Good gear: Walkie-talkies

Out of the playground and into the wilds, keep in touch with the latest accessories for adventurers

Today they are known as two-way hand-held radios, or personal communicators. To most of us, however, they will always be walkie-talkies, the clunky ancestor of the mobile phone. However, the gadgets, which have shrunk considerably, have made a big comeback this year and are being bought by skiers and snowboarders, climbers, mountain bikers, adventure racers, even parachutists.

But when the vast majority of the adult population own mobile phones, what is the point of walkie-talkies? There are three key advantages: no call fees, no dialling and out in hills beyond network coverage, you'll still be able to contact your companions (walkie-talkies operate over radio frequencies, measured in MegaHertz).

These models offer eight channels but there is no guarantee that they won't be occupied by other users in the vicinity – although you can chose from about 30 further codes to minimise interference. As long as the radios of your party's members are tuned to the same channel and code, transmissions will be received by everyone, although it is possible to have a private conversation using the Motorola's voice scrambling feature.

Another drawback is that these walkie-talkies have a limited range – two miles – which can be further reduced by obstructions such as tall buildings, hills and forests.

The Audioline and BT walkie-talkies look similar, with the buttons arranged identically and matching specifications. The BT model's appearance is marginally smarter, with a superior belt-clip. If this matters, buy the BT. If not, save £10 and go for the Audiolines.

None is waterproof, but the Motorola, with its tougher plastic casing, has the most genuine claim to outdoor durability and the most ergonomic design. At £70 each, they are twice as expensive as the BT and Audioline versions, but they are the most advanced radios you can buy without requiring a licence. They are all simple enough for a child to operate.

Expedition Kit, an expedition outfitter, has supplied the Motorola radios recently to a scientific expedition to Ladakh in India to monitor snow leopards, a parachuting club and a British Army trip to Antarctica. Of course you don't have to be an adventurer or an extreme sports enthusiast to find a walkie- talkie useful – they can be handy for shoppers and farmers alike and parents can use the Motorolas, which have a voice-activated setting, as baby minders. And best of all they are just the right size for Christmas stockings.

Audioline Personal Mobile Radio
Cheap, basic and simple to use.
For stockists: Available from Millets or call 0800 214 890
Price: £69.99 (per pair, batteries included)

BT Freeway Personal Mobile Radio
With eight channels and a two-mile range these radios match Audioline's.
For stockists: 0845 606 3300.
Price: £79.99 (per pair, batteries included)

Motorola T6222 Talkabout
The most convincing radios for outdoor sports, they are packed with useful features.
For stockists: www.motorola.co.uk
Price: £69.99 (each)