How Do I Choose the Best Portable Radio That Actually Works Well?

While the outdoors isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, outdoor activity saw a boost courtesy of Covid. In 2021, almost 161 million Americans participated in some form of outdoor activity. Some of the more popular options included running, fishing, and camping.

Of course, if you plan on spending some of your precious free time out of doors and away from your phone, it doesn’t mean you want a complete disconnect from civilization. That’s where the venerable portable radio enters the picture.

Not sure how to choose the best portable radio that also works well? Keep reading for our tips on choosing the best radio for you.

Durability

If you plan on taking your portable radio along on outdoor adventures, you need one with a reputation for durability. There’s a good chance that the radio will get dropped and probably wet on more than one occasion.

While most technology won’t survive a full submersion in water or getting dropped out of a tree, you do want one that can take a beating.

Power Options

A lot of technology today relies on an internal battery that you must charge either with a wall socket or a USB connection. That’s fine for your home or your car, but it won’t work so well 10 miles into a 20-mile hike.

You want a radio that also lets you put standard alkaline or lithium-ion AA, C, or D batteries into it for power. That ensures that you’ve got more than one option for keeping in contact with the outside world.

If you’re planning on overnighting out in the wild, hearing weather forecasts can prove vitally important.

Two Way Radio

A different, but potentially important, second option when it comes to radio technology is the two way radio or walkie talkie. While the very best walkie talkie set requires a license for you and your family members to use it, you can get excellent walkie talkies that don’t require a license.

They can let you stay in touch up to five miles apart, which matters when you’re out in the woods or camping in the backcountry. You can head over here to continue reading on walkie talkies.

Read the Reviews

When it comes to getting the best of all worlds, reading the reviews is your best bet. You can check out customer reviews for real-life feedback on performance. You should also check out professional reviews on technology or consumer product review sites.

Picking Your Portable Radio

Picking your portable radio means striking a bit of a balance between cost and performance. You want a radio that has good durability and power options. The durability and power options things go double for two way radios.

At the same time, you want a radio that won’t leave your wallet huddled in the corner and crying. When in doubt, check the reviews. You may spend a bit more than you planned, but you’ll find a radio that strikes a good balance.

Looking for more tech tips? Check out the posts in our Tech section.