Best Handheld Ham Radio for Off Grid | Hunting - Survival Ham Radio

[@pale_2111]

I just got an Yaesu FT3D for hunting season because it has GPS and APRS. Figured those features can come in handy in areas where cell phones don't work.

[@beefcakefpv7913]

Big time, Same.

[@TXLorenzo]

I really like my FT3D. I use it to talk back to my Wires X PDN FTM 100 base station. Hard to beat if you can stay in range, otherwise just use the local repeater.

[@pale_2111]

I plan on getting a hotspot for Wires X.

[@TXLorenzo]

@@pale_2111 I have gotten over 20 mile range with this setup as long as you have decent line of sight.

[@uMalice]

This is the most relevant-to-me video that you have done. Thank you so much!

[@HamRadio2]

Glad it was helpful!

[@texasfrontiersman8245]

Kenwood TH-F6A Tribander with dual vfo, wide band receive so I can listen to talk radio or FM radio while running the tractor, chainsaw etc. but still communicate to my dad (also ham) via throat mic and surefire sonic defenders ear protection. Extended battery lasts forever, 12v charging, HF usb/lsb receive...the dual vfo's have a balance feature to prioritize one over the other. I can also monitor a dakota alert gate monitor on the right away road that works on MURS.

[@dean-ka0trl980]

Great radio. I have own this for 10 + years. The only problem is highest power output is 5w.

[@k6nvg541]

Three radios I always have: Yaesu FT-3, Anytone 878 and a BF UV5R.

[@hikingfish3]

This is why I got into HAM radios (much to the dismay of the instructor that had me write the exam): Being to use HT's where we hunt. Wish you would do a video on the challenges associated with those conditions: keeping quiet (got new secret-agent type earpieces to replace the god awful ones that come with uv-5r, they are such an improvement), keeping the radios powered up (extra batteries, solar chargers, etc) and being able to talk to each other over forested area / hilly terrain.

[@HamRadio2]

That's a good idea, thanks for the comment. I will put together a list.

[@hikingfish3]

@@HamRadio2 Can't wait for that video! I'll throw another item on the list: How about getting those USB charging cables for the UV-5R cradle? I've seen them go from 3$ to 30$, and I've seen pictures of melted cables as well. VHF/UHF choice and options to be able to talk to that hard-to-talk-to guy that's at the bottom of a dip in the terrain. Cheers!

[@HamRadio2]

I'll be honest, I never carry a UV5R in the field. I don't really even own one ( I have one that I'm making a video for, but I plan to give it away afterwards) While there's nothing really wrong with that radio, there are certainly better options for a field radio and I speak about that in this very video you're commenting on

[@michaelgross7016]

baofeng dm1801 or the Tidradio td06...basically same radio. 10 watt, dual band radio about 50 to 52 dollars on Amazon with headset, speaker mic, alternate 771 antenna, 2 batteries. it's a great package for a great price and it works very well. It has 3 power settings, so if you don't need the highest power, u can go to 4/5 watt or 1 watt. the only problem is extra batteries. I had to order them from China. The batteries for the uv5r series of radios are alot more available....but in my estimate the 1801/tdh6 is a superior radio at a budget price.

[@TheHamNinja]

The other reason I really like the Anytone is it is rugged. I hard on my radios doing SOTA. Thanks for the vid.

[@HamRadio2]

Agreed

[@KM4ACK]

Thanks Jason. Always interesting to see which radios others choose.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for dropping by!

[@christophersmith1155]

MY TOP THREE. I love my {1} TYT-8000E. {2} B.TECH, BAOFENG UV-82HP. (3) BAOFENG BF-F8HP.

[@donaldsmith3048]

My every day carry is the D878UV Plus I got in 2019. It is only 2M and 70Cm, but I can hit most of the repeaters around me. I need to conect an outside antenna to to get the SARNET repeater about 40 miles away. But most of the time I use my D578UV in the house, but like to have the HT with its large battery when there is a Hurricane!

[@denniscrowley8517]

Thank you, friend. Vermonter loving life in Texas; Aransas Pass.!

[@dennismarble3591]

Another great job! Thank you. No radio yet.

[@africantwin173]

Icom ic-t70e cuzz off the dtmf key pad and form factor. AnyTone HT is on my list, but i wont be using it for DMR. FM repeaters and Allstar mainly. I like the Big battery on AnyTone.

[@almostontimehero5415]

Thank You Phone Salesman, you are my greatest ally.

[@Brian-xo1bt]

Another cheap HT I might suggest instead of the Baofeng is the TYT UV88. It seems to be built a little better but is still in that $30 range. It also adds an additional 70 channels.

[@HamRadio2]

I have one of those that I need to do some testing on. Right now it is still sitting in the box.

[@jakew5960]

Jason, I know a ham that wouldn’t mind helping you test that one out at the deer lease.

[@rogersubieta7459]

I used Baofeng UV-82 HT 8 watts vertion and UV-5R 5 watts vertion, are a good radios especially transmit well used Abbree antenas and Tiger Tail yo.

[@georgemullin7772]

Exalant I always wanted to no what's best in the woods far from everything good stuff I really want to no what's the best radio small arial to small arial.

[@bobsradio6025]

I was so pleased to hear you mention the 220 band, instead of calling it the 222 band, which acknowledges the 2 MHz that were stolen from us. (The 222 Remington is simply a shorter case version of the 223 Remington.) Many years ago, during a peak in the 11 year sunspot cycle, I used my 1W Icom IC3AT to talk to a guy in Maryland from my office in California. I went through a 220 repeater that had a 100W 10M remote base on it One watt on 220 was always great for me. Commuting to and from work, I usually worked a repeater system that had 2M, 220 & 40cm all with the audio interconnected.

[@chrischandler7650]

I have a Baofeng UV-5R with the extended battery and 1/4 wave signal stick antenna for the deer lease. I am looking for a better HT for more daily use when I am not in the truck or at home. This video was very helpful. Thank you KW5CCC 73

[@TheFossilChannel]

very nice presentation. I have a usb solar setup for charging my vx7r and ft1dr / 1xd yaesu radios. I have a few videos up about it.

[@brookesprecision6272]

Another great video ! I just picked up a tyt th350 after watchin yer vids, i think it would work great in a situation like this,

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

I just ordered a Retevis RT72 ani/digi Gps/Aprs. I'm feeling good to go with that. Only complaint about Retevis is that they don't offer accessories for every radio they make. i.e No spare batteries for this one. I may have to look for the Baofeng DM.x or 1802

[@idpagroup6525]

Great video just starting out with ham radios, just purchase a baofeng UV-10R , Waiting for delivery !!! I also want to take the test for my technicians licence as soon as possible any direction on that , would greatly appreciate it. My hunting buddies and I use marine radios. I use a standard horizon HX40. 6 watts very strong. Most of my buddies use Cobra. 5 watts. These marine radios work well in the mountains and woods. Any comments I would appreciate it , looking forward to watching more of your videos be well.

[@JackPaylor]

The anytone also has AES256. On a /\/\ that would cost you $500 as an add on.

[@davidvanhorn6887]

Hey Jason...Are you still planning to install the icom 5100 in your truck and do a video about it? I'm getting ready to install mine and I just barely have an idea on how to do it. Anyway, awesome video once again. Keep it up!

[@HamRadio2]

Actually my radio is mounted in the truck right now but I don't have power or antenna run to it yet, so the installation isn't complete. But yes...still planning to complete that soon, and yes I will have a video done

[@wild-radio7373]

🤜🏻👍🤛🏻♡♡♡ And... you KNOW I ordered that Koozey!

[@jkruse1151]

that kind a funny. my name is Jason and I have been a licensed amateur radio operator in California since 1994

[@HamRadio2]

Nice!

[@jkruse1151]

If I wasn’t working right now I’ll probably be out hunting as well with a radio

[@TK-Radio-Adventures]

Something completely off topic! But I have found another Kruse! 🤣🤣

[@jkruse1151]

@@TK-Radio-Adventures yes we are rare, but out there

[@jkruse1151]

Just curious Jason, when you got your call sign back in 94 how long did it take you to actually get your license in the mail? You and I became licensed before they were doing it via computer. it took six months after I took my test for me to get my license. I was kind of wondering how long did it took you?

[@jamesrkelly76]

Remember: Left hand Link, left hand link, LL, LL! Anytone 878 Plus inbound any day now. Great vid, thanks

[@HamRadio2]

LOL

[@warrenbranford]

Thank mate

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for watching

[@TwitchRadio]

Lol. Didn't even know you did this video. Lol.. Had to look at the date twice lol... Anyways, have a great day man and thanks for the video as always man 😎👍 KG7QIS

[@fullmetalradio869]

Thanks for this informative video. I like to go portable a lot and I carry around my Yaesu FT4X with me, but I´m also searching for alternatives for my bug out bag. What I think is very important for a portable radio is that it is at least water resistant. I was stupid enough to sell my Yaesu VX6E, to me it was my best portable radio so far.

[@sagedarwin3024]

Instablaster...

[@mortimersnerd9175]

What does instablaster mean

[@RimdarRanch]

I had the UV82 for about 6 hours. I just couldn't get the programming software to work on my Win 10 Computer.

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

Good reviews. I got a wouxun 9mate. It seems pretty rugged. My radio can charge from solar packs like you mention. Good stuff. That radiotity looks interesting

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for sharing

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

@@HamRadio2 dude, you are the man. I watch your content and am fire with HAM after convincing my friend to get his lic. then sitting on my rump for 5 years! I'm in wylie TX, can't wait to make it to a field day with you! I'm like MacGyver mixed with an Army scout, lol. Jack of all trades! Hope to see you on the air!

[@seanalicea4546]

Jason I think the Anytone is only dual band and dmr. Unless they came out with a triband dmr I don’t know about.

[@tradedate]

It was a mistake. He printed a correction on screen when he said that. Only dual band

[@HamRadio2]

The Anytone MOBILE radio is a Triband DMR, though. But I mistakenly said that about the HT in this video.

[@mrrickcrushing]

Great video, thanks. Currently prepping for Tech test. What kind of practical range are you talking about when on your lease, 2-4 miles radio to radio in trees, less, more? I am working to get setup as well as my wingman so our motorbike trips will have more reliable comms if we get separated a mile or two or even around a hill, etc. Thanks for any perspective. Have used the helmet to helmet BT but its range is fairly limited to max of several hundred meters, etc.

[@bulldogbrower6732]

Thanks for another great review. I think that many of us respect your opinion on technical issues. Is it safe to use a handheld radio using 8 watts of transmit power holding the radio close to your head ?

[@HamRadio2]

I think the difference between 5 and 8 watts is negligible, quite frankly. There is always a small risk of holding a transmitter next to your head. Some of these higher-powered HTs with 10-15 watts are more risky than the 5-watt ones are, but we're not talking like the same difference between 5 and 100 watts. And you always have the option for an external speaker-mic also.

[@TheNoCodeTech]

Very cool. Glad to see a practical list.

[@tonyridlen]

Great video Jason Anthony O.Ridlen KC9QVE Marion,IN

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@charleszimmermann7784]

Never had zombies in my camp, but did have a UC Berkeley hippie chick come into my camp at night wanting my fresh trout that I was cooking. She didn’t suck my “Brains” out.....we will stop here and keep this PG 😝

[@bobsradio6025]

Were you not afraid of the potential diseases you could have caught?

[@charlesatwell1459]

I just got my license went to General. My first radio is the GS 5B. I really like it. So can this radio be used with Bluetooth ear buds? Also saw your video having a problem trying to program different profiles for different sets channels. How is that done? Thanks Rod. KO4PWB

[@LeonardMichaelis]

What ham radio(s) would you use in case of an emergency when phone networks and Internet are not working? Let’s say you want to be able to communicate with someone who is less than 20 miles away from you.

[@digidork4]

Great videos, I've been doing some research and am trying to find a radio that can talk on the murs but listen to the emergency weather and police or other ham level frequencies. I feel it might be possible to program a uv-5r to use murs frequencies while on low power, 1w or 2w, since murs limits power output to 2w. Are there any radios that work like this out of the box for hunters/off gridders/ preppers/ campers?

[@davidsmith6080]

UV5r III, is Triband still 4000 left from 5 years ago from China..40 dollars NZ. Btech UV5X3 same thing..could you show the difference one time.minuse the warranty. Or updateable firmware..kool vids,

[@jamesp.mcquoid1639]

Btech Uv5x3 is better build quality. Still the unflashable firmware, that's the hardware. Comes with better manual programming capabilities for pc-less programming (e.g; add or skip scan freqs). Also the company supports development of Chirp software, a greater good. Maybe better warranty support, but I've never had any issues to even need it. Still comes with 2 antennae, dual-band or 220. Probably want to upgrade to a single triband antenna, I got the cheaper radiodity one. Protip: Btech has black Friday and other sales for 10 or fifteen bucks off the radio now and then. I got mine for $45 (I think) a couple years ago.

[@davidsmith6080]

@@jamesp.mcquoid1639 Roger thanks, my 40 is NZ that's 20 USD.. I shudder say..seeya again.out

[@jamesp.mcquoid1639]

@@davidsmith6080 That's a great price if you don't need the "latest and greatest" Lol. 73

[@5150madawg]

Ft60r with a diamond whip

[@kennethh5657]

Great video sir! 👍 Out of curiosity, can the anytone receive audio via bluetooth from a cellphone? Fldigi on android has a bluetooth option and I haven't found a way to use it. It would be awesome to do emergency messaging wirelessly. Are you aware that Btech makes a usb to 10v adapter? The charge base for the baufangs only uses about 500mw and a usb is capable of delivering 10w. So the Btech usb cable is able to up convert the 5v usb to 10v for the charge base. This means you can charge a baufang radio via USB. Probably not that efficient, but it does work. My favorite baufang radio is the GT3WP. It's a waterproof uv82. Not overly impressed with it's receiver, but i can't complain for the price and the fact it's IP 68 rated.

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice...........

[@markconger8049]

I like the AnyTone features and I'm sorta okay with the $240 price tag. BUT, it isn't compatible with CHIRP or RT systems programming software. That's a bummer. What is your experience with the proprietary software needed to program this radio?

[@backpackingbushcraft6391]

I know this is an older video but I am interested in USB charging dual band ham radios as a backpacker. Besides the Radioddity are there many other usb chargeable radios on the market?

[@1958johndeere620]

10 watt ht's are cool, but 10 watts rf right into the brain maybe not to good for the squash bucket. I bet it would heat up the metal plate in my head.

[@RESISTAGE]

good way to stay warm though 😄

[@CMCSS-to3to]

Get a mic and have the radio mounted on your backpack or belt

[@anleekij]

@@CMCSS-to3to being a typical guy I would preferably keep it next to my big head instead of my, uh, er....

[@unclelee4590]

what is the best radio , the best one for the outdoors deep woods, the price is not a problem.

[@anthonysanders3960]

How do you rate the tyt uv88 to the baofeng for the $35 range. Also the mate compared to the uv9dplus

[@johnnink]

Oooh... You were being serious. Sorry. I saw "hunting stand" and "Baofeng" and thought you were going on a whole other direction. Maybe I shouldn't follow up Demolition Ranch with Ham videos. 🤣

[@HamRadio2]

I guess that is supposed to be funny, but I am not sure why.

[@jamiecook5066]

Is that a Nagoya NA-320 on the tri band radio? I am thinking about getting one on my tri band radio but have heard mixed reviews. Let me know Jason what you think about that antenna.

[@HamRadio2]

Yes it is. Great antenna

[@FM-us3rd]

Good afternoon Jason, I enjoy your videos and really learn a lot from them. I'm a new operator, so my knowledge of radio's, antennas is limited for sure. By the title of this video I was thinking you were going to review the Yaesu VX6R being that it is rated as shock resistant and submersible, and might be a great outdoor radio for durability and reliability in harsher conditions. Being an Rv'er and outdoor person I would love to see your take on this radio. I am in the market for a hardy handheld and torn between the VX6R and a few other quality HT's. I keep coming back to the VX6R because of the durability rating. Any thoughts on this handheld for hiking, biking....? Thanks

[@HamRadio2]

I've not used that model but Yaesu makes a quality product. I will look up that model and see about getting one for review.

[@nunyabeeswax3936]

Have a hand held scaenner. Are they of any use?

[@tammydundon2171]

What ht is available in the 700 to 800 uhv range?

[@MrKinglory]

The Anytone battery lasts forever!

[@tradedate]

Yes. Forever!

[@kingruckus8343]

FT70

[@HamRadio2]

Didn't like that one

[@kingruckus8343]

@@HamRadio2 noooooo. Fair point though. Especially with the baofeng Tech

[@kingruckus8343]

Thank you Jason for all the work you do... You and ham radio concepts are the reason I got my license. Thank you for teaching us the hobby.

[@HamRadio2]

@@kingruckus8343 Thanks for commenting!

[@tiffanyclay54]

🤙🏻

[@TXLorenzo]

Is your deer lease around Centerville?

[@HamRadio2]

No. I used to have a place down there about 10-15 years ago, but not anymore.

[@mark351]

You do any HF while out there?

[@HamRadio2]

Sometimes, yes. We held WFD and FD here this year also

[@browntroy101]

Don't believe in Hunting! Boy I do not believe in hunting, but you did a good video on radios! I am just getting into the ham radio scene and the videos have been very helpful!!!

[@only_he_stands_there762]

Hey everyone!!!! This guy is a vegan!!!!^^^^^........... see. No one gives a fuck

[@prestonnewton9025]

Wired Bluetooth is more secure though

[@HamRadio2]

Wires Bluetooth? Sounds like a contradiction...

[@prestonnewton9025]

@@HamRadio2 much like "wireless bluetooth" hahaha if it's bluetooth, it's wireless

[@prestonnewton9025]

@@HamRadio2 just poking fun at you because you kept saying "wireless bluetooth"

[@HamRadio2]

You might be surprised the questions that I get about that LOL

[@edcronin5409]

Don’t use 8 watts just kill the battery fast will not work any better than 4/5 watts 50 years on ham radio Kg6oqk

[@JenniferSteeves]

Gonna need one soon if Russia keeps at it

[@teamja1088]

The AnyTone is $330 in 2024. Bidenflation strikes again. I miss the "angry tweets" years (2016-2020) of being able to afford things.

[@expert244]

All Chinese…

[@HamRadio2]

Yep. Find me something that is made in the USA and I would gladly review it