The Best Two-Way Radios for Forestry
If you go out and buy the first radio that you see for your team, you might be in for a rude awakening. Static, poor battery life, messages that sound like a drive-through speaker...
That’s why you need a quality radio tailored to your forestry team, and we’ve got you covered!
We don't want you to buy any radio just because you like the name or the price. We want you to make an educated decision and purchase the perfect radio within the scope of your needs, staff, and location.
We’ve sold thousands of radios and have compiled all that knowledge right here in this brief guide.
What do you need in a walkie talkie for forestry?
Tree crew Alpha is out near the north ridge, chainsaws buzzing, clearing deadfall after last night’s storm. They’ve been waiting 20 minutes for the load truck to arrive—but it’s still down by the main trailhead, completely unaware.
Meanwhile, Team Bravo ran into a downed power line and radioed it in, but with no quick response, they’ve stopped work for safety.
These are all common issues in a forestry team - and they can easily be solved with clear, quality two-way radios.
Let's walk through some important components when comparing radios.
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Coverage Considerations
When choosing two-way radios for your forestry team, it is important to match radio power and coverage of your building size and layout.
Selecting a radio that is too powerful for your needs can lead to overpaying, while choosing one with insufficient coverage may result in poor quality and dead zones.
For smaller sites, 1 to 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get from 1-2 miles of coverage.
Larger sites covering up to 350,000 square feet 3-4 miles, require more powerful radios in the 3-4 watt range on analog (or 1 watt on digital) that can transmit clearly through walls and across larger distances.
For unlimited coverage, across multiple locations, consider radios that use LTE and Wi-Fi, like the Motorola WAVE PTX series.
Number of Channels Needed
Channels help segment team conversations, to simplify radio chatter.
Channels can also be used to set up private conversations: “Sarah, call Tom on channel two.”
Sarah and Tom can then have an in-depth conversation over the radio without bothering the rest of the staff.
Quality Brands Make a Difference
You need a radio that is not going to fall apart within a year. You need one that will last so you’re not throwing away money.
Motorola and Kenwood two-way Radios are the most quality brands on the market because they are purpose-built for reliable communication with a durable build.
Designed to be easy to use and intuitive their radio series are affordable, cost-effective and eliminate monthly cell phone plans.
Tested for 5 years of field use, Motorola and Kenwood make sure you see a return on your investment.
Not to mention the included manufacturer warranty (1-3 years depending on model).
What features make a great forestry radio?
- Rugged & Weatherproof Design Forestry work is tough—radios need to be tougher. Look for models with IP67 or IP68 ratings that can handle dust, heavy rain, mud, and even accidental drops onto rocky terrain.
- Long Battery Life Crews are out in the field all day, often far from charging stations. A radio with 10–20+ hours of battery life (and optional high-capacity batteries) is a must.
- Extended Range Forests mean hills, trees, and isolation. You need radios that offer powerful UHF/VHF options and possibly repeater compatibility to maintain signal across long distances and dense terrain.
- Emergency & Lone Worker Features Safety is everything. Radios with emergency alert buttons, man-down detection, or lone worker alerts help crews respond fast when something goes wrong.
- Hands-Free Operation Chainsaws and clippers don’t mix well with hand-helds. VOX (voice-activated transmit) or shoulder mics keep communication flowing without stopping work.
- Noise-Canceling Audio Chainsaws. Wind. Engines. Forestry is loud. Radios with noise-canceling microphones and powerful speakers make sure messages come through crystal clear.
- Durable Belt Clips & Holsters Radios should stay securely fastened through all the climbing, crawling, and hauling. Look for sturdy clips, holster options, and easy access buttons.
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Forestry Teams
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for forestry teams of every size.
These recommendations come from our own experience working with thousands of these radios. Each one has a rock-solid history and great reputation.
Smaller Sites
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One of the most durable radios on the market.
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Larger Sites
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Best Unlimited Coverage (LTE & Wi-Fi Enabled)
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Ideal for operations across multiple locations, cities or states.
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Need to equip your team? We want to help!
Make sure to request a quote for our best possible pricing.
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We are here for you!
If you have any questions on which radio is right for your team – do not hesitate to reach out to our support team.
We have a very knowledgeable staff with over 25 years of experience in the two-way radio industry that can answer all your questions.
You can’t get rid of us that easily after purchase - we include lifetime tech support to be there for you every step of the way!