Summer’s here — and that means holidays, hikes, festivals, road trips, and days where your phone signal drops just when you need it. Whether you’re heading to the hills, trying to keep a group together at a music festival, or simply planning a family beach day, walkie-talkies are one of those things you don’t realise you need… until you do.
They’re not just for scouts and security staff anymore. Today’s walkie-talkies are lightweight, user-friendly, and surprisingly versatile. And yes — they’re still brilliant at doing the one thing most smartphones can’t handle well when it matters: instant, reliable communication.
Why Bother with Walkie Talkies in 2025?
Most of us rely on mobile phones for everything — maps, messaging, photos, and the occasional call. But once you’re out in the countryside, on a boat, or deep into a music crowd, your bars disappear and your group gets scattered. Walkie-talkies don’t rely on signal towers, Wi-Fi, or data. Just press a button and talk.
No scrolling. No waiting. No “Can you hear me now?” nonsense.
They’re especially handy for:
- Family holidays where kids wander
- Caravanning or road tripping with multiple vehicles
- Festival groups trying to regroup in a crowd
- Hillwalking or camping without mobile coverage
- Small businesses running summer events or outdoor work
Perfect for Kids and Families
Planning a camping trip? Heading to the beach? Walkie-talkies give you peace of mind. Kids can keep in touch with parents from the next tent over or across a field without needing a phone (or reception). It’s also just good fun for them.
Lightweight models like the Kenwood UBZ Twin Pack are simple to use and durable. With up to 6km range and USB-C charging, they’re well suited for day trips, parks, and family adventures.
Festivals, Gigs & Events: Stay Together, Stay Sane
Big summer event ahead? Forget losing your friends when phone networks get overwhelmed. With something like the Motorola TLKR T72, you’re instantly back in touch. It’s splash-resistant, has 24-hour battery life, and is easy to pair.
Whether you’re coordinating with your mates or managing a small team on-site, walkie-talkies cut the hassle.
Want something even more rugged? The Motorola T82 Extreme is a step up. Weather-resistant with a hidden screen and built-in torch, it’s built for chaos — and fun.
Hiking and Camping: Safety First
If you’re going off-grid this summer, walkie-talkies can be more than just convenient — they can be a safety net. Mobiles lose coverage quickly in the Irish hills. Many Radios can reach over long distances in the right conditions and are made for outdoor use.
No fiddling. No signal bars. Just a reliable way to check in, call for help, or split up and still stay connected.
Key Features to Look For
Not all walkie-talkies are created equal. If you’re shopping for your summer plans, here are a few things worth paying attention to:
- Range: Real-world range can vary, but the higher-end models will give you better distance across open fields, hills, and woods.
- Battery Life: Look for rechargeable options with long life.
- Weather Resistance: Essential for the Irish summer, where “sunny spells” often mean “bring a poncho.”
- Licence-Free: All the radios mentioned here are PMR446 licence-free — no paperwork, no extra costs.
- Ease of Use: If you’ve got kids or want a no-fuss solution, simplicity matters more than bells and whistles.
Final Thoughts
Walkie-talkies aren’t some old-school gadget stuck in the past. They’ve quietly stayed relevant — and in many summer situations, they’re actually more useful than ever. Reliable, simple, and built to work where phones fail, they’re a smart addition to your summer setup.
Whether you’re gearing up for a family holiday, prepping for Electric Picnic, or just looking to keep a crew connected outdoors, it’s worth having a set on hand.
Ready to Find Yours?
Browse our full range or get in touch for friendly advice. We’ll help you find the right model without the technical waffle — just what works for you.
