When disaster strikes, communication is survival. Cell towers go down, internet fails, but radio waves keep traveling. A well-prepared go-bag radio kit could be the difference between being stranded and getting help.
Why Radio in Your Go-Bag?
- Grid-independent: Works when power and cell towers fail
- Long range: Reach beyond visual/voice distance
- Receive critical info: NOAA weather, emergency broadcasts
- Coordinate with others: Family, neighbors, rescue teams
- No monthly fees: Unlike satellite phones or cell plans
The Essential Go-Bag Radio Kit
Tier 1: Minimum (Budget ~$60)
- Baofeng UV-5R - Dual-band ham radio for monitoring and TX (with license)
- 2 extra batteries - 3800mAh extended batteries (BL-5L)
- Printed frequency list - Laminated card with essential frequencies
- Upgraded antenna - Nagoya NA-771 (significant range improvement)
Tier 2: Recommended (~$150)
Everything in Tier 1, plus:
- Baofeng UV-9G GMRS - Legal for family comms without ham license
- Solar charger - Foldable panel with USB + 18650 battery bank
- Earpiece/PTT mic - Hands-free operation, discrete use
- Signal mirror - Backup visual signaling
Tier 3: Advanced (~$350+)
Everything in Tier 2, plus:
- Uniden SDS100 Scanner - Monitor police, fire, EMS
- High-gain tactical antenna - Lightweight, foldable for significantly better performance
- Waterproof case - Pelican or similar for all electronics
- Portable repeater - Extend range for your group
Programming Before Disaster
Don't wait until SHTF to program your radio. Do it now:
- Program all NOAA weather frequencies (162.400-162.550 MHz)
- Add local repeaters from RepeaterBook
- Include GMRS/FRS channels for unlicensed family members
- Add simplex frequencies: 146.520 (2m), 446.000 (70cm)
- Create a printed backup of your channel list
See our complete programming guide →
Critical Frequencies Card
Print this, laminate it, keep it in your kit:
| Purpose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ham Calling | 146.520 MHz | 2m simplex - monitored nationwide |
| UHF Calling | 446.000 MHz | 70cm simplex |
| GMRS Emergency | 462.675 MHz | Ch 20 with 141.3 PL tone |
| Marine Distress | 156.800 MHz | Coast Guard monitored 24/7 |
| CB Emergency | 27.065 MHz | Channel 9 - no license |
Operating Tips in Emergencies
- Conserve battery: Use low power (1W) when possible
- Listen first: Before transmitting, monitor to avoid interference
- Be brief: State emergency, location, needs clearly
- Use standard protocols: "This is [callsign], emergency traffic"
- Schedule check-ins: Agree on times to save battery
Licensing Considerations
In a true life-threatening emergency, you may legally transmit on any frequency to save life. However, for day-to-day use and non-emergencies:
- GMRS: $35 license covers your whole family, no test
- Ham Radio: Technician license requires a simple test
- FRS/MURS: No license required at all
Read our license comparison guide →
Maintenance Checklist
Review your kit every 6 months:
- ☐ Test all radios - do they power on?
- ☐ Check battery charge levels
- ☐ Update frequency programming if needed
- ☐ Replace printed materials if faded
- ☐ Test solar charger output
- ☐ Verify antenna connections
Start Building Today
You don't need to buy everything at once. Start with a UV-5R and an extra battery. Add to your kit over time. The most important thing is to start now.