Are you searching for the best waterproof walkie-talkies to buy? There are tens of thousands of models available, each purporting to be the best. It can be tough to know precisely what you need, but whether you plan on fishing or kayaking (or both), you will require the best waterproof walkie-talkies.
What Are Walkie-Talkies?
Walkie talkies are handheld radios that enable people to communicate wirelessly through various frequencies using radio waves. Donald Higgs, a Canadian inventor, and Alfred Gross, an American, invented the walkie-talkie in the 1930s. They were initially known as pack sets or two-way radios. However, because of the features that make it possible to walk and talk with them, they were popularly called walkie-talkies.
Each battery-operated telephone includes a transmitter (which also serves as a receiver), an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio signals, a loudspeaker that serves as a microphone, and a ‘push-to-talk’ button you have to press to speak.
The intercom-like loudspeaker-cum-microphone device works. Because speakers and microphones have the same basic components – a magnet, a wire coil, and a paper or plastic cone to receive or make a sound – they can be combined into a single device, with the direction of the electrical current determining which function takes precedence. In more advanced models, these features are separated.
1. Uniden MHS75 Waterproof – Best Dual Water-resistant Walkie-Talkie
The MHS75 was primarily designed as a maritime radio and had several suitable functions for your sea kayaker. The MHS75 is entirely submersible, water and dustproof due to its IPX8 rating.
The MHS75 is pre-programmed with NOAA weather frequencies and a weather warning system that will disrupt other communications to notify you of dangerous weather in your area.
If something goes wrong on your trip, the MHS75 lets you monitor up to two Coast Guard Distress/Hailing channels, one NOAA weather channel, and one regular marine channel simultaneously. The MHS75 is waterproof to IPX8 standards and floats.
The MHS75 has a rechargeable Li-ion battery that can’t be used with other batteries, but it does come with a clip-on “rapid charger” that can be used in any standard 12-volt DC “cigarette lighter” style outlet. A three-year warranty against manufacturing defects is included with the entire package.
The MHS75 is an excellent two-way walkie-talkie for kayakers who spend a lot of time on the water. A weather alert system keeps you informed about any atmospheric threats in your region. Communicating with your group while monitoring Coast Guard Distress/Hailing channels keeps you and others safe.
Product Specification
- Battery Life: 12 Hours
- Battery Type: Li-ion
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 6.4 x 6.2 x 3.4 inches
- Maximum Range: 34 Miles
- Privacy Codes: No
- Voltage: 12
- Waterproofing: IPX8
- Weather channels: Yes
- Weight: 0.01 Pounds
What we like
- Hailing/coast guard distress channels
- Weather alert systems
- Four-rod holders
- IPX8 floats and waterproof
- Submersible
What we don’t like
- Lacks Bluetooth option
- Available in only one color
- Incompatibility with other batteries
2. Midland GXT1000VP4 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio – Splash-Resistant Waterproof
For those kayaking with a group, the Midland is the best walkie-talkie to have. It’s a leading waterresistant walkie-talkie for kayaking with a group, and it comes in a package of six fantastic splash-resistant gadgets. This simple 2-way radio comes with 50 total GMRS-channels and NOAA weather alerts and is resistant to water splash and sells for around $200.
Furthermore, the brand provides good customer service along with warranty service support. This product doesn’t only have a range of 5 to 10 miles in total, but the battery life can also last up to 10 hours. For most people, this is suitable for a day kayaking adventure. Even though it is somewhat bulky and lacks GMRS transmissions, in reality, the splash-resistant feature is something commendable.
Product Specification
- Color: Black/silver
- Item Weight: 6.19 pounds
- Number of Batteries: 24 AA batteries are required.
- Number of Channels: 50
- Product Dimensions: 3.3 x 9.3 x 11.6 inches
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
What we like
- Durable & stable
- Offers warranty
- Responsible customer service
- Splash-resistant device
- Good versatile radio
What we don’t like
- Highly expensive
- Not an IPX7 rated device
- Slightly heavy
- Poor range
3. Cobra RX680 2 Watt Rugged Walkie Talkies – Best Dustproof & Waterresistant Walkie-Talkie
The Cobra RX680 device is designed to be dustproof & waterproof according to IP54 standards. This contributes to making it an excellent option for fishing and kayaking. This walkie-talkie has a lot going on, beginning with its eighteen-hour battery life. It also has a tremendous range, measuring 38 miles in total, making it a reliable device for adventurous adventurers.
The walkie-talkie’s elegant design also includes 2662 channel configurations and voice-activated radio transmission. Due to the 10 NOAA built-in weather channels & alerts incorporated into this Cobra quality walkie-talkie, you are fully prepared for climatic emergencies. If you’re fresh to the world of walkie-talkies, the user manual comes in handy because most of the buttons have numerous functions. Overall, the Cobra model RX680 is among the best waterresistant walkie-talkie you need for your kayaking.
Product Specification
- Weight: 1.26 Pounds
- Color: Black
- Product Dimensions: 7.35 x 2.41 x 1.51 inches
What we like
- Rugged design
- 10 NOAA weather alerts and channels
- affordable
- Long battery life
- Waterproof and dustproof
What we don’t like
- Poor performance
- Poor coverage range
4. Ailunce HD1 DMR Radios, Dual Band GPS Handheld – Best Multifunction Walkie Talkie
The Ailunce HD1 is another best waterproof walkie-talkie we find worth investing. It is suitable for professional kayakers as it costs only $200. Despite being slightly more expensive, this one has a lot of functions, such as GPS, DTMF, VFO mode, etc.
This conventional two-way radio is made tough and durable to withstand extreme weather conditions like snow and rain. It has an IP67 waterproof rating. Aside from the features listed above, the walkie-talkie has a 15-hour battery life and is available in GPS and non-GPS variants. The non-GPS model costs lower ($180) than the GPS model. You can’t go wrong investing in this equipment when considering features such as FW, DW, SMS, and dustproof rating.
Product Specification
- Color: Black
- Item Full Dimensions (LxWxH): 9.05 x 7.04 x 4 inches
- Item Weight: 0.83 Pounds
- Noise Level: 40 dB
- Number of Batteries: 1 Lithium-Ion battery
- Number of Channels: 3000
- Temperature Range: -20-50 Degrees Celsius
- Voltage: 7.4 Volts
What we like
- Available in two variants (GPS and non-GPS)
- It contains more than 3000 channels and 20000 contacts
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Long rechargeable battery life
- Waterproof
- LCD screen function
What we don’t like
- A bit pricey
5. Retevis RT48 Long Range Walkie Talkies – Best Value for your Money
These Retevis waterproof handheld radios can be a great option if you’re going kayaking with a group. It comes with ten walkie-talkies and has an IP67 classification, meaning it can withstand being immersed in water for 30 minutes. Besides this, it is also sand and dust protected. Furthermore, the device can float in water when dropped accidentally.
The stand-by time for these is 48 hours. They have covered a long-range and come with an inbuilt squelch feature that blocks background noise, offering a more precise voice sound.
The last of its numerous feature is the VOX function which enables hands-free communication. You can’t avoid the inbuilt local and remove the emergency radio receive feature that alerts authorities.
Product Specification
- Color: Black
- Item Full Dimensions (LxWxH): 16.4 at 12.2 at 10.3 inches
- Item Total Weight: 12.8 Pounds
- Noise Level: 30 dB
- Number of Batteries: 10 Lithium-Ion batteries
- Number of Channels: 16
- Range of Temperature: -10℃ minus/plus 50℃ Degrees Celsius
- Device Voltage: 7.4 V
What we like
- Possess an emergency SOS alarm
- 48 hours of battery life
- IP67 rating
- Designed to float on water
- It comes in 10 pack
What we don’t like
- Complaints of a defective part
6. Motorola T260TP Talkabout Radio – Best All round value
Is there a trustworthy brand name for walkie-talkies? Are design, innovation, and comfortability a priority? Take a look at the Motorola model T260TP, one of the best waterproof devices on the market. The product, which covers a wide range of around 25 miles, has numerous functions for its compact size. For instance, a single battery charge allows the walkie-talkie to operate for 12 hours, which is ideal for a day kayaking.
Secondly, because of the non-slip grip, it is exceptionally durable and can tolerate high falls. Furthermore, when the device is dropped, the strong rubber coating around the sides protects it from damage. There are 22 channels on the walkie-talkie, each having 121 essential privacy codes and 11 total weather channels. It also has VOX that serves hands-free device operation, as well as a rapid scan feature.
Product Specification
- Color: White
- Item Full Dimensions (LxWxH): 6.42 x 2.13 x 1.24 inches
- Item Weight: 0.4 Pounds
- Number of Batteries: 3 AA batteries
- Number of Channels: 22
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
What we like
- Durable
- It lasts for a full day
- Water-resistant
- Rubber coating provides protection
- Great quality and sound
- Very affordable
What we don’t like
- No warranty
- Poor working range
7. TYT MD-UV380 Dual Band – Best Entry-level Radio
Are you searching for a water-resistant walkie-talkie? Then there’s the TYT MD-UV380 Dual Band, a two-way radio that combines VHF UHF with DMR to create a perfect two-way radio for kayaking in any water.
You may switch between digital and analog modes on the MD-UV380, allowing you to capture conversation across a greater distance and range — up to 36 miles! Furthermore, the walkie-talkie can send text messages in addition to radio transmission and is compliant with VOX for hands-free operation.
Product Specification
- Color: Clear
- Item Full Dimensions LxWxH: 2.3 x 1.4 x 5.1 inches
- Item Weight: 1.52 Pounds
- Number of Batteries: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries
- Number of Channels: 3000
- Tuner Technology: UHF, VHF
- Voltage: 7.4 Volts
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
What we like
- Can send text messages in digital mode
- Allows private call
- DTMF decoding and encoding
- It comes with programming cable
- waterproof
What we don’t like
- Quite expensive
- Improvements can be made
How Do Walkie Talkies Work?
Walkie-talkies are small, handheld radios that allow individuals to communicate wirelessly using radio waves. This is handy in areas where cell phone reception is low.
They usually come with a transponder, antenna, a loudspeaker, a ‘push-to-talk’ button, and a microphone. Walkie-talkies are battery-powered. The microphone and loudspeaker are often integrated. However, most recent devices separate the two. The type of battery used varies by brand and model.
Whether you’re a couple or a group, you’ll need to dial into the same station or channel to interact with the other party. Walkie-talkies use a half-duplex channel, meaning that only one radio can broadcast at a time.
All of the other radios on this frequency can listen, but to speak, you must push the PTT (push-to-talk) button and release it when you’re finished (now the “over and out” stuff makes sense, doesn’t it?) The walkie-talkie converts your voice into radio waves on the electromagnetic waves and sends them at the speed of light to the other transmitters on your station.
Factors to Keep in Mind When Buying The Best Waterproof Walkies Talkies
Of course, the waterproof walkie-talkie you choose will be determined by various factors, including price, availability, and style. But, before you get there, there are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the best waterproof walkie-talkie.
Purchasing any electronic device requires taking careful thought. So, what should you check before buying the best waterproof walkie-talkies? If you want to know, then read on.
Range
The range is a significant factor to consider when buying walkie talkie. The range refers to the distance the radios can be with one another and still communicate. Most walkie-talkies can effectively communicate through wide distances. You don’t necessarily require a radio that can receive a signal from 15 miles away; therefore, a shorter maximum range radio will be acceptable.
Similarly, you may require a radio that can transmit up to 35 miles. Therefore, you should consider the signal and communication range whenever purchasing a walkie-talkie device.
Channels
It’s possible that you’re not the only one using walkie-talkies in a certain area. To eliminate interference, it’s beneficial to have several channels accessible. The more channels you have, the better it is, as you can avoid interference.
Many of the leading walkie-talkies on the market offer multiple channels and security codes, allowing you to talk confidentially on the same channel.
Waterproof Rating
If you are caught in a rainstorm, or your kayak capsizes, you’ll want to make sure your walkie-talkie remains functional. The leading waterproof walkie-talkie devices can endure being drowned in water for several minutes, so if you have the correct gear, you’ll have one fewer things to worry about in an emergency.
IP ratings are a critical grading system for determining how waterproof a thing is. Its rating determines the water resistance of an item.
Weather Reports
The best waterproof walkie-talkies will include access to local weather and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association (NOAA) forecasts for enhanced emergency features and signals.
This NOAA weather alerts tool is helpful if you’re going to be on the ocean or a multi-day excursion, as it will tell you if the weather is about to change, especially if severe weather is imminent.
Emergency weather notifications can be useful if you’re out of mobile phone range and can’t access the internet for weather news.
Power Level
A walkie-talkie power level is measured in watts. It determines the device’s transmission power, which impacts the signal range, sound quality, and signal intensity. It also controls how long the devices can be used.
Long battery life comes in handy if you plan to stay off the grid for an extended period. Even gadgets with a long battery life might not last long when used frequently. Rechargeable batteries are suitable for everyday use, but for more extended travels when there is no power or cell coverage, a dual-powered walkie-talkie can also use standard batteries is ideal. A power bank could be able to help you out.
Some radios may contain extra power functions, like a water-activated flashlight or other handy capabilities for camping and fishing. However, this feature varies in different walkie-talkie models you might find on the market.
Weight
The walkie-talkie weight is critical to consider because it can alter how you use it in different situations. If you plan on using it for multiple days while also carrying overnight gear, the lighter the radio, the more preferable it is. However, if you only intend to use it on a kayak for a day of fishing, a heavier model won’t make a big difference.
Dust Protection
Many walkie-talkies have a rating that indicates how resistant they are to dust and water. After IP (Ingress Protection) rating, a number (typically two digits) is assigned. The second digit indicates the water resistance rating. On the IP rating, both are visible. The maximum dust protection level is 6, implying dust cannot enter the gadget.
It’s good to put your walkie-talkie in a leather cover to prevent dust. While you’re using it, this can also help from any damage. You can use a cotton cloth to wipe the dust away if you want to clean it.
Squelch & VOX
Voice Operated Exchange, often called Voice Activated Transmission, is another unique feature to check when buying the best walkie-talkie for the purpose of kayaking. If your walkie-talkie has this feature, you can communicate over the channel without pressing the ‘talk’ button. This implies it can automatically recognize your voice through voice activation.
Many walkie-talkies have a squelch mode that helps to filter unwanted communications. This means you won’t have to listen to unpleasant static sounds while listening to the radio. Therefore, ensure the walkie-talkie you choose should only receive active transmissions.
Best Waterproof Walkie-Talkies
Excellent communication is essential for remaining safe while kayaking. Being able to exchange information within a kayaking team freely enables you to ensure that no one becomes overtired or struggles to keep up with the pace.
It also allows you to signal potential hazards or barriers, such as low head dams or regions with exceptionally fast-moving water. Two-way radios are a wonderful way to maintain that level of communication among your group. They enable reliable, continuous communication without a mobile phone signal.
If you want to purchase a walkie-talkie but have challenges pinpointing the best waterproof device walkie-talkies on the market, you have everything you need in this list. Let’s review the seven best waterproof talkie devices.
FAQs
Is it true that walkie-talkies are waterproof?
Most walkie-talkies are built to be tough and withstand hard or hazardous situations. However, it’s crucial to realize that not all walkie-talkies are waterproof. Some are specifically designed to meet the IP67 standard, making them waterproof.
Is it possible to track the signals from walkie-talkies?
Radios with two-way communication are notoriously tricky to track. This is why security forces, event managers, and hunters frequently use it. It has several channels, which further decreases interference and makes it difficult to track. Many devices also feature privacy codes for every channel, which improves communication security.
Is it possible for walkie-talkie signals to pass through walls?
UHF radios operate at frequencies ranging from 400 to 512 MHz. However, certain VHF radios are more adaptable, with the capacity to transmit through walls. It’s worth noting that UHFs use a shorter range and are typically favored since they can pass interference. Another thing to remember is that VHF and UHF transmitters are incompatible.
Conclusion
If you’re going to be out in the water for an extended period of time, walkie-talkies are a must-have gear. It isn’t easy to know which model is suitable for you with so many alternatives. A waterproof variant is a no-brainer if you plan to deploy it for kayaking or fishing.
When it comes to additional features, think about how long you’ll need them, what kind of environments you’ll be in, and the distance you’ll be from your group or partner. Alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) can also be very valuable.
In summary, if you keep the six critical factors – channels, weight, waterproof, range, and power into consideration, you will buy the best waterproof walkie talkie devices for your kayaking.