Comms on trails?

Hey Everyone,
New to off-roading and was curious to know what everyone used as on trail comms between each other’s vehicles besides yelling out the window. Walkies, cb, or just a cell? (Within your group) Thanks in advance! I appreciate it.

 

We usually use these

$23 BaoFeng UV-5R 65-108 MHz Dual-Band Ham Radio (Black)

https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5...ocphy=9030998&hvtargid=pla-524694335935&psc=1

 

Ham 2- meter simplex is the way to go if you have your amateur radio license, if not you run the risk of a FCC fine which can be in the thousands of dollars. If you dont want to get your license the old cb works pretty good or you can get the fmrs walkies at any sporting goods for about 50 bucks for a good set.

 

I know here on the east coastish side of the US most everyone runs CB. I havent been out with any random groups that didnt at least have those. Some guys run ham. There are also radios that do both ham and CB which will be my next radio when the time comes

 

Ham.

 

If you run a CB radio ..... Do not run a 102" whip antenna , those are deadly on a trail outing .I've seen many people get seriously injured by these

 

Like mentioned by @mosquitoTaco East Coast (North East) it's still mostly CB. I've heard guys trying out, or at least hoping for GMRS radios to catch on. Some others get HAM licenses, so maybe that will be eventually a way to go.

 

I still think CB is the best trail rig. Especially if they have SSB ability. AM can be too noisy depending upon propagation. I never go offroad but I kinda miss my CB days in the 70s. Lots of fun to use. I may just consider setting one up in my old Taco for the fun of the install...getting it perfect down to the SWR etc. Still have that Midland SWR/field strength meter from back then.

 

I remember in the early 90's while off roading in Anza Borrego park and picking up skip from someone in Australia

 

CB,Just don’t tease a lonley trucker with pink champagne.

 

Ham

 

I got one of those baofeng's a while ago and need to get the license. None of my riding buddies carry one but I thought maybe I could call out for help but I think HAM is also line of sight unless you can program in repeaters.

 

How's Kwood compared to Yaesu?

 

Links?

 

CB is easy and can be cheap. Family radio is hard to mount and really kids walkie talkie in hand. Ham is ideal if all your rigs are licensed. So CB is a good option. A short antenna is fine on trail as two to three miles is all you need...save the 1/4 wave for the ride home listening for the bears.

 

Get your technical license and you’ll know ham. See arrl website.

 

FMRS also requires a license

 

I just have a set of 40mi walkies in my emergency/ditch bag. I keep a bag in every vehicle. You never know when you will need to ditch the vehicle, or get stranded somewhere.

I keep in my ditch bag
2 40mi walkies
2 heavy blankets
4 man all weather tent with sleep bags
Flares
Flashlight
Hazard triangles
Medkit
Solar charger.
MREs
And a jug of water

 

You'd probably be lucky to get more than a couple mile range on those radios.