The Best Weather Radio To Buy For Camping
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Do you include a weather radio when you pack for your camping or hiking trips? While not mandatory, you can benefit from having one on hand. And in this article, we will share what we think is the best weather radio for backpacking.
It is easy to take having a cell phone signal for granted. After all, wherever we go in the city, there is a signal. And the phone does so much these days. Heck, the last thing we want to do on our phones is talking to anyone!
While camping, we know that we should bring a dedicated GPS device and a compass because when off the grid you will end up in areas without any cellphone signal.
In particular, if you’re in the mountains.
When I was in 6th grade, I took my favorite science class. I can’t remember my teacher’s name. Though I do remember, her saying she had applied for the Teacher In Space program.
One of the lessons was to learn about the weather. I have always been fascinated by the weather. I even at one point thought about becoming a meteorologist. This is because I grew up in Waco and the middle of the US has some of the most interesting weather in the world.
And one of our things to do with the weather lesson was every day in class to listen to the NOAA weather forecast broadcast.
When I was 12, I thought it was interesting. As I got older, I realized that being weather aware could be the difference between life and death.
This is even more true while camping. At home, while there is a chance you could get hit by a tornado, the probability is rare. Not zero. But rare. And the TV (or your phone) can alert you with enough warning for you to get to a bathroom or closet.
However, while camping, you would have no warning of an approaching tornado much less not be in sturdy walls to protect you. While tornados are terrifying, you are still unlikely to be in one.
Lightening and flash floods are much more likely. And thus much more dangerous. Which is why you should have a weather radio with you when you go camping.
There are several weather radios on the market.
Our current favorite based on the research we have done is the Midland - ER310.
There are three reasons.
Reason one is that it has multiple power sources. It has a rechargeable battery so that it doesn’t need to be plugged into a power source nor do you have to keep extra batteries on hand.
The next reason is that it has 2 ways to keep it charged without needing external power. This includes solar power and a hand-crank. This is great not just for camping but also for home use. Because if there are a bad storm or blizzard and the power goes out at your house you still want to be informed about the weather.
But the 3rd reason is the best reason to take this radio camping. The dog whistle. If you get yourself lost or trapped and have to be tracked by a rescue team, you can turn on the dog whistle to make it easier for the tracking dogs to find you.
Most camping trips are uneventful when it comes to the weather. Yes, it may rain. But nothing severe. However, if you are camping during severe weather season, it’s essential to have a reliable weather radio on hand.
