What is a  better way to immerse yourself in the outdoors this summer than going on a hiking adventure? Fresh air, breath-taking views and the feeling of accomplishment once you reach the finish line – there is no feeling like it.

The key to hiking in summer is packing strategically and travelling light. Being prepared is crucial as a perfect day hiking could quickly turn into a sticky situation

In this blog post, we will guide you through the must-have hiking kit, why two-way radios are essential and how to pick the perfect device for your hiking adventure!

The Ultimate hiking pack list:

• Suitable clothing & footwear
• Navigation
• Food & water
• Sun protection
• First-aid Kit
• Safety Tools

Clothing 

• Sturdy reliable hiking boots.

  When choosing the right pair you want to look for good traction, ankle support and protection from the elements.
  If you are new to hiking, we advise that you break the boots in ahead of the main hike to prevent painful rubbing or blisters 

• Lightweight layers and a rain jacket

We all love to hate the unpredictable English weather. Although it was sunny when you set off, it could turn to rain pour at the drop of a hat. Be prepared! Pack a quick-drying t-shirt, spare hiking socks and a waterproof jacket. Just to be on the safe side

Navigation

To confidently navigate the wild terrain, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the route ahead of time. But as a back up we suggest one of the below in case you find yourself walking past the same tree for the third time, even though you’re sure you’re not lost

• Maps 
• Compass 
• GPS Device

Food & Water

The UK summer sun can be deceiving, so staying energised and hydrated should remind a top priority for your hiking adventure.

• Bring plenty of water – the recommended amount is 1L of water per two hours of hiking.
• Water purification tablet – in case you run out of your water supply and need to use an outdoor tap or water source. Typically you can stir one tablet into 1L of water, and leave it for 30mins to work its magic and this it should be safe to drink.
  
  Please note: these tablets are not designed to purify murky water from ponds or streams.
• High protein and energy snacks to keep you energised to cross the finish line.

Sun protection

We’re optimistic we will get some glorious rays of sun this summer! Keep yourself safe from sun-stroke and eliminate the risk of an embarrassing t-shirt tan with the holy trinity of sun protection: 

• A hat
• Some sunglasses
• Suntan lotion 

First-aid Kit

Be prepared for any accident big or small with the first-aid kit essentials

• Plasters/bandages
• Antiseptic wipes
• Pain relief
• Blister pack

Tools

If you get stuck in a tricky situation, these tools may be a lifesaver – literally.

• Pocket knife
  A pocket knife is versatile and can be used to prepare food, modify gear, cut badges, etc. It can be especially valuable in an emergency.
• Torch.
  Torches can be used if the hike lasts into the darker hours of the day or if visibility becomes poor. It can ls be used to signal to people if you are lost in the dark or need help.
• Two-way radio.

Two-way radio devices provide instant reliable communication. This is crucial to ensure the safety of the whole hiking group, Two-way radios will work where mobile phones want as they do not rely on cellular data to make a connection.

Benefits of two-way radios on hiking trips

• First, improved communications: clear & reliable communication between members of the hiking group
• No reliance on Cellular data: this is a major benefit of using two-way radios over mobile phones. When you are hiking you are likely to have limited to no cellular data so your mobile is as good as useless.
• Increased safety: if someone is injured or lost accidents do happen. Two-way radios can be used to call for help in an emergency. This can help to reduce response time and increase the chances of a successful rescue. 

Choosing the right device

If you’re new to two-way radios or just looking to upgrade the ones you currently use, you may be wondering which device fits your needs best.

Choosing the best two-way radio for your needs can be tricky! When it comes to picking the best device for a hiking adventure we recommend considering these factors:

• If you want a licenced or licence-free device
• The size of the device
• Battery life of the device
• The durability of the device.

 

Our recommendations

Licence-free

Motorola T82 Extreme (Twin or Quad pack)

 

Pros

The  Motorola T82 extreme operates on PMR446 which is a licence-exempt frequency range. That means that these devices can be used straight out of the box no programming or licencing is required.

This device comes with a handy built-in torch on the top of the radio. Having multi-use devices is super useful when packing for a hiking trip because it reduces the amount you need to carry. As mentioned earlier, a torch can be used if the hike lasts into the darker hours of the day or if visibility becomes poor. It can ls be used to signal to people if you are lost in the dark or need help.

The T82 comes with a pair of rechargeable batteries. But if for whatever reason you find yourself out of battery with no mains to plug your device in whilst out in the wild, you can use AA batteries. So add a couple of packs of AA batteries to your packing list if you go for this device.

Cons.

All Licence free devices operate on the same licence-exempt frequencies. This means that you may get interference from other people using the same frequency band. However, you may be unlikely to be within range of other people using two-way radio when out on a hike.

Licence-free devices are much less powerful than licenced devices. They typically have a power output of around 0.5 Watts. This means that these devices have reduced range. Be aware that although the T82 extremes claim to have a 10km communication range, this may not be accurate. The 10km is calculated on the clear line between communication points with no obstacles at all.  

Available for purchase HERE

Motorola T72 

Pros

You don’t need a heavy backpack slowing you down on a long hike. The T72 devices are under 150 grams per device. Giving you the freedom to stay connected, no matter where the adventure takes you.

Small but powerful. The T72 packs an impressive 24hr battery life. This will ensure you are connected to your hiking party at all times. Overall, this is extremely important in case anyone needs help or assistance.

If you have a big group of people going on the hiking adventure, you may all want your own walkie-talkie set. Connect your devices smoothly using the easy pairing feature. No expert knowledge or training is needed.

Cons

Similarly to the T82 extremes, these are licence-free device that operates on PMR446 channels. As I mentioned earlier licence free means low power output, reduced range and possible interference from other radio users.

Unfortunately, as the T72 is an entry-level consumer two-way radio it has limited emergency functions. More advanced devices have features such as man-down which can send an emergency alert for the user if they are in a situation where they are unable to do so themselves. If they had fallen unconscious or were unable to reach the radio for example.

Available for purchase HERE

Licenced 

Hytera HP605

 

Pros

One of the main benefits of a licenced device over a licence-free one is a larger communication range. This is because licenced devices are 8 times more powerful with a power output of typically 4watts (compared to 0.5 Watts licence-free ones have.)

The Hytera HP605 has an impressive 20-hour battery life. Charge your device before you set off on your hiking adventure and have peace of mind that it will remain powered all though out.

One of our favourite features of the Hytera HP605 is that it features option GPS tracking functionality. Track the location of your travel companions or vehicles in real time. Ensuring that you can be found quickly and efficiently if you were to wander too far from the group.

The HP605 has also been designed to meet the MIL-STD-810 G  standard with an IP67 rating. This means it can withstand drops up to 2 metres and even the harshest weather and environments. Rest easy knowing that your device is rugged and durable enough to support you wherever your explorations take you.

Cons

One of the main drawbacks of the HP605 is that the devices are sold as single and are typically at a higher price point compared to the licence-free models. If you have a larger hiking group it may be expensive to equip everyone with a device. Although this could easily be combatted by providing radios to pairs or dedicated group members, people may be better comforted having their own devices.

One of the main disadvantages of licenced devices is that they require programming to a dedicated licence provided to you by OFCOM. If you only plan on using your devices once or twice a year, purchasing a licence may not be cost-effective. On the flip side to that, licences start from as little as £75 and last 5 years before needing to be renewed. Which works out to only £15 per year.

Available for purchase HERE

Motorola CLR

Pros

Don’t be weighed down by bulky equipment! The Motorola CLR device is under 130g, making it incredibly easy to carry throughout your hike. It can easily slip into any pocket or you can carry it on a belt clip comfortably for extended periods.

If you are new to the world of two-way radios, the CLR’s simple-to-use operation will ensure you can communicate with no training necessary. Also,  featuring a large Push-To-Talk (PTT) button for communication, anyone old or young will be able to operate this savvy device.

Small but powerful. Additionally, the CLR has an impressive 18-hour battery life. No need to bring additional battery packs or power supplies that may weigh down your travel pack. When packing for your hike, you need to pack strategically and keep it lightweight. 

Cons

Again, this is a licenced device so you need to have a valid radio licence from OFCOM. For any questions surrounding radio licencing, CLICK HERE to watch our YouTube video where we unpack the world of radio licencing and answer our customers’ questions.

Lastly, the although the CLR is a licenced device it only operates at 1 watts. Most licenced devices operate at 4Watt so this is dramatically reduced. As previously mentioned, the lower the power output the smaller the communication range. Although, 1W is low power for a licenced device but still more powerful than licence-free

Available for purchase HERE

Here at 2WayRadioShop, we supply a wide range of devices and accessories from all the top manufacturers such as Motorola, Entel and Hytera. If you need some new devices to take on your next hiking adventure head over to our e-commerce store now.

If you are still unsure of which device would be best for your needs, please give our team a call at 0800 328 0100 or email us at service@eemits.co.uk 

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