Rocky Talkie expedition radio
Expedition radio underwater
Expedition radio in hand with truck in background

Expedition Radio

5 Watt

Regular price $180
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
582 Reviews

Battery Life

4–6 days on a single charge

radio waves

Range

Max power for optimal reach

Ease of Use

Intuitive buttons & versatile attachments

Durability

Rugged design with shatterproof screen

expedition radio clipped to gastank bag on motorcycle
Person holding a walkie-talkie inside a vehicle
person attaching split board to snowmobile rack in snow with radio on chest
expedition radio on blue inflatable pack raft with person inflating second raft in background
Product Description +

The Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio is our powerful 5-watt GMRS radio, featuring extended range, multi-day battery life, and full waterproof protection. Hand-tested to IP67 standards, the radio withstands 1 meter of submersion and features a water-shedding design for quick, clear communication—even in whitewater. This radio is fully compatible with our award-winning FRS Mountain Radio.

Built and tested in the Colorado Rockies, the Expedition Radio is constructed with a protective rubber padding and a shatterproof LED screen for enhanced durabilty. A specialized 1800 mAh battery delivers 4–6 days of use on a single charge, even in frigid conditions (-20°F). With 5 watts of output—the highest allowed for handheld GMRS radios—it offers a max range of over 35 miles, with 2–8 miles more typical in backcountry terrain. For more info on range, please see our range testing video.

Each radio comes ready to use with a compact 7.5 cm antenna installed, plus an included 17 cm antenna to moderately enhance range and weather channel reception. Additional features include dual-channel monitoring, access to NOAA weather alerts, and 8 GMRS repeater channels for extended transmission.

Attachment is simple with the integrated steel gator clip (360° rotation) and backup leash. For even more versatility, the Expedition Radio is compatible with our modular Carabiner Attachment, the Universal Mount system, and the high-performance Whip Antenna.

Compatible Accessories

Purpose-built for adventure sports, the Expedition Radio keeps hunters, anglers, paddlers, overlanders, and backcountry athletes connected when it matters most.

Don’t have a GMRS license yet? The process is quick and affordable—learn more in our blog post here. (Please note: not legal for use outside the US.) 

Like all Rocky Talkie products, the Expedition Radio is backed by our 2-year warranty and our commitment to sustainability.

If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact us or refer to the FAQ page.

What's Included in Each Package +
  • Rocky Talkie expedition radio and accessories

    Each package includes:

    • 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
Technical Specifications +
Radio Service

GMRS (FRS Compatible)

Power

5 Watt

Channels

128

Range

Line-of-Sight: 35+ miles
Mountains: 2 to 8 miles
Forest/Hills: 0.5 to 5 miles
Rivers: 0.5 to 3 miles
City: Up to 1.5 miles

Waterproofing

IP67 (1 Meter Submersion)

Privacy Codes

121 (CTCSS and DCS)

Battery Life

4–6 days

Battery Type

Rechargeable Li-ion 7.4V 1800mAh

Features

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

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

Attachment System

Steel Gator Clip & metal-reinforced back-up leash. Carabiner Loop Attachment (sold separately).

Operating Temperature

-20° to 120° F

Charging Temperature

10° to 100° F

Headset Connector

M3 Waterproof Connector

Antenna

7.5 cm & 17 cm, 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

Charging Type

USB-C (Charging cable included)

Videos +
  • Introducing the 5 Watt Radio

  • FRS Vs. GMRS Range

  • How to Use the 5 Watt Radio

Engineered for the Elements

Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio range

Maximum Range

A reliable range of 2–8 miles in backcountry terrain ensures clear communication across even the most remote landscapes.

Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio

Long-lasting Battery

A specialized 1800 mAh battery delivers 4–6 days of use on a single charge, even in frigid conditions down to –20°F.

Rocky Talkie Expedition Radio with water-shedding

Water-shedding Design

The mesh-free, water-shedding design drains water instantly, preventing blocked mics for clear communication—even when wet.

"The Rocky Talkie is the best walkie talkie... thanks to its great communication range, sturdy build, and overall ease of use."

"From Eldo adventures, to ice climbing, to big alpine traverses, and I can honestly say the benefits of walkie talkies are even greater than I anticipated."

"The Rocky Talkie simply blew away the competition in our range and clarity tests, and it wasn't even really close."

You might also like

Waterproof Hand Mic for Expedition Radio

Waterproof Hand Mic for Expedition Radio

Regular price $65
Universal Mount for Expedition Radio

Universal Mount for Expedition Radio

Regular price $55
Whip Antenna for Expedition Radio

Whip Antenna for Expedition Radio

Regular price $27

Not sure which product is right for you?

Reviews

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 582 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 562 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
Reviews Summary
Customers say these radios deliver exceptional range and clarity across challenging terrain. Many reviews mention reliable communication up to 3-4 miles through trees and mountains. The battery life impresses users, lasting multiple days of continuous use. The rugged, waterproof construction stands up to drops, dunks, and outdoor abuse. Frequent comments address the intuitive controls and simple operation. While some note the higher price point, most find the durability and performance worth the investment. Users particularly value the clear audio quality and dependable connection in remote areas where cell phones don't work.
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582 reviews
  • 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
    1 month 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!

    RT Profile picture for Rocky Talkie
    Rocky Talkie
    1 month 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 month 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.

    RT Profile picture for Rocky Talkie
    Rocky Talkie
    1 month 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
    2 months 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
    2 months 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.

  • DL
    Danny L.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Activity Type for 5W Radio Hiking/Camping, Watersports, Fishing, Canyoneering, Family Communication
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2 months ago
    Dear Sawtooths, it was a valiant try!

    Wowzers! Just got back from ten days in the Sawtooth mountains and had ZERO receptivity issues, at least with the new digs (zero cell reception, anywhere). We were 6-7 miles apart at times and it was as if we were standing next to each other. From

    The top of a mountain, across a lake, through the forests - the mountains did their best to limit clarity, but alas, the Rocky Talky beat them.