It has now been two years since I got a set of Rocky Talkie Expedition Radios, and after plenty of real-world use, it felt like time to update my opinion. My original First Look is here: Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio 5 Watt GMRS Radio First Look. In the first look, I also cover VHF versus GMRS, which is worth considering, especially for sea kayakers. If you’re a sea kayaker, I recommend reading the first look for more details.
The Expedition radio (originally called the 5-watt radio) is an IP67 waterproof, 5-watt, GMRS radio designed for use in challenging conditions. In the US, a GMRS license is required, but the process of obtaining one is simple. One license covers an entire family. Remembering to use your call sign is a bit annoying, but for the extra power and range you get in a GMRS radio, it’s a tradeoff that I’m happy to make.
How We Use the Rocky Talkie Expedition Radios on Paddling and Camping Trips
When I first got the Rocky Talkie Expedition Radios, the ice wasn’t out on the lakes, yet, so I only used them around my property and town. Since then, we’ve used them on day hiking trips, biking trips, and several overnight paddling trips. To cut to the chase, I really like them.
Our primary use is simple. One radio gets clipped to my 10-year-old’s life vest, and the other one stays with me. That way if he gets separated, he can reach us immediately. Typically when on a trip, I might get a bit ahead of my son and wife, so the radios make it easy for them to call if they need me. I’d like to get a third in the future.
Belt Clip Issues and the Carabiner Attachment Solution
That said, my biggest pain point with Expedition Radios was the original belt clip and retaining wire. It felt awkward and less secure than I wanted, especially when on a life vest. I worried that the radio would get lost when on my kid’s vest, while mine fit into my vest’s pocket.
Rocky Talkie’s Carabiner Attachment system solved this problem. Unless you plan to use the radio only on a belt, I’d highly recommend it. I went with the locking biner version to make sure it stayed securely attached to my kid’s vest. For paddling, I feel like the extra security matters when the radios might be bumped, twisted, or occasionally submerged.
To install the carabiner attachment, the original belt clip is removed and replaced with a thermoplastic loop that screws directly onto the back of the radio. The carabiner then clips through this loop, creating a much more secure attachment point for use on a life vest or pack strap. The back-up leash can still be used with the carabiner attachment.
Real-World Range on Rivers, Trails, and in the Boundary Waters
On paper, the Rocky Talkie Expedition radios give a range of 35 miles in optimal conditions. This is something that I still haven’t tested. For paddling on a river, the claimed range is a half to three miles. This is what we experienced. If there are more obstructions, then the range is reduced. In wooded terrain, whether hiking on a Boundary Waters canoe trip or mountain biking in the boreal forest, we found the radio reliable to about a mile. There were exceptions, like if a hill separated us. We didn’t test further than a mile while in the woods. The audio clarity was good even at the longer distances.
Battery Life on Multi-Day Paddling Trips
Battery life has been excellent. On day trips and overnight trips up to a week, we haven’t come close to exhausting the batteries. We don’t leave them on all the time, but we haven’t had to carry extra battery banks to recharge the radios while in the field.
Are the Rocky Talkie Expedition Radios Worth It for Paddlers?
For our purposes, that performance has been excellent, and much better than the radios from a competing brand that I previously used for my photo workshop programs. The combination of durability, clarity, and range has made the Expedition radios a piece of gear that we consistently pack, especially when paddling and camping as a family. If you need a radio, I highly recommend considering the Rocky Talkie Expedition Radios.
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