Walkie talkie for communication when mountaineering

[Nebrclaw]

Hello, I'd like to get some advice on choosing a walkie-talkie for communicating during trekking and mountaineering trips. I'm looking for a reliable walkie talkie for trekking that can handle outdoor conditions and provide good communication over longer distances. What features should I pay particular attention to when choosing one?
Are there any specific brands or models you'd recommend based on your experience?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[Sweeney]

GMRS and FRS and both reasonably capable...it kind of depends on how far you are going to be between you and who you are with. GMRS is higher power, but (I don't know the legalities) does take an license to operate. FRS is a step up from the old CB Channel 14 walkie talkies we played with as kids.

Dont' believe the 35 mile range --- its closer to 1/2 (FRS) and 2-3 (GMRS)

If you want to do it right, HAM radio --- similar ranges without repeaters, but routinely I talk to people that are 10-30 miles away on a pocket radio. 5 watts and the frequncy ranges these all live in are close enough toeghet that propgation is similar...but with HAM there's existing infrastructure that can do some really cool stuff.