Best Waterproof Walkie Talkies for Kayaking and Fishing in 2023: Reviews

Water-resistant walkie talkies are crucial gadgets for kayaking and fishing.

These little beasts help you to communicate with your peers in case of any emergencies or changes in plans.

With a lot of sub-standard products in the market, finding the best waterproof walkie talkies that work effectively during exigencies is a bit coarse.

You need to look into features like Ingress Protection ratings, designing, range, floating or not, etc.

This article is about the top quality waterproof walkie talkies. Proper market surveys and testing are the basis of our recommendations. Yeah, these products are trusted by thousands and you can be one of them.

Best Waterproof Walkie Talkie- Our Top Choices

Below is a quick comparison of the top 7 waterproof and water resistant walkie talkies in the market.

Should you get a Waterproof Walkie Talkie?

Here’s why you should invest in extra protection when it comes to walkie talkies:

• One of the primary reasons one should invest in a durable and weatherproof device is for reliable communication.
• Cellphone coverage is highly unreliable in remote areas, especially under varying weather conditions. In such a case, having a two-way radio allows you to communicate without looking for coverage!
• When going fishing, cruising, or kayaking, exposing your radio to water splashes is inevitable. Having a waterproof walkie talkie allows you to communicate without worrying about damaging your device from moisture exposure.
• Under harsh weather conditions like heavy rainfall, you can use your device to ask for help by sending an emergency signal. 

Best Waterproof Walkie Talkies of 2023- Reviews

1.      Dewalt DXFRS800 – Best waterproof walkie talkie overall!

The Dewalt DXFRS800 is not only the best waterproof radio; it’s also the best overall walkie talkie on the block! It’s got stylish looks, potentially life-saving tools, and the kind of protection you need when outdoors!

The real reason why Dewalt DXFRS800 is so good is that it meets IP67 standards. That means it is entirely dustproof and can be submerged in water – making it ideal for kayaking!

We’ve operated several two-way radios over time, but one that impresses us with its superior build quality is this. The rubberized edges make it drop-proof from 2-meters. In addition to its durability, this radio also offers the coverage you’ll need!

Overall, the Dewalt radios were pretty easy to operate and program. The battery easily lasted about 18-hours on a full charge. In case of a low battery, you can simultaneously charge the units with the gang charger, which is quite handy.

We do not recommend hanging the device using the belt-clip as it’s not the most durable. Instead, you can fit it into your pocket or look for other options.

2.      Motorola MU350R – Premium choice

If you’re an adventurer, you wouldn’t want to miss out on this device! Motorola MU350R is the smartest walkie talkie package available currently.

The MS350R is best known for water-resistant construction that survives downpours. A few users have also praised how the radio continued to work even after being dropped in the water.

• 22 channels
• Eight repeater channels
• Each channel with 121 privacy codes
• PTT power boost feature
• FRS/GMRS functioning
• 2-pack

One highly notable thing about this device is that it can easily withstand falls and not gain as much as a scratch! Furthermore, depending on use, these can last between 8-16 hours, which is pretty decent for outdoor use.

The only slight drawback to Motorola MU350R is that you might feel it bit bulky. It’s not that small. But what do you expect from a heavy duty design?

3.      COBRA ACXT1035R – Best floating walkie talkie for kayaking

The Cobra ACXT1035R offers everything that its competitors do – and more! Besides being waterproof, it also boasts the floating feature, which many other brands don’t!

Another point in ACXT1035R’s favor is that it features some of the most useful and advanced functions. It comes with the rewind-say-again process that allows you to replay missed radio calls. Besides, it also has a built-in LED and SOS alert to keep you up and going even when the sun goes down.

The rubberized grip allows easy carrying even in wet and dusty environments. Moreover, the airtight seals ensure its waterproofness, which is perfect for users interested in water activities.

Cobra’s overall sound quality met my needs. I thoroughly enjoyed the overall walkie talkie experience with these! While Dewalt wins the game in terms of value it offers, Cobra ACXT1035R surely tops the list with its functionalities! It is highly recommended for true tech-geeks.

4.      Motorola T260TP – Customer’s choice for top-quality mid-range units

Motorola has done it again with its T260TP, which boasts an astounding number of tiny pack features. Here’s what customers seem to love the most about this water-resistant device:

• Up to 25-miles coverage
• 22 channels, each with 121 privacy codes
• 11 weather channels, including 7 NOAA channels
• iVOX for hands-free operation
• Quick scan

With the T260TP, it’s super easy to grab the radio and communicate with your buddy. It works for about 12-hours with no charge. As for durability, it is pretty rock-solid and seems to withstand falls.

It features a non-slip grip, which seems great for when you’re fishing or boating. The rubber coating on its edges protects the device against damage when dropped.

Overall, I’m pretty delighted with my purchase and recommend these to anyone looking for short-distance communication.

5.      Retevis RT29 – Most Powerful Water-resistant Walkie Talkie

If you want to dabble in some two-way radio action without splurging, the Retevis RT29 offers a great way to enjoy the benefits.

This pack of four includes high-power units with high-gain antennas, which have strong penetrability! It can successively penetrate metal obstacles, making it ideal for cruise ships! Furthermore, RT29’s rugged and durable body makes it dust-proof and drop-proof.

You may use it in harsh environments like by the shore or even a rocky boat! Most importantly, the waterproof shoulder microphone delivers stable audio regardless of the weather conditions!

Overall, Retevis RT29 is suitable for all kinds of complex environments. It’s a substantial one-time investment that you’ll never regret!

6.      Cobra RX680 – Rugged designing with a power-packed performance

The Cobra RX680 an adventure lover’s dream – it’s packed with features and is dust and waterproof. It’ll stay dry even if you splash water on it!

• Voice-activated transmission
• 2662 channel combinations
• 10 NOAA weather channels
• Sleek design
• 1P54 standards

With this Cobra walkie talkie, you can be prepared for storms and emergencies thanks to its in-built weather alerts. Moreover, the 18-hour long run time seems pretty decent for fishing, cruising, and boating trips with buddies.

If you’re new to two-way radios, you’ll need to keep the user guide close-by as most buttons perform multiple functions. It can be slightly tricky for beginners.

All in all, it’s an outstanding FRS walkie talkie with water-resistance. If you’re heading outdoors and want to prepare for unpredictable weather conditions, you can’t go wrong with Cobra RX680!

7.      Midland GXT1000VP4 – Best for Groups

If you want the real walkie talkie experience without the hefty price tag, look no further than the Midland GXT1000VP4!

It’s a modest two-way radio featuring 50 GMRS channels, splash-resistance, and NOAA weather alerts. Additionally, Midland offers fantastic warranty support and friendly customer service.

I’ve used them for boat trips and experienced no problem. The battery lasted 10-hours, which was adequate for my use. I was also able to pick from 5-10 miles away. The fact that these are splash-resistant meant that I could use it in the rainy weather without damaging it.

It delivers clear transmissions, although, for best results, you will need high-power GMRS channels, which require an FCC license. I also found the radios to be slightly bulky. You may want to store these in the pocket or backpack for ease.

Honorable Mention – Ailunce HD1

Besides the products listed above, there’s another waterproof walkie talkie worth mentioning. The Ailunce HD1 is an IP67 standard DMR radio durably built for harsh weather conditions like rain and snow.

The overall build quality is better than my expectations. It seems sturdy and hefty – able to withstand impact with no problem!

Here’s what makes Ailunce stand apart:

• FM and DW function
• SMS function
• GPS
• Dustproof
• Digital-analog compatible
• Extended battery life

The brand is better known for its customer service, which is prompt at responding to complaints. One user experienced issues with their radio. Not only did the brand offer a replacement, but it also spent time resolving the issue.

Additionally, device programming is made convenient with the software. You may also program it using the keypad, but it can be time-consuming.

On the whole, we wouldn’t hesitate to repurchase the Ailunce HD1 radio. If you’re looking for a waterproof DMR radio, this is the one!

Water Proof Walkie Talkie Buying Guide

Type of protection

• Waterproof

When looking into walkie talkie options, it’s best to invest in the best option available. A waterproof device provides the flexibility of using a two-way radio under all kinds of weather conditions. I highly recommend this feature for adventure lovers looking to use their walkie talkies while on vacation!

• Water-resistant

This form of protection keeps your radio safe from water splashes but may not be submersible in water. Midland GXT1000VP4 meets the ‘jis-4’ protection standards moisture exposure. That means it is protected against water splashes or light to moderate rain.

• Floating

This feature allows your radio to be ready for anything that nature throws at them! When kayaking, cruising, or fishing, there are always chances of you dropping your device into the water. A floating walkie talkie will resurface after falling into the water, and won’t drown.

That means you will be able to locate your device even if it falls into a lake or river! The COBRA ACXT1035R device offers this unique function.

IP rating

“Ingress Protection” or IP ratings are a measure of a device’s water-resistant or waterproofing. IP55 and IP65 are ideal for use in wet-weather conditions. Even running them under a tap would cause no damage!

IP67 rated radios can survive after being dropped into water, but not too deep. It can be immersed in 1-meter for about 30 minutes.

On the other hand, devices rated IP68 are ideal for lifeguard use or near a swimming pool. These are entirely waterproof and can survive being dropped in deep waters.

Range

Most walkie talkies work within several miles. A few radios, although advertised for long-distance, work best for short-distance communication. When looking to cover the extensive distance, you must opt for a device that gives the best range coverage.

We highly recommend Dewalt DXFRS800 and Motorola T260TP for long-range communication.

Battery life

Considering the conditions in which the walkie talkie will be used, this is one of the most crucial aspects to look at! When operating outdoors, finding charging outlets can be quite a pain! Moreover, you wouldn’t want a drained battery in the middle of your kayaking or boating trip.

Hence, always look for a device that lasts longer than 8-10 hours like the Motorola MS350R and Cobra RX680.

Warranty

Technical failures and malfunctions occur unexpectedly and are inevitable even in some of the top-rated devices. Although waterproof, in case of the seal breaks, the moisture will most likely damage your device.

Therefore, before purchasing any gadget, you must look for a warranty covering a few months or a year.

NOAA channels

One highly essential feature to consider in a walkie talkie is the NOAA weather scan and alert capability. Having access to weather forecasts can enhance your experience. Not only will it help you stay updated about impending weather conditions but will help you plan your adventures better.

Design

Besides waterproofing and warranty coverage, you should also pay attention to the device’s build quality. The device should be durable, to be able to withstand impact.

Additionally, the walkie talkie should also remain safe against dust, especially when you’re purchasing a two-way radio for harsh, outdoor use.

FAQ

Are all walkie talkies waterproof?

Only a few walkie talkies are ‘truly’ waterproof; the others are typically water or splash-resistant. That means they need extra protection to remain safe from water.

If you plan on using the unit under a downpour, you may want to invest in a water-resistant walkie-talkie. However, to prepare for a situation where you may submerge your device in water, a truly waterproof model is most suitable. It’s the ideal choice for when you go kayaking, fishing, boating, or skiing!

What are the other accessories I should have with a waterproof walkie talkie?

Add value to your device by pairing your unit with useful accessories. To improve your walkie talkie’s overall functioning, you may want to add in a high-quality headset. Headsets come in handy when you’re operating in noisy environments and also allow hands-free operation.

Another handy accessory is a wristwatch, which practically works similar to the headset. It allows for hands-free operations, looks super trendy, and is quite convenient when in the outdoors.

Can I use marine radio instead of a waterproof walkie talkie?

If you’re looking to replace your walkie talkie when going off-shore, a marine radio is a fantastic choice. These radios operate at the high-frequency signal, making them perfect for longer distances. Moreover, they include far more complex and advanced features that a standard walkie talkie doesn’t offer.

The regulations term of marine radio are quite different from those to walkie talkies. Licensure and the channel you use are some of the terms regulated by the Department of Homeland Security. You must check and follow these guidelines.

In short, marine radios are highly effective if you’re looking for off-shore usage. Besides that, they’re mostly waterproof, but not all waterproof radios will work for marine use.

One factor you may want to note is that marine radio is only recommended for travelers who often take the sea route. If you’re only rarely going to use your radio at sea, marine radio isn’t your best choice.

What is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof walkie talkies?

If you need to use the walkie talkie in damp conditions, you must opt for a unit that won’t get damaged by water splashes.

There are different standards set by the manufacturing industry when it comes to water-resistance and waterproofing.  These standards are defined in terms of IP ratings.

Water-resistant units are more or less splash-resistant. Their values will be given on Jis scale. That means they’ll continue to work under rainy conditions. It also includes the ocean splash for when you are on a ship or boat.

One that continues to work even after getting immersed in water is known as the waterproof radio. Such a device works in harsher weather conditions like heavy rain or when you go kayaking!

Conclusion

Whether you’re exploring nature or are going kayaking with buddies, a waterproof walkie talkie is hugely crucial. It helps you stay in touch in weak cellular coverage areas and keeps you safe under harsh weather conditions.

When confronted with the various options, you must note a device’s IP rating. You must also assess whether it will suit your needs, and also look for additional features. Some useful functions an ideal waterproof walkie talkie should include are flashlight and NOAA channels and alerts.

Other features to look for include fall-proof design, SOS alert, and long-lasting battery life.

We hope our reviews of the best waterproof walkie talkies have given you abundant options to choose from!

One device that fits our requirements best is the Dewalt DXFRS800 pack of six! Its ergonomic design and remarkable reception make it a perfect choice for the outdoors. Most importantly, it can easily withstand water immersion for 30-minutes!