2 way radios

[ShawnZR-1]

I bought these a couple years ago and work great. I can't vouch for the distance as I've never gone out 15 miles, but they say they range up to 38 miles.

http://www.rangerjoes.com/Midland-X-TALKER-T71VP3-Radio-P11125.aspx

Those are good but two things:
1. The range is extremely exaggerated. 5 miles max about what you can expect.
2. If you operate on the GMRS channels, you need a license to operate legally. FRS channels can be used without a license but power (and range) is limited.

Full disclosure: I am licensed GMRS as well as HAM. WQVI806, K4ZRI

 

[Tactical Beaver]

Those are good but two things:
1. The range is extremely exaggerated. 5 miles max about what you can expect.
2. If you operate on the GMRS channels, you need a license to operate legally. FRS channels can be used without a license but power (and range) is limited.

Full disclosure: I am licensed GMRS as well as HAM. WQVI806, K4ZRI

Good to know, thanks! Then I'm IN as well for the answer. I've never used my radios beyond 5 miles.

 

[smokey30725]

I've seen these recommended in survival blogs / books before:

https://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-Warr...e=UTF8&qid=1479406918&sr=1-5&keywords=baofeng

 

[ShawnZR-1]

I've seen these recommended in survival blogs / books before:

https://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-Warr...e=UTF8&qid=1479406918&sr=1-5&keywords=baofeng

Yup, they are surprisingly decent HT's BUT... they operate on HAM and GMRS frequencies. Even though they cover the FRS band, because of their power output, they are illegal to operate on those channels.

In any case, they still don't reach much more than 5 miles on a good day. It's really a factor of the antenna, it's just not efficient. I can connect my Baofeng to my base antenna and reach 20 miles with the same power output.