Backcountry radio communication (colloquially known as “comms”) had a new entrant to the scene in late 2019: Rocky Talkie. In little time, the Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio generated some buzz. Simple to use, rugged, and fitted with a shiny (and legit) carabiner, it was no surprise the climbing and backcountry communities quickly adopted the radios to bolster interparty comms. There was a time when BCA, Motorola, and a handful of knockoffs dominated the market. Several years after its launch, Rocky Talkie has become a significant player in the outdoor communications scene.
The company is in the infancy of launching its second major product, the 5 Watt Radio. Yes, 5 Watt Radio. So let’s be literal—the 5 Watt Radio is a more powerful (and heavier because we know our readers) version of the Mountain Radio. With this new iteration of a Rocky Talkie, there is more— more power (5 watts compared to 2 Watts), more range, more weatherproofing, more Li-Ion battery life, more mass, and more options. This radio still uses FRS channels and is compatible with FRS radios that folks you ski with might already own.
Two key options/features may pique the interest of those still looking for more than their Mountain Radio or equivalent offers. The 5 Watt Radio includes access to 11 weather channels and dual-channel monitoring (which Rocky Talkie calls Dual Channel Watch).
This is a first look, so we’ll touch upon this feature lightly, even though it has heavy duty potential. Dual-channel monitoring means users can set the 5 Watt Radio to receive and send comms on two channels. You can toggle between the two channels on the main body or use the accessory (waterproof) hand mic’s A/B channel toggle button.
This feature is handy when touring in high density zones where agreed upon “community” channels are used. For example, zones around Telluride, Snoqualmie Pass, and portions of the Wasatch near Salt Lake (LCC, BCC, and PC) have designated community radio channels. Such group-to-group channels make it a bit easier to get a handle on how many groups are potentially accessing the same zone or even the same run.
Dual channel monitoring allows someone using the 5 Watt Radio to maintain clear communications within their respective group while monitoring radio traffic simultaneously on the defined community channel. On radios without dual-monitoring capabilities, one must choose a single channel to monitor and manually toggle between the channels to talk or receive comms. In other words, while you are monitoring inter-group comms, it is impossible to monitor group-to-group comms, which might put you in a compromised position in some situations and zones.
Just FYI, BCA will release a new Link Mini radio (a FRS 2 Watt radio) with dual channel monitoring as well. We hope to get this unit in our hands as soon as it is released.
What’s in the Box?
- One radio with a shatterproof screen
- Steel Gator Clip (it’s burly)
- Metal-reinforced back-up leash
- Lithium-ion battery (replaceable) and USB-C charger
- 7.5cm antenna (pre-installed)
- 17cm Long Antenna (included as a free bonus for pre-orders)
We are using the handheld mic, too, which is an add-on accessory. Also, if you are keen on the Rocky Talkie carabiner mount, which is standard on the Mountain Radio, that can be purchased separately (for $15) as the unit comes with a gator clip.
GMRS Radios and a License
Really, we’re not trying to scare you away, but you’ll also need an easy-to-secure license to use the 5 Watt Radio as it is a GMRS radio (General Mobile Radio Service). A license is required to use a GMRS radio in the U.S., while some GMRS radios can be operated license-free in Canada.)
Karma is what it is—here in the US, a license will cost $35, and it lasts 10 years and allows family members to be bundled on the same license without an extra fee. Rocky Talkie has a blog post on the topic, but we’ll fill you in when the license is secured. Evidently, it’s an easy process and requires no test. Back to the karma: certain rules are meant to be broken, but, for me, I’m opting for the license.
Ok. A first look, it is—glad to answer your questions. Still, we’ll certainly be going deeper in the full review and speaking with the founder of Rocky Talkie to get more insight into their design process and the functionality of the new 5 Watt Radio.
Pricing
Price: $165 for the unit.
Price for Add-ons:
Waterproof Hand Mic $65
Carabiner Loop Attachment + Carabiner $15
Spare Batteries are listed on the site but are sold out.
Weights
5 Watt Radio w/ Gator Clip: 268g
5 Watt Radio stripped down: 240g
Gator Clip (which is removable): 28g
Mountain Radio stripped down (no carabiner or spiral cord): 162g
5 Watt Radio handheld mic: 158g
5 Watt Radio (w/gator clip) and handheld mic: 426g
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