Recommendations for two-way radios to use while skiing
Going skiing with another family next year and looking for two-way radios to use so we can stay in touch. I've used cell phones in the past but that can get awkward (and since we are going to Canada it can also get expensive).
Ideal features would include:
- Good battery life
- Usable in gloves/mitts
- Water/snow resistant
- Clear and loud communication
- Good range
Any recommendations?
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1 answer
Presuming you do not have Amateur Radio licenses, or similar qualifications, you are then limited to various unlicensed options.
The answer will then vary by region, but as you mention Canada, your best bet will be to use the GMRS/FRS (General Mobile Radio Service / Family Radio Service) which as basically replaced the old CB and walkie-talkie bands for local personal use. Note that FRS radios are freely usable cross-border; but GMRS regulations differ. A license is required per family in the USA, and there are base stations available. In Canada, no license is required at all, but GMRS power is restricted to two watts.
GMRS/FRS radios are readily available in Canada (and the USA) in almost any outdoors or electronics store, so you might want to pick them up before you go, and get used to them. Options include chargers, headsets and other things. Some have integrated GPS, but that adds to weight, reduces battery life, and might not be warranted.
Both work in the UHF band, which is more-or-less line-of-site, and definitely attenuated by ground or trees. From the top of a ski hill to the bottom or over some general outdoor terrain, you should not have too much trouble. Do not presume to use them as a primary emergency system, but for casual where are you they are likely the cheapest/best bet.
Good Luck
This post was sourced from https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/a/3308. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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