In this guide we’ll look at the best camping radios.
We’ve compared radio coverage, safety features, power source and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Is The Best Camping Radio?
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More Detailed Camping Radio Reviews
Kaito KA500 5-Way Powered Solar Power Camping Radio
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Kaito KA500 5-Way Powered Solar Power Camping Radio Review
The Kaito 5-way Solar Power Radio is the best lightweight camping radio on the market. This radio is perfect for emergencies, complete with a hand crank generator, solar panel, battery compartment, USB input and wall power adapter. There’s also a built in rechargeable battery pack – so it’s safe to say you’re well covered when it comes to power!
This radio offers comprehensive coverage of AM, FM, and 7 pre-programmed weather channels. The 24/7 real time forecast will keep you from heading out if the weather is terrible, and this radio also works as an emergency mobile battery charger.
Extra features include a 5-LED reading lamp, LED flashlight and SOS beacon light. It’s made from strong materials and is lightweight enough to carry in your backpack on longer hikes.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1.6lbs
- Weather Alerts?: Yes
- AM/FM: Yes
- Real Time Alert: Yes
- Rechargeable Battery: 600mAh NiMH
- Batteries Included?: Only rechargeable
Sangean TB-100 Ultra Rugged Digital Tuning Rechargeable Radio
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Sangean TB-100 Ultra Rugged Digital Tuning Rechargeable Radio Review
The Sangean TB-100 Digital Radio is ultra rugged and seriously durable – all you’d expect from the name ‘Toughbox’!. This offers 5 AM and 5 FM memory presets and dynamic loudness.
The best portable camping radio for durability, this radio resists water, dust and shock. The speakers themselves are high quality and water resistant, making this radio perfect for long camping trips. The sound is brilliant quality even on noisy campsites.
This radio comes with a rechargeable battery with an LED indicator. It has an aux input for MP3 or iPhone connections, and it’s available in 5 great colors.
Specifications:
- Weight: 6.61lbs
- Weather Alerts?: No
- AM/FM: Yes
- Bluetooth?: No
- Rechargeable Battery: C batteries
- Batteries Included?: No
Midland Emergency Weather Alert Camping Radio
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Midland Emergency Weather Alert Camping Radio Review
The Midland Weather Alert Radio is the best portable camping radio for hikers, complete with a public-alert certified monitor with 7 NOAA channels. This radio will warn you of floods, tornados, thunderstorms and more, so you and your camping party can stay safe and sheltered.
Featuring S.A.M.E localized programming, this radio is very reliable. Whenever there is a weather warning issued, you will be alerted by the radio with color coded alert level indicators.
This radio has a 25-county memory system, voice alerts and a flashing LED warning system. It doubles up as an alarm clock, with a built in snooze. Meanwhile, the exterior is durable, and the radio itself very lightweight.
Specifications:
- Weight: 1lb
- Weather Alerts?: Yes
- AM/FM: No
- Bluetooth?: No
- Rechargeable Battery: No
- Batteries Included?: No
RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Weather Radio
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RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Weather Radio Review
The RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Radio is a must have for any camping or hiking emergency. Not only does it broadcast emergency weather alerts for your area, it also has regular AM/FM channels. Receive alerts about hurricanes, tornadoes and severe storms to keep you safe while camping.
This radio doubles up as a table lamp and flashlight. The hand crank self-charge is great in emergencies, and it uses a 2000mAh rechargeable battery for up to 12 hours of light. The SOS alarm with a flashing red light is there for extra back up.
Charging using solar, hand crank, a micro USB cable or 3 AAA batteries, there’s no excuse for letting this radio run out of juice! It’s available in 2 bright and easy to spot colors.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.68lbs
- Weather Alerts?: Yes
- AM/FM: Yes
- Bluetooth?: No
- Rechargeable Battery: 2000mAh
- Batteries Included?: Yes
iRonsnow Solar Emergency NOAA Weather Hand Crank Radio
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iRonsnow Solar Emergency NOAA Weather Hand Crank Radio Review
The iRonsnow Solar Emergency Weather Radio is another fantastic camping radio that’ll be your best friend in emergencies. This compact and lightweight radio doubles up as an LED flashlight with a cell phone charger.
Choose from self charge, solar and external recharge power options. The 1000mAh battery is included, and there’s multiple ways to give this an extra boost. It weighs less than 0.5lbs making it perfect for hiking.
With AM, FM and weather channels, this radio will keep you both entertained and safe while camping. It also boasts a durable and tough exterior.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.5lbs
- Weather channels?: Yes
- AM/FM: Yes
- Bluetooth?: No
- Rechargeable Battery: 1000mAh
- Batteries Included?: Yes
Camping Radio Buyer’s Guide
A camping radio isn’t just for keeping you entertained while you pitch your tent and unpack your gear, they can also be vital in emergency situations. With the ability to keep you informed on all the political goings on (although most people go camping to escape that!), as well as alerting you to bad weather, a camping radio is a must have piece of kit.
But what makes the best outdoor camping radio? Follow our buyer’s guide if you’re struggling.
Radio Coverage
If you’re in the middle of a town, you’ll find the signal on most radios to be clear and crisp. Deep in the woods or high in the mountains, you might struggle to pick up a good signal. Look for one that delivers excellent reception even in remote areas, otherwise you may as well leave it at home!
Safety Features
The best camping radio will come with safety features such as a flashlight, SOS signal and weather alerts. If you’re planning on hiking in the mountains or somewhere remote, look for a radio that will alert you immediately to any adverse weather like the Midland Weather Alert Radio. This allows you to prepare for bad weather or cancel your outing if necessary.
Weather Resistance
Weather resistant radios like Sangean TB-100 Digital Radio will usually be water resistant, although some are fully waterproof. Camping radios should also be resistant to dust and snow, and they should be able to survive the odd drop! Look for one with a tough exterior specifically designed to cope with the rough and tumble of the outdoors.
Power Source
Camping radios should have multiple power sources so you’ll never run out of juice. Most have a rechargeable battery, and they should also have a slot for disposable batteries.
Crank powered radios like the RunningSnail Solar Crank Radio will give you power on demand. The best handcrank camping radio will be lightweight, easy to use and have additional power sources. Solar options like the iRonsnow Solar Radio are also available but ensure you always pack enough batteries anyway.
Weight
Compact, lightweight and portable are key features of a great camping radio. Don’t add unnecessary weight to your bag with a heavy radio. They should also pack up small, leaving your bag with space for other important pieces of kit.
Additional Features
Additional features include an LCD display, bluetooth, and alarm and snooze functions. Others might have MicroSD card ports or auxiliary input to allow you to listen to your iPod via the speakers. These are nice to have but by no means necessary.
Conclusion
With a huge range of camping radios to choose from, finding the best one for your trip can be difficult. The right radio should last you years to come, and for the audio quality, multiple power options and seriously durable design, the Kaito KA500 is our top choice.