Midland X-TALKER Walkie Talkie Review: A Reliable Companion for Off-Grid Adventures

When you're out in the wild — hiking, camping, or just trying to coordinate with someone across a large property — cell service isn't always a guarantee. That’s why I decided to test out the Midland X-TALKER Walkie Talkies, and I’m glad I did.

First Impressions

Out of the box, these walkie talkies feel durable without being bulky. They fit nicely in the hand and don’t add much weight to your gear. The buttons are clearly labeled, and the backlit screen is surprisingly easy to read — even in low light. Setup was intuitive; I had both units up and running in under five minutes.

Performance in the Field

I first tested the Midland X-TALKER T10 on a weekend camping trip in a forested area. The terrain was hilly and tree-dense, so I wasn’t expecting full advertised range — and that’s totally fair for walkie talkies at this price point. But even with obstructions, we maintained clear communication for around 1.5 miles. On open trails or near water, the signal stretched even farther.

One thing I appreciated was the VOX feature (voice-activated transmission), which allowed for hands-free use while we were hiking. It worked smoothly and only triggered with actual speech, not background noise — something cheaper models often struggle with.

Battery Life

Battery performance was solid. I used a set of rechargeable AA batteries (not included), and after two full days of casual use — a mix of standby and frequent transmissions — they were still going strong. For longer trips, I’d suggest bringing a backup power source or spare batteries just in case.

Handy Extras

The Midland X-TALKER has 22 channels and includes NOAA Weather Alerts, which came in handy when a thunderstorm popped up unexpectedly. Tuning into the local forecast without needing cell service gave us just enough time to secure the campsite.

Things to Know

• No USB charging – It runs on AA batteries only

• No belt clips included in this model, though they’re compatible with universal ones

• Simple interface – Great for beginners, but lacks the advanced features of higher-end models

Final Thoughts

For anyone looking for a budget-friendly, easy-to-use two-way radio that gets the job done, the Midland X-TALKER Walkie Talkies are worth checking out. They’ve become a staple in my camping kit, and I now bring them on all group hikes and outdoor adventures. I wouldn’t rely on them for extreme-range use or backcountry emergencies, but for everyday use, they’ve proven reliable.

If you're considering picking up a set, you can find them here on Amazon (affiliate link). It’s a small investment for a lot more peace of mind when you’re off the grid.