We’re in Canada, which means that we can legally use GMRS radios with up to 2W transmitting power without a license (but not MURS yet).
With that in mind, I would like to ask for recommendations for 2-way radios to take on family hikes and camping trips.
Considerations:
Range.
We’re talking forests and uneven terrain (think “boulders”). I don’t expect miracles, but obviously some sets can do better than others.
Voice clarity, particularly near the reception limits.
Typical conversation goes like this:
Me: Kids, you’re too far away, come back
They: What???
Me: Come back
They: What???
Me: C-O-M-E B-A-CK !!!
They: What???
Durability.
Every radio that I owned eventually gets dropped from 1m onto a hard surface.
Batteries.
LiIon are good but the ability to put in a set of AAs or AAAs in an emergency is even better.
Size, weight, etc.
Something that a 6yo can handle without whining.
Price.
Have to be able to justify it to the missus.
As I understand it, no, you cannot automatically use US GMRS radios legally in canada. They have a seperate set of certification rules, and radios in Canada must be certified by the Canadian radio authorities for their equivilent service. Some US FRS/GMRS radios are, some are not.
There should be a Canadian equipment ID on them if they’re permitted, I expect.