Expedition Radio Information
The 5 Watt Radio is now the Expedition Radio!
When we released the 5 Watt Radio back in late 2023, we were very excited to be offering our first GMRS radio to help adventurers continue to push their limits. The advanced feature set helped it quickly become the go-to radio for folks looking to ta
What is the battery life of the Expedition Radio?
The Expedition Radio has a rechargeable and removable Lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1800 mAh.Battery life is dependent on how frequently the radio transmits and receives. With normal usage, the battery can be expected to last five days, even
Expedition Radio User Manual
Check out the Expedition Radio User Manual here for more detailed information.
Recommended sports for the Expedition Radio
Each of our radios is purpose-built for specific backcountry sports. Determining the optimal radio for you will depend on your activities of choice, as well as personal preferences. Check out the list of recommended activities in our side-by-side rad
What is the range of the Expedition Radio?
The Expedition Radio transmits the highest power allowed for a handheld GMRS radio at 5 watts. The max range is over 35 miles; however, 2 to 8 miles is typical in backcountry terrain. Watch our Range Testing video here. Urban environments are the mos
Do I need a license to use the Expedition Radio?
The FCC does require a license to use GMRS radios. Getting a GMRS license is a quick and easy process. Simply apply online, pay the $35 fee, and enjoy your GMRS license for 10 years. Only one license is necessary per family (including grandparents, p
How waterproof is the Expedition Radio?
The Expedition Radio was not only designed to be waterproof, but also to continue to function reliably while in the wettest conditions. The IP67 waterproof rating protects the electronics from damage up to 1 meter submersion. The radio was also desig
Is the battery replaceable?
Yes! You can order extra batteries for the Expedition Radio here. For instructions on replacing the battery, see this video.
What chargers can I use with the Expedition Radio?
The Expedition Radio is compatible with nearly all certified USB-C charger adapters. A USB-A to USB-C charging cable is included with every radio. You can use charging adapters from your other devices, such as phone or laptop chargers, power banks, s
Can I use a headset or external mic with the Expedition Radio?
We now offer our Waterproof Hand Mic as an attachment for the Expedition Radio. The radio's waterproof port is also compatible with other third-party headsets and external mics. The pinout type is sometimes referred to as M3 or M5, depending on the m
How can I use a repeater?
In addition to the 22 channels on your Expedition Radio, it also includes the eight standard GMRS repeater channels.These eight repeater channels are hidden from your channel list by default. To access repeater channels, follow these steps:. Repeater
Can I listen to NOAA weather channels?
Yes! The Expedition Radio has access to 11 NOAA weather channels. You can view active NOAA weather channels in your area using the National Weather Service website. From there, you can easily cross-reference those frequencies with the table on page 2
Is the Expedition Radio programmable?
As a GMRS radio, per FCC regulations, the Expedition Radio is not programmable and is limited to the 22 designated FRS \ GMRS frequencies (between 462 and 467 MHz).
Does the Expedition Radio have VOX?
Our team tested VOX (voice activation) extensively, both when developing our original Mountain Radio and testing other radios. We were unable to achieve a level of reliability that we thought was needed for backcountry communication. Oftentimes, VOX
What frequencies does the Expedition Radio transmit and receive on?
The Expedition Radio transmits on the standard 22 GMRS frequencies, which range from 462 to 467 MHz and are shared with FRS radios. These frequencies are part of the Ultra High Frequency band (UHF). See the Expedition Radio User Manual for the comple
Is the antenna removable on the Expedition Radio?
Yes! As a GMRS radio, the Expedition Radio's antenna is permitted to be removable and replaced. The radio comes with both a compact, high-performance 3-inch antenna (1/4 wavelength, 50 Ω, SMA male) and a 17cm antenna option (2.15 dBi gain). While the
How do I replace my Expedition Radio battery?
Your radio is designed to be recharged via USB-C in the field. That way, you can use one universal power bank or solar charger to recharge all of your electronics. If you need to remove your battery for any other reason, check out the following steps
Does the Expedition Radio have a roger beep?
The Expedition Radio does not have a traditional roger beep or squelch tail punctuating the end of a transmission. Instead, our team opted to include a TX Beep function that plays only for the transmitter. This way, a tone will play when you press th
Which antenna is right for me?
With three antennas available for our Expedition Radio, choosing the best antenna for an activity will depend on a few factors. Range is highly dependent on terrain, and the nature of your activity may dictate how long the antenna can be. If your act