BEST Radios for POTA: Top 5 Picks (Including a $90 Kit Radio!)

Thinking about your first Parks on the Air (POTA) activation and wondering what radio to bring? In this video, Jim, N4BFR breaks down the best radios for POTA based on operating style (CW, digital, or voice), portability (backpack vs luggable), features, and budget. You don’t need a “special” POTA radio—but the best choice depends on what mode you’ll operate and how much power you want in the park. We cover everything from ultra-compact QRP kits to full-featured 100-watt portable rigs—and yes, a $90 kit radio makes our Top 5. For detailed step-by-step instructions, equipment recommendations, PDF guides, premium video lessons, and more, sign up for our full POTA Course! 🌲 👉 Sign up here: https://hamradioprep.com/pota What you’ll learn: CW vs digital vs voice: what it means for radio choice QRP explained (and when it makes sense for POTA) Backpack-class vs 100-watt “luggable” radios How travel and setup style should guide your decision Accessories that matter: keys, headsets, tuners, logging, and rig control Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: Choosing the Best Radio for POTA 00:41 - What is a POTA Activation? 01:14 - Radio Mode Options and Their Efficiency 02:58 - Compact CW Radios and QRP Options 05:21 - Low-Cost Multi-Mode QRP Radios 06:55 - Understanding QRP: Low Power Operation 07:44 - Digital-Focused Radios for POTA 08:16 - Homebrew vs. Commercial Radios 08:49 - Backpack Class Radios 10:34 - Higher Power Portable Radios 11:09 - Budget-Friendly Backpack Radios 12:16 - High-End Backpack Radios: Elecraft KX2 & KX3 13:31 - Why 100 Watts Matter for Voice POTA Ops 14:38 - Popular Luggable Radios for POTA Alumni 16:22 - Used & Older Radios for Budget Operators 17:36 - Portable Power and Accessories 19:45 - Choosing Radio Size: Luggable vs Backpack vs Small Form Factor 20:17 - Examples of Ultra-Light POTA Kits 21:33 - Price Ranges and What to Expect 23:29 - Essential Accessories for Portable Operation 25:45 - Top 5 Radios Recommended for POTA 28:22 - Closing Remarks and Additional Resources 👉 For more POTA education and license courses, visit: https://hamradioprep.com 👉 To log your POTA contacts, sign up for free at: https://worldradioleague.com 73 from Ham Radio Prep & the World Radio League!