When you are out in the water, it is essential that you can communicate with your friends. Best waterproof walkie talkies for kayaking will keep you connected to the people around you while kayaking or fishing and allow for uninterrupted conversations.
There are several different types of walkie-talkies. Some use Bluetooth Technology to connect directly with cell phones, while others operate on a dedicated channel between your device and the one you're communicating with. The latter is called "push-to-talk," which means that you must hold down the button to transmit your voice.
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How To Choose the Best Waterproof Walkie Talkie for Kayaking
There are many different walkie-talkies on the market, and it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs. While some people may want a small radio that is easy to carry around, others will prioritize range or durability. The good news is that most modern radios offer multiple features! On this page, you'll find our top picks.
If you're looking for a waterproof walkie-talkie, there are several things to think about. And in the section below, we'll look at the five key elements you should consider.
Range and Clarity
The first thing to consider is range. If you work in an open field, this won't be too much of a problem, but if your job involves narrow corridors or dense undergrowth, then you'll need some extra oomph on the signal front! Also, most walkie-talkies have different power levels - check out our reviews below for more information on that.
Waterproof
You'll need a radio that's waterproof if the weather is terrible especially when you are on kayaking or fishing. If it's just drizzling, then there may not be much difference between the two models, but heavy rain or snow can make all the difference! So keep this in mind when choosing your device.
Weather Alert
If you work in a hazardous environment, it's essential to have a radio that gives you weather alerts. This will ensure that your staff is always safe and prepared for rainstorms, windy days, etc. Unfortunately, some radios don't support this - so make sure the one you choose does!
Compass or GPS
If you work in a very remote area, it's vital to have a walkie-talkie with some navigation tool. If there are no landmarks or signs around, how do you know where you're going? A GPS is great for making sure that your staff can always find their way back home.
Number of Channels
Finally, you'll need to think about the number of channels that your radio has. The more frequencies there are, the less likely it is for two radios to interfere with each other! If you work in a bustling area where many people use walkie-talkies, then this can be an important factor - so don't ignore it.
This article reviews some of the best affordable waterproof walkie talkies on the market today so that you can find something that suits your needs!
The 7 Best Waterproof Walkie Talkies for Kayaking | Comparison Table | Features for 2023
Product Name | Preview | Number of Channels | Number of Batteries | Item Dimensions L x W x H | More Info |
| 22 | 4 AA | 7.78 x 2.4 x 1.5 | ||
| 22 | 2 Lithium Polymer | 2.17 x 2.58 x 7.27 | ||
| 22 | 2 Lithium Polymer | 2.15 x 2.37 x 6.22 | ||
| 16 | 1 AA | 6.4 x 6.2 x 3.4 | ||
| 50 | 8 AA | 2.5 x 9.8 x 1.8 | ||
| 22 | 6 AA | 1.55 x 2.41 x 6.05 | ||
| 22 | 2 Lithium ion | 2.14 x 1.15 x 6.21 |
7 Best Waterproof Walkie Talkies for Kayaking, Canoeing, and also Fishing
The Motorola T600 is the ideal 2-way radio for businesses and organizations, as well as families. This rugged, waterproof radio provides exceptional communication with up to 35 miles of range in various settings. The T600's 22 channels provide plenty of capacity for all your business needs, and it comes equipped with 121 privacy codes to help prevent interference from other radios on the same frequency. It also has a built-in LED flashlight that can be used in an emergency or just when you need extra light. Plus, its ergonomic design allows for easy one-handed operation and is lighter than previous models (with batteries).
Pros:
- Good quality 2 way radio
- long-range
- loud audio
- good battery life (4.5h talk time with fresh Energizer batteries)
- not expensive compared to other radios like this (2pack was $79 when I bought it)
Cons:
- signal is not the best indoors
Our verdict: When testing these radios in Ideal conditions, they worked great. We were able to walk about 100 feet away and still hear the radio very clearly while outside. When we went inside, the signal started to break up some but not too bad. Overall it's a great radio if you're looking for something with good quality and range.
Longer range communication is possible with the DEWALT DXFRS800 2 Watt Walkie Talkies. Two watts of power provide up to 300,000 sq. ft. / 25 floors of long distance signal range with 2,662 channel combinations. 22 preset channels are preset with privacy codes to minimize unwanted interference from others, and the IP67 standard ensures complete protection from dust and withstands water immersion for 30-minutes in 1 meter deep water. The shock resistant design can withstand a 2-meter drop plus rugged anti-slip design adds extra durability for all weather conditions. The 2 watt walkie talkies are part of the DXFRS Series.
Pros:
- Longer range communication is possible.
- 22 preset channels are preset with privacy codes to minimize unwanted interference from others.
- The IP67 standard ensures complete protection from dust and withstand.
- Shock-resistant design
Cons:
- None so far!
Our verdict: The DEWALT DXFRS800 2 Watt Walkie Talkies are great to have around the house, out in the yard or for use by first responders. This two pack is a great deal and will enable longer range communication between you and your friends out on the hill, at the dock or around the house.
The DEWALT DXFRS300 1 Watt Walkie Talkies are the perfect way to stay in touch with your team while out on Jobsite, providing up 250K sq ft. of long distance signal range and 2662 channel combinations using just one watt! They're waterproof (IP67 standard) and dust proof - making them ready for anything life throws at you outdoorsman like yourself. And since they come from an authorized reseller only limited lifetime warranty means these walkie talkis will be around longer than most people here today; which is why we think these would make great gift ideas too!
Pros:
- Complete protection from dust and withstand water immersion.
- Can withstand 2 meter drop.
- 22 preset channels.
- Long range communication up to 250,000 sq ft.
Cons:
- None really - it's a walkie talkie.
Our verdict: These walkie talkies are awesome for those who spend their time outdoors. Whether it's on your job site or at home, you'll not only be able to talk with others over a mile away, but you'll be doing it in full-duplex.
The Uniden MHS75 Handheld 2-Way VHF Marine Radio is the perfect companion for your next fishing trip. The IS8 waterproof level ensures that you'll be able to enjoy your day on the water without having to worry about getting it wet. This handheld marine radio also features a 1 Watt transmission power and 5 Watts of reception power, allowing you to communicate with other vessels up to 16 miles away. It has all USA, International, and Canada channels so you can keep up with local marine activity while out on the water. What's more, this handheld marine radio is submersible, so you can take it with you on a kayak or canoe trip if needed.
This Uniden Marine Radio features High-level U.S. ICOC emission standard, which ensures that you'll be able to communicate with other nearby vessels without the fear of being misunderstood. Additionally, this marine radio has a built-in LED flashlight that can be activated at any time with a quick press of a button. And, the NOAA weather channels allow you to enjoy your day on the water without having to worry about stormy conditions.
Pros:
- Waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- Features NOAA weather channels.
- Includes a built-in LED flashlight.
Cons:
- Battery life is on the shorter end.
Our verdict: The Uniden MHS75 is the perfect companion for any type of boater. It's submersible, offers long-distance communication, and features a built-in LED flashlight. It's also affordable and durable, making it a great choice for anyone who enjoys spending their time out on the water.
Midland is known for their top-of-the line, high quality walkie talkies. The Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two Way Radio is no exception to this rule! With features like all of those amazing things you could ever want in a radio and more; including 36 miles range (142 privacy codes), NOAA weather scan + alert feature as well as an included boom Mic headset - there's really nothing not to love about these radios. Whether you're hiking through wilderness or just trying keep up with your kids while kayaking at lake or park, these bad boys will get ya everywhere 😉 Also, while I can't guarantee this for any walkie talkie (it's up to the individual user).
Pros:
- 50 channel GMRS radio
- Long-range communication
- Waterproof for outdoor activities/ harsh weather
- 2 units included, with a USB charger and AC adapter
- Direct Calling feature
- 10 NOAA weather channels + automatic
Cons:
- Limited to 50 channel walkie talkies -- but this isn't really that much of a con, since there are just so many other features to love!
Our verdict:
You can't go wrong with a Midland walkie talkie! These radios are fantastic and make great gifts as well.
The Cobra CXT1045R-FLT is a great two way radio for all your outdoor adventures. This particular model has NOAA weather channels with alert and band reception so you can stay prepared no matter what kind of emergency might come up! With 2662 channel combinations available when combining 22 channels alongside 121 privacy codes (38 CTCSS/83 DCS), this walkie talkie will prevent interference from other nearby devices too!. The sleek compact design makes it easy to take anywhere, in addition to it's IP67 water-resistant certification making it perfect for the beach or pool.
Pros:
- Compact, sleek design that is perfect for travel
- Takes alkaline batteries
- NOAA weather channels with alert
- Rewind-Say-Again function
- IPX7 waterproof and floats
Cons:
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- Some people have had issues with the range.
Our verdict:
This is a great walkie talkie for the money! It's not too bulky, but it has all these great features that work well. If you're looking for a basic walkie talkie, this is it!
The Motorola Talkabout MH230R two-way radio is a compact and rugged unit with an ergonomic design for easy operation. It features the latest technology in digital, high frequency (HF) communications. Each radio can communicate with another MH230R up to 23 miles away. With 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, you can even have multiple radios active on the same channel without interference from other users.
The MH230R includes 10 hours of battery life using alkaline batteries or 8 hours using rechargeable NiMH batteries. A built-in LED flashlight provides added convenience.
The MH230R is designed to be easy to use with large, tactile controls. It has a built-in NOAA weather radio and a front-facing speaker for superior audio quality. It also features a durable, rubberized housing that can withstand extreme temperatures as well as being shock, dust and water-resistant.
The MH230R is backed by a limited one-year warranty and includes two radios with belt clips, dual drop-in charger with adaptor, two NiMH rechargeable battery packs and a nylon carry case with shoulder strap.
Pros:
- Rugged and durable,
- good audio quality with front-facing speaker,
- built-in NOAA radio and flashing LED flashlight
Cons:
- Limited battery life of up to 10 hours on alkaline batteries or 8 hours using rechargeable NiMH batteries.
Our Verdict: The Motorola Talkabout Radio MH230R is a compact, durable radio with high-quality audio. It includes an ergonomic design, hand strap and large tactile controls for added safety.
5 Facts of Walkie Talkies
Technical Terms you should know while using Walkie-Talkies
You'll need to be able read, write and speak the jargon in order for your equipment run smoothly!
GMRS:
The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile FM UHF radio service in the United States, near 462 and 467 MHz. GMRS shares the same frequencies with the Family Radio Service (FRS), however it requires a license to operate whereas FRS does not. GMRS radios are generally handheld portable devices, but base stations exist as well.
GMRS requires a license from the FCC in the United States if you will be communicating across state or national boundaries (and this means even governments within a single state), but if all you're doing is talking to your family on your property then you don't need a license.
FRS:
The Family Radio Service (FRS) is a land-mobile UHF radio service designed for short-distance two way communication. The FRS performs the same function as the more complex General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS); however, unlike GMRS, it does not require written permission from the FCC to operate, does not require an individual license, and its users do not have to pass a written examination. FRS radios are limited to 500 milliwatts (0.005 watts) effective radiated power (ERP), which limits their range to about 2-3 kilometers in hilly or heavily forested areas, although performance can be significantly degraded if the antenna height is less than optimal. Most FRS radios cannot receive incoming signals on any frequency besides their own, but most can receive outgoing transmissions from other FRS radios on the same frequency. This is not a problem because FRS channels are not assigned to any particular user, and multiple users of different radio models can use the same channel without interfering with each other. In addition to its simplicity, FRS is designed for short-distance communications, providing only 2 watts of power. This makes it more likely that a transmission will reach its destination than if the same transmitter were to be used for a higher power walkie-talkie or mobile phone
VOX:
The VOX feature allows you to use your walkie-talkie hands-free. Using this feature means that you can be more productive while communicating with others around you instead of fumbling with the buttons to talk.
NOAA:
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is an American scientific agency that studies the conditions of the oceans and the atmosphere. They offer a number of radio channels that warn of hazardous weather conditions in your local area.
NiMH Battery:
Nickel metal hydride batteries are often found in rechargeable electronic devices and are preferable to Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries because of their higher capacity, lack of memory effect, and the fact that they are environmentally friendly.
Final Remarks
You can never go wrong with the best of anything, which is why we feel that the seven above-mentioned picks are surely among your top choices. But do not limit yourself to these alone because there are many more options available in the market today and it will be worth your while to explore all possible avenues before settling on one. Keep in mind what you need from a walkie-talkie - battery backup, ease of use, range, or immunity against weather conditions like rainwater for example - as you search through our list of recommendations. Hopefully, this article has helped narrow down your choice by providing some insights into different features offered by various devices based on their price point so that finding just the right walkie-talkies became easier than ever!