Top 3 Best Two Way Radios For Mountains In 2025

 

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Are you planning your next adventure into the mountains and looking for the best 2 ways radios to stay connected in the rugged terrain?

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of two-way radios, perfect for those who love exploring the great outdoors. Our focus is on providing you with honest, unbiased advice so you can choose with confidence. Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or enjoying any mountainous activity, staying in touch with your group is crucial for safety and coordination.

From a budget-friendly model that defies its price tag with toughness and durability, to a premium option that offers unparalleled clarity and range, even in the most challenging conditions. And, we’ll unveil our top pick, a model that stands out for its robust build, exceptional waterproofing, and crystal-clear communication capabilities, making it the ultimate companion for hiking, skiing, or any mountain adventure.

So let’s start!

Number 3. Cobra RX680 – Best Budget Two-way Radio For Mountains

Those who want a budget but tough radio to take along when hiking on mountains should consider the Cobra RX680 walkie-talkie. Cobra claims that this FRS transceiver is a tough cookie and can handle itself even with rugged use.

The protection rating for this radio is IP54 which means that it is technically water-resistant, not waterproof. Practically speaking, it is splashproof and will be okay with some water exposure.

Using it in light rain should be acceptable. However, a heavy downpour or any circumstance where the radio falls into water can lead to water damage.

The lithium polymer battery is a highlight of the Cobra RX680. Most walkie-talkies continue to rely on NiMH batteries. So, this radio with a better battery is more attractive.

Even with the powerful battery, the radio limits its output power to under 2W. This is the maximum power output allowed for FRS radios under FCC guidelines. Also, FRS walkie-talkies must rely on line-of-sight communication, which means the range is limited.

Cobra RX680 claims a communication range of an impressive 38 miles. Most FRS radios make such claims but this stands true only under ideal conditions where the terrain is favorable and there are no trees, buildings, or other obstacles.

For practical use, you should expect a range of around 1 mile, which can vary depending on local conditions.

Coming back to the battery, it can keep the radio powered for about 18 hours of normal use. That should be enough for a day. It’s worth noting, “normal” use, means that the radio stays on standby for 90% of the time. For most users, this scenario is the usual case, but increased time transmitting or receiving will cut into the battery power pretty quickly.

The radio also has some interesting features that aren’t often available in walkie-talkies. These include Cobra’s patented vibralert function where the radio users are alerted to incoming communication or calls through vibration.

The built-in LED flashlight is fairly bright and can come in handy if you’re out hiking and it also includes an SOS mode that can be activated at the touch of a button. Both these features are useful when you’re hiking on a mountain.

Overall Cobra RX680 is a decent walkie talkie with many useful features like SOS mode and vibrating alerts. Its cleaner, more modern look is likable. But most of all, it’s useful for running utilizing lithium batteries, rather than staying with old-fashioned NiMH batteries.

NUMBER 2. Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0 – Best Premium two-way Radio For Mountains

Backcountry Access BCA Link 2.0 is somewhat unique compared to other FRS two-way radios. It comes in two parts; the smart microphone and the radio unit. When put together, they form a functioning radio. They don’t function independently.

To work on this radio, you attach the mic connector to the base unit and secure it in place with a screw. While this overall setup is unusual, it comes in handy for outdoor uses.

Basically, you could put the base unit in a backpack and place the microphone somewhere convenient like the shoulder. If you intend to use this two-way radio, remember that you’ll need something to secure the base unit and the microphone.

BCA Link 2.0 is geared towards outdoor use. Apart from normal hiking use, you could also use it for cycling, kayaking, and similar activities. However, the key focus of BCA Link 2.0 is winter sports like skiing and snowboarding on mountains.

To that end, the radio is resilient to snow. The microphone works pretty well even if there’s some accumulation of snow. To work as intended in such a situation, the radio needs to be waterproof and BCA Link 2.0 is rated IP56 which means that it’s dustproof and waterproof.

One of the notable changes from Backcountry Access Link 1 to the new model, the Link 2 is that the microphone now hosts a better speaker.

The speaker covers the bulk of the microphone. There’s a large PTT button on the side and two knobs. One of these manages the volume and power, while the other provides quick access to preset channels.

There’s also room for an earphone jack on the microphone, should you choose to use your own headset. Two LEDs on the smart mic deal with the transmit light and power light.

On the base unit, the small screen shows the channel, privacy code, and battery percentage. It also includes a few control buttons, antenna, and a microUSB port to charge the battery.

The two ways radio draws its power from a 2300mAh Li-ion battery and it can stay active for several days on a full charge. It performs remarkably well even in cold temperatures, partly because this FRS radio is designed for use with snow sports.

The maximum transmit power output is 2W, which is also the maximum allowed by the FCC for FRS radios.

As for range, the company claims 40 miles but again this isn’t possible in most scenarios for this or any other FRS radio. The practical range is about 2 miles – and even that’s being generous.

In conclusion this is an impressive radio in terms of voice clarity, ease of use, and build quality and is one of the best options if you intent to take it with you when hiking or doing any winter sports on the mountains.

Number 1. DeWALT DXFRS800 – Our Top Choice

DeWalt DXFRS800 is a radio aimed at business users, though, of course, anyone can use them. The Unique Selling Proposition here becomes evident at first glance – it’s a rugged radio that’s built to last and handle rough usage.

Its antenna is short and stubby and the radio’s body is covered with a coat of rubber. This rubberized coating provides some water and dust protection to the radio, though its most important use is shockproofing.

It will withstand a drop from 2 meters without breaking a sweat. Keep in mind though that shock proofing isn’t absolute and the radio still risks some damage with a fall. For example, the antenna could break or the screen could crack.

Yet, all things considered, this 2 way radio is more likely to survive a fall when compared to a radio with no protection.

Another feather in its cap for ruggedness is the IP67 protection rating. This means the walkie-talkie is dustproof, waterproof, and can survive being submerged in water up to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes.

The radio comes with a 360˚ swivel holster and a charging cable. Carrying and moving the radio becomes a breeze with the holster and the swivel allows for customized placement.

As an FRS radio, it can transmit and receive over the conventional 22 channels and it supports 121 privacy codes, so there are plenty of options for a conversation without getting disturbed or interrupted.

You’d be hearing clear sound on account of two factors. For one, the radio’s speaker and microphone are pretty good. And second, it can transmit at 2W, which is the maximum power allowed for FRS radios.

For conventional use on on the outdoors, the range is under 2 miles and as always the distance can vary depending on the terrain, but don’t expect the walkie-talkie to work over significantly larger distances.

Another notable aspect in the long list of features for DeWALT DXFRS800 walkie talkie is its 2000 mAh Li-polymer battery. The battery has enough juice to keep the radio running for several hours without a hitch and it’s quick to charge too.

All these make it our top choice if you need a reliable 2 ways radio while hiking, sking or enjoying other activities on the mountains.

  • September 28, 2024
Paul Dudley
 

Paul is the owner and founder of WhollyOutdoor.com . His passion for ham radios and fishing lead him to create this site. He loves playing with his radios and doing many other outdoor activities