It’s a question as old as time itself:
“What radio should I take on vacation?”
This month, we’re heading out for a short vacation, and while I think I’ve already answered this question for myself, it’s always fun to explore the possibilities a bit further.
As you probably know, I’ve accumulated a fair number of QRP radios over the years—so many, in fact, that it’s borderline embarrassing. When people ask me how many radios I own, I tend to dodge the question. It feels a bit like admitting to an addiction! It’s the same feeling I get after the holidays when I finally total up how much I spent on gifts. Sometimes, it’s better not to know the number.
Less is more
I told a friend recently that I’d honestly be content with just one radio from my collection.
I know that might sound surprising, especially since QRPer.com often showcases my radio “addiction.” But the truth is, aside from radios, backpacks, and books, I don’t accumulate many things. We intentionally live in a small house (by American standards), and we like to keep it uncluttered.
That said, most of the radios in my collection are ones I genuinely enjoy using. Any one of them could be my only radio, and I’d be happy. So choosing one radio for a vacation should be easy, right?
Not quite.
Almost every time I face this decision—“Which one should I take?”—a couple of radios consistently rise to the top of the list. I’ll share those choices in a moment, but I’d love to hear your thoughts: would you make the same choices, or would you pick something else?
Vacation Parameters
Before diving into my choices, here are a few details about this particular vacation:
- It’s short—just four nights.
- I haven’t been to this area in 17 years. (The destination is a surprise for my daughters, so I’m keeping it under wraps for now!)
- This is a road trip. Since our beloved Subaru is out of commission and not yet replaced, we’ll be taking our Volvo C40, which has much less cargo space.
- With four people and Hazel (our dog), the trunk/boot will be crammed. I won’t be able to squirrel away extra radios like I’ve been known to do on longer trips.
- I’ll likely only have time for two POTA activations. The focus of this trip is family time, so any activations will be short.
- I’ve never visited the POTA sites we’ll likely visit, so I don’t know if wire antennas are allowed or what the conditions will be. One site is a historic/archeological area, so I’ll need a low-impact setup.
The Contenders
Given the tight space and limited time, I’ll only bring one radio. It needs to be versatile enough to handle unknown conditions and compact enough to fit with our packed gear.
The Mountain Toper MTR-3B
It’s hard to beat the MTR-3B for size. This ultra-compact, lightweight, self-contained kit is both impact and waterproof.
However, it lacks an internal ATU, so I’d be limited to wire antennas. Since I won’t have room for my MC-750 vertical, I’d need to rely on finding parks that allow wires in trees. I could call ahead to confirm, but this adds complexity.
The Penntek TR-45L.
The TR-45L is an excellent choice. It has a large internal battery that can easily handle 10 activations, an internal manual ATU, brilliant audio, and it’s nearly self-contained. Add a key and almost any antenna, and you’re good to go.
I’ve even used the AX1 antenna with the TR-45L, for low-impact setups. But like the MTR-3B, it’s CW-only, which eliminates SSB as an option. It’s also a bit larger than my other QRP radios, and I need to prioritize space.
It would also be nice to have a radio small enough to fit on my folding kneeboard.
The Elecraft KX3
The KX3 is an incredibly capable radio. It handles SSB, CW, and even digital modes like PSK-31 and RTTY without extra gear. It has an excellent internal ATU and pairs beautifully with the AX1 or a simple wire antenna. It’s small enough to fit on my folding kneeboard, too.
That said, there’s one radio that offers nearly the same capability as the KX3 but is even smaller and has an internal battery:
The Elecraft KX2
The KX2 is my go-to travel radio. It’s compact, versatile, and so capable it feels like the Swiss Army Knife of QRP radios.
Every time I travel, I try to talk myself out of bringing the KX2 just to mix things up, but it’s hard to argue with its convenience and reliability. For this trip, where time and space are limited, the KX2 is the clear winner.
I’ll pair it with a random wire antenna, the AX1, and a minimalist throw-line kit. This setup will allow me to adapt quickly to park conditions, even if wires aren’t permitted.
What about the KH1, Thomas?
Okay, I may sneak a second radio onto this trip.
The KH1 is so compact it can fit in my Pelican M40 case, which slides under the seat or into the glove compartment.
It’s my EDC radio, and I like having it on hand for impromptu pedestrian-mobile fun or when I want to work a friend who’s activating a park on the other side of the continent. Who knows?
What do you think?
While I know I could make any radio in my arsenal work, the KX2 takes the guesswork out of the equation. When time is limited, that means more time on the air!
Would you choose the KX2 for this mini-vacation, or do you think another radio would be better suited for the job? Please comment.
You’ve chosen wisely. The KX2 and squirreled-away KH1 are ideal.
Thomas,
I would concur, KX2 and KH1 for backup. Maximum flexibility. (The KH-1 is also my EDC radio)
Enjoy your trip and Merry Christmas!
All great choices Thomas. I just got an R4020 and enjoy it. I really like my KX1 though. Then there’s the 3 Band Elecraft K1 and my venerable FT817ND.
So tell us, how many QRP radios do you currently own?
Regards
Mike. W3DDS
Hands down, KX2. Internal battery and the Elecraft tuners literally can match anything. I’ve owned one and now have a KX3 (with internal battery). You can’t go wrong with either radio.
If Elecraft ever decides to implement the “magnetic mod” for the KH1 paddle, I’ll be tempted. Maybe the KH2 will have that and a more secure way of attaching paddles to radio.
I’m put off by the flexing/movement I see when the paddles are operated…it gives me concerns about the longevity of the radio-end of the connection. For now, the KX2 is my travel radio.
Tough choice. You already know this, but the mental exercise is to consider what you plan to do (bands and modes), how much time you will have, how much space you can take up in the vehicle, what will your operating conditions be?
If constrained, then take the KH-1 or MTR-3B with a compact antenna and do the best you can with what you were able to bring.
oh come on OM, you’ll pack at least the kx1 , kx2 and probably the mountain topper, just in case; tho i’d opt for the penntek.
happy holidays, have a fun trip Thomas
72’s
I went through a stage of too many radios. I have been paring it down to radios I use and like to use. I have two travel radios: a KX2 and an IC-705. The 705 gets a little use than the KX2. Most of my activations are at a park so I have to lug my radios maybe a 100 yds. I also have an IC-7100 in the truck if I need a little more horsepower. This past year brought a few life changes so I didn’t get out as much as I like. Hopefully 2025 will be different. If I were in your shoes, I would take the KX2. It’s a lot of radio in a small package.
KX2, of course ! It meets all your criteria and limitations for what sounds like a really nice family trip. The KX2 & AX1 did great in Greece; KX2 also did great in the Caribbean and Cape Breton Island, & is at home on peaks in the Appalachians. KX1 did great in Finland & Estonia. KX3 is cumbersome & lacks an internal battery. KH1 is an ok back up but not my primary radio.
-Anyway, hope you and your family have a great trip. Look forward to reading about it. 73 de K4RLC Bob
Somehow we all just knew it was going to be the KX2!
Happy Holidays.
John KM6AHT
Having started QRP adventures with a Heathkit HW-7 in the 1970’s, I have been through some nice rigs, but to keep this short I’ll cut to the chase: for the last almost decade I have found the KX2 to be the right combination of performance, size and capability…I think it perfectly hits the target function for vacations, and I use it in my car with the KXPA100 for a high-performance mobile setup with the GEMS mount. My only suggestion for improvement would be if Elecraft released CESSB for the KX2. Cheers & 73, Howie / WA4PSC
Oh come now, you can bring them all. They make bus tickets for a reason, duh. It’s character building.
Hi everyone !
Same issues here but my choice is over Xiegu, G90 and X6100. Price and capabilities ( I use mostly ssb ).
My KX3 , k2 , Tentec are great rigs but expensive price , lack of good dsp and antenna analyzer let me take my Xiegu.
I am going to test the XPA125B, just in case
73
All of those are great radios although I don’t have the Pentek as I waited too long and they are no longer available.
It’s a nice problem to have 😀
I have No problem as to packing a radio. Only have two, a FT-818 and a Venus SW3B. It’s not a tuff choice for me. Mostly operate 20/40 meters so the 818 always stays home safe and happy!!
How many radios does a ham need?? Apparently more than can be used.
For me, it would be a toss-up between my KX2 or my 705. I love my Penntek TR-45 Lite skinny, but it comes in third.
Great choice, Thomas! The KX2 took me across the continent and back twice this year. Once by air, and once driving. Flying, the KX2 went solo, but driving I took the KX3 as a backup (it was held prisoner for the duration).
I’m cw only so I’d take the kh1 and whip plus either my k6ark 29′ end fed or the KM4ACK 40-10 EFHW. Covers all the basis and is nearly invisible space wise!
That’s like asking Jay Leno to choose only one car to drive on vacation.
When I read at the top of your article that you were only taking one radio, I knew there had to be a Colombo “Just one more thing…” coming! Especially with a KH1 in your arsenal.
I don’t have a KX2, but it sure would be at the top of my list (maybe next to my 705).
Enjoy the family time, Thomas!
I recently got my KX2…already owning a KX3, I wasn’t sure it would be much different…wow — very wrong on that! It has become my favorite! Kind of a Swiss Army knife of radios!
Have a great trip & kick back and enjoy the family.
73, Vic KB7GL
KX2, it’s your favorite so why not? No KX2 here so I usually carry my TX500 and Penntek TR-35. Hope you have a fun trip!!!
KG4MTN
I recently got back from a 6-day road trip out east to surprise my sister with an appearance at her milestone birthday party. I didn’t want to have to drag a ton of radio gear into the hotel at every stop so I was in a similar predicament and decided that I had to limit myself to one radio. My choice was also the KX2. I was tempted to also pack the KH1 as a backup but didn’t.
I think that had we been traveling by air and thus further restricted in luggage, my choice would have been the KH1.
Enjoy your trip!
P.S. I managed to squeeze in 4 CW POTA activations while out east.