Families who enjoy spending time outdoors may find walkie-talkies beneficial, especially in areas where cell phone coverage is unreliable. In such scenarios, a reliable method of communication is essential. Many children are particularly fond of using walkie-talkies. For example, a nine-year-old might love the opportunity to communicate from the middle of a hike, requesting snacks like cinnamon toast.
While the Rocky Talkie, a durable and popular backcountry radio, is primarily intended for activities such as backcountry skiing and climbing, it has also been found suitable for family use. Over the summer, these radios were tested on weekend trips, demonstrating resilience even when dropped or exposed to rain while attached to a backpack.
Various brands of walkie-talkies were explored, including affordable options from Amazon and standard models by Midland. However, the Rocky Talkies stood out despite their higher price point.
The Rocky Talkie is available in two configurations. The Mountain Radio, tested here, operates on the Family Radio Service (FRS) band, designated by the Federal Communications Commission for most recreational walkie-talkie users. This specification helps avoid interference from radio stations or CB conversations, though it is sometimes possible to intercept unintended channels.
A more powerful GMRS version with IP67 submersible waterproofing and extended battery life is also available, but it requires a license, which may not be practical for young children. The Mountain Radio, conversely, is user-friendly enough that even young children can operate it independently right out of the box, providing a seamless experience for family activities.
One distinct feature of the Rocky Talkie is its ultralight carabiner, which differs from the common handheld models or those with gator clips. This design prevents the radios from being easily dislodged and lost, especially when attached to clothing or backpacks, thus offering a reliable solution for families.
