As a survivalist, self-reliance is at the core of everything you do. So, when preparing your communication kit, always assume that phone lines, cell towers, and other means of communication will not be operational. And as much as you are a survivalist, you are also a family person. You need a way to keep in touch with your family or other preparedness groups.
Long range walkie-talkies are a tried-and-tested way of communicating during emergencies. Survival walkie-talkies take this reliability even further, as they are capable of taking everything that you throw at them. They are tough and, most importantly, work under most kinds of conditions. In this blog, we’ll look at the top rated long-range walkie-talkies you need to know.
Factors to be considered when purchasing a survivalist walkie-talkie
A survivalist walkie-talkie is the last line of communication when in a critical situation, so choosing the right one is essential. In this section, we’ll look at the most important factors, and hopefully, you’ll be enlightened enough to make an informed decision.
- Durability and build quality
The environment can be harsh on equipment. Look for walkie-talkies that are ruggedly built and can withstand drops, shocks, and exposure to water and dust. Ideally, they should be as close as possible to military standards for durability.
- Battery life
Long battery life is crucial in survival scenarios where one may not have easy access to charging. Consider walkie-talkies with efficient power management and the option to use rechargeable batteries or standard batteries like AA that can be stocked up readily.
- Range
The range of walkie-talkie determines how far one can communicate. When shopping for the right walkie-talkies to stock up, you will find that they differ quite a lot in range, from 2 km to 35 km. Pay special attention to the advertised range, and remember that real-world range can be affected by terrain and obstacles.
In most cases, you should stock up on low and high-range walkie-talkies since you never know when each may come in handy.
- Emergency features
In critical situations, updates and safety features can make all the difference. Look for walkie-talkies with emergency features such as SOS alarms, weather alerts, GPS tracking, flashlights, and battery conservation mode.
2 long-range walkie-talkie accessories for enhanced survival communication
Accessories are a great way to unlock the full potential of a walkie-talkie. They are not only functional but also a great way to make life in the harsh survivalist environment a little better. Here are the two accessories you should consider:
- Batteries and chargers
Most walkie-talkies come with only one charger and battery, which can quickly get depleted during extended use. By offering extra batteries and chargers, you can ensure they have a continuous power supply. Power banks are also worth stocking up on, as they provide a great spare power source that’s easy to carry and charge.
- Headphones and earbuds
Hands-free communication can be a game-changer in situations where one needs to multitask or keep their hands free for crucial tasks. When selecting headphones or earpieces, prioritize those with noise-canceling properties, as they provide crisp audio.
If you are not sure about the kind of headphones you want, read this guide on how to choose the right on-ear headphones.
The best survival walkie-talkie for emergencies
Now that you understand a thing or two about walkie-talkies, it’s time you know the best survival walkies. The selections below offer great features at their price points:
- Motorola T800 walkie-talkies
The T800 packs enough heat to justify itself as the top pick in this list. Its compact size and rugged look act as a not-so-gentle reminder that it’s built with one thing in mind: uncompromising reliability in the most challenging of situations. Whether it’s rain (the T800 has a weatherproof rating of IPX4), the darkest nights (it has a built-in flashlight), or an unknown location(off-grid location sharing), this walkie-talkie can be relied on for comms.
For curious minds looking for a Motorola long-range walkie-talkie, the T800 has been proven to transmit up to 35 miles under optimum conditions. However, this is the maximum possible, and the actual range will vary depending on terrain and conditions. Battery-wise, the T800 uses either standard AA or rechargeable NiMH batteries. Additionally, one can track all incoming weather with the help of 11 programmed NOAA weather channels and alerts.
The T800 also has 22 channels with 121 privacy codes. This means that one has 2,662 channel options at your disposal, allowing for secure and interference-free communication. With such features, you would be hard-pressed to find a better long-distance walkie-talkie at this price point.
- Baofeng BF-888s walkie-talkies
Baofeng has made its name as one of the top manufacturers of budget handheld radios. Its product, the BF-888s, is an excellent FRS walkie-talkie perfect for survivalists looking for a functional device at an affordable price. The BF-888s is extremely easy to use, as it is usable right out of the box. And if the buyer wants to customize the channels, Baofeng provides inexpensive programming cables and free software.
Feature offerings of the BF-888s include 420-450 MHZ frequency, 16 channels, a 1500 mAh Li-on battery, battery saver, and an emergency alarm. It also has a built-in LED torch for those times when one needs a reliable source of light in the dark. Baofeng walkie talkie range is about 2-4km.
The BF-888s can only be purchased in pairs, and they come with compatible SMA-Female antennas, earpieces, and chargers, among other essential pieces. This walkie-talkie is sure to be a hit among survivalists looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on essential features. And that’s not all. Baofeng also offers many other brands of walkie-talkies, most notably UV-5FR and UV-9R.
- Retevis RT81
If one’s looking for a walkie-talkie that’ll enable them to communicate securely, they can’t go wrong with Retevis RT81. It is equipped with 10-bit key data encryption that prevents eavesdropping by third parties.
Sturdily built, the Retevis RT81 is a 9.32oz(264g) of pure reliability. It’s fully compatible with analog and digital modes; thus, buyers enjoy better radio performance, longer battery life, and higher energy efficiency. Moreover, it supports individual and group calls, making it a stronger contender as the best long-range walkie-talkie.
Other features that make this walkie-talkie attractive include built-in high-quality speakers with noise cancelation, channel options of up to 32, and High/Low Power Selection, which allows one to prioritize either more extended call range or longer battery life.
Conclusion
Survivalists and preppers understand the importance of reliable communication in emergencies, and long-range walkie-talkies are a go-to choice for staying connected when other forms of communication may be unreliable or unavailable. Stocking up on any or all of the walkie-talkies discussed above is a smart move for true survivalists.
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