Whether you’re hunting or just on an outdoor trek, ensuring you can communicate with your buddies across long distances is incredibly important. As mobile phones are reliant on a constant signal, you will want to invest in a decent set of walkie-talkies.
But what should you look out for when choosing the best walkie-talkie for hunting – and are they truly better and more reliable than your trusty mobile phone?
Read on to find out why walkie-talkies are a fantastic addition to any hunting expedition and what we think of some of the best walkie-talkies on the market today!
Why Are Walkie Talkies Useful For Hunting?
Communication is incredibly important when hunting as there can be an array of dangers. Being able to alert your hunting partners on the fly of sudden weather changes or potentially aggressive animals can be a lifesaver.
Although most people may think that walkie-talkies are best used for letting other hunters know where game is, this is illegal in some states. Ideally, you should always check the laws of your local state before you set off on a hunting expedition – This way you can avoid getting into legal trouble!
The Best Hunting Walkie Talkies Reviewed
Midland GXT1050VP4 Two-Way Long Range Radio (Set Of 2)
Midland is one of the most reliable outdoor gear brands on the market today and the GXT1050VP4 two-way radios are just one example of why. With an impressive camouflage design and an easy-to-use menu, these walkie-talkies are suitable for any outdoorsman.
This expansive package comes with everything you could need in a two-way radio, and then some. Automatically receive weather alerts for your location and quickly switch to whisper mode thanks to the intuitive menu design.
Communicate with other party members across a whopping 36 miles when in open areas, or up to 22 miles when in woodland. The Midland GTX1050VP4 is also compatible with a range of FRS and GMRS devices, so you can easily communicate with most modern walkie-talkies using the same frequency.
When it comes to two-way radios for hunting, few can compete with the Midland GXT1050VP5. It offers everything you have come to expect from a modern two-way radio and is available at an affordable price. Be sure to add these Midland radios to your wish list today!
Dimensions – 9.75 x 2.5 x 1.75 Inches | Weight – 0.3 Pounds | Range – 36 Miles
Pros
- Traditional camouflage design
- Maximum signal range of 36 miles
- Weather alerts system is a great addition
Cons
- Only available in a pack of 2
COBRA CXT1045R Waterproof Walkie Talkies (Set Of 4)
Being struck by a sudden rainstorm can be a nightmare when you are out at a large party. This is especially true if you are reliant on electrical devices that can be damaged by rain. Thankfully, the COBRA CXT1045R set of 4 two-way radios are designed with water resistance in mind.
Featuring an IPX7 water-resistant rating, which means these can be submerged in a meter of water for up to 30 seconds, these are some of the most durable radios on the market. Durability isn’t the only consideration, however, as these fantastic handsets offer excellent long-range communication.
With a maximum range of 37 miles with zero obstructions, these are some of the best two-way radios for hunting. They also offer a superb rewind function that lets you replay missed calls and a weather alerts system to keep up-to-date with potential thunderstorms.
The COBRA CXT1045R two-way radios are some of the best walkie-talkies on the market today. If you can appreciate the additional radio features and you are looking for a durable set of 4 handsets then this is the walkie-talkie package for you!
Dimensions – N/A | Weight – N/A | Range – 37 miles (No obstructions)
Pros
- Fantastic rewind function for missed calls
- Up to 37 miles of long-range communication
- IPX7 water-resistant rating
Cons
- Sells out quickly when on sale
- Can be hard to access the battery chamber
Motorola T265 Talkabout Radio (Set Of 2)
Motorola is one of the top mobile brands in the world, but they are also no slouch in the walkie-talkie department. The Motorola T265 Talkabout Radios are a fantastic pair of two-way radios suited for professional and amateur radio enthusiasts alike.
Coming in a bright orange design perfect for anyone who regularly loses their two-way radio, this all-encompassing package is a worthy investment. Included in your purchase you can find a handy carrying case, 2 rechargeable battery packs, belt clips, and even 2 pairs of earbuds.
One of the best additions to this two-way radio is its iVOX/VOX Hands-Free operation making these an ideal choice for climbing through woodland and shrubbery. Fans of convenience will also be happy to hear that the T265 walkie-talkie set also includes a weather alert system.
On top of this, you can access up to 22 channels with up to 121 privacy codes, which when combined, offers over 2650 different radio channels across 25 miles!
Anyone looking for an ideal set of walkie-talkies for hunting should be sure to check this affordable package out.
Dimensions – 6.42 x 2.13 x 1.24 Inches | Weight – 0.41 Pounds | Range – 25 Miles
Pros
- Easy to find orange design
- Makes use of iVOX/VOX hands-free technology
- A large selection of accessories included
Cons
- Battery life could be slightly better
- Doesn’t feature a vibration function
Topsung Long Distance Two Way Radios (Set Of 3)
Few walkie-talkies offer the customizability that the Topsung Long Distance Two-way Radios provide. With an incredible array of colors to choose from, finding a design that suits your tastes has never been easier.
But looks aren’t all this remarkable package provides as you can expect a wide array of impressive functions. These powerful two-way radios can scan up to 10 NOAA channels for live weather updates and offer access to up to 2662 radio channels.
The battery found inside each walkie-talkie is incredibly easy to recharge and lasts up to 3 days when on standby. These hunting walkie-talkies are also compatible with most accessories such as a belt clip, so you can easily keep these fastened whilst hiking through rugged terrain.
Although Topsung isn’t as renowned as some of the big radio manufacturers out there, they certainly offer an impressive selection of walkie-talkies. If you don’t mind taking a risk on a lesser-known brand, then these affordable two-radios will not disappoint!
Dimensions – 8.86 x 2.52 x 2.95 Inches | Weight – 0.46 Pounds | Range – 20 Miles
Pros
- Long-lasting battery life
- Huge choice of color options
- Compatible with most NOAA weather channels
Cons
- The bright design might not be to everyone’s taste
- The earpiece can be uncomfortable
GOCOM G600 Rechargeable Handheld Radios (Set Of 2)
Rechargeable batteries are a godsend when it comes to portable products. Luckily, the batteries found in the GOCOM G600 walkie-talkies are exceptionally high quality and easy to recharge on the go using a power bank or at home.
Weatherproofing is a large part of walkie-talkie designs, and the G600 features a decent IPX4 water-resistant rating. This allows the two-way radio to withstand infrequent splashes from all directions which protect the electrical components inside from receiving water damage.
To add to the already impressive weatherproof design, users can quickly tune in to NOAA weather alerts and avoid surprise rainstorms. When you are at risk of severe weather conditions your hunting walkie-talkie will sound an alert and the LCD screen will switch on.
Hands-free operation is possible thanks to GOCOM’s use of VOX. Users are given a selection of up to 3 sensitivity levels, so you don’t need to mess around with menus and toggles when your hands aren’t free.
Thanks to its vast array of features and high-quality battery design, the GOCOM G600 is an ideal walkie-talkie for hunting. The rechargeable battery pack is easy-to-use and the sound quality itself is suited for long-range communication!
Dimensions – 2.17 x 1.57 x 7.09 Inches | Weight – 0.22 Pounds | Range – 32 Miles
Pros
- VOX hands-free technology
- Quick charging rechargeable battery pack
- Affordable price suited for anyone on a budget
Cons
- Could include a few more volume settings
Retevis RT29 High Power 2 Way Radios (Set Of 2)
With power in its name, you would expect the Retevis RT29 High Power handsets to be an impressive piece of kit. Thankfully, it delivers. This collection of 2 hunting two-way radios are the perfect option for emergency or hunting scenarios.
If you are tired of your walkie-talkie running out in a few hours, then this is the package for you. Each handset utilizes a powerful 3200 mAh large-capacity battery that offers up to 250 hours of runtime when switched to standby.
The bright orange plastic not only gives you the means to quickly find your handset if you drop it, but it is also surprisingly durable. All of the materials used in this set of two-way radios for hunting are military-grade – The mic itself even features an IP67 water-resistant rating!
Each Retevis handset featured in this package also makes use of modern technology that you have come to love. Hands-free lovers will instantly make use of the VOX functionality and the 0-9 level squelch operation ensures outside noise doesn’t interfere with any communications.
This pack of Retevis RT29 high-power handsets is easy to recommend for anyone looking for the perfect two-way radio for hunting!
Dimensions – 5.9 x 2.3 x 1.5 Inches | Weight – 2.25 Pounds| Range – N/A
Pros
- Military-grade construction
- VOX hands-free technology
- Up to 250 hours runtime at max charge
Cons
- Only available in a pack of 2
- No weather alert system
SAMCOM FPCN30A Portable Walkie Talkies (Set Of 2)
Featuring a rechargeable battery and coming with a universal earpiece, the SAMCOM FPCN30A is an excellent radio package for small hunting parties. Bot handsets make use of up to 20 channels, so finding the ideal one to communicate on is a breeze.
Users can quickly add CDCSS codes to their chosen channel to prevent interference and ensure the communication lines are secure. Controls are also incredibly accessible thanks to the backlit display and a 360-degree volume wheel on the side of each handset.
If you are looking for a secure two-way radio product that won’t let you down, then consider checking out the SAMCOM FPCN30A set of portable walkie-talkies!
Dimensions – 1.19 x 1.18 x 11 Inches | Weight – N/A | Range – N/A
Pros
- Secure channels using CDCSS codes
- Accessible controls and backlit display
- Group calls are possible using PTT
Cons
- Low availability due to high demand
- Battery life could be improved
Motorola CLS1110 Two Way Radios (Set Of 2)
Motorola features multiple times on this list for a reason. Utilizing a lightweight design along with a surprising amount of power, the CLS1110 bundle of 2 walkie-talkies is one of the best hunting packages Motorola offers.
One of the best additions to this package of 2 handsets is that they are compatible with other UHF radios. This means if you have a spare walkie-talkie laying around, you can connect it to your CLS1110 and still get some use out of it.
As you would expect from a brand such as Motorola, both of the two-way radios are extremely durable and feature a fantastic build quality.
Before you take a risk on a brand you have never heard of, consider this impressive offering from Motorola. These handsets should offer everything any amateur radio enthusiast could need.
Dimensions – 1.1 x 2 x 4.1 Inches | Weight – 1.76 pounds | Range – 37 Miles
Pros
- Reliable and popular brand
- Compatible with most UHF radios
- Extremely durable construction
Cons
- No NOAA weather channels compatibility
- Fairly expensive when compared to other devices
Midland X-Talker Two Way Rechargeable Radio (Set Of 2)
When purchasing from the Midland brand you know you are going to get quality, and the X-talker Two-way handsets are no let down. Offering one of the largest communication distances on this list, a whopping 40 miles, these walkie-talkies are suited for any outdoor trek.
Both handsets included in this package are water-resistant, and can quickly tune into NOAA alerts for a full weatherproof experience. You can also access up to 2662 channels and use over 121 CTCSS privacy codes for complete security.
Hands-free use has also been considered as Midland has thankfully included eVOX technology. Finding a set of handsets as high-quality as these at such an affordable price can be a challenge. If you are after a set of 2 that won’t let you down come sun or rain, then these handsets are the choice for you!
Dimensions – 11.1 x 9.37 x 2.24 Inches | Weight – 1.67 Pounds | Range – 40 Miles
Pros
- Incredible 40 miles maximum distance
- Water-resistant and NOAA compatible
- Compatible with over 121 CTCSS privacy codes
Cons
- Only available in a pair
- Does not support regular AA batteries
HYT TC-230 Portable Walkie Talkies (Set Of 10)
If you are on the market for a complete package, then look no further than the HYT TC-230 Portable walkie-talkies. This set of 10 handheld radios offers everything you could need for large hunting parties and outdoor expeditions.
This pack of long-range two-way radios offers a straightforward design, without all the unnecessary bells and whistles. Battery life is a large consideration on this device providing up to 3 days battery life when on standby, or up to 8 hours of constant use.
In terms of durability, you can expect this powerful radio to last you a long time thanks to its use of traditional but durable plastic. The slick black design is also extremely traditional and is perfect for anyone who doesn’t care about fancy aesthetics.
When it comes to quantity, few walkie-talkie packages can compete with the HYT TC-230 set of 10. With a durable design and a decent battery life, these two-way radios are suitable for any outdoor experience!
Dimensions – 23.9 x 9.3 x 7.4 inches | Weight – 9.98 pounds | Range – N/A
Pros
- 10 pack suitable for a family radio service
- Traditional but slick black design
- Compatible with other walkie talkies on the same frequency
Cons
- Lack of information online
- 10 two-way radios may be too many for some groups
BAOFENG BF-888S-Plus Walkie Talkies (Set Of 2)
If you are on the market for a trusty pack of two walkie-talkies, then look no further. The BAOFENG BF-888S-PLUS two-way radios are an incredible choice for any outdoor expedition. This affordable set of rugged walkie-talkies comes with an array of features that any radio enthusiast can appreciate.
Both handsets featured in this set are small enough to clip onto a belt clip and offer hands-free use. The battery provided also makes use of energy-saving technology to make sure you are never stranded in the wilderness with a useless product.
You can also quickly charge up the battery when the juices are low as BAOFENG has ensured both handsets utilize the latest fast-charging tech.
In terms of durability, the matte black casing can withstand most things that mother nature will throw its way. This includes sudden rainstorms or drops against hard surfaces.
Price is one of the most important considerations when it comes to finding which two-way radios for hunting are best suited to your needs. Luckily, this duo of fantastic BAOFENG BF-888S-PLUS walkie-talkies will hardly put a dent in your wallet!
Dimensions – 2.55 x 1.18 x 4.92 Inches | Weight – 1.54 Pounds | Range – 3 Miles
Pros
- The matte black design is incredibly slick and durable
- The battery uses energy-saving technology
- Affordable price suited for all budgets
Cons
- Communication range could be improved
- Pack of 2 is not suited for larger hunting parties
Ansoko Long Range Walkie Talkies (Set Of 3)
The weight and size of a product are incredibly important when it comes to walkie-talkies. Luckily, the Ansoko Long Range handsets are incredibly small and light, making them the perfect option for extended hunting expeditions.
These handsets offer up to 4 miles of interference-free communication, so as long as your group stays close, you should be able to communicate clearly. Each handset also uses VOX hands-free tech and includes a built-in flashlight for added security.
Anyone who is looking for a cheap but powerful set of 3 walkie-talkies will get the most out of this two-way radio package from Ansoko!
Dimensions – 4.72 x 1.97 x 1.18 Inches | Weight – 0.22 Pounds | Range – 4 miles
Pros
- Built-in LED flashlight
- Hands-free VOX operation
- Small and lightweight design
Cons
- The maximum range could be further
- Can’t access NOAA channels
GOCOM G9 Rechargeable Two Way Radio (Set Of 2)
GOCOM has already featured on our list of best hunting walkie-talkies, so it’s no surprise that they offer another fantastic alternative. The G9 is the perfect counter-piece to the GOCOM G600 and is a perfect two-way radio product for all-things hunting.
These lightweight green packages offer up to 32 miles of long-range communication without sacrificing sound quality. Users can also quickly scan through 11 channels of NOAA radio signals to find weather alerts for their location.
Weatherproofing has also been considered as these fantastic walkie-talkies for hunting feature an IP67 water-resistant rating. This means that they can withstand depths of water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes without instantly breaking!
You can also relax if you are stranded outside at night as both handsets make use of a built-in LED flashlight and SOS emergency lamp. Safety is incredibly important when it comes to hunting expeditions. Thankfully, GOCOM has covered all facets with these impressive G9 radios.
Dimensions – 10.67 x 9.8 x 2.44 Inches | Weight – 1.92 Pounds | Range – 32 Miles
Pros
- Built-in SOS emergency lamp
- IP67 water-resistant rating
- Up to 32 miles of communication
Cons
- Green design can get lost in shrubbery
- No light indicator on charging port
Rivins Long Range LED Walkie Talkies (Set Of 4)
One of the best sellers on Amazon thanks to an affordable price, the Rivins Long-range walkie-talkies are perfect for budget shoppers. This pack of 4 brightly colored radios is suitable for a range of purposes, including hunting.
Never lose your walkie-talkie in long shrubbery again as the design featured on these handsets truly stand-out. With a wide selection of colors to choose from, including lime green and bright orange, you will easily find one to suit your tastes.
The performance of these two radios isn’t a disappointment either as you can expect decent levels of sound quality across long distances. Low-light environment use is feasible due to a backlit LCD screen that is easy to access.
Any hunters who are looking to save money and don’t mind the garish design of these Rivins handsets should consider adding these to their shopping basket today!
Dimensions – 7.09 x 6.02 x 3.94 Inches | Weight – 1.12 Pounds | Range – 5 Miles
Pros
- Wide selection of color options
- Easy-to-use backlit LCD screen
- The keypad lock function is a godsend
Cons
- The maximum range could be a little higher
- Bright colors might not suit everyone’s tastes
Motorola CLS1410 Two Way Walkie Talkies (Set Of 3)
Motorola has done it once again with the CLS1410 two-way radios. By bringing their years of experience and technical know-how to the world of walkie-talkies, Motorola constantly offers some of the best products on the market.
This pack of 3 lightweight walkie-talkies is perfectly designed for clipping onto your belt clip and communicating with your hunting buddies. All 3 handsets are incredibly lightweight and small enough for perfect portability.
One of the main differences between these handsets and other competitors is that they are designed for use both indoors and out. By ignoring potential interference, these walkie-talkies are extremely high-quality and perfect for anyone looking for an adaptable and portable product!
Dimensions – 5.8 x 1.1 x 2 Inches | Weight – 0.29 Pounds | Range – 37 Miles
Pros
- Small and lightweight design
- Suited for both indoors and outdoors use
- Comes with 1-year warranty
Cons
- No additional features
- Can be quite expensive when compared to competitors
Hunting Walkie Talkie Buying Guide
Range
Depending on how far apart you and your hunting buddies operate, the range of your chosen walkie-talkie is fairly important. Most modern products will cover around 10 to 15 miles, with some surpassing 30 miles with a lack of obstructions.
As tempting as it might be to find the walkie-talkie with the farthest range, it may not be needed. You will rarely be hunting in a group more than 15 miles apart, so as long as your chosen device covers at least 15 miles, you may be able to save yourself some money.
Durability
The most common area you will be using walkie-talkies is in outdoor survival situations so you will want to ensure your chosen product is extremely durable. In terms of durability, the biggest factor will be the material used in your chosen handset.
Some of the best materials used in remote handsets are heavy-duty plastics and even metals in some cases. Plastic tends to be the most popular choice as it is both lightweight and can be extremely durable in most cases.
Metal walkie-talkies, on the other hand, will usually set you back a little more as they tend to be far more expensive than plastic variants. However, if you can afford it, then metal is perhaps the best choice for outright durability.
Size & weight
As you will be carrying your walkie-talkie with you constantly, you will want it to be lightweight and small enough to store easily. Luckily, two-way radios for hunting are designed for portability, most products available are both light and fairly small in size.
The best walkie-talkies on the market will offer a lightweight design, without sacrificing portability. This is why hard plastics and even light metals are used during construction to perfectly balance durability and portability.
In terms of size, most two-way radios for hunting will also be designed to easily fasten onto a belt clip. This way you can keep your hands free when communicating with hunting buddies across long ranges.
Weatherproofing
Much like durability, the water-resistance of your walkie-talkie is incredibly important. As the weather can be extremely unpredictable, you will want to make sure that your chosen handset can withstand sudden rainstorms or snowy conditions.
The best way to tell if a handset offers decent levels of weather resistance is to check its waterproof rating. Luckily, there is a handy measurement for this known as an IP rating.
The IP rating system may seem complicated at first, but it is incredibly straightforward once you know what to look out for.
Ideally, you will want your chosen handset to offer a water-resistant rating of either IPX5 OR IPX6. However, if you are planning on using your handset predominately in dry environments, then an IPX4 should be more than enough!
Weather alerts
One of the best additions you can find in two-way radios is a weather alert system. This added functionality will alert you to sudden weather changes in your area and can truly add a whole new layer of convenience to your chosen handset package.
Weather alerts can also work alongside high water-resistant designs to ensure that your chosen walkie-talkie lasts you a lifetime.
You will have to consider the price of such a system, however, as it can quickly hike up the price of any handset device. If you are on a budget, then you may have to rely on weather forecasts as opposed to splashing out on a weather alert system.
Sound clarity
The main function of a walkie-talkie is to communicate with people across long distances. This means you will want to ensure that your chosen walkie-talkie offers decent sound clarity and can be easily used to communicate.
One of the most common issues people tend to face when purchasing cheaper two-way radios for hunting is poor sound clarity. It can extremely difficult to know exactly how clear a walkie-talkie is if you haven’t tested it yourself.
One of the best ways to determine the clarity of a two-way radio is to check customer reviews. Commonly, if there is an issue with sound quality with a specific two-way radio, the reviews will mention this multiple times.
Your general mobile radio service clarity should be fairly decent, but it’s always recommended to do your research before you splash out on a particular product.
Battery Life
Due to the portable nature of walkie-talkies, the battery life of your chosen device is incredibly important. You don’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a low-battery two-way radio after all.
Thankfully, most modern walkie-talkies offer decent battery life and should be more than suitable for outdoor expeditions. The ideal battery life will of course depend on how long you plan on staying out, but typically, you will want your radio to last around 14 to 18 hours.
Price will rarely come into play when it comes to battery life, as even cheap handsets can offer a decent amount of runtime. However, you will need to consider additional functionality such as weather alerts as this can drain the battery when in use.
Number of handsets
If you plan on working in a group, then a larger number of walkie-talkies may be required. Most radio products come in a pack of two as they will use a specific wavelength to communicate. However, there are a few options out there that come in packs of 4, or even 6.
Always consider the size of your group and your budget to best decide the correct number of handsets for your needs. If you can afford it, then a pack of 4 is a worthy investment as it gives you backup options for larger groups. If you can’t, then stick with a pack of two!
Price
Before you start browsing the best walkie-talkies available today, you will want to set yourself a budget. By setting yourself a budget, you will be able to find products suited to your price range and can potentially save yourself a lot of money in the long run.
The added benefit of setting yourself a budget is that you will know which products you can afford and which ones you can’t. This way, you can be sure that your wants are suited to your budgetary needs and that you don’t buy an expensive option just for a few added bells and whistles.
Almost everything featured in this guide will have an impact on the price in some way. Be sure to decide which ones are most important to you, to best help set yourself a budget you can stay within!
Conclusion
With so many fantastic two-way radios for hunting on the market today, finding the right one for your needs has never been easier.
Whether you are after a portable option such as the Motorola CLS1410 or you are wanting to invest in a trusted brand with the Midland GXT1050VP4, we hope we have helped you find the best walkie talkie for you!
FAQs
What features do hunting walkie-talkies need?
The most important feature of a walkie-talkie is the ability to communicate and warn hunting buddies of threats across large distances. As long as your chosen handset has a decent battery life and communication distance, it should be suitable for hunting and survival situations.
Are walkie-talkies legal for hunting?
The legality behind using walkie-talkies whilst hunting will completely depend on which state you are currently operating in. Some states such as California have no bans in terms of radio use however some states will completely ban radio use when hunting.
It’s extremely important to check your state’s laws regarding this before you set off on your hunting expedition!
Are expensive walkie-talkies worth it?
This will depend on how expensive they are and whether not they offer everything you need. As long as a walkie-talkie can be used to communicate with other people and work across large distances, then it should be more than suitable for any survival expedition.
