SHTF Survival Radio Communications

Introduction

Any avid off-roader knows that radio communications is an important part of wheeling. Especially if you are wheeling with a group of people. Radio communications is also a vital part of SHTF / survival situations. How will you communicate when phone service goes down?

When it comes to radio communications, you have different options:

• CB (Citizens Band) Radio
• GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
• FRS (Family Radio Service)
• MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service)
• Ham Radio (Amateur Radio Service)
• Ham Radio 2-Meter

There was a time when most truck enthusiasts had a CB radio mounted in their truck. Today, you may find a CB radio, 2M Ham radio, GMRS mobile, or FRS/GMRS handheld radios. They typically use them for basic communications with other people / vehicles in their group.

What Should You Run in 2026?”

• 90% of organized trail groups are now on GMRS
• CB is declining due to noise/interference
• Ham is used by serious overlanders
• FRS is still common for family trail rides

We’re going to discuss further the different types of radios (frequency ranges) and why you should, or maybe should not, have them.

Satellite Communications

For emergency-only communication beyond your local area, satellite devices like satellite phones or messengers (e.g., Garmin inReach) can be lifesavers. Unlike CB, GMRS, or Ham radios, they don’t rely on cell towers or local infrastructure and can reach help almost anywhere on the planet. However, they are generally limited to texting, SOS, or one-to-one voice calls, and their usefulness depends on the satellite network being operational. For group communication on the trail or in survival situations, traditional radios are still essential.

CB (Citizen Band Radio)

CB Radios have been around since the 1970’s. They’re a cheap form of communication and can be easily found for purchase.

Range can be a mile to several miles depending on terrain, proper antenna tuning, and power output. Power output is generally 4-watts, but some people have increased the power to increase its range.

The channels / frequencies:

CB Frequency	CB Channel	Customary Use
26.96500	CB Channel 01	open to all
26.97500	CB Channel 02	open to all
26.98500	CB Channel 03	open to all
27.00500	CB Channel 04	open to all–4×4 channel
27.01500	CB Channel 05	open to all
27.02500	CB Channel 06	open to all
27.03500	CB Channel 07	open to all
27.05500	CB Channel 08	open to all
27.06500	CB Channel 09	Emergency
27.07500	CB Channel 10	open to all–regional roads
27.08500	CB Channel 11	open to all
27.10500	CB Channel 12	open to all
27.11500	CB Channel 13	open to all–marine, RV
27.12500	CB Channel 14	open to all–walkie talkies
27.13500	CB Channel 15	open to all
27.15500	CB Channel 16	open to all (also SSB)
27.16500	CB Channel 17	open to all–North/South Traffic
27.17500	CB Channel 18	open to all
27.18500	CB Channel 19	Truckers–East/West Hwy Traffic
27.20500	CB Channel 20	open to all
27.21500	CB Channel 21	open to all–regional roads
27.22500	CB Channel 22	open to all
27.25500	CB Channel 23	open to all
27.23500	CB Channel 24	open to all
27.24500	CB Channel 25	open to all
27.26500	CB Channel 26	open to all
27.27500	CB Channel 27	open to all
27.28500	CB Channel 28	open to all
27.29500	CB Channel 29	open to all
27.30500	CB Channel 30	open to all
27.31500	CB Channel 31	open to all
27.32500	CB Channel 32	open to all
27.33500	CB Channel 33	open to all
27.34500	CB Channel 34	open to all
27.35500	CB Channel 35	open to all
27.36500	CB Channel 36	open to all (also SSB)
27.37500	CB Channel 37	open to all (also SSB)
27.38500	CB Channel 38	open to all (also SSB, LSB)
27.39500	CB Channel 39	open to all (also SSB)
27.40500	CB Channel 40	open to all (also SSB)

 

Common channel uses:

• Channel 3 – Unofficial Prepper channel
• Channel 4 – 4×4 groups
• Channel 9 – Emergency channel / Highway Patrol
• Channel 19 – Over the road truck drivers
• Channel 37 – Unofficial prepper channel

GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)

GMRS Radios have become increasingly popular, and you will find more rigs with GMRS radios on the trail these days than CB radio. You can also get them as handheld radios or buy them as a mobile and handheld package deal. They’re reasonably priced and have a range of 2-miles for handhelds, and 5+ miles for mobile radios depending on the wattage output. Because of their high frequency range, they are more of a line of site radio, so they are greatly affected by terrain and obstacles.

• Most GMRS radios are 5-watts, but they can legally operate up to 50-watts.
• The range can be increased using repeaters.
• GMRS radios require a license to use.
• Most GMRS radios are also programmed with FRS frequencies.
• Channel 3 – Prepper / Survivalist channel

GMRS License: A GMRS license is $35, does not require any testing, is valid for 10-years, and covers the entire family.

A radio repeater is a combination of a radio receiver and a radio transmitter that receives a weak or low-level signal and retransmits it at a higher level or higher power, so that the signal can cover longer distances without degradation. GMRS repeaters can dramatically extend range, but most off-road trail communication is done radio-to-radio (simplex).

Channel Clarification

• 1–7 = shared FRS/GMRS
• 8–14 = FRS only (0.5W)
• 15–22 = shared (higher GMRS power allowed)
• 23–30 (on many radios) = repeater pairs

FRS (Family Radio Service)

FRS Radios are found as small handheld radios. They’re easily found in most sporting goods stores and stores like Walmart. They do not require a license to use. Their range is generally under 2-miles.

• FRS Channels 8–14 = 0.5W
• Channels 1–7 & 15–22 = up to 2W (depending on model)
• Channel 3 – Prepper / Survivalist channel

A radio repeater is a combination of a radio receiver and a radio transmitter that receives a weak or low-level signal and retransmits it at a higher level or higher power, so that the signal can cover longer distances without degradation.

FRS / GMRS Frequencies

Note: Channels 1-14 are FRS and channels 15-22 are GMRS

GMRS Simplex Channels and Frequencies
Channel	Frequency	Max Power	Bandwidth
1	462.5625	5W	25kHz*
2	462.5875	5W	25kHz*
3	462.6125	5W	25kHz*
4	462.6375	5W	25kHz*
5	462.6625	5W	25kHz*
6	462.6875	5W	25kHz*
7	462.7125	5W	25kHz*
8	467.5625	0.5W	12.5kHz
9	467.5875	0.5W	12.5kHz
10	467.6125	0.5W	12.5kHz
11	467.6375	0.5W	12.5kHz
12	467.6625	0.5W	12.5kHz
13	467.6875	0.5W	12.5kHz
14	467.7125	0.5W	12.5kHz
15	462.5500	50W	25kHz*
16	462.5750	50W	25kHz*
17	462.6000	50W	25kHz*
18	462.6250	50W	25kHz*
19	462.6500	50W	25kHz*
20	462.6750	50W	25kHz*
21	462.7000	50W	25kHz*
22	462.7250	50W	25kHz*

GMRS Repeater Channels and Frequencies
Channel	RX Frequency	TX Frequency	Max Power	Bandwidth
RPT15	462.5500	467.5500	50W	25kHz*
RPT16	462.5750	467.5750	50W	25kHz*
RPT17	462.6000	467.6000	50W	25kHz*
RPT18	462.6250	467.6250	50W	25kHz*
RPT19	462.6500	467.6500	50W	25kHz*
RPT20	462.6750	467.6750	50W	25kHz*
RPT21	462.7000	467.7000	50W	25kHz*
RPT22	462.7250	467.7250	50W	25kHz*

*Note: 20kHz Authorized Bandwidth.

Check out this FRS/GMRS Frequency Chart

MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service)

MURS radios are 2-watts and are said to have a range of up to 5-miles. They are not as powerful as GMRS radios, but offer more power than FRS radios, and do not require a license

 

This radio is more commonly used by businesses that don’t require a lot of range. These would be places like campgrounds, parks, hotels, etc where it’s all in one general location. Businesses choose these because they don’t require a license to use.

Channel 3 – Prepper / Survivalist channel

Ham Radio (Amateur Radio Service) 2-Meter

2-Meter (VHF) Ham Radio

Operates in the 144.000–148.000 MHz range and is the most popular amateur radio band in the United States. It provides clear, reliable communication and typically offers a 20–30 mile range for mobile or base stations under normal conditions. Because it operates primarily line-of-sight, range depends on antenna height and terrain. However, widespread repeater networks can extend coverage to 50 miles or more. A Technician-class amateur radio license is required to operate on this band.

70-cm (UHF) Ham Radio

Operates in the 420.000–450.000 MHz range and is commonly included alongside 2-meter capability in dual-band radios. While its direct range is similar in many situations, 70-cm often performs better in urban areas or wooded terrain because UHF signals can penetrate buildings and maneuver around obstacles more effectively. Like 2-meter, it is primarily line-of-sight, but repeater systems can significantly expand coverage. A Technician-class amateur radio license is also required for this band.

Ham Radio Options

Dual receive – Some radios actually have two radios built in one. This allows you to monitor two stations at once and switch between them at will. This is very useful for monitoring a repeater for very long-distance communication, while still talking to your friends on a simplex channel. It’s not a must have, but most will find it very useful. Some of these radios will even let you use them as repeaters (cross band repeat), but don’t worry too much about that if it doesn’t make sense. It’s mostly useful to listening to two frequencies at once.

Single, Dual, Triband, or Quad+ radio – The first thing you’ll need to decide is if you want a dual (or even tri) band radio or not. The two most used frequency groups in ham radio are 2m and 70cm (aka 440). There are many excellent and inexpensive 2m only radios. However, you will severely limit your access to repeaters if you choose to get a radio that does not support the 70cm frequency. This doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of repeaters on 2m, but 70cm is very popular for repeater use as well. Most of the time while on the trail or traveling with friends we all use 2m simplex (radio to radio communications). If that’s all you care about and you’re willing to deal with losing access to some 70cm repeaters, just get a 2m single band radio. As for tri-band radios and above, I do not recommend them to most people. 6m and other frequencies available to tech licensees aren’t highly used by others at this time and it can make antenna configurations more complex. If you’ve got the money, go for it! It can’t hurt to have too much access to additional options, but it’s something most will never use.

PL, CTCSS, “encoding” oh my! – All modern radios will support Privacy “tones”. These are tones at a certain frequency that will give you access to repeaters and special equipment listening for communication with that signal. You WANT a radio that supports this. Without it you’ll be limited mostly to simplex only. This is only a concern if you are looking at much older radios in the used market. Make sure it has tone capability for use with repeaters! It has other uses as well, but this is the most important one. CTCSS is usually the technology keyword you should look for. DCS is also common in some radios and is the digital equivalent of the tone-based CTCSS system. Don’t worry if the radio doesn’t support DCS, it’s not commonly used at this time.

Channels

Prepper channel (VHF) = 146.420

Survivalist channel (VHF) = 146.550

Prepper channel (UHF) = 446.030

Amateur (Ham) Radio License Tests

You’ll need to take a test to get a license to use your Ham radio. All tests are simple multiple choice written tests. The two most popular licenses in the US are listed below and must be taken sequentially.

Technician class

This will get you the basic privileges. There are lots of options with this “basic” class and it will give you what you need to talk well over 30 miles in many areas. It’s not the ultimate emergency tool like the general license is, but it will allow you to communicate very long distances to call for help, or talk to others operators. The test is VERY easy, and over 1/2 of it is common sense about safety. Most people will pass with ease even if they bomb every single math question on the test. With that said, if you can divide and multiply, then you’ll ace the math stuff as well. Take some practice exams and see for yourself.

General class

This is where you really step up your distance of communication. General class is all about HF (or high frequency) privileges. HF has better distance propagation than what you see in the Tech privileges, and at higher power in some instances. This is the license you want if you need to talk long distances under your own power. It is the ultimate in emergency communications. Radios requiring this class come at greater complexity and cost. The test and math requirements are quite a bit higher than the tech exam, but nothing extremely difficult. Most of these tests are memorization of frequencies and law. There is a lot more focus on circuit design and understanding of components in this test. While not impossible, it will take a lot more studying.

3-3-3 Radio Plan (Survivalist Radio Schedule)

The 3-3-3 radio plan should be remembered and used by anyone with a 2-way radio. The object is simple:

• Turn your radio on every 3-hours starting at midnight.
• Tune your radio to channel 3
• Listen for 3-minutes.

If you have an emergency and transmit on channel 3 (whether it’s CB, GMRS/FRS, etc) for 3-minutes every 3-hours, there should be someone out there listening.

Off-Road Radio Comparison (2026 Update)

 

SHTF Radio Recommendations

Primary Radio — GMRS Mobile (Best All‑Around)

Why GMRS first:

• Doesn’t require antennas on towers
• Works directly between vehicles
• Strong repeater network in many areas
• Good combination of range and simplicity
• License ($35/10 years) covers your household

Recommendation:

• GMRS Mobile radio mounted in the vehicle
• High‑gain vehicle antenna (tuned and matched)
• Basic handheld GMRS as backup

Use case:

• Staying in touch with family / group
• Communicating around obstacles
• Better range than handhelds

Base Camp GMRS Option — Midland XT511

Looking for a reliable GMRS base camp solution? The Midland XT511 combines GMRS two-way radio functionality with multiple emergency features, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness.

• Range up to 32 miles
• 22 GMRS channels and 121 privacy codes
• Built-in flashlight for nighttime use
• NOAA weather alerts to stay informed of changing conditions
• AM/FM radio for news and entertainment

This versatile unit keeps your group connected even in remote locations and provides essential tools for emergencies. Trusted by adventurers and emergency responders alike, the XT511 is the ultimate base camp companion for SHTF or outdoor scenarios.

Secondary Radio — Dual‑Band Ham (Technician License Required)

Once you get licensed, a ham radio gives you:

• 2‑Meter (VHF) for local communication
• 70‑cm (UHF) for challenging terrain
• Access to repeaters and emergency nets

Why this matters in SHTF:

• Repeaters (when available) extend reach
• Ham community often organizes emergency comms
• Ham nets can help coordinate outside your group

Recommended Ham Setup:

• Dual‑band mobile or handheld
• Good antenna + mount
• Learn basic net discipline

Practical SHTF Radio Stack (Real Use)

Here’s a realistic “stack” that covers most survival scenarios:

• GMRS Mobile (primary)
• GMRS Handheld(s) (backup & spot comms)
• Dual‑Band Ham Radio (licensed secondary)
• Power options: Deep‑cycle battery, solar charging, backup handhelds
• Antenna options: Vehicle whip (tuned), portable mag mount or tripod portable antenna

Example Setup

• GMRS Mobile (in vehicle) with high‑gain antenna matched and tuned
• GMRS Handhelds (for everyone in group)
• Ham Dual-Band Mobile or Handheld, programmed with local repeaters & emergency frequencies
• Battery + Solar Panel for off‑grid power
• Spare Coax, Connectors, SWR meter for maintenance & adjustments

Why This Works

Feature	GMRS	Ham VHF/UHF	Satellite
Local group comms	✅	✅	❌
Works without infrastructure	✅	✅	❌*
Best MAX range	Good	Best with repeaters	Global
Easy setup	👍	Moderate	👍
Requires license	Yes	Yes	No

 

* Satellite depends on the satellite network — which usually stays up even in disasters, but not forever if there’s extreme global disruption.

References

Here are some good references / guides for you to print out.

 

Resource:

Survivalists Radio Frequency Lists

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Last updated: February 16, 2026