The Gear: Rugged Radios
Sure, your phone’s a little powerhouse, but sometimes the best campsites have zilch for cell service. Rocky Talkie Mountain Radios—built for the outdoors, with shatterproof screens and rubber-encased, water-resistant bodies—are some of the lightest, easiest-to-use two-way radios on the market. Fans rave about clarity and range: the company says to expect 1 to 5 miles in the backcountry. The carabiner and backpack leash sure beat a plastic clip, and the user-replaceable lithium-ion battery feeds off USB-C and goes four days on a charge. Coming soon, a Rocky Talkie dashboard mount. $110 each.
Range Against the Machine
A two-way radio’s transmitting power—measured in watts—affects its range, but terrain and obstacles have the biggest impact. Two Rocky Talkies, for instance, can communicate up to 35 miles apart in a flat, completely open area. Manufacturers call this “line-of-sight” or “ideal” range but don’t expect to reach as far when trees, hills, mountains, or structures are in the mix.
Milo Action Communicator
Compact, wearable discs that clip to armbands, helmets, handlebars—you name it. Sync with up to seven other Milos for hands-free communication with your crew. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hours. $249 each. okmilo.com
Garmin InReach Mini 2
An alternative to a traditional walkie-talkie, the InReach Mini 2 relies on a satellite link to send texts, GPS info, and SOS alerts. The tiny device (less than 4 inches tall) also pairs with your smartphone for two-way communication and provides backcountry routing. $399.99, plus satellite subscription. garmin.com
SPOT X
A little less capable than the pricier Garmin, this two-way satellite messenger has a built-in keyboard to send texts or an SOS, along with GPS tracking and digital compass capabilities. $249.99, plus satellite subscription. findmespot.com
This article originally appeared in Wildsam magazine. For more Wildsam content, sign up for our newsletter.