azazookie Aug. 12, 2024, 11:56 a.m.
What is the best camping walkie talkie for remote locations with no cell service?
I'm planning a camping trip to a very remote location with no cell service, so reliable communication is crucial. I need a walkie talkie that can handle long distances, rough terrain, and unpredictable weather. Ideally, it should have a long battery life and be durable enough to withstand drops or water exposure. I've read about a few options, but I'm not sure which one would be the best camping walkie talkie for these conditions. Does anyone have experience with walkie talkies in similar situations? I forgot to write that this is a mountainous area with peaks up to 1200 meters and covered with forests.
kat2 Aug. 16, 2024, 9:34 a.m.
Great point about battery life! As someone who's tested dozens of walkie talkies for camping, I can confirm that power consumption varies wildly between models. Let's break down the common battery types:
1. Alkaline - cheap and widely available, but performance drops in cold weather. They're okay for casual use, but not ideal for extended trips.
2. NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) - rechargeable and perform better in cold than alkalines. Good middle-ground option.
3. Li-ion (Lithium-ion) - the gold standard. Excellent capacity, perform well in cold, and hold charge longer when not in use. Many high-end walkie talkies use these.
4. LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) - newer technology, great in extreme temperatures, long lifespan, but less common and pricier.
Temperature indeed plays a huge role. In cold conditions (below freezing), you might lose 50% or more capacity with alkalines, while Li-ion might only lose 10-20%.
For serious camping, I'd recommend Li-ion or LiFePO4 powered units. Some models like the Garmin Rino series even have removable rechargeable packs, so you can carry spares.
Solar charging is a great feature for extended trips, but make sure it's efficient. Some built-in solar panels are more gimmick than practical.
Pro tip: Keep your walkie talkie inside your jacket in very cold weather. Your body heat will help maintain battery performance!