2 Way Radios

So I'm wanting to pick up a couple of 2 way radios for when I'm hunting/fishing with a partner up in northern Maine. I know the "bubble wrap" frs/gmrs radios (Motorola, midland, etc) stated mileage/range is under ideal conditions and I don't expect to get even close to those ranges up "in the woods". I'm not looking for much more than a couple miles.

I know all the differences between frs and gmrs (and the licensing requirements for gmrs).

I also know I can use commercial VHF (non Marine) or UHF radios for much better range, but the cost increase is quite significant.

It looks like there may be some Motorola or Midland higher end 2 ways that may suite my needs.

Does anyone have any real world experience they can offer to which brand/model two way radio works best in a wooded environment?

Any & all feedback is appreciated.

 

These are HAM radios
http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV5RA...7810647&sr=8-1&keywords=baofeng+two+way+radio

Great radios,you can get accessorizes for these like extended batteries, Antenna 12v car chargers.
Good range, and as much as a FMS radio

 

since you don't have crazy range requirements, you'd probably enjoy these
http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/midland-alr5mo-2-way-radios-2-pack/pid-923324?N=34985314

benefits for hunting are:
-water resistant
-comes with voice activated ear piece/mike, so it's hands free, and there is no loud speaker going off.
-comes with rechargables, but you can pop AAs into it should you need more juice.
-camo, should you want to clip it outside your clothing.

my personal experience with these has been for off roading, and while skiing and hiking. I've had clear transmission and reception with them at a 7 mile range in the mountains, so I wouldn't doubt their 20+ mile rage claim in ideal conditions. they've taken a beating, and work like the day I bought them. bank charger is a nice little bonus too.

 

A consideration to make regarding licensing...

While it obviously is part of the decision-making process for yourself, and deciding what to buy will include the decision to get licensed as needed, don't forget to consider other parties as well. I use FRS radios quite a bit doing field work because I can hand them out to teams w/o worrying about who may or may not be licensed. I own 2 of the Baofeng radios mentioned above, but I'm not going to get colleagues to go take the license exam... nor am I going to get them to shell out the $90 for a GMRS ticket.

Just something to consider, may be a non-issue for some folks. My $0.02.

 

Not really wanting to delve into the HAM world. Thank you though.