Survivalist style walkie talkies are becoming increasingly popular across the world. Let’s look at it this way, in the middle of an emergency, the first thing that comes to your mind is who to contact for help. For example, if you go camping or hiking a long trail and the mobile network coverage in the area goes off, you will need a tool with which you can call for help or rescue (especially in case of an emergency).
Your survival instinct kicks into gear if the emergency is a natural disaster and you are alone. A good tool for survival in times like these is a walkie talkie. There are amazing walkie-talkies for survival on the market.
Best Two-Way Radios for Survival: By Best Feature
Buyer Guide: Critical Factors to be considered before you Select the Walkie Talkie for Survival
There are a lot of walkie talkies in the market for different unique functions. This means that it can be quite confusing when you want to buy a walkie talkie for survival.
However, there are certain factors to look out for if you need to streamline your choices and make an informed decision on which one to buy.
1. Range
This is perhaps one of the most important feature you need to consider when buying a walkie talkie for survival. The range of a walkie talkie refers to the distance within which the product can receive signals for communication.
This is important because a good walkie talkie for survival should be able to receive good signals in different terrains. The range of a walkie talkie is also determined by the signal it uses and the frequency it can access.
Another thing you should note is that terrains that have obstacles such as mountains and trees usually impede communication at a certain distance. This is why you should look for a product with the farthest possible range.
2. Signal frequency
A walkie talkie basically functions by sending and receiving signals at a particular frequency. Thus, a good walkie talkie should be able to access at least 15 channels on different frequencies.
Apart from having a number of channels for communication, ensure that your walkie talkie can access an emergency channel. Some products even offer access to National Ocean and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) channel that provides you with updates on weather changes.
3. Audio Clarity
The signal frequency is just one half of the walkie talkie function. If you can get signals on a particular frequency but you cannot make out a word of what is being said, what exactly is the point? You could as well have been stuck without a walkie talkie.
I am sure you understand how important audio clarity is when purchasing a walkie talkie. A good walkie talkie for survival should use both UHF and VHF technology to produce excellent sound quality in short and long distances.
4. Accessories
Many walkie talkies for survival usually have an emergency survival kit made with them. This could be in form of external accessories such as different types of adapter (AC and DC adapters) and multiple antennas, or internal accessories such as a function that can help send specific commands at a far range.
When buying a walkie talkie, be sure to look out for products that have some of these features. Mind you, they might come at a slightly higher cost than others. But no amount is too much to spend for an emergency, right?
5. Charging requirements
Apart from signal frequency and range, charging requirements of a walkie talkie is also very important. A walkie talkie that has a low battery life and needs to be charged by a power source might not be a good fit as a survival product.
This means that you need to be on the lookout for long-lasting rechargeable walkie talkies, or two-way radios that have good battery life and if possible, extra battery options.
6. Maintenance
Maintenance covers the warranty of the products, as well as the materials used in making your walkie talkie. I would advise that you purchase a walkie talkie that is waterproof and dustproof in case it comes in contact with water and debris.
The worst thing that can happen is being stuck in the middle of nowhere with a walkie talkie that powers off because it came in contact with water.
Two way radios have different warranty periods, ranging from as low as one month to as long as three years for certain technical issues.
7. Pricing
Of course, pricing. Beyond all I have mentioned, budget is a big deal when purchasing a walkie talkie. Some walkie talkies have additional features and are thus expensive. It is important to shop on a budget, but do not hesitate to go a little overboard to get the product that is ideal for you.
Now that you know a few things you should critically note as you go ahead to buy the walkie talkie, here’s a list of top 5 walkie talkies which are ideal for survival.
Top 5 Best Walkie Talkies for Survival
1. Arcshell Rechargeable Long-Range Two-way Radio
Best For: Usability
With the Arcshell Rechargeable Long-Range walkie talkie, you do not have to worry about being stranded in the middle of an emergency. Armed with your survival instinct and the Arcshell Long-range Walkie Talkie, you truly have a better chance at survival.
This waterproof walkie talkie was designed to fit into your hand easily and has up to 16 channels for ease of communication. The radio has a strong 1500mAh Li-Ion battery that charges fully within 3 hours and can last up to 95 hours depending on the rate of usage.
You can either charge the battery together with its radio or as a single unit, and use it all day long in whatever emergency you find yourself.
But there’s a whole lot more reasons why this this product shows up on this list of best walkie talkies for survival. There is an earpiece with a Voice Exchange (VOX) function for you to use this product in hands-free mode, just in case you have your hands occupied. What’s more, this two way radio can work at a range of up to 5 miles.
Specifications of Arcshell Rechargeable Long-Range Two-way Radio
- 16 channels with memory selector feature.
- 5-mile range.
- 1500mAh Li-Ion batteries that can last up to 95 hours.
- Hands- free feature.
- VHF Tuner technology up to 6 Watts.
- 2.36*1.30*4.53 inches (L*W*H)
- Emergency Alarm with flashlight.
Pros and Cons of Arcshell Rechargeable Long-Range Two-way Radio
Pros:
- This product has a very strong battery life.
- Has an emergency alarm to keep you safe during emergencies.
- It is very easy to use.
Cons:
- Does not have a long range.
2. Cobra RX680 2-Watt Rugged Walkie Talkie
Best For: Durability
The Cobra RX680 Rugged walkie talkie is so named because of its durability. This two way radio can work up to a range of 38 miles with an 18 hour battery time.
It is designed with waterproof and dustproof standards, with access to NOAA weather alerts. This means that whatever the terrain you find yourself stranded in, the Cobra Rugged Walkie Talkie is a sure way to survive.
There is a micro USB charger with which you can charge this product electrically. You can switch to hands-free mode with the VOX feature of this product if you so desire.
Specifications of Cobra RX680 2-Watt Rugged Walkie Talkie
- 16 channels with two-way radio.
- 121 CTCSS codes with up to 2,662 combinations.
- 38-mile range.
- 2 Li-Ion batteries that can last up to 18 hours.
- Hands- free feature with a wireless mic.
- Access to NOAA channels and alerts.
- 10.91*7.44*3.23 inches (L*W*H)
- Designed according to IS54 standards.
Pros and Cons of Cobra RX680 2-Watt Rugged Walkie Talkie
Pros:
- This product has a waterproof and dustproof feature for weather resistance.
- Access to NOAA weather alerts that guarantees your safety especially during emergencies.
- Very durable.
- Wide coverage and range.
- Very good battery life.
Cons:
- Relatively pricey
3. Retevis RT22 2-Way Radio Walkie Talkie
Best For: Efficiency and Build Quality
The Retevis RT22 2-Way Walkie Talkie gives almost every other walkie talkie for survival a run for its money. This product has essential features that will definitely come in handy for survival.
It is a lightweight product with a flexible antenna that comes in a 10 pack upgrade version different from the other Retevis RT versions. The Retevis RT22 2-way radio walkie talkie uses UHF technology to provide you with access to 16 channels, certainly as much as you want during an emergency.
There is a Push To Talk (PTT) technology that allows you to communicate with the click of a button is another reason this product is one of the best walkie talkies for survival.
It is water resistant with an emergency alarm feature, making it ideal for both kids and adults. The 1000mAh battery ensures that you use it for up to 8 hours without interruption.
Specifications of Retevis RT22 2-Way Radio Walkie Talkie
- 16 channels with two-way radio.
- 121 CTCSS codes with up to 2,662 combinations.
- 2-mile range.
- Li-Ion batteries that can last up to 8 hours.
- Hands-free feature with earpiece.
- Emergency Alarm with PTT and VOX transmission features.
- 9.8*8.5*6.3 inches (L*W*H)
Pros and Cons of Retevis RT22 2-Way Radio Walkie Talkie
Pros:
- This product has an emergency alarm for security.
- The audio quality of this product is quite high.
- This product is very durable.
- Very flexible
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- The range of this product is short.
4. Midland X-TALKER T71VP3 Walkie Talkie
Best For: Value for Money
There are a lot of things you need to keep in mind when getting a walkie talkie for survival. Access to weather alerts, a variety of channels and a long range are a few of these options.
Well, the Midland X-Talker T71VP3 is one product that will provide you with all these and more. The X-Talker provides you with access to 36 channels with communication up to 38 miles.
There is an easy Voice Transmission (eVOX) feature that helps you use this two way radio hands-free. You can also get NOAA weather alerts on this 1000mAh battery powered walkie talkie with a USB cable for charging.
Specifications of Midland X-TALKER T71VP3 Walkie Talkie
- 36 channels with two-way radio.
- 121 CTCSS codes with up to 2,662 combinations.
- 38-mile range.
- Li-Ion batteries with call button that can be locked.
- Hands- free feature with earpiece.
- Access to NOAA weather alerts.
- Water resistant and eVOX transmission features.
- 2.6*1.4*6.1 inches (L*W*H)
Pros and Cons of Midland X-TALKER T71VP3 Walkie Talkie
Pros:
- This product is compatible with other Midland versions.
- Has essential features with access to NOAA alerts.
- This product is affordable.
- Has an amazing range
- Can survive exposure to water.
Cons:
- The belt clip of this product is not as sturdy as should be.
5. Uniden SX327-2CK Two-Way Radio
Best For: Price
Apart from this product being relatively cheap with respect to the features it has, this product also has a sleek design in attractive colors. This product has a range of up to 32 miles and 22 channels with access to NOAA weather alerts.
It is built up to JIS4 water resistance specifications with NiMH or alkaline batteries that last up to 10 hours. It is important to have a walkie talkie around because you never can tell when your survival depends on it.
If you need a walkie talkie you can trust for survival, this Uniden Two-way radio is a good place to start.
Specifications of Uniden SX327-2CK Two-Way Radio
- 22 channels with two-way radio.
- 121 CTCSS codes with up to 2,662 combinations.
- 32-mile range.
- Access to NOAA weather alerts.
- 4*3*7.5 inches (L*W*H)
Pros and Cons of Uniden SX327-2CK Two-Way Radio
Pros:
- Has essential features with access to NOAA alerts.
- This product is affordable and sleek.
- Impressive coverage
- Privacy codes for secure conversations.
- It is water resistant.
Cons:
- The range might not be up to 32 miles in some terrains.
Comparison of Top 5 Best Walkie Talkies for Survival
| Arcshell Rechargeable Long-Range Two-way Radio | Cobra RX680 2-Watt Rugged Walkie Talkie | Retevis RT22 2-Way Radio Walkie Talkie | Midland X-TALKER T71VP3 Walkie Talkie | Uniden SX327-2CK Two-Way Radio | |
| Range | 5 miles | 38 miles | 2 miles | 5 miles | 32 miles |
| Channels | 16 | 16 | 16 | 36 | 22 |
| Battery Life | 95 hours | 18 hours | 8 hours | 15 hours | 14 hours |
| Access to NOAA Channels and Alerts | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Final Words:
In conclusion, you can be sure that this guide will help you choose the ideal walkie talkie for survival. A great tip is to try and use your walkie talkie from time to time before the actual emergency happens.
You do not want to be stuck with trying to fix a channel on a particular frequency when you should be trying to call for rescue. And remember that it is okay to spend a little over budget. Just ensure you get the perfect walkie talkie for your survival needs and then, do not forget to thank me later.
