Camping can be really fun and carrying an extra piece of equipment for your “in-tent” fun can be a good idea.
A best portable radio for camping can not only be a good option for entertainment but can also be added to your survival tool.
Though choosing the best portable (mobile or compact) radio for camping can be tricky as one has to look for specific features that suits the camping atmosphere.
In this guide, we will discuss about 10 portable radios for camping with perfect features.
| Image | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | iRonsnow Solar Hand Crank Self Powered RadioHigh Rated
| Check Price |
 | RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA AM/FM RadioAmazon’s Choice
| Check Price |
 | Eton FRX5 BT Emergency Weather Bluetooth RadioGood Choice
| Check Price |
 | Panasonic RF-2400D AM/FM RadioAmazon’s Choice
| Check Price |
 | RunningSnail Emergency Crank Radio(MD-090P)Best Seller
| Check Price |
 | FosPower Emergency Solar Hand Crank Portable RadioGood Choice
| Check Price |
 | Sangean TB-100 TOUGHBOXGood Choice
| Check Price |
 | Weather Radio Raynic Solar Hand Crank Emergency RadioGood Choice
| Check Price |
 | Kaito KA500REDHigh Rated
| Check Price |
 | Philips AZ700T Bluetooth CD SoundmachineGood Choice
| Check Price |
Best Portable Radio for Camping Reviews
iRonsnow Solar Hand Crank Self Powered Radio
This is an astounding camp radio with a reasonable and sound output that is likewise appropriate for every open-air movement.
The all-around assembled radio is modest, simple to-utilize and conveys on all it guarantees.
It comes outfitted with a hand wrench which implies you’ll never run out of juice to control your set.
When we talk about AM/FM connection, this radio is quite powerful in that region.
Also, the 1000mAh battery can be revived by the coordinated solar panels.
Plus, it comes with LED flashlight which can come in use during night time and NOAA weather radio to keep you updated about the weather conditions.
iRonsnow Solar Hand Crank Self Powered Radio is quite portable and weighs just 0.5 lbs.
The Dimensions of the radio is 5″ x 2.4″ x 1.6″ which makes it compact and will easily fit your backpack as well.
This radio has also helped thousands of US citizens during the storm and hurricane time when getting in touch with difficult.
Lastly there are 3 ways in which you can charge this radio, micro USB/hand crank/solar.
RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA AM/FM Radio
This radio has a good rugged design that tops out chart when we talk about best portable radio for camping.
By the tough looks of this device, it will not be difficult to figure out that the radio is specially designed for outdoor use.
The radio comes with NOAA weather alert that also broadcasts about emergency alerts and informs about hurricanes or upcoming storms.
Not too expensive, the RunningSnail Solar Crank has 2000mAh battery. This powerful battery can be charged with the in-built hand crank or solar panels.
Additionally, you can also use 3 AAA batteries to power up this radio.
Other features of this radio include, SOS alarm with flashing red light, 1W flashlight and a table lamp.
One of the best things about this radio is that it has the capacity to charge other electronic devices like your smart phone and keep you connected with loved ones easily.
Overall, this radio is good for camping and the portable qualities will easily let you carry it around during your camping trip.
Eton FRX5 BT Emergency Weather Bluetooth Radio
With a sleek design, rugged look the EtonFRX5 BT radio is a good option when we talk about best portable radios for camping.
The radio has a reliable and rugged feature that will totally suit your camping needs.
You can charge this radio by three different ways, either by solar panels, hand crank power generator or use the built-in lithium battery.
This means you will never run out of power, plus it will be a good source of juice for your other electronic devices like the cell phone.
Other features include, AM/FM tuner with S. A. M. E capability for essential alerts.
Plus, with the Bluetooth feature you can easily connect your smart phone and play music of your own choice on the radio.
This will also keep you entertained during the camping trip if you are a music freak.
Other than that, you will get some emergency features like LED flashlight built in the radio for night time.
When we talk about audio quality, this radio stands out and will provide you a crystal-clear sound eminence.
Panasonic RF-2400D AM/FM Radio
If you are looking for a good old retro look then the Panasonic RF-2400D can help you with that. Though its just the look, this radio is quite great for camping and outdoor trips.
The radio outputs amazing sound quality and is powered by 4 AA batteries.
If you continuously use the radio, the batteries can last up to 24 hours.
The radio also comes with ferrite antenna, that helps with better connection.
Power output of the audio is 770 mW and Frequency Range of FM is 87 to 108MHz (50kHz step).
On the other hand, frequency range of AM is 520 to 1730kHz (9/10kHz step).
Overall, the radio is good and quite portable with 3.23 x 9.21 x 4.8 inches dimensions, the weight of the device is around 1 pound making it very easy to carry around specially while camping trips.
RunningSnail Emergency Crank Radio(MD-090P)
With one of the biggest 4000mAh replaceable li-ion battery, this RunningSnail emergency radio can be a great choice. The powerful battery is capable of charging your electronic device like your smart phone.
The radio also has NOAA weather band which will give you live updates about hazard information in your area.
The replaceable batteries will allow you to change it anytime, plus it will provide you non-stop power.
Other features of this radio include, 3 modes flashlight, reading lamp with a Motion sensor and SOS light for emergency.
So, when planning for an outdoor or camping trip, this radio can stand out and help you in a number of ways.
FosPower Emergency Solar Hand Crank Portable Radio
With 2000mAh power, this radio is capable of providing juice to other electronic devices as well, be it your tablet or smart phone relying on the radio will not let you down.
The radio also has an SOS alarm which can be used during emergency situations.
Other than the alarm, it also consists of 4 reading lights that enables you to read in the dark when you are out camping.
Not only camping, this radio will let you be updated with weather during hazards.
With the help of NOAA, emergency news broadcasts will be a life safer in tough times.
Overall, this radio is perfect for camping or outdoor trips, plus will come very handy in emergency situations.
Sangean TB-100 TOUGHBOX
If you wish to carry a very lightweight, portable and compact radio then this can be the deal for you. The Sangean TV-100 is a small, portable radio which is dust resistant, shock resistant and water resistance. Yes, now don’t worry if you are going on a rainy terrain, simply carry this radio and be stress free.
The radio has 5 AM & 5 FM memory pre-sets and a large backlit LCD display.
This will ensure night time usage of the radio without any trouble.
Plus, the rugged design and its durable performance will make you carry this radio anywhere you go.
When we talk about power, the radio has 4 rechargeable or alkaline C batteries.
Overall, this device is one of the best portable radio for camping.
Weather Radio Raynic Solar Hand Crank Emergency Radio
With multiple power backup option, Raynic radio is a good choice for all the campers out there.
You will get 5 power sources in this device which includes, solar panel, built-in Li-ion rechargeable battery, AAA batteries, AC power and a hand crank.
This means the radio will be so juices up that you will never run out of power.
This will also allow you to charge your electronic device like smart phones or tablet.
The radio also has 3W integrated flashlights and 2.5W reading lamp which will help you during night time while camping.
If you are going to a remote region where weather can change anytime, then this radio is prepared for that with NOAA weather alert.
This feature will alert you about any upcoming storm coming your way.
Kaito KA500RED
Perfect to carry while camping or any outdoor trip, the Kaito is a good portable radio. The radio comes with High quality AC type brushless generator. Other than that, the radio has built-in batteries and can charge with solar panels too.
It also has a good range of band reception including AM, FM and shortwave.
Not only this, you will also get live weather updates with NOAA weather alerts.
This will help you track incoming storms or any other emergency weather updates.
Plus, the radio will automatically start an alert mode after it receives an emergency situation from NOAA.
Overall, a good portable device that weighs only 1.5 pounds, this radio is a good choice for campers.
Philips AZ700T Bluetooth CD Soundmachine
You may carry your music with you wherever you go with the help of the Philips Bluetooth CD Soundmachine. This transportable sound station features digital FM radio and the ability to preset up to 20 stations.
Bring the party wherever you want it to be and turn up the volume to fill the house or outdoor area. You can play music from practically any source with direct USB, Bluetooth, and CD capabilities.
Stream music from your phone or tablet, or play CDs in a number of formats. It’s all playable. Dynamic bass that has been boosted adds a deep, rich sound to the party.
This distortion-free sound is perfect for small parties or a large outdoor BBQ.
You may even use the accompanying remote control for further comfort and convenience.
Sit back and enjoy the music while controlling it from the comfort of your own home. The Philips CD Soundmachine will accompany you to the party for a powerful performance from a compact and lightweight music station.
You don’t have to listen to the music in the same order all of the time if you use the random and repeat music functions. It’s as simple as selecting “Shuffle” or “Repeat” mode to play the music in a random order after you’ve uploaded them to the player.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Radio for Camping
Read the buyer’s guide first before you jump on to the list of best portable radios.
Camping terrain are mostly remote and the weather can change anytime. So being prepared about most situation and buying according to that is wise.
Here are few things that you need to consider for best portable radio selection –
Weather Resistant
Weather at camping terrain cannot be predicted and can change easily, that moment if you don’t have a good weather resistant radio then that can be a problem.
Spending a good amount on a device and later it gets ruined due to weather can be painful.
Rather go for water resistant radio that will survive rain or any other moderate splashes of water.
Weather resistance also include being exposed to dust or snow.
Durable
If you buy a fragile radio which looks amazing but is not durable then that is totally not suitable for camping.
The radio that you buy for camping purpose should be rugged and durable.
The radio you might be considering to buy must pass the test of durability and ruggedness.
Lightweight and Portable
The third factor in our buying guide includes compactness of the radio.
You obviously don’t wish to carry a heavy and not so portable radio when you are going for camping.
It is always advised to carry light while you go on any adventurous trip, that is the reason a compact, lightweight and portable radio device is necessary for camping trip.
FM/AM
A good FM/AM connection while camping is a must.
This is important if you wish to listen to your favourite music from multiple stations.
You will be able to hear news, music and anything important on what’s going around.
Power
A good radio that is suitable for camping must have different power sources.
This is important as it will never let you run out of battery or power while camping.
Bluetooth
Now a days, new age radios comes with Bluetooth feature that enables you to connect your smart phone or laptop with the device.
This extra feature on radios can be very useful and even let you play your own music and transform the radio into a portable speaker.
Audio Quality
Last but not the least comes the audio quality of the portable radio.
Radio is a medium in which we hear audio from the device, so having a good sound quality is a must.
So, always consider for camping radios with good audio quality.
FAQs Related to Portable Radios
Let us now discuss about some FAQs related to best portable radios for camping.
These will bust some questions that might have popped up your mind while reading this article.
Longevity in portable radios depends on the size of the batteries. Generally, they can run for 12-14 hours in a single charge though it can still depend on the battery as some even run for 40+ hours.
Portable radios can be used for a number of things, be it camping or outdoor trip, or any emergency situation, a good portable radio can always handy.
From this guide you can go for Sangean TB-100 TOUGHBOX. It is quite durable and has good qualities of a portable radio.
Well yes, they are high quality radios and are recommended by experts to be durable/reliable.
Conclusion
There are plenty of option when we go out to search for the best portable radio in the market.
The above guide will bifurcate that and help you pick the right choice for yourself.
Be it camping or any other outdoor trip, carrying a portable radio can never go wrong, but choosing the right one is necessary.
