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5 Watt Radio

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
575 Reviews

5 Watt Radio

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
575 Reviews
Quantity

Radios:

Please note - each radio is sold individually

We are excited to introduce our GMRS radio with IP67 waterproofing, 5 days of battery life, and 5-watts of power for optimal range. This radio is fully compatible with our award-winning FRS Mountain Radio.

Designed and tested in the mountains and rivers of the Colorado Rockies, the radio is rugged with protective rubber padding and a shatterproof LED screen. Each radio is hand-tested to IP67 waterproofing standards (1 meter submersion) and includes a water-shedding design for quick communication in white-water.

The 5 Watt Radio maximizes two critical aspects of a backcountry radio: battery life and range. The radio includes a specialized 1800 mAH battery that achieves around 5 days on a single charge, even in frigid conditions (-20°F). The radio transmits the highest amount of power for handheld GMRS radios (5-watts). The max range is over 35 miles, however, 2 to 8 miles is typical in backcountry terrain. For more info on range, please see our range testing video.

Easily attach the 5 Watt Radio to packs and other gear using the integrated steel gator clip (with 360° rotation) and backup leash. The radio is also compatible with our Carabiner Attachment which comes with either the Quantum ultralight climbing carabiner or locking carabiner that we crafted with our local Colorado partner, Trango.

The 5 Watt Radio includes useful features for the backcountry, including access to 11 weather channels and NOAA weather alerts, as well as dual-channel monitoring and transmitting. The radio’s GMRS designation unlocks 8 repeater channels to relay & extend your transmission range, as well as a removable antenna.

Each radio comes with a compact and high-performance 7.5cm antenna installed, and our longer 17cm antenna is included in each box. The 17cm antenna moderately improves range and boosts weather channel reception.

Compatible accessories:
Waterproof Hand Mic – especially popular for backcountry skiers

Carabiner Attachment – a modular version of our original Mountain Radio attachment system with an ultralight carabiner or locking carabiner option.

Universal Mount – multiple mounting options for any outdoor adventure.

Whip Antenna - improve signal strength and audio quality in challenging conditions

USB Power Adapter - standard charging block for your radio if you need one

Replacement Battery for 5 Watt Radio -extra 1800 mAh battery if you need a spare


We designed the 5 Watt Radio with specific adventure sports in mind. See our team’s recommended radio by sport here.


Don’t have a GMRS license? No problem, the process is simple and affordable. Please note, this radio is not allowed for use in Canada. Checkout our blog post here.

Read about our 2 year warranty and commitment to sustainability. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact us or refer to the FAQ page.

  • One radio with shatterproof screen
  • Steel Gator Clip
  • Metal-reinforced back-up leash
  • Lithium-ion battery (replaceable)
  • USB-C charging cable
  • 7.5cm antenna (pre-installed)
  • 17cm antenna option
Each Package Includes
Radio Service

GMRS (USA only)

Power

5 Watt

Range

Line-of-Sight: 35+ miles
Mountains: 1 to 8 miles
Forest & Hills: 0.5 to 5 miles
Rivers: 0.5 to 3 miles
City: Up to 1.5 miles

Waterproofing

IP67 (Waterproof up to 1 meter submersion)

Channels

22 + 8 repeater channels

Privacy Codes

121 (CTCSS and DCS)

Battery Life

4-6 days
Li-ion 7.4V 1800mAh

Base Features

Privacy Codes, Channel Lock, High/Low Power Modes, Scan Mode, TX Beep

Advanced Features

Dual Channel Watch, NOAA Weather Channels, NOAA Emergency Alert Monitoring, GMRS Repeater capable

Attachment System

Steel Gator Clip or Carabiner Loop Attachment

Operating Temperature

-20° to 120° F

Charging Temperature

10° to 100° F

Headset Connector

M3 Waterproof Connector

Antennas

7.5cm and 17cm, removable SMA-male connector

Weight

9.1 oz

Radio Body Dimensions

10.3 cm tall x 6.2 cm wide x 3.4 cm thick

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Youtube Image
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Watt Main Image

DESIGNED FOR

  • Range

    Max GMRS Range with 5 Watt Power

  • Durability

    Rugged design and waterproof to 1 meter

  • Ease of Use

    Simple buttons and 360° Steel Gator Clip

  • Battery Life

    4-6 days on a charge & cold resistant (-20°f)

Cta Vector

We donate $2 per radio to SAR teams Learn more

COMPARE TO THE MOUNTAIN RADIO

GMRS (5 Watt)
Artboard 1 IP67 Waterproof (1 Meter)
Artboard 1 9.1 oz
Gator Clip or Carabiner
5 Day Battery Life
FRS (2 Watt)
Artboard 1 IP56 (Splash and Snow Proof)
Artboard 1 6.5 oz
Ultralight Carabiner
4 Day Battery Life

Customer Reviews

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 575 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 555 Total 4 star reviews: 15 Total 3 star reviews: 3 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 1
99%would recommend this product
Slide 1 selected
575 reviews
  • ZJ
    Zach J.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Activity Type for 5W Radio Fishing, Watersports, Skiing/Snowboarding, Hiking/Camping
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Yesterday
    AK River Worthy

    After a battle with spending the money for the 5w radios, I can honestly say that they are worth every penny. The range and function of these radios are superior to alternatives and when running wild Alaska rivers with loads of timber and log jams. These were a safety net that I will not be without again.

    RTProfile picture for Rocky Talkie
    Rocky Talkie
    3 hours ago

    Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! We’re thrilled to hear the 5 Watt Radios have been a reliable safety net on your Alaska river trips. Stories like yours mean a lot to us, and we’re so glad they’ve become a part of your adventures. We wish you many more safe and enjoyable trips ahead!

  • TC
    Tyler C.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Activity Type for 5W Radio Fishing, Hiking/Camping, Family Communication
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    5 days ago
    Simple to use; OUTSTANDING performance!

    I’m not a radio nerd and don’t need or even know how to use the fancy features that other, more advanced radios offer. I bought these after using them during a week-long fishing trip where I was impressed by the INCREDIBLE battery life and range in the mountains (though admittedly, we weren’t close to pushing the boundaries on range). They’re also waterproof which came in handy because I lost my footing while wading and went for a swim - radio worked perfectly throughout all of this. I’m a notorious daily-charger, but my buddy went 4 days with it powered on 24/7 and said he probably could’ve gone 2-3 more days. My main use for these is while fishing in the wild so my wife (who doesn’t fish) can have one while she takes the dog and explores while I post up on the river. Either that or having a way to talk with a buddy while fishing a little down the river from each other, and it’s perfect for this use!

    RTProfile picture for Rocky Talkie
    Rocky Talkie
    3 hours ago

    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review! We’re thrilled to hear the radios have been both easy to use and reliable during your fishing adventures, helping you stay connected with friends and family. It’s great to hear their waterproof rating came in handy during your unexpected swim! Thanks again for sharing your experience—we really appreciate your support!

  • ER
    Eric R.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Activity Type for 5W Radio Skiing/Snowboarding, Hiking/Camping, Watersports, Photography/Film Production, Family Communication
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 week ago
    The Best GMRS Option

    GMRS radios aren't supposed to be complicated. They fill a need and that is what is so nice about these 5W units. They are also the only in-category, outdoor specific radio that has various antenna options, something that Cobra, Midland, Motorola, and others do not provide. The whip option is by far the best option for any situation.

    I spent a bunch of time testing these radios both in play and with a crew of snowmobile guides. The range is exceptional. The durability and use in cold whether is phenomenal. Likewise, taking them on the paddleboard and messing around in the water yielded continued, uninterrupted performance.

    I'm also a ham radio operator. I ask a lot of my radios and these deliver. It's nice to have great audio as well as great performance in variable terrain. The thoughtfully designed hand-mic, which is also waterproof, allows you to listen or use two different channels, change the volume, and then also talk. It's brilliant. Even in the amateur radio market, a product like this is hard to find.

    As a small scale, commercial drone pilot, using radios like this facilitates video shoots. One cannot simply shout over the distance between two parties.

    This radio is fantastic. I have no complaints. I believe that it will lead the market for outdoor communication where demands are simple: maintain contact within and outside your group.

    You can find my video review on YouTube on Backcountry Amateur Radio's channel.

    RTProfile picture for Rocky Talkie
    Rocky Talkie
    6 days ago

    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience and leave a review! We’re thrilled to hear that our 5 Watt Radios have delivered for you across such a wide range of activities. It means a lot to know that the range, durability, and waterproof hand mic have met the demands of your adventures and professional work. We put a lot of care into designing radios that are both simple and capable in challenging environments, and your feedback truly means a lot. We also appreciate you sharing your video review on the Backcountry Amateur Radio channel. Thanks again for being part of the Rocky Talkie community!

  • D
    David
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Activity Type for 5W Radio Skiing/Snowboarding, Hiking/Camping, Watersports, Family Communication, Overlanding/4X4
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    4 weeks ago
    Good Stuff

    Bought two last week. Love them! Solid build and the added power is noticeable and useful.

    Would much rather have preferred the carabiner over the clip as a purchase choice. I just bought the carabiner add-on, hand mic, whip antenna and other accessories, but again would have liked the carabiner option out of the gate. A simple power indicator light is probably the missing functionality I miss most at this early point. I did design a 3DP bench stand that works well, so that's nice :).

  • BS
    BRIAN S.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Activity Type for 5W Radio Skiing/Snowboarding, Overlanding/4X4, Hiking/Camping
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 month ago
    Solid build

    I own a few high-end handitalkis in the ham spectrum and this new Rocky Talkie is more solid feeling than any of them. I'm excited to get out and do some outdoors activities with these. Just a really impressive design and build from Rocky Talkie.

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