Mountain testing BCA BC Link Radios

There are so many times when having radio communication in the backcountry has helped us get out of sketchy situations. Whether it is getting lost, stuck or injuries, having the ability to communicate with the group is absolutely essential. For years we never carried radios, partly because we weren't smart enough to know the importance of them but also because there really wasn't a radio that worked well in the backcountry.

Using a standard radio when snowmobiling is a bit of a hassle as you have to take it off a pocket or worse your pack then to hear and use the microphone you have to take your helmet off. The new BCA BC Link radio makes the whole process a lot easier. The radio features a microphone connected via cable to a conventional looking radio handset. The beauty of the system is that you can stow the handset in your pack and clip the microphone to either your jacket or backpack shoulder strap. The microphone has a big easy to use button and controls to adjust volume and channels so the handset can stay tucked away in your pack all day long. With the microphone clipped to our backpack we found we could hear the radio and effectively talk into it with our helmets on.

There is absolutely no debating the effectiveness of communication in the backcountry and after using these radios for a several months last winter we will never enter the backcountry without radio communication. The BC Link is best radio we have found for snowmobiling mainly because it easily allows you to communicate without taking off your helmet. The radios worked flawless all winter, they have a great range and even in the harsh cold the radio battery life was still really good. Two thumbs up to BCA for building an excellent product that makes riding in the backcountry easier and safer. -Stephen Clark, AmSnow's Western Editor