Everything You Need to Know About 100 Mile Walkie Talkies for Remote Communication
Communication is a key aspect when planning any sort of outdoor excursion. Whether you’re hiking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, or rock climbing, keeping your whole party reliably in touch keeps everyone safe and up to date. Since they were invented in the ‘40s, walkie-talkies have been one of the best tools for communication for any outing, connecting members of your party with the push of a button. Their durability, reliability, and versatility mean they’re a popular option for almost any adventure.
However, the longevity of their popularity means there are a lot of options on the market, each boasting its own set of important features. One of the most-used differentiators for different handheld radios is range. Some models even advertise ranges as high as 100 miles. However, there are many different factors that go into a walkie-talkie’s effective range that may significantly reduce that number.
In this guide, you’ll learn how manufacturers determine the range of their walkie-talkies, factors to consider when out in the field, and how to choose the right handset for you.
How They Calculate Range for a 100-Mile Walkie-Talkie
When evaluating claims for a 100 mile walkie talkie, you must first understand how they calculate range. A radio’s maximum range is determined by a test under ideal radio conditions without environmental factors. For example, think of two people standing on the top of two buildings with identical heights on a cloudless day with no obstructions between them. Under these conditions, the radio’s antenna size, output power, and radio frequency determine the maximum range.
In theory, two people on buildings 100 miles apart would be able to communicate with each other via walkie-talkie.
What Impacts Handheld Radio Range in the Field?
Different materials absorb or deflect radio waves differently, so where you are will affect your range. Rock and metal almost completely block radio waves, so walkie-talkies can be much less effective in mountainous or heavily-developed urban locales. Glass, drywall, and vegetation are much less obstructive, so residential areas or forests will have a lower impact.
Geography plays a similarly large role in determining range. Trying to communicate over different elevations will reduce effective range. Meanwhile, talking on a straight line on even ground will significantly improve it.
Weather is its own obstacle to walkie-talkie range. Clear skies won’t impede your signals, but clouds, rain, snow, or fog can block or diffuse radio waves.
Choosing the Best Walkie-Talkie
As mentioned above, there are a lot of walkie-talkies to choose from. Many of them advertise long ranges up to 100 miles. Factors to consider when choosing a long-range handheld radio include:
- How long the battery lasts
- Durability
- How heavy the handset is
- Bluetooth connectivity
- If it requires FCC licensing
Walkie-talkies are ideal tools for any outdoor activity or job that requires instant communication across distances. The key to choosing the right handheld radio is how you’ll be using it and understanding how that will impact its range. Taking your intended environment, potential obstacles, and even weather into account will allow you to find the right 100-mile radio for you.
