Backcountry Radios -- experience, recommendations, questions

[Ørion]

Looking at the remote mic for the RT and I have to say...I just don't get it. I know people like the two piece config, but the hand mic appears to be 80% the size of the main unit.

Is it really that much less obtrusive than the main unit on your shoulder strap? Enough to justify extra cost, extra weight, extra fucking around / cords /etc?

Having skied with it a fair bit over the last two weeks:

1. Slightly more weather resistant - IP56 vs IP67: I actually had to warranty a radio due to possible water intrusion damage. 5 star warranty experience btw.

2. Easier to activate with gloves on - not that the other was difficult, but this entirely stopped accidental non-presses.

3. Arguably less fucking around. Hand mic lives on my bag, I just plug/unplug the radio whenever needed, no messing with carabiniers and retention cables

4. Completely unobtrusive. Main unit did a good job of not flopping around but I never forgot it was there with the cable, carabiners, and the antenna sticking out. I also had a knack for getting tangled up whenever putting on my pack with the radio attached.

5. My clumsy ass will eventually smash whatever unit is on my shoulder into something hard. I like knowing that the radio is a "backup" unit in my bag if the shoulder unit gets destroyed.

6. Gets the active electronics as far as reasonably possible away from my beacon. Even the shoulder mic itself sits further away (higher) from my beacon too.

Bonus points: wife likes skiing inbounds without a pack and she appreciates being able to clip the radio to a waist loop, running the cable inside her jacket, and having the hand mic clamped to her jacket collar.

[AlpiNord]

The mic is more compact, ‘fits better’ and convenient while the radio is protected and put away. The antenna seems like a hazard to me.

I’m on the learning curve with integrating radios into BC and other routines as it makes sense or adds utility. Getting others on board is like herding cats.

FWIW we had some little Motorolas and I was gifted a couple Talkabouts. The more robust water resistance, battery and 2W capability seemed like a better option to get the RT and would complement a buddy’s BCA. Now we have 5 of multiple flavors.

With my RT and a buddy on a Talkabout on what I thought was a 2W channel, the Talkabout was picking up chatter from a utility company while the RT was not. Why would this be happening?


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[singlesline]

Also something relevant to snowsports: External speaker/mic lets you keep the battery somewhere somewhere warmer if cold is an issue.

Plus the added advantages of an external mic having better glove ergonomics (one big talk button) and often having room for a bigger/clearer sounding/louder speaker which could be nice in windy or loud environments.

[doebedoe]

Having skied with it a fair bit over the last two weeks:

1. Slightly more weather resistant - IP56 vs IP67: I actually had to warranty a radio due to possible water intrusion damage. 5 star warranty experience btw.

2. Easier to activate with gloves on - not that the other was difficult, but this entirely stopped accidental non-presses.

3. Arguably less fucking around. Hand mic lives on my bag, I just plug/unplug the radio whenever needed, no messing with carabiniers and retention cables

4. Completely unobtrusive. Main unit did a good job of not flopping around but I never forgot it was there with the cable, carabiners, and the antenna sticking out. I also had a knack for getting tangled up whenever putting on my pack with the radio attached.

5. My clumsy ass will eventually smash whatever unit is on my shoulder into something hard. I like knowing that the radio is a "backup" unit in my bag if the shoulder unit gets destroyed.

6. Gets the active electronics as far as reasonably possible away from my beacon. Even the shoulder mic itself sits further away (higher) from my beacon too.

Bonus points: wife likes skiing inbounds without a pack and she appreciates being able to clip the radio to a waist loop, running the cable inside her jacket, and having the hand mic clamped to her jacket collar.

Good summary -- thanks. Almost convincing me to buy one for my upcoming hut trip.

[Ørion]

Good summary -- thanks. Almost convincing me to buy one for my upcoming hut trip.

I don't think you'll regret it.

[::: :::]

I didn’t have strap to hold the mic on my vest so I made a mod to my vest. Maybe too dorky, but it really works well.

[mrkbrnblm]

6. Gets the active electronics as far as reasonably possible away from my beacon. Even the shoulder mic itself sits further away (higher) from my beacon too.

I ski with Baofengs with a separate mic and think the mic is 100% the way to go, mostly for this reason. Test yours and your beacon... The impact of the radio on my beacon signal was significantly worse than my phone (which is already very bad).

[doebedoe]

I don't think you'll regret it.

Not in stock currently, will have to wait for next round.

[NBABUCKS1]

Anyone have a good mounting solution for a rocky talkie when not wearing a backpack or vest?

was thinking I (my wife) could sew a tiny strap near my shoulder on my shell to clip the carabineer in. Is there a better solution?

[::: :::]

Front chest pocket works great in a shell. If your gloves are dexterous-as-fuck, it works even better.

[AlpiNord]

The RTs could use some kind of belt clip option or something similar. A beacon harness and case is an option.

For biking, I’m wondering about printing a handlebar clip.


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[Samski360]

Just got back from a week long hut trip. everyone used a radio but a few different types. Here’s a summary for those playing along and wondering what worked/didn’t:

BCA (2.0): Easy to program and switch preset channels. Good mic, battery life. Those with BCAs programmed the preset channels so all could say “channel A, B, C” etc. also Easy to quickly shut off if doing beacon search.

RT (no separate mic): This person used their radio the least and would almost always defer to someone with a BCA. Partly personality, partly due to ease of use. Fiddling with channels seemed like a PIA with gloves on. Clipped to shoulder strap, it was harder to maintain distance from beacon in chest harness. No discernible benefit over BCA other than price.

Cheap Motorola radios(with and without external mic): basically the same as RT. External mics seemed to break or fail after a few days so users just stopped using them. Radios themselves were surprisingly reliable. Form factor noticeable bigger than RTs.

Programmable radio (not sure the model): these were provided by the hut and used primarily to keep in touch with the custodian to keep tabs on where groups were and to alert custodian in event of emergency. Users kept on the same channel and did not utilize the greater functionality of the radios for the entire trip.

Based on these observations, it seemed the BCA folks spent less time fussing with radios and had reliable communication. If you need a programmable radio, you probably know who you are. RTs seem fine if you don’t want to spend the money on a BCA, but for skiing there doesn’t seem to be a benefit other than price.

Fwiw, these are just observations. I’m not a radio expert and not trying to make recommendations. We were many miles from any other parties so interference was not a concern.

In general everyone having a radio was a huge help in keeping track of ski partners and other groups. High avy risk in the alpine kept us in the trees. It was nice to keep in radio contact when we couldn’t keep eyes on each other in the trees. Would definitely recommend having a radio if you can’t keep eyes on your partners throughout your day

[NBABUCKS1]

Rocky Talkie just announced their 5 Watt GMRS. Need the license but seems to be a pretty good deal if you don't want to mess with the Baofeng

https://rockytalkie.com/products/5-watt-radio

[::: :::]

Rocky Talkie just announced their 5 Watt GMRS. Need the license but seems to be a pretty good deal if you don't want to mess with the Baofeng

https://rockytalkie.com/products/5-watt-radio

pretty good esp with the improved battery life and durability/weather resistance

the original unit serves my needs but i'd hop on that if i were still in the market

[NBABUCKS1]

pretty good esp with the improved battery life and durability/weather resistance

the original unit serves my needs but i'd hop on that if i were still in the market

yeah same - I run radios inbounds with my friends and it can be spotty when we are on opposite sides of the resort trying to link up.


The extended range would be nice.

Would sell my UHF 2 watt for the 5 watt if I could get the bro's on board.

[enginerd]

This worked pretty well for me last year. Used it at the resort in my chest pocket and touring as you see in this photo clipped to my pack strap with tape added to ensure it doesn’t just flip off. Light, stable, easy to use (except on the fly channel switching). $20 for a PAIR on sale! Motorola T100.

Downsides are this model doesn’t do sub channels, doesn’t have rechargeable batteries and isn’t officially weather proof (though this one did fine through a couple stormy days).

Might have to upgrade to the T200 which adds all the sub channels and rechargeable batteries at a whopping $55 for the pair OR possibly the T482 which further adds weather resistance and a volume knob for $80 for the pair…still less than 25% of the cost of a BCA link 2 and less than half the cost of RT.

Is the speaker mic and pre-select channel wheel and ability to keep it slightly more insulated in my pack or jacket really worth it?

Context: I got along fine with my T100 last year but this year have two week-long hut trips to Canada. I figure I better have the sub channels so I can use any channel anyone else wants to use…



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[::: :::]

My experience coming from Motorola talkabouts to RockyTalkie was that the RT had way better reception and speaker volume which matters in the wind or on a river. It was more than enough improvement to merit the cost difference.
(My most recent Motorola was the T600 but have owned others)

Re: the mic…it’s way easier to grab and press in gloves than the radio unit buttons. I can’t speak to the BCA stuff, but the RT mic does its job without calling attention to itself

[SnowMachine]

This thread is relevant to my current interests. I want radios to keep comms with my kids, on hill. I had several times last year where I lost touch with my 10yo and we resorted to phones.

We use professional Motorola's at work on the resort and I know their limitations (across ridgetops, base to top of resort, etc). They're pretty good, but I'm almost positive that they are 5W.

I use Baofeng's for motorized back country. The Motorolas are better, IMO, but 10X the price.

I'm looking at 2W waterproof Motorola's (cheapest by far), BCA Link Mini and Rocky Talkie.

Thoughts? The Link Mini looks appealing. They look easy to key with gloves. I'm not sure if I'll add mics. I need to see how my kids do with them. Honestly, I don't care what they cost if they work well. I'd like these to last a long time. Eventually my kids will be out of resort with me and I'd like to use these in the BC, too.

[summit]

RT.... $330 for a pair... that's just an insane price.

[ASmileyFace]

I like the new 5W RT, but $330 for a pair and $460 with hand mics is a lot of money. For most people the regular RT w/mic at $158 per is more than enough radio.

[Jason4]

I also use Baofengs for backcountry use, both motorized and on foot but would consider going back to an FRS/GMRS radio for recreational backcountry use when I appreciate the convenience of synching channels/frequencies in the parking lot.

[climberevan]

I use and like Baofengs for moto riding. My new use case is for climbing--all of the kids are using radios these days. It sure beats screaming "OFF BELAY" at the top of my lungs and still wondering if it was heard.

What are the smallest/lightest options? In this scenario we'd never be more than 80m from each other....

[ey_allen]

I might try and pick up the BC Link Mini when available, depending on how easy to use they are. Main goals are for staying in touch with my 8 year old if we get separated, and BC skiing.

Anyone have early beta on these or a comparison with the Rocky?

[SnowMachine]

I'd like to have 4 radios. One for each family member. It becomes a bit pricey for the BC or RT. I'm now considering the Motorola T475. $100 for a pair and solid reviews including ski reviews.

At that price I can hand them off to friends or my kids and not worry about them.

Hmmm.

[SnowMachine]

My experience coming from Motorola talkabouts to RockyTalkie was that the RT had way better reception and speaker volume which matters in the wind or on a river. It was more than enough improvement to merit the cost difference.
(My most recent Motorola was the T600 but have owned others)

Re: the mic…it’s way easier to grab and press in gloves than the radio unit buttons. I can’t speak to the BCA stuff, but the RT mic does its job without calling attention to itself

This is the comment that worries me a bit. I would be using these for mostly snow sports, so it would be generally quiet in the background.