The range of hand held radios (like Rocky Talkies) largely depends on two key factors: Transmission Power and obstructing Terrain. In this video we show how the Mountain Radio (a 2-watt FRS radio) can get ranges from over 25 miles to just 0.5 miles depending on the terrain.

We tested the radios across lake Tahoe and got great audio quality around 25 miles apart. Our product tester Don Bowie got around 20 miles through trees, showing that ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves can penetrate trees and other foliage fairly easily. However, radio waves cannot pass though large bodies of earth like hills and mountains and must instead bounce around them. We show how a large hill was able to prevent communication at 0.7 miles on a hike near Tahoe. We also tested a 5 Watt GMRS radio around the same hill (not shown in video), and we were able to get spotty communication. This illustrates how higher power radios can extend range but are still often limited by the terrain.

Overall, from our testing, we conclude that 2 Watts of power is the best choice for sports like climbing and skiing where weight and size are critical and the distance between radios is within a few miles. For other activities that consistently require longer distances and where weight is less important, higher power licensed radios are worth considering.

Learn more and shop Mountain Radio here: https://rockytalkie.com/products/moun...