How far can walkie talkies go?

Written By Ryan Law

FAQs → How far can walkie talkies go?

The range of a walkie-talkie, also known as a handheld transceiver (HT), depends on several factors, including the frequency used (VHF vs. UHF), power output, antenna design, terrain, and interference from other devices.

Typically, you can expect a signal range of 1-5 miles (1.6-8 kilometers) for most off-the-shelf walkie-talkies. Some high-end models or units designed for emergency responders or military use may achieve ranges of up to 10 miles (16 kilometers) or more under optimal conditions.

However, actual performance can vary significantly based on the environment. In urban areas with tall buildings and heavy interference, the range is often much shorter compared to open rural areas with minimal obstacles.

As a prepper, it's important to understand that even high-quality walkie-talkies are not reliable over long distances without the help of additional infrastructure, such as repeaters or satellite systems.

Ryan Law

Ryan Law is the creator of Ash Tales and the author of the post-apocalyptic fantasy series The Rainmaker Writings.

Ryan has a 15-year long obsession with the end of the world, and has spent that time researching everything from homesteading to nuclear fallout patterns.

Ryan is a wilderness hiker and has trained with bushcraft and survival experts around the UK.

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