Ham Radios for Trekking - BuiltBackwards

Some people like traveling far away, settling into nice and quiet spots to chill a bit. In search of such places, some people go off the grid and deep into the woods, where cell phones may not get any signals. When you go that far, you might encounter emergencies, leaving you stranded and unable to get help. You would need the best ham radio for Trekking to survive such situations.

However, many ham radios are on the market, and choosing the right one is very important. I have extensively researched to compile a list of the best ham radios for Trekking. Read on to see our top recommendations.

Ham Radio for Trekking: Buying Guide

Here are some of the vital things you should consider when looking for the best ham radio for Trekking:

Dual-Band Capacity

Ham radios work in two frequency bands – VHF and UHF. Both bands come in handy in different conditions. However, not all ham radios come with both bands. Some products have only one band frequency, either UHF or VHF. Hence, you should always opt for an option with dual-band capacity.

Speaker Quality

The product’s speaker quality is another vital thing you should consider. Opt for a product with impressive loudspeakers. You should be able to hear vocals loud and clear. You should also consider getting a device with a headphone jack, as you might need a headphone in some crowded or noisy environments.

Rechargeable Battery

Ham radios with rechargeable batteries are cheaper and easier to use. External batteries are too heavy to move around and are more expensive in the long run. Hence, opt for a product with rechargeable batteries to save money, time, and storage space.

Durable and Rugged

Since the ham radio is for Trekking and emergency purposes, the last thing you want is a device that will not serve you for a long time. To prevent a scenario where the machine will die on you when you need it the most, make sure you opt for a highly durable and rugged ham radio. Sometimes, the device might be in your backpack or briefcase, which might be a hard case. Hence, you want to ensure it can handle the use and abuse of Trekking.

Source: Best Handheld Ham Radios for Survival & Beginners in 2022

The Best Ham Radio for Trekking

BAOFENG BF-F8HP – Overall Best

The BAOFENG BF-F8HP is one of the best ham radios for Trekking on the market, thanks to its great features. This product stands out because it is a dual-band, two-way radio. It supports 400-520MHz and 136-174MHz VHF. It comes with a large battery, ensuring you do not have to charge for a long time.

I also love the FM radio feature of this device, as it can keep you entertained and updated even in the most remote environments. Compared to other handheld ham radios on the market, the BAOFENG BF-8HP is very affordable.

This ham radio is also great for beginners, as it comes with a self-explanatory user manual to guide you through its use and capabilities. The device also has different power settings, which helps to save battery when needed. It also comes with all the necessary accessories, such as a belt clip, wrist strap, earpiece kit, user manual, adapter, dual-band antenna, CH-5 charger, and more.

Yaesu Original FT-65 – Best Portable Ham Radio

Next on the line, I have the Yaesu Original F-65. This device weighs only 0.24 pounds, making it one of the lightest ham radios on the market. Thanks to its portable and convenient design, you can easily carry the device around.

In addition to having a lightweight and compact design, this ham radio comes with several great features, such as UHF and VHF tuner technology. It comes with a 1950mAh lithium-ion battery with more than nine hours of operation. The large, white background LED display makes the device easy to use, as you can see your frequency dials and other settings.

You can also use this ham radio in any weather condition, thanks to its IP54 rating. In addition to offering higher output power of 5 watts, the device has low and high power settings to save energy. It also has a large speaker that provides impressive sound quality. To crown it all, this ham radio comes with a 3-year warranty, which is enough to guarantee that you are buying a high-quality product.

BTECH UV-5X3 – Best Weatherproof Ham Radio

When it comes to Trekking, the weather is not a hindrance. Emergencies can happen, whether in the rain or sun. To overcome the challenges in such situations, you need a device that can withstand all weather. The BTECH UV-5X3 is all-around-year ham radio. This radio is weatherproof, which means you can use it in any weather.

The device comes with a 1500mAh battery that can serve you for days. The dual display of this device shows the channel’s frequency and name, making it easy for you to dial any frequency you want. It also comes with all the essential accessories you need, including an earpiece kit, belt clip, charger, wrist strap, and more.

Tenway Ham Radio – Best Ham Radio with Large Battery

If you are searching for the best ham radio for Trekking that will serve you for almost a week without having to recharge it, you should consider this option. It comes with a whopping 3,500mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts a long time. Furthermore, the device has different power settings to save battery life.

The radio has extensive coverage, ensuring it is still functional regardless of your distance. It also comes with dual tuner technology – UHF and VHF. The device is rugged and durable, and you can use it even in the harshest environments. Another fantastic thing about this ham radio is that it comes at a pocket-friendly price.

Conclusion

There you go! Those are the best and most functional ham radios for Trekking. They are highly durable, and you can use them in any weather. I also handpicked devices with large batteries to ensure you do not run out of juice when you need the radio.