Is the Rocky Talkie Mountain radio worth it? In my experience, I can confidently say yes (as a mountain hiker and mom).
This Rocky Talkie review will walk you through the pros, cons and spec of this popular, yet simple 2 way radio that does NOT require a license to operate.
Crave the Planet is reader-supported. When you click on some links and you purchase, I may receive money at no additional cost to you. – Thanks, Morgan
| TL;DR From Author
Feel at peace in the wild. Stay connected and in communication with those you love most with the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio. Move safely among wonders, with gear as thoughtful as your care of the Outdoors.
It also offers a range of accessories, including an extended battery pack and a mic setup that comes in handy for hunting, motorcycle riding, and other activities.
The mic has a large, tactile button that makes it easy to use even with gloves on, and it’s waterproof and durable enough to withstand harsh conditions. With a two-year warranty and great customer service, Rocky Talkie is committed to providing the best possible experience for its customers.
Rocky Talkie Review – Quick Verdict
What we like: This license free 2 watt two-way radio is SUPER simple to use right out of the box and perfect for climbers, skiers and hikers that want security and good communications.
- Pros: 4 days battery life, Simplicity, 5 mile Range, 2 year warranty, designed in Colorado
- Cons: Mic is extra, not cheap
Note: This high quality, yet mid-priced walkie talkie is our top pick for the Outdoor set.
Key Takeaways
- It’s the best non-professional series radio on the market in 2024.
- The mic setup and extended battery pack are useful accessories for outdoor activities like skiing where you don’t want to remove your glove.
- The Rocky Talkie mountain radio is durable, waterproof, and comes with a two-year warranty and great customer service.
🧭 Read until the end for my insider travel tips from a physical therapist hiking & travel addict.
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🗻 Read my roundup of the best 2 way radios for the mountains.
🥾Take a look at the best PLBs for hiking and mountaineering.
Rockie Talkie Radio Overview
The Rocky Talkie mountain radio is a handheld non-professional radio that is still the best on the market, priced at around $110 for the radio and $50 for the mic. The company offers a two-year warranty on the radios, but the warranty can extend past two years if needed.
They have excellent customer service and are willing to work with customers to take care of them.
Rocky Talkie has released several new accessories since the last update. One of these accessories is the mic setup that comes in handy in different situations where you want to wear gloves.
The mic setup is also waterproof and can withstand freezing cold temperatures, downpours of rain, and hot temperatures. It is also weather-proof, making it extremely durable and reliable.
The mic setup comes in a new case that has a cut-out on the side, allowing you to fit the mic in it.
The radio comes with a carabiner and a lanyard strap, but the mic setup has made the lanyard strap unnecessary for some users.
The mic setup with a large orange button comes in handy in different situations, making it easier to communicate without having to find the button on the side of the radio.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Weather proof: the radio can withstand snowy, freezing cold temperatures, downpours of rain, and hot temperatures without any issues.
- Warranty: the radio comes with a two-year warranty, and the customer service is excellent. They are willing to work with customers to take care of them and improve their radios based on feedback.
- Mic setup: the mic setup is a useful accessory that makes it easier to find the button to speak, even when wearing gloves. The large orange button on the mic is tactile and easy to press, and the mic can be turned in any position, making it convenient to use.
- Compatibility: the mic has a standard hookup that can be used on any radio, making it a versatile accessory.
- FCC Compliance: the radio is legal to operate according to the FCC with no license.
Cons
- Price: the radio costs around $110, which may be expensive for some users.
- Mic price: the mic setup costs around $50, which is an additional expense.
- Limited warranty: the warranty only lasts for two years, and some users have reported issues after the warranty period.
- Button noise: the button noise can be audible to animals, which may be a concern for some users.
Specs
Summary of the Rocky Talkie Specifications:
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Radio Service | FRS (no license required) |
Channels | 128 |
Privacy Codes | 121 (CTCSS and DCS) |
Range | Line-of-sight: 25+ miles Mountains: 1 to 5 miles Forest/Hills: 0.5 to 3 miles City: Up to 1 mile |
Power | 2 Watt |
Features | Privacy Codes, Channel Lock, High/Low Power Modes, Scan Mode, Roger Beep |
Waterproofing | IP56 (Splashproof/Snowproof, not submergible) |
Battery Type | Rechargable 1550 mAh Li-ion |
Radio Dimensions | 16.2 x 5.9 x 2.7 cm |
Weight | Radio Only: 4.8 oz, Full System: 7.9 oz |
Operating Temperature | -20° to 120° fahrenheit |
Charging Temperature | 0° to 100° fahrenheit |
Charging Type | USB-C (Charger included) |
Headset Compatible | Dual pin 3.5mm-2.5mm Port (Headset not included) |
New Accessories
Rocky-Talkie has recently released a few new accessories for their handheld non-professional series radio. One of the newer accessories is a mic setup, which comes in handy for different uses such as hiking, mountaineering, hunting, fishing and skiing.
Rocky-Talkie has also released an extended battery pack that you can purchase, and a new case that has a cut-out on the side to fit the mic in. The mic setup and the extended battery pack are sold separately from the radio.
If you already own a Rocky-Talkie, you can purchase the new case that has the cut-out on the side, and the mic comes wrapped up in the box. The case is self-explanatory and easy to use.
Rocky-Talkie offers a 2 year warranty on their radios, and their customer service and warranty extends past the initial two years. They are willing to work with you to take care of you as the customer and they like hearing feedback on how their radios are used and what they can improve.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Rocky Talkie is the best radio in its category, providing the best chance that your radio won’t fail on you. It’s not the most expensive, but it’s definitely not the cheapest. However, it’s the best option if you ever have to rely on it in a life-or-death situation or when skiing off piste or hiking in the backcountry.
Final Verdict: Best Performance
Let’s face it, you pay for what you get. You’ve got many options, but if you’re really interested in performance I highly recommend you consider this purchase.
Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio
Lightweight
Simple Design
Made for the Mountains
The Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio features a heavy-duty ABS plastic construction that is weather-resistant from dust, rain and impacts. The USB C charger will get your lightweight walkie talkie charged for 4 days of normal use.
- Simple design
- Designed by climbers and skiers for the outdoor set
- 25 mile range - 1.5 miles in backcountry
- Not for people that want a lot of bells and whistles
- Pricey
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Why Trust?
At Crave the Planet, I’m all about honest and relatable reviews of outdoor products. As a physical therapist, hut to hut hiker, downhill skier and mom, I’m constantly trying new gear to make my outdoor experiences more comfy and fun but with science in mind.
I’ll be real with you, I don’t do every outdoor activity. But, who does? I’m just a regular person who loves exploring the planet. Perfectionism is my enemy and I hope to help you ditch that vibe too.
My review process involves testing each product in real-life outdoor situations, but if it’s a really horrible day I’ll probably find a hotel in the valley. I’ll let you know what worked for me and what didn’t, so you can make informed decisions about your gear choices.
I don’t do sponsored reviews or take payment for my reviews. All comments are based on my personal experience. Sometimes I’ll test something and then send it back for a refund. Usually there’s a hefty fee. Bummer. So, if you’re looking for a relatable and honest take on outdoor gear, you’re in the right place.
More Hiking & Outdoor Gear Resources
Here’s more awesome gear to empower your journey. I have written in-depth comparisons of products that make hiking and exploring the Great Outdoors safer and more fun, especially if you’re a beginner (or like me, a little rusty in the knees).
Physical Therapist Curated Gear Guides for Hikers
- 🧎 Make your knees feel better while hiking and walking: Best Knee Braces for Hiking
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- ⌚ Never get lost on the trail and navigate the wilderness safely with My Review of the Best GPS Watches for Hiking
- ❄️ Go hiking on uneven terrain safely: The Best Hiking Boots with Ankle Support
- 🥾 Don’t get lost in the backcountry during a big hike: My Review of the BEST PLB – Personal Locator Beacons
My Guides to Bucketlist Hikes in Europe
(That I’ve personally done and loved.)
Video
If you’re an avid hiker or mountaineer, you know that communication is essential. I hope this Rocky Talkie Review help you decide if it’s the right purchase for you.
Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.