

The best alternatives for walkie-talkies are CB radios, ham radios, smartphone apps, or push-to-talk relay devices. Each one of these alternatives has an area in which it shines. By learning each alternative’s technical specs and function, you can get the best device for your exact use.

Best Walkie-Talkie Alternatives

Walkie-Talkie

While we’re looking at walkie-talkie alternatives, we need to also look at the walkie-talkie itself. These have been around for so long, and many people swear by them. They’re great for specific purposes but have limitations in certain areas.

Walkie-talkies are a great pick for when you want something easy to use over a short range without any access to WiFi or cellular data towers.

However, they come up short in many ways, and where other devices tend to do much better. Walkie-talkies are great for short-range communication, but there are a few long-range options that are worth looking at as well.

Pros

• Portable and lightweight
• Durable and weatherproof models
• Easy to use
• Direct and immediate communication
• Emergency services
• No need for towers

Cons

• Limited range
• Need to recharge
• Can be expensive
• Obstacles interfere with transmission

Range

• Up to 30 miles in a direct line
• Average range of 5 miles or less

Frequency

• 462.5625 to 462.7250 MHz

License Required

• No for FRS (Family Radio Service) channels under 1-watt transmission power
• Yes, for GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)

CB Radio

The Citizen Band (CB) radio is what you see truckers use. It’s similar to what the police and other emergency services use in their vehicles as well. However, law enforcement and emergency radios work on a dedicated bandwidth that is not open to the public. CB radios are on an open frequency that anyone can use.

Typically, a CB is a control box with a handset attached to it that operates over a shorter distance.

These are simple to use and allow for accessible communication in larger teams that aren’t moving on foot. The CB radio doesn’t need to be portable, and anyone can use them without a license.

The biggest drawback is that they are fixed into a car, on a desk, or at some other base station so they can have access to an antenna and power for being boosted.

Pros

• No license required
• Easy to use while driving
• 40 channels

Cons

• Fixed location
• Not made for rough use
• Need an antenna

Range

• Averages 10-15 miles
• Maximum 50 miles with base

Frequency

• 40 Channels between 26.965 MHz and 27.405 MHz

License Required

• No

Ham Radio

Have you ever been driving down the highway and seen cars with massive antennas on the roof? Or do you have a reclusive neighbor with a 20-foot-tall radio tower in his backyard?

The best bet is that they’re ham radio users. Ham radio is an amateur or non-commercial radio that is a hobby for most people but can be used in major emergencies when everything else is shut down. They can be large, permanently installed devices, but there are also mobile ham radios.

Ham radio users (hammers) have come to the rescue in natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Maria. They make it easy to communicate with emergency teams due to the massive systems that people have built in their own homes.

It’s easy to say that ham radios are the best for emergency preparedness. Even handheld ham radios can reach up to 50 miles, which far outweighs the range of a walkie-talkie. With a complete system, people can talk to astronauts in the space station!

Pros

• Massive range (even to space!)
• Operates on up to 1500 watts legally
• More structured communication

Cons

• Expensive gear for a good system
• Requires license
• Long-range ham radios are not portable

Range

• Handheld: 1-20 miles
• Mobile: 5-1200 miles
• Base station: 50-2500 miles

Frequency

• 1.6 MHz to 1240 MHz

License Required

• Yes (for Amateur Radio Service)

Shortwave Radio

People have been sending messages abroad with shortwave radios since the 1920s. This radio-style operates in high-frequency ranges, allowing access to an incredible range.

The science behind it all is fascinating. Because of the radio waves’ length, they can bounce off the ionosphere, a layer of electrically charged atoms in the atmosphere, and come back to earth. This process is called skip propagation.

This ability to move a great distance is one reason shortwave radios are often used for radio programs trying to reach mass audiences. They can be a good alternative to walkie-talkies if you are trying to communicate globally but they aren’t capable of being very portable.

Pros

• Massive range
• Utilizes skip propagation to maximize range

Cons

• Use too much power for a handheld device

Range

• Theoretically limitless

Frequency

• 3 MHz to 30 MHz

License Required

• Yes (same as for Ham radio)

Smartphone Apps

Because almost everyone already carries around a communication device in their pockets, many smartphone apps have been developed to function as walkie-talkies. Some have multiple additional features that make them more attractive than others, like ALO which can receive messages from a desktop so it’s a favorite of business workers.

Other apps like Voxer, HeyTell, and Zello are some better-known walkie-talkie apps available on different platforms. Some of these come with different features like a $3 voice-changing addition, but they will also function as simple audio communication devices.

There are other features like location sharing, group channels, and specialized topic groups to join for discussion. The apps are a great choice if you’re looking to communicate as if you’re using a walkie-talkie but don’t want the hassle of buying a whole new device.

Pros

• No need to purchase new devices (as long as you already own a smartphone)
• Works with any internet connection
• Has many new features not found on two-way radios
• Several apps available

Cons

• Requires WiFi or cellular connection
• Other users must also have the same app
• Not as customizable

Range

• Because it uses WiFi, there is no range

Frequency

• 4G, LTE, and WiFi

Relay

There’s always new tech coming out that’s exciting, but the Relay is a new gadget that people absolutely love. This tiny box is a simple push-to-talk walkie-talkie, but is far more compact and easy to use. Because it operates on a 4G LTE or WiFi connection, it works with unlimited channels, and functions anywhere you can get a cellular connection.

The Relay was designed to be a way for parents to communicate with their kids without buying them a phone. The little box is small, lightweight, and only has a single button to communicate with.

Ever since its introduction, hospitality and construction workers have taken to it. It allows for easy communication without looking away from what you’re doing.

On top of the ease, it also has GPS enabled so you don’t have to worry about losing it or the person it’s with.

Pros

• Easy to use
• One touch function
• GPS tracking
• Lightweight, compact, and durable
• Multiple accessories available

Cons

• Requires WiFi or cellular connection

Range

• Because it uses WiFi, there is no range

Frequency

• 4G, LTE, and WiFi

What can replace a walkie-talkie?

The walkie-talkie comes up short in a lot of areas. For example, when you’re looking for something that can reach further than the maximum walkie’s distance of around 30 miles (in perfect conditions), you simply need a different tool.

Many devices can replace a walkie-talkie and pick up where it falls short. Ham radios are potentially the best alternative for walkie-talkies when you want to stick to radio frequencies, but with emerging technology, it’s hard to say you shouldn’t move away from that.

If you’re ready to move away from utilizing radio waves, smartphone apps and new devices like the Relay can make for the best alternatives to walkie-talkies.

Apps like Zello, Voxer, and HeyTell are all great choices to bring two-way communication to your smartphone or computer. Many of these apps allow you to send short voice messages along with text and images for diverse communication options.

The Relay is the closest alternative to a walkie-talkie, but it works off WiFi and cellular data. It’s a perfect replacement for a walkie-talkie because of its simplicity, function, and durability. Since it uses the internet to move audio, it does not need a bulky transmitter. This makes it a favorite for anyone wanting something lightweight and portable.

Walkie-Talkie Advantages

You can’t ignore the benefits that walkie-talkies bring with them. They’ve been around for ages and are a favorite for many professions and recreators to have reliable communication when access to cell phones and radio towers is limited.

There are many advantages of walkie talkies such as:

• Portability
• Designed for rough use in tough conditions
• Simplicity
• Access to weather and emergency channels
• No need for an internet connection or proximity to towers
• Direct and immediate communication

While new tech is coming around, the traditional walkie-talkie still stands strong as one of the best options for certain activities.

For example, when you go out skiing, you need reliable communication with those on your team. The harsh conditions that skiing can bring with it means you could easily smash your phone while taking a glove off to use it, or you could fumble with a handheld ham radio with its complexity.

Sometimes walkie talkies are the best.

FAQs

What’s the most powerful two-way radio?

Ham radios are by far the most powerful two-way radios out there. Some of these radios can put out 1500 watts of power when attached to a base. This far outweighs any other options and provides a massive available range.

Are two-way radios or walkie-talkies better?

Two-way radios and walkie-talkies are the same but different. Walkie-talkies are portable and handheld two-way radios that allow for only a single transmission at a time. Many other two-way radios function for longer distances, but walkie-talkies are your best option for short-range, portable communication.

What’s the most powerful walkie-talkie without a license?

Most of the best walkie-talkies will use up to 2 watts of power, while handheld ham radios can use up to 5 watts. However, broadcasting on any ham radio requires a license granted by the FCC. Any walkie-talkie that uses 2 watts will be the most powerful walkie-talkie you can use without a license.

Can a smartphone be used as a walkie-talkie?

Smartphones now have many applications that allow them to function like walkie-talkies. That being said, a walkie-talkie is strictly defined as a handheld and portable two-way radio that operates on radio frequencies. So yes, a smartphone can be used as a walkie-talkie, but can not be called one.

Is there a Wi-Fi walkie-talkie?

The Relay is a new tech device that is essentially a WiFi walkie-talkie. It uses both cellular data and wireless internet to broadcast audio to other devices it’s connected to. Many other walkie-talkies operate on WiFi, but the Relay is the most unique.

The post What’s Better Than Walkie Talkies? (5 Long-Range Alternatives) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

All walkie-talkies are two-way radios, but not all two-way radios are walkie-talkies. There are a few main differences that make a clear distinction between the two things.

What type of radio is a walkie-talkie?

The terms “two-way radios” and “walkie-talkies” are often used interchangeably, but this isn’t always the case. A two-way radio is simply a radio that can both receive and transmit signals.

Walkie-talkies receive and transmit signals, so they are a type of two-way radio. However, a handful of key features distinguish walkie-talkies from other two-way radios.

• A walkie-talkie is portable
• A walkie-talkie is handheld
• A walkie-talkie only allows one person to transmit at a time

Walkie-talkies are also cheaper, have fewer features, and have a shorter range than most two-way radios.

Think about the name. If you can walk and talk with your two-way radio, it’s probably a walkie-talkie.

Both terms can fit together at times, but some two-way radios, like desk radios, ham radios, or vehicle-mounted radios aren’t handheld and portable so they can’t be considered walkie-talkies.

Many two-way radios are made for specific purposes like emergency response, law enforcement, or other government uses. These will often be tuned to licensed radio frequencies that are not open to the public. On the other hand, walkie-talkies are built on public frequencies open to civilian use.

Walkie-talkies, and other two-way radios, have a strict protocol that exists to make communication as clear as possible. Many two-way radios are used in emergency services, so knowing the correct walkie-talkie lingo will help in any situation.

How does a two-way radio work?

As we mentioned, two-way radios can send and receive radio signals. You may also stumble across the term transceiver. It’s a combination of transmitting and receiving, or in other words, a two-way radio.

This dual-purpose functionality sets them apart from a typical radio system that will only receive signals and give you the music for your morning commute.

Without trying to complicate it even further, there are two different modes that two-way radios can operate in.

1. Half duplex is when the radio sends and receives signals one at a time.
2. Full duplex refers to the radio that will be both receiving and transmitting simultaneously.

With walkie-talkies, you need to remain in “receive mode” to hear messages coming in. If you push the talk button, the incoming message will be immediately cut off. That means walkie-talkies (most of them) are operating on a half-duplex system.

Personal Radio Services Explained

All two-way radios, including walkie-talkies, operate on Personal Radio Services. PRS is communication happening on short-range, low-power communication with devices that can operate on either a one or two-way system.

There are multiple types of personal radio services: Citizen Band (CB), Family Radio Service (FRS), General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), Multi-use Radio Service (MRS), and Low Power Radio Service (LPRS).

If you’re diving deep into it here, the two main things to keep in mind are that you need a license from the FCC to utilize devices that operate on the GMRS, and LPRS can only be used with one-way devices.

One of the main advantages of using a two-way radio over something like a cell phone is that you don’t need a tower nearby in order to use it. Two-way radios send their signals directly rather than bouncing off another transceiver first. In remote areas, a two-way radio will be significantly more reliable than a cell phone.

Bringing both the transceiver and receiver together into the same place as the communicator is exactly where the history of two-way radios begins. It’s one piece of tech that’s been around since the early 1900s that is still incredibly reliable rather than outdated.

Can you use any two-way radio as a walkie-talkie?

There are loads of different two-way radios out there, but as we’ve mentioned, each one isn’t considered a walkie-talkie. Try to think of “two-way radios” as an umbrella term for various radios. Walkie-talkies just happen to sit underneath that umbrella, alongside other radios.

There are three main types of two-way radios: handheld, mobile, and base stations.

Many two-way radios are mounted in vehicles (think truck drivers or police cruisers). Not fitting into your hand immediately disqualifies these from being considered walkie-talkies. Even some ham radios are more “portable” but aren’t handheld, disqualifying them as well.

There are, however, handheld ham radios that would make the cut as a form of a walkie-talkie.

Then there are base stations that can’t move around or fit into your hand. These are found in places like dispatch stations for emergency services. There’s more access to a larger transmitter/receiver, so these will have much larger ranges.

This is all to say, no, not all two-way radios can be used as walkie-talkies. Many have been adapted to fit into your hand, but not all of them will ever make it that far. Ham radios and many emergency services need a massive antenna to reach as far as possible, which can’t be folded up and tucked into your backpack like a walkie-talkie can.

What is the difference between a one-way and a two-way radio?

One-way and two-way radios have their time and place to shine, but they are entirely different. A one-way radio will only receive or transmit a radio signal. It can’t do both.

Think about the radio in your car. You can’t send a message back to whoever is bringing you the top 100 pop tunes of the season, which means it’s a one-way radio.

The post Key Differences Between Walkie Talkies and Two-Way Radios appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

When I was younger and unattached, it didn’t seem like that big of a deal and I would leave for weeks on end with no way to ask for help if it was needed and no one to look for me if I didn’t come back.

As I have grown older, gotten married, and had kids, I still go out by myself but I have felt the need to narrow the safety margins.  

One of the ways I have done that is to take a satellite communication device with me. Not only for my peace of mind but also for the peace of mind of my very patient and long-suffering wife.

I find the Zoleo to be an effective and lightweight communication device when there is no cell coverage. The device is easy to set up and use and provides peace of mind on trips into the wild. 

I bought my Zoleo device about a year and a half ago, and I paid for the subscription. Since then, I have used the device on any trip that takes me out of cell coverage.

ZOLEO Satellite Communicator

$199.00

View on Amazon View at Optics Planet

08/16/2023 07:25 am GMT

Compare prices at: Sportsman’s Guide, Sportsman’s Warehouse

The Device

The device is small and lightweight and comes with 3 buttons and 4 lights. The buttons include an on/off switch, a check-in button, and an SOS button.

The device is tough and I have seen no significant issues with it over the past year and a half, and I am pretty tough on gear.  

Its shape is convenient for storage and there are no awkward antennas or other weird angles to get in the way.

I routinely put it in a small pocket of my running pack and forgot that it was there. In fact, one day I brought it to work in my front pocket and accidentally carried it there all day without realizing it.

Battery Life

Zoleo claims 200 hours of battery life and I have no evidence to contradict that. I have taken it on week-long trips, and it had plenty of battery life at the end. I don’t usually leave it on the whole time, which helps me conserve energy.

Several things will take away from the battery life. Using it to track your location every 6 minutes will drain the battery much faster. Another thing to note is that the more the device communicates with your phone, the faster your phone battery will run down.

Charging is simple and fast using a micro-USB cable.

Satellite

The Zoleo uses the Iridium satellite constellation. It consists of 66 low-orbit satellites. Iridium is the most trusted communication satellite, and its website states that they cover the whole earth, including the poles.

While the satellites cover everywhere, it should be noted that there are certain places where they will not work due to U.S. embargos. So, if you are planning a backpacking trip to North Korea or Iran, you are out of luck.

In my experience, the satellite coverage has been good, and I have not had any problems connecting my device. For the most part, the signal has been strong, and I have not had any issues sending or receiving messages while in the field.

The app will tell you how strong the connection is, and there are several things you can do to improve the connection. 

The device should be used face up. Even though I am sure that it doesn’t actually help, it always makes me feel better to hold it over my head.

In all seriousness, the device should have a clear view of the sky. Trees and tall cliffs can interfere with the signal. Also, it should go without saying that it works better clipped to the outside of the pack and not shoved in the bottom.

Set-Up

I will be honest, I don’t remember all of the details since it was a year and a half ago. I am not the most technically proficient person in the world, but the process was easy to do. It does require that you download the app and connect the app to the Zoleo device using Bluetooth.

While setting it up, you are prompted to input several emergency contacts. These are the contacts that will be notified in case of an emergency, receive check-ins, and can track the optional bread crumb trail.

The device will also be issued a phone number. You will get an e-mail address to use in conjunction with the device. The phone number can be given out like any other so that people can contact you through the device.

My only piece of advice is to send a practice message before a trip into the backcountry. It is also essential to put your phone into airplane mode to force the device to use the satellite.

My first attempt to send a message on a trip was unsuccessful, and I had to tweak some settings when I got back into service to make it work. Since then, I have not had any problems.  

Messaging

Messaging is where this device shines. The Zoleo PR team touts the seamless nature of the messaging experience, and in my experience, it’s not far off. To use the device as a messaging tool you must download the app. The functionality is very limited without it.  

Once in the app, you can import all of your contacts, plus input any number or e-mail to message. Messages are limited to 160 characters for text messages and 200 for e-mails. If, however, you are messaging someone else with the Zoleo app, the number of characters allowed goes up significantly.

Now to the seamless part. You can send messages via cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite through the app.

For example, say you are hiking or driving through an area that goes in and out of cellular coverage. You will send and receive messages from the most convenient source on the same app. The app prioritizes cellular and Wi-Fi only reverting to satellite when nothing else is available.

This is important because each message sent over satellite counts against you. Messages over Wi-Fi and cellular don’t count and are unlimited. This will make more sense later on when we talk about the subscription.

While this works pretty seamlessly, it is not quite the same as messaging on your phone. While in the backcountry using satellite coverage, the messaging has some lag time. This depends on how good of a satellite connection you have.

Also, the device itself has a window in which it will look for incoming messages. If you are expecting a message, you can force it to look, but otherwise it checks every 8 minutes for you.

Check-In

Zoleo can send a check-in message. The message is canned and unchangeable. The check-in message will also send a GPS location to the recipient with a link to a map so that the person that receives the message can see where you are. The map feature can be turned off if you don’t want anyone to know your location.

This is one area of the experience that I think could be better. It would be nice to be able to customize the message beforehand. The other thing to remember is that the message goes to the preprogrammed contact that you already inputted. You cannot change these contacts once you are in the field and out of cell coverage. 

Tracking

Tracking is a new function for Zoleo. For an extra $6 per month, you can leave a bread crumb trail for someone to follow back home. This is a check-in that you can schedule to happen every hour, half hour, 12 minutes, or 6 minutes.

These come to the recipients as text messages where they can open the map, and your preset contacts can check to see where you are. Each check-in is labeled 1 through however many there are.

I turned on this feature for a run that I did, and it seemed to work ok but did have some problems. The terrain that I was moving through was flat with no tree cover. I ran for about 6 hours and started at 1-hour intervals, then moved down to 30 minutes, then 12, then 6 throughout the run.

As you can see, points 2 and 3 are right on top of each other even though I was moving consistently for that hour. This seems to have resolved itself, and the rest looks reasonable. It should be noted that I had the device inside my pack despite the advice that I gave in this article.

To receive messages and access the map, the contact that you are sending these to needs to have the Zoleo app loaded on their phone.

For the most part, I am not a big fan of this feature due to several bad experiences that I had with another device years ago, but it is nice that they added it for those who want it. I turned it back off after my test. It just isn’t worth $6 per month to me.

SOS

Being able to call for help in the field is a huge advantage for solo travelers and groups alike and is one of the core features of the Zoleo device. Luckily, I have not had to use this feature myself.

The feature does seem easy to use and can be accessed from the device itself or the app. A flap well covers the SOS button on the device. In the time that I have carried the device, I have never had the flap come open or had an accidental SOS button push.

Once the SOS button is pressed, a message is sent to the International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC). This center is open 24/7 and can coordinate rescues in any part of the world where Zoleo works. Once again, if you are in the Gaza Strip or Chechnya, you are on your own.

Using the app opens two-way communications with the IERCC and updates your position every 6 minutes. Additionally, texts sent or received from the IERCC do not count against your monthly allotment.  

Being able to communicate the type of emergency and the condition of the group is a great way to speed up rescue and make sure that the appropriate resources are sent. This is a great advantage to have over a one-way communication device. 

Additionally, according to Zoleo’s website, the IERCC will contact at least one of your emergency contacts, tell them what is going on, and try to get whatever information they can to help with the rescue.

It sounds like they call the contacts randomly until they get an answer. It would be nice if I could order the contacts myself or prioritize them somehow.

One interesting side note is that, through IERCC’s website, you can schedule a practice SOS if you want. I have not done this, but it is available.

I hope that you never have to use the SOS button, but it is nice to know that it is there. But if you do have to use it, don’t worry. The SOS instructions are written on the back of the device itself. This would be handy in an emergency.

Weather Forecast

The Zoleo device can download a weather report for the area that you are in. Dark Sky powers the forecast. 

It gives current conditions, what to expect in the next 12 hours in 2-hour increments, and a 5-day forecast.

I often forget about this feature and have not used it much over the past year and a half. It should be noted that each time you download a weather forecast, it costs you a message. 

No Phone No Problem (Kind Of)

The Zoleo Satellite device is best used with the cell phone app. However, if your cell phone battery dies prematurely, don’t worry. You can still use the device, kind of.

While the device has no screen, there are several buttons and lights that give it some functionality. There are, in fact, exactly 2 messages that can be sent without a phone.

The first message is a check-in and the second is an SOS. It is nice to be able to tell someone that you are safe or call for help if needed. However, without a phone, it becomes a one-way message device as there is no way to receive a message.

The lights and tones on the device help tell if the message went through. There are various combinations, so it might be helpful to keep the handy guide that comes in the box until you have it figured out.

This functionality was a big selling point for me after a long day in the Pine Valley Mountains of Southern Utah when my cell phone died. For several reasons, I was about 5 hours late coming back from a day trip. This left my mom worried and my dad sitting at the trailhead for 5 hours waiting to pick me up.

I was worried that I would run into search and rescue around every corner. This could have been fixed with a device that could send an all-good without my phone.

Price and Plans

Note: All pricing mentioned below was accurate at the time of writing, but may change.

ZOLEO Satellite Communicator

$199.00

View on Amazon View at Optics Planet

08/16/2023 07:25 am GMT

Compare prices at: Sportsman’s Guide, Sportsman’s Warehouse

The device itself retails for $199.00, making it relatively inexpensive. However, it does have a $20.00 setup fee and then a monthly subscription. The plans are fairly straightforward to understand, and it depends on how much you plan on using the device.

The first plan is the basic plan for $20.00 per month. It comes with 25 messages, with each additional message costing 50 cents. Messages sent over Wi-Fi and cellular do not count against your 25 messages and are free.

The next plan up is called the In Touch plan and is $35.00 per month. It is more or less the same, except you get 250 messages a month.

The last plan is Unlimited and costs $50.00 per month. As you might have guessed, you get unlimited messages per month.

You can also buy more messages in a month for a set fee if you feel like you need more. The tracking service is an add-on fee of $6.00 per month for all plans.

Which Plan is Right for You?

Two things to consider as you decide which plan is right for you.  

First, everything that comes in or out over satellite counts as a message. Whether it’s reports, texts going in, texts going out, or check-ins, they all count as a message. This can add up pretty fast. The only thing that doesn’t count is SOS messages back and forth with IERCC.

The second thing is that you can suspend your account any time you want for $4 a month. This makes the device dormant and unusable even for an SOS. But it allows you to keep your phone number and e-mail address, and you don’t have to pay the $20.00 setup fee when you restart the service.

I have the basic service, and it works well for me. I try not to send too many messages, and I have yet to go over them.  

One of the things that I think is missing from the app is a way to track the number of messages that you are using. There is no way to know that you are running out of messages until Zoleo sends you a message asking if you want to buy more. A countdown widget on the app would be useful.

Conclusion

There is nothing worse than needing help and not being able to communicate. It is also no fun to be the one waiting at home for someone who is late and has no idea what is going on and cannot communicate with them.

The Zoleo Satellite Communication device is a great way to fill gaps where there is no cellular coverage.

I tend to overestimate my ability and underestimate how long things will take me. As a result, I am constantly getting home late from trips.

Having the Zoleo has provided peace of mind not only to myself but also to my patient wife. It has worked consistently and effectively for me, and I never go anywhere with spotty cellular coverage without it.

I highly recommend the Zoleo Satellite Communication device to anyone who regularly heads off into the wild.

The post ZOLEO Satellite Communicator Review appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

The SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show) is the biggest tradeshow for hunting and shooting sports as well as the tactical, law enforcement, and overall gun industry. It’s an industry only event that’s not open to the general public and it’s oozing with beards, bullets and bravado. This is where buyers for major outdoor retailers come to meet with brands big and small to sniff the new stuff and sign deals.

Every major gun maker, ammo manufacturer, and innovator in the hunting industry is here, and this is where they often announce and release new products. There are way too many to cover them all, but here are some of our favorite finds from brands you know as well as some small businesses we should all support.

Browning X-Bolt Speed SR Rifle

Browning is a big fish when it comes to hunting rifles and gear in general. They recently retired the popular Hells Canyon lineup and replaced it with a new generation of speed guns. A new camo print, a beautiful light bronze barrel finish, and an updated stock with more ergonomic grips set these hunting rifles a part. And for the more technical hunters, these barrels are machined differently to better accommodate suppressors without giving up too much velocity.

Retay Masai Mara Shotgun

Retay shotguns come out of Turkey and they have a few unique and patented features that make them different from the big brands. Their Inertia Plus system ensures the action fully locks up no matter how softly you release it, which prevents rattle and misfires from jarred actions. Their barrels are deep bore drilled instead of hammer forged so they’re dead straight. And what I found really cool on this high-end model was the feature that lets you remove the entire trigger group in about two seconds. All the parts in the trigger assembly are aluminum, no plastic. So if you drop your gun in the muck, you can very quickly remove the trigger assembly, clean it out with water in the field, and be back to shooting within seconds. Very easy and very cool!

eBikes from Eunorau and More

We were blown away by the number of eBike companies exhibiting at SHOT Show. These near-silent, stealthy, fat tire vehicles have certainly started making waves among hunters. While Rambo Bikes was there in force, we were impressed by the specs and price points of lesser known brands like Eunorau, Backou, and QuietKat to name a few. The pictured Eunorau Defender S retails for under $3,000 and it has dual batteries, dual motors, and is full-suspension. That’s an all-wheel drive fat tire bike that more people can afford!

Swagger Bipods

Most rifle bipods seem to be designed more for the competitive shooter in mind and turn out to be more cumbersome for hunting than they are helpful. Swagger bipods are different. They are lightweight and they move differently. Their unique springy design means you don’t have to twist or clamp anything to adjust the rifle position. Instead of trying to adjust your body to the bipod to line up your shot, you can stay put and simply adjust the rifle position to your body. I’m looking forward to trying it out.

Eberlestock Hunting Apparel

Straight out of our very own Idaho, Eberlestock is a growing brand. Known for their tactical and hunting packs, they are now expanding into full on apparel for hunters. While they are made primarily for western big game hunters, some of their camo patterns would do well with waterfowl and any of it could be used for whitetail hunting. The outerwear feels good to the touch and we expect it will be an affordable option for the everyday hunter.

Covert Optics ThermX TRF Thermal Rangefinder

Feradyne Outdoors has a number of different product lines from cross bows to trail cameras and more. We got a peek at the unique Covert Optics ThermX TRF thermal rangefinder that is great as a handheld optic or mounted on a bow or crossbow. Rather than destroying your night vision by putting your eye up to the optic to see the image, you simply view from several inches away. With a reticle you can turn on or off and a range of 1600 yards, this is a highly versatile tool.

LyteHorse Stand-up Electric ATV

I though I’d seen every EV idea come to life already, but LyteHorse proved me wrong with their stand-up electric ATV. What separates it from any old four-wheeler is that it’s electric and you stand up. So the rider has a better vantage point, but you can still ride on any terrain. Each wheel has its own motor and battery and the suspension is extremely cush. Their aiming this product at law enforcement, hunters, and even military for all-terrain applications where you need stealth and to get on and off quickly. We’re looking forward to them visiting Idaho so we can take it to the hills and give it a full review!

Savior Equipment Gun Cases

I don’t own any of these gun cases yet, but I expect I will soon. Savior Equipment makes high quality cases and sells them at low prices on Amazon and elsewhere. They use materials like 600D polyester instead of nylon so your guns don’t get scuffed up. And they even make TSA-approved hard cases shaped like guitar cases but with cutouts for your guns so you can travel discretely. Having touched and felt several of their products the day I wrote this, I was impressed by the build quality and am looking forward to some hands-on reviews soon.

Barra PCP Air Rifle

Barra makes a lot of sexy airguns from cowboy models to pistols. They’ve now come out with a new PCP air rifle that is very well built and could provide real utility for hunting small game. Once you charge the high pressure reservoir you’ve got about 30 high-powered shots before you need to refill with air. The magazine holds 10 rounds and the action is all metal, so now cheap plastic parts that are bound to break. While it’s not as cheap as a lot of typical break barrels, this air rifle looks like a lot of fun.

Blackhound Evolve Rifle Scopes

Optics, optics, optics. So many optics at SHOT Show! Blackhound is a brand we hadn’t heard of before but we were impressed by their clear, high-quality Japanese glass. They own their own manufacturing facilities and do all the design in the US, so quality control appears to be a priority. Their Evolve line is their mid-grade product and has great specs for the typical deer hunter. Competitive on price, rings or cantilever included, and a lifetime guarantee make this an intriguing optics brand we are eager to try out.

Stone Glacier Backcountry Outerwear

Straight out of Bozeman, Montana, Stone Glacier is all about hardcore backcountry sheep and goat hunts. They make technical apparel from high-end materials, ultralight tents, and packs that were built with the hunter in mind. Keep an eye out for this stuff if you’re into technical gear and difficult hunts.

Klymit Klymaloft Sleeping Pad

I learned about Klymit when they were just starting out and they won an entrepreneurship competition in college. They’ve come a long way and now they’re known for ultralight backpacking and camping gear, especially everything you need to sleep outside. The Klymaloft Sleeping Pad is plush without the lard and I think it’s worth a close look if you like to sleep well but travel light.

Yukon Outfitters Waterproof Floating Gun Case

The product name may not be sexy, but at least you know exactly what it does. This Yukon utilitarian gun case is well-made, waterproof, and yeah, it floats even with a gun inside. It retails for $69 and I think it makes a lot of sense for any hunter who wants to protect their shotgun or rifle without the bulk (and cost) of a hard case. If your a waterfowler, it’s a no-brainer. I’ll be picking one up myself.

Spypoint Flex Cellular Trail Camera

Trail cameras were abundant at SHOT Show and the Flex is a new product from Spypoint out of Quebec, Canada. They tried to take the hassle of configuring the cellular connectivity out of the mix on this product by having it all ready to go right out of the box. It comes with SIM cards from both AT&T and Verizon pre-installed and they manage the cell plan for you so you don’t have to mess with the cell carriers directly. You get 100 free thumbnails per month or you pay for monthly, quarterly, or annual plans. And what’s nice about this one is it will use either Verizon or AT&T depending on whichever carrier has the best service where you mount it. Seems pretty user friendly.

Browning 1911-380 Pistol

Another gem from Browning is this new 1911 style handgun in .380 auto. This is a compact 1911 that is lightweight and feels really good in the hand. Small enough to conceal or easily carry as a sidearm on a hunt, this gun looks like a real nice addition to the gun cabinet.

Recommended reading:

What Do Hunters Hunt the Most? (Most Hunted Game Animals in the US)

Something fun: 10 Best Hunting Shows on TV and Streaming (Where To Watch)

The post 15 New Guns, Gadgets & Gear for Hunters at SHOT Show 2022 appeared first on Outdoor Empire.