Two-way radios make it easy to communicate with others at short ranges. For hunting, two-way radios allow you to inform a partner or group of game activity in an area as well as offering additional safety if something should go wrong in the woods. Two-way radios are also invaluable on family camping trips as a constant line of communication to base camp for those who venture away from the camp site.

• Two-Way Radio Features
• Channels
• Privacy Codes
• Call Features
• Weather Radios
• Lock Feature
• Range
• FRS/UHF
• Size
• Display Screen
• Usage Life

Features to Consider in a Two-Way Radio

• Channels

  Two-way radios come with as few as 2 to as many as 22 channels. If you are in a congested area, you'll need the extra channels to ensure you find one that's open. Many two-way radios offer codes or sub-channels. This allows you to find numerous other channels for communicating with your hunting partner or others in the woods with you. A two-way radio with 14 easy access channels and 38 sub-channels per channel, really gives you 532 available addresses to use.

• Privacy Codes

  Since anyone can pick up your channel, provided their equipment has the same number of channels as yours, manufacturers have designed some two-way radios with a privacy code or private call feature. While others can still tune in on your channel, the private call feature scrambles your voice so your conversation won't be understood by outside parties.

• Call Features

  Most two-way radios come with a channel saver. The big difference is whether this is manual or automatic. Talk confirmation beep signals the completion of your conversation so the other party knows when it's clear to talk. Incoming call/alert is usually a ring. You can, however, purchase a model that vibrates to alert you to a call, an especially valuable option when hunting. Most models also incorporate a last channel recall feature, much like the redial button on your phone. This feature can either be manual or automatic. Memory location helps you store frequently used channels and sub-channels. Typically, radios with this feature can store 10 channels for easier access.

  Scanning allows you to quickly see which channels are being used. Once again, some models require a manual operation, while others do this automatically. A nice feature on many models is a speaker/mic jack. While you will need to buy the additional accessories, this will allow you to have hands-free conversations. Other options include a microphone that connects to the lapel of your jacket or shirt and a speaker that fits in your ear. Or the most advanced speaker and microphone headset.

• Weather Radios

  Some two-way radios include weather reception channels. Generally, these radios include 10 channels to obtain the latest weather information.

• Lock feature

  A lock key ensures that you stay on your channel even when moving around. Auto squelch keeps a radio quiet at all times except when a signal is received.

• Range

  Range is the maximum distance you can have between two radios and still be able to communicate. Most two-way radios carry a range of 1 to 2 miles, which really depends on the terrain and weather conditions. Manufacturers make their range claims based on line of sight. So for radios with a five-mile range, you’ll only get that sort of distance when you and a partner are standing in the middle of a wide-open field five miles apart. Add in obstacles such as trees or hills and the range will be less.

  You can buy extended-range radios but they exceed the FCC's (Federal Communications Commission) maximum wattage of 500mW and employ a GMRS frequency. If you need the added distance, though, you'll have to buy a GMRS (General Mobil Radio Service) license, issued by the FCC, and pay a fee required for use of the extended-distance radio. Manufacturers will list both the range and let you know if a license is required. That's why most models fall in the 1 to 2 mile range, without any licensing fee required.

• FRS/UHF

  FRS, which stands for Family Radio Service, is a reclassified band of radio frequencies set aside by the FCC specifically for family and recreational use, hence, the limitation on power (watts) and frequency. Two-way radios also use UHF (Ultra High Frequency) to provide clearer reception. A few select models can extend range by using a bigger power source and another frequency called GMRS. This extra power and frequency requires a license from the FCC and a fee for use of the radio.

• Size

  You can find a two-way radio that fits inside the palm of your hand easily or barely extends beyond it. Sizes range from 3 ½ to 6 ½ inches tall (excluding the antenna) to generally 2 to 2 ½ inches wide and 1 to 1 ½ inches deep. Weight typically falls between 5 and 12 ounces. In general, the bigger and heavier the radio, the more features the radio offers.

• Display Screen

  Most two-way radios use a display screen to indicate a number of factors: receive, transmit, battery life, time and more. Newer radios are offering features such as a clock with timer, alarm and stopwatch, digital compass, thermometer and altimeter/barometer. Look for a backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display screen that can be easier to read in various lighting conditions. Manufacturers also note if the model's screen uses LED (Light Emitting Diode) displays or icons, or a combination of both.

• Usage Life

  Some two-way radios operate on alkaline batteries only while others will allow rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries as well. Nickel cadmium batteries are more expensive and unless the radio comes with one, requires purchasing an optional charger, but over time you will save money. Manufacturers will note the battery life, which generally assumes 5 percent transmission, 5 percent reception and 90 percent standby.