If you’ve ever used traditional walkie talkies, you’re probably familiar with their simplicity. You push a button, talk into the radio and you get a response from someone on the other walkie talkie. But what if the person you’re talking to moves farther and farther away? As backcountry enthusiasts seek better range, clarity, and reliability, many people are turning to General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios to bring a blend of range and versatility. The main difference is that “GMRS Radios” — which these days are commonly referred to as “walkie talkies” — are supported by U.S. regulations to ensure you have dependable communication in the wild.

What Is GMRS, and How Does It Work?

The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS), is a licensed radio service under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — a U.S. regulatory body that makes sure communication systems operate within safe and reliable limits. U.S. leaders established the FCC in the mid-1930s, nearly 90 years ago, to regulate and standardize radio, television, satellite, and wireless communications across the U.S.

The FCC sets regulations on frequency usage, power output, and licensing — making sure that everyone on GMRS frequencies is following the same guidelines. This means that unlike FRS (Family Radio Service), which are your traditional walkie talkies, GMRS radios can give you up to 5 watts of power and access to “repeaters,” significantly enhancing communication distance. Repeaters are like signal boosters on tall towers that catch your radio’s transmission and send it even farther, much like an echo bouncing off a mountain to reach places your voice alone couldn’t.

How to Get a GMRS License

GMRS licensing is straightforward. For $35, you can obtain a 10-year license covering your entire family, allowing each member to use GMRS radios under the same call sign. The license application process involves registering on the FCC’s website and typically takes only a few minutes. No test is required, making it accessible to anyone looking for an improved communication system in the outdoors.

Check out this step-by-step guide here to getting your GMRS license.

Evolution of GMRS Radios: From Walkie-Talkies to High-Range Devices

Traditional walkie talkies, like you used as a kid, operate on lower power than GMRS radios. Engineers generally design traditional walkie talkies for shorter-range communication, often up to one or two miles in open terrain. They’re great for quick, simple exchanges but have limitations in mountainous or wooded areas where terrain obstructs signals.

GMRS radios are designed to overcome these limitations. With higher power output, like the 5 watts offered by the Rocky Talkie GMRS radio, you can maintain communication over distances that FRS radios struggle to cover. For example, the maximum range is 35 miles, but 2 to 5 miles is a typical “in range” distance in backcountry terrain — especially in the mountains.

The Rocky Talkie 5 Watt Radio is designed to maximize range and battery life in backcountry settings. It’s waterproof, has an 1800 mAh battery that lasts up to five days (longer if you’re not frequently using it) and a shatterproof LED screen. Basically, this radio can withstand harsh conditions and lasts for days without needing a charge. Product experts hand-tested these radios to make sure they are durable in the mountains and rivers of the Colorado Rockies.

3 Ways to Use a GMRS Radio Outdoors

Here are three practical examples of how you can use a GMRS radio in your outdoor adventures.

Camping in Remote Locations

For campers, especially those who enjoy dispersed camping far from crowded areas, the Rocky Talkie 5 Watt Radio offers an added layer of safety. With up to 5 watts of power, it can transmit over 35 miles in optimal conditions (2 to 8 miles in mountainous terrain). This extended range makes it ideal for staying in touch with other campers or family members on a long hike from the campsite. Plus, the radio includes NOAA weather channels, so you can keep up to date with weather changes. This is especially helpful in unpredictable climates.

Hiking in Dense Forests or Mountains

Hikers in mountainous or densely wooded areas often face challenges with traditional walkie-talkies due to signal interference. GMRS radios, equipped with repeater channels, can overcome these obstacles. A GMRS radio allows hikers to connect to repeaters, extending their transmission range and keeping them connected, even when venturing deep into forests or up mountainsides. This feature — combined with a rotating steel gator clip for easy attachment to packs — makes the radio perfect for hiking teams that may separate for exploring various trails. The (included) removable, extendable antenna that comes with the Rocky Talkie radios also helps boost reception in dense terrain.

River Rafting Adventures

White-water rafting requires reliable communication, as paddlers often spread out over a stretch of river. GMRS radios with waterproofing are ideal. Even when the radio gets splashed or briefly submerged, its water-shedding design gives you uninterrupted communication. The radio’s long battery life (even in cold conditions) supports multi-day river trips, giving guides and paddlers a dependable way to stay connected with the team or call for assistance in case of emergencies.

Using the Rocky Talkie GMRS Radios

The Rocky Talkie is simple to use, even for those new to GMRS radios. Each radio comes with both a 7.5 cm antenna and an optional 17 cm antenna for enhanced range and weather channel reception.

To get started, simply charge it, power it on, choose a channel and press a button to talk. The radio supports dual-channel monitoring, so you can listen to two channels at once — handy for keeping tabs on both team communications and emergency channels. You can use the Carabiner Loop Attachment (available with an ultralight or locking carabiner) for quick access on the go or the steel clip for easy carrying. Not to mention this provides the security knowing you won’t lose contact when it rains or if you accidentally drop it in a creek or river.

You can get more info in this video overview.

Getting a GMRS License

Obtaining a GMRS license through the FCC is straightforward and well worth the few minutes of paperwork. The license application can be completed on the FCC’s website by anyone 18 years or older, and once approved, the license is valid for a decade. This license grants you permission to use GMRS radios like the Rocky Talkie at full power, making it a valuable investment for frequent backcountry adventurers.

The Benefits of GMRS Radios in the Backcountry

With their enhanced range, durability, and power, GMRS radios go beyond what traditional walkie-talkies can offer. For campers, hikers, river rafters and anyone venturing into remote areas, GMRS radios provide peace of mind, ensuring you can stay connected with your team or get help when it’s needed most.

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Suzanne Downing is an outdoor writer and photographer in Montana with an environmental science journalism background. Her work can be found in Outdoors Unlimited, Bugle Magazine, Missoulian, Byline Magazine, Communique, MTPR online, UM Native News, National Wildlife Federation campaigns and more.