Gear Review: Motorola Talkabout Radios MR350R

Here’s an off-beat gift that will please any family that hikes, bikes, or skis together. Let everyone go at their own pace or choose their own ski trail, but stay in touch so you can meet for lunch. Our testers got strong reliable reception for up to a mile (the less electrical interference, the farther apart they can be used), and they’re so easy (and fun!) to use that even a 6-year old can do it.

They’re light (less than 4 ounces each) and small (4.5 x 2 inches) enough that they’ll fit in most any pocket comfortably, or you can clip them to a belt or pack strap for easier access. These water-resistant radios were a great match for our rough-and-tough testers, and withstood being dropped on rocks, dirt, and snow without any issues. $80; 3.68 oz.; motorola.com