Overland Communications Guide – FRS Vs. GMRS Vs. CB Vs. HAM (Amateur Radio)

Communication. It is one of the most important aspects of life. Without communication, it would be very difficult to interact with others. Having proper communication gear for overlanding and when out exploring is essential. Whether you are rock crawling the Rubicon or Fordyce or out on a 50-mile forest road with some friends enjoying the scenery, every rig should have some form of communication with them at all times. Communication not only makes your trip safe but also enjoyable. Being able to communicate with others creates a sense of community on the trail. It’s a must-have addition to the overland and off-road explorer in all of us, and today we’re going to cover your top 4 options: FRS, GMRS, CB, and HAM (Amateur Radio).

In this article, I will cover some tested and proven communication methods I have personally used. For the most part, everything pictured here is from Midland. They make very dependable communication equipment in all categories, from overland to biking and hiking to business as usual. Midland has you covered.

In my opinion, four main forms of communication can be used while out on the trail. To better understand the application, use, and effectiveness of each method, I will discuss each form of communication listed below.

Let’s get started!

Verbal and Hand Communication

This form of communication might seem like an easy one to think of, but it is one of the most widely used forms of communication on the trail. Talking or using hand signals to communicate with someone directly is a surefire method that has stood the test of time. If possible, this is the best method of communication as no batteries, electricity, satellites, or repeater towers are needed.

There is one big drawback, though… you have to be very close to someone for verbal communication to be effective. This rules out vehicle-to-vehicle communication or any communication over miles of terrain. In addition, hand signals are not quite universal. While some hand signals are understood by most off-roaders when wheeling hard, there are a lot of hand signals that you might not know, or might mean something different to someone else.

In summary, verbal communication from person to person is best, but it is limited in range. Obviously, it’s best when spotting someone through a section of a trail. It will be utilized for that purpose forever. Outside of that, let’s look at some technical communications.

Cell Phone

The next best form of communication, in my opinion, is cell phones. Cell phone coverage is getting better each day. Cell phones also allow verbal communication and text messaging. Not only this, but many modern smartphones can offer various tools and apps to help you out with navigation, weather forecasts, etc. Without a doubt, cell phones are a great form of communication if you have service. In my opinion, you should never leave home without a cell phone…they are such a great resource.

The big kicker with cell phones is when you are in a remote area without cell service. Not only this, but sometimes one person has coverage and another does not.

All in all, cell phones are great, but they are limited by coverage.

Satellite Communicator

If you venture off the beaten trail often or are routinely in areas where cell phone coverage is not available, you might be familiar with satellite phones and communicators. Satellite phones are common knowledge among most folks in the overlanding industry. Still, satellite communicators are not as well known, though they have seen significant momentum over the past several years.

A satellite communicator, such as the Garmin InReach Mini, allows you to send text messages from practically anywhere in the world. These devices are awesome if you want to keep your loved ones updated on your journey from time to time. I use a satellite communicator quite often when I go kayak fishing in remote locations to let my family know I am safe and keep them posted on any big fish I have caught. In the case of an accident, you can also trigger an SOS message that will notify and send first responders to your exact location. In addition, you can receive weather alerts.

Satellite communicators are pretty nifty, but they do have some drawbacks. First, they require a subscription for use. Subscriptions vary in costs and type of service. Next, thunderstorms or heavy cloud cover can impact their effectiveness to obtain a satellite signal, as a clear view of the sky is important for a strong signal. Last, they are not a fast means of communication. You are essentially texting your message, sometimes with a device that only has 3-4 buttons. You can link a satellite communicator, such as the Garmin InReach Mini, to your cell phone via Bluetooth in order to text more quickly and efficiently, but it is an additional step you have to take in order to send a message. When you are out in the middle of nowhere, it is worth it, though.

I think satellite communicators are a great method for folks who truly go off the beaten path, and I never leave my Garmin InReach Mini at home.

In my opinion, satellite communicators are a must if you go in areas less traveled…especially if you go on your own without another vehicle or group of people. I highly recommend the Garmin InReach Mini as a good, affordable option.

Radios

Radios have been around for quite some time and are used in a plethora of applications: military, security, law enforcement, events, etc.

Not all radios are the same, though. There are a few different types:

• FRS
• GMRS
• CB
• Amateur

Radios are great because you can communicate over distance (sometimes quite a bit of distance) with a relatively small, cheap device. Now, this isn’t to say that radios can’t get expensive, because you can quickly spend some money on high dollar equipment…but you definitely can get a good product at a reasonable price.

What is the difference between all of these radios, though?

Let’s find out!

FRS – Family Radio Service

Family Radio Service (FRS) radios are debatably the most common and cheapest option on the market. They operate at a radio frequency of 462 – 467 MHz. FRS radios are your standard “walkie-talkies” and are most notably known for being recreational use radios. You can find FRS radios at most sporting goods shops and even big-box supermarkets. The maximum power output allowed for FRS radios is 2 Watts. This maximum power can only be utilized on certain channels, though, in accordance with FCC regulations.  The following breakdown shows what channels FRS can operate at and at what power:

462 MHz Main Channels (Channels 1 – 7)

• Maximum power transmission of 2W

467 MHz Interstitial Channels (channels 8 – 14)

• Maximum power transmission of .5W

462 MHz Main Channels (Channels 15 – 22)

• Maximum power transmission of 2W

In short, you want to use the highest power channels if possible, as these will give you the best range and clarity.

I use FRS radios frequently for multi-vehicle trips where we are all in relatively close proximity (about 1 mile), mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking. They are also great fun for kids to play with.

If needed, FRS radios (like most radio types) have the capability to reach NOAA weather channels so you can get current weather updates and forecasts.

Another great use for FRS radios is off-road spotting. Hand signals and yelling have been the standard for spotters when traversing rough terrain, but FRS radios allow a spotter and driver to communicate with each other verbally, without yelling.

In addition, no licenses are required to operate FRS radios! This means no classes, tests, or fees.

Last, FRS radios are cheap…. the cheapest option for radios available.

I just got back from a trip to New Mexico, and the FRS radios I had came in handy while traveling on the road so I could communicate with family members in another car. In addition, when we found some good hiking trails, the radios provided a great means of communication.

All this said, FRS has some shortcomings.

For example, there is potential for much more noise/chatter when working with FRS radios because they are easily available to almost anyone, since they are cheap and do not require a license. There are privacy channels that help with this, but in a crowded space, you might have some interference. At the end of the day, you can more than likely find a channel that isn’t occupied…you might have to hunt for it.  I haven’t run into any radio chatter with FRS, but it definitely happens.

The range of FRS radios is not ideal. They are highly dependent on the structures around them. In general, don’t expect to get much more than ½ – 1 mile of range out of FRS radios. A range of ½ mile is very usable for a lot of scenarios, though. You need to be aware of the range and not expect to receive transmissions over 1 mile away.

So, what radio should you get if you want FRS technology? I utilize Midland X-Talker radios. They come in pairs, have 121 privacy channels, 36 channels (but really only 22 that are applicable), and a proven name to back their product.

These are great radios for all of the purposes I mentioned above. These are a must-have for any adventurer. While they may not have top-of-the-line technology, the technology they have works well and will definitely assist you on your journeys.

No doubt about it, you need to have a pair of FRS radios like these Midland X-Talkers as they will come in handy for a variety of purposes. I keep some in my car at all times, and they are great because I can hand one out and use the other.

Top Pick for FRS: 

1. Midland X-Talker T71VP3 Two-Way Radio:Check Price

GMRS – General Mobile Radio Service

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is similar to FRS, but with much better performance. GMRS operates in the same 462-467 MHz range; however, they can operate at much higher power output and have the capability to utilize repeater channels. Essentially, GMRS is a much more powerful FRS radio. GMRS radios can transmit up to 50 Watts, whereas FRS can only have a power output of 2 Watts… This means GMRS radios will have a much better range. Here is the breakdown of what power output is allowable per channel:

462 MHz Main Channels (Channels 1 – 7)

• Maximum power transmission of 5W

462 MHz Main Channels (Channels 15 – 22)

• Maximum power transmission of 50W

467 MHz Main Channels (Channels 15RP – 22RP)

• Maximum power transmission of 50W

GMRSs are great, but they also have their downsides.

For one, GMRS radios require a license. Don’t worry, though. The license is only $70, lasts 10 years, is good for your entire family, and doesn’t require an exam. Not too shabby!

Due to the larger power output, GMRS radios are almost always hard-mounted. There are handheld units available (max power output of 5W), but hard-mounted mobile units are most common. A typical application for a GMRS radio is on the dash of a vehicle with power running directly from your car’s battery or a DC outlet.

Overall, even when considering a license fee and hard mounting, GMRS radios are awesome!

GMRS radios offer an advantage over FRS radios due to increased range and clarity from their more powerful output. 50W of output in comparison to 2W of output is a huge difference!

The great thing is that GMRS radios and FRS radios can communicate with each other on certain channels. This means you could have a GMRS radio hard-mounted in your vehicle and hand out FRS radios to your friends, and be able to communicate. The only issue could be the range. Your GMRS radio will be able to communicate over much further distances than an FRS radio.

In my opinion, GMRS radios are for the person who wants more capability than an average radio. They want more range, more capability, and better quality. GMRS radios are a great choice for folks who frequent trails and want quality communication gear, but they do cost more than FRS and typically require mounting.

My choice for a GMRS radio is the Midland MXT275. This is a hard-mounted option at an affordable price.

Top Picks for GMRS:

• Midland MXT275:Check Price
• MicroMobile MXTA25 3dB Gain Ghost Antenna:Check Price
• MicroMobile MXTA24 Low Profile Antenna Cable:Check Price
• MicroMobile MXTA22 Ditch Light Extension Bracket:Check Price
• MicroMobile MXTA31 Microphone Extension Cable:Check Price
• Midland X-Talker T71VP3 Two-Way Radio:Check Price

CB – Citizens Band

Citizens Band (CB) radio is one of the earliest radio inventions. It was created in the 1940s and is widely used for military purposes. Midland Radio Corporation became the first CB radio manufacturer in the US during the 1960s. The general public started utilizing CBs, and the rest was history. CB’s were and are often used by truckers and the general public to communicate amongst one another and for emergency scenarios.

While CBs are still utilized and quite popular, it is my opinion that they have many superior competitors, such as GMRS and Amateur radios. CB’s are great, and they definitely have a place; however, they are old technology, and newer, greater technology is on the block now.

In addition, CB radios are very unregulated, which is both good and bad. No license is required, but you can find a lot of chatter on CB radios as a result, especially in crowded areas near highways. CB’s can also be finicky if the antenna is not mounted properly. Furthermore, CB’s can only have a power of 4 watts. This is twice the amount an FRS can have, but over 12 times less than a GMRS can have.

All this said, CBs are a good option and lots of people use CB radios on the trail, but I’d lean more towards GMRS or Amateur Radio if you are starting from scratch…even FRS.

Top Pick for CB: 

• Midland 75-822: Check Price

HAM – Amateur Radio

Amateur Radio is the most powerful consumer option in general. You can have up to 1500 watts of power…30 times more powerful than GMRS. I’m going to cover Amateur Radio quickly, but I won’t dive too deep because there is a lot.

The first item to be noted is licensing. Unlike GMRS radio, Amateur Radio does require an exam, which you can get on My Offroad Radio in addition to a small fee. However, Amateur Radio is extremely powerful. As noted, it can be up to 30 times more powerful than GMRS radios. This means more range.

In addition, you are less likely to have interference/radio chatter because Amateur Radio is not quite as common amongst the general public.

You will also need to hard-mount an Amateur Radio in your car.

If you are someone who wants the best equipment, Amateur Radio is for you. The only problem is that, unlike GMRS, which can communicate with FRS too, Amateur Radio can only communicate with other Amateur Radio users by law. This is a substantial downside in my opinion because GMRS gives you a lot of flexibility for simply handing out some cheap FRS radios to folks who don’t have anything…but you can’t hand out an Amateur Radio.

Amateur Radio is awesome if you have several rigs that you want to set up to communicate with one another, but you should definitely consider the potential of not being able to communicate with other folks who do not have Amateur Radio.

Top Picks for HAM:

• Boafeng Radios: Check Price
• Midland is currently out of stock on HAM radios

Final Thoughts

Communication is an essential aspect of life. Overland communication equipment could be essential for saving your life. At the end of the day, my recommendation is to have the following gear with you:

• Cell Phone
• Satellite Communicator
• Two (2) FRS Radios
• One (1) Hard-Mounted GRMS Radio

The cell phone is a must-have, and nearly everyone has one. Satellite communicators are needed because they can literally send a signal almost anywhere in the world…no radio has this capability. Lastly, I chose to use GMRS over CB or Amateur Radio due to its versatility. While Amateur Radio offers more power and privacy, it lacks the flexibility to communicate with folks who only have FRS or GMRS radios. GRMS allows me to communicate with other GMRS radios and FRS radios… which is pretty cool.

At the end of the day, there are a lot of options. I choose Garmin for my satellite communications and Midland for radios. Garmin is well known for GPS devices, and they know what they are doing. Midland has been producing radios in the US for a long time and makes excellent products. You can’t go wrong with Garmin or Midland…but you can definitely go wrong with not having either. My personal choice for Midland Radios is the Midland MXT275 15 Watt GMRS radio. I have my radio mounted below the dash, near the emergency brake. The radio itself is wired to my sPOD BantamX, and I have the handheld radio stored in my glove box until I need it. Then all I need to do is plug in the Ethernet cable, and I’m good to go!

Make sure you have good sources of communication while out on the trails. Become familiar with FCC regulations, what channels have the most power to transmit a radio signal, and the general dynamics of using radios and other forms of communication. It will help you out on the trails and potentially be a lifesaver if the unexpected happens.