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.
KX2. You guys need a break after all you have been through. So, better to bring a radio for quick and painless activations, and spend more time with family. Merry Christmas!
I think it’s the FXT-1F
But where is it if it’s early 2025?
John VE3IPS
KX2 sounds good to me.
I own KX2 and KX3.
Sold my IC705 because it doesn’t have ATU.
I use KX2 for backpacked outings and KX3 when operating near the car.
I don’t think I want to be without an ATU. An ATU makes multiband ops so much easier even if antenna isn’t a great match.
I bought a KX3 last year and the Panadapter. Works great together. I prefer CW. But you need the filter for successful DX. Enough power with my LiFePo and a mounted palm picco paddle makes the KX3 a lot of fun.
I always take an antenna analyzer with me.
I can also use a keyboard to send CW!!
My travel radio of choice is nearly always my KX2. I have a couple of others, but those have fewer bands available and are CW only. Truthfully, by the time you include adapters, interconnect cables, external batteries, etc., they really aren’t any smaller in a practical sense.
Your “problem” is one that everyone would love to have! You could probably stuff all of them under the from seat and now one would know.
The QRP Guys 20 30 40 vertical antenna would work with all of them and has a small foot print. a short mast tied to a picnic table would be sufficient.
k7ulm
I love road trip vacations
Thinking es planning es choosing
routes, accommodations, radio gear
Our annual winter vacation has expanded from two to six weeks, several states es several thousand miles in a *full size* van.
*Full size* right?
Infinite cargo space right?
Well not compared to our spring es fall trips in a four door pickup, 6ft load bed, towing an 18ft RV, where the FT-710, end fed wire on 32ft kitepole es 17 ft vertical with tripod, loading coil es counterpoise pack no problem
My winter radio hardware will again be ole faithful MFJ 9200 all band, CW, 5-7 W depending on batt, ATU-10 … plus this year… a brand new, yet field tested, QRPLabs QMX 40, 30, 20, 15 and ONLY one antenna … yet tbd but probably the most versatile 17 ft vertical with tripod, loading coil, CMC es counterpoise
Thomas I can not advise on XCVRs for your trip, but, will comment on some of mine…
I just replaced an IC-7300 with the FT-710
Why? IMHO the best bang for bucks CW rig out there
lQQking forward to your follow-up comments
Happy Holidays
72
John
N3AAZ
Take the KX2 and a small 49:1 (like the K6ARK version) cut 20.6 meters of wire into 3 x 5m and one 5.6 meter lengths and put 2 mm bullet connectors on the ends of the wire sections to join the cuts togeather as needed.
Next you need a 6meter pole. These are very small, light and inexpensive, and a bnc to banana plug adaptor and some coax completes the kit.
With all the wires joined using the 49:1 you can make an efhw for 10,15,20 and 40 meters.
With the bnc to banana plug adaptor and three 5m lengths of wire you can make a 20 – 10m vertical and 2 elevated radials .
Or use a 10 meter length of the wire to make a vertical EFHW and tie or tape the 6m pole to a post or the support of a shelter roof to get more height. Then attach the 10m of wire to the 49:1 and use the pole to make it as vertical as possible. Use the other 2 wires as ground radials.. It’ll all fit in your coat pocket and the 6m pole will fit between your car seat and the door.
3 minutes makes any of those configurations and appart from the radio it’s a very inexpensive setup.
It would work well with the 705 too but it’s obviously bigger and heavier,
73 de GI7FDZ
Robbie
Well Thomas, it’s a tough choice and obviously you are spoiled with too many great radios. We should all be so blessed !
Choose one or maybe two and enjoy your trip !
Good DX !
Jim WB4ILP
Took the words right out of my mouth. KX-2 or 3 for the win.
Forgot my call sign
Dennis W0Hl
I would start with the KH1.
Then I would think about my secondary/backup rig. For a roadtrip, I’d probably go with the FT-818, simply because it’s the only other full capability radio in my arsenal at present.
But I also like the QMXs and they take up very little space.
see now this is getting out of hand!
72,
Matt
Thomas, with respect, a QMX+ would serve you very well in this scenario. Safe trip and enjoy the vacation. 73
I love my KX2 but I am making friends with the X6200.
Good choices Thomas. For my long hike in JA5-land, so it was decision time what to bring along for SOTA/WWFF I would love to bring along my KX2, but since it has 60m, it’s unfortunately not allowed. I can sent it to Elecraft twice to flash it to JA and back to the European version, but that’s risky (theft, loss). The KH1 is 1.5 times the price here in Europe. While it’s a nice radio, I find this a bit too much for what it offers. If it would cost the same in Euros as in dollars in the US, I would have bought one in a heartbeat and my issue would be solved.
Next choice was the QMX+. Great radio, but it’s a bit a bit finnicky and thus too much of a risk to bring along.
So in the end I managed to buy a second-hand KX1 for a good price and take that one on my hike (or pilgrimage actually). I’m mainly a CW-op so the lack of SSB doesn’t bother me, and there are a gazillion CW-ops in Japan, so it will bother me even less, hi.
Hi Thomas, QRPER and your YouTube channel are such great places because of the energy you put into them. Having all those radios provides amazing content for others, and hey, you activate a lot so all your radios get used.
I often struggle to find the time to get out portable, and I have spent the last 12months selling many of my personal possessions/gadgets and radios included.
I have found the “zen” approach is making me happier in life. The wife also approves as there’s less clutter around the house. I’m pleased as my shack is a much neater place too. When I do get out portable, I don’t have to make so many tough choices, about which radios to take.
Out of all the many radios I have sold, I have kept the KX2, KH1 and 891. When I go on holiday I always seem to take the KX2. It’s just so easy to use, packed with features, so amazingly compact, and you can have both the AX1 and an EFHW in the Elecraft pouch. Weighs practically nothing. Because it’s so easy to deploy, I get maximum operating time, which is important if time is short and I also want to maximise time with family.
I suspect Thomas, if you have statistics on your activations your KX2 would standout for usage frequency, head and shoulders above the rest of your radios.
Anyway there’s no wrong choice, enjoy any radio you already own. I suspect the wonderful walk, beautiful scenery, time with family/friends, or even the qsos you make, will be more memorable and important than which radio you took with you.
Just my thoughts on the subject.
I had a good chuckle when I saw your post Thomas as I’m leaving Friday 12/13 for a trip and had to make the same decision! I do have the luxury of plenty of room,but I still chose the KX2 and the KH1. You can’t beat the fact both are basically self contained complete stations in a small package- the KX2 is all set in the Lowepro 60 case with radio,key,antennas, batteries and all of the auxiliary cables and parts. Likewise with the KH1,and they both use the same battery which is a big plus. I’ll bring the proAudio power supply which will both run the radios and charge the batteries. For antennas I can bring the MC-750 and wire in addition to the AX1 packed with the KX2. Hopefully I’ll be doing 6 days of POTA and SOTA on the Oregon coast -there’s at least 25 locations within a 100 mile distance so we’ll see how many I can get done. Of course the weather and propagation are the wild cards. Some parks have good shelters. The challenge for antennas is that it can be difficult to get a wire into a very dense Douglas Fir plus they’re often on a slope or cliff edge so securing the wire can be tricky. Fortunately verticals close to the ocean work quite well. The hardest part is walking past my K2,KX3, KX1, ATS-3B, and venerable Argo 509. It’s like going out without the dog and they watch you with that look that makes you feel guilty! I hope to hear and work everyone including you over the next few days. BTW I had coffee with George Z KJ6VU yesterday and he says hello…
I don’t have a KX2 but do have a KX3 so it’s my only QRP choice. If I was in your shoes I would take the KH1 as the main radio with the KX2/AX1 as a backup.
The CFT1 is another decent mention.
I love the IC-705 and AH-705 combo for functionality. But it is a bit on the large/heavy side. My entire CFT1 kit with a Z-Match tuner weighs 10 ounces less than the IC-705 by itself.
I would say the FT818ND so that you can monitor weather channels in unfamiliar areas……..but the functional design buffoons didn’t think it appropriate to have its RX range cover those higher frequencies……doh.
The KX2 is no doubt the most versatile radio out there. I feel sorry for Wayne and Eric, and for that matter anyone else out there who makes QRP radios, the KX2 cannot be beat. BTW, the KX3 has become my portable “base station” radio. When paired with the KXPA100 it is unbeatable as a 100w portable radio.
I vote for Kx-2. Versatile , has needed options inside, nothing else to carry except wire antennas.
As someone newly expanding into HF and portable, I appreciate these discussions as a window into what experienced users choose, and why. Thanks to all for that.
Hello,
The very BEST transceiver,for me , I use, is the ICOM IC-703 + second generation, with inside:
DSP: noise reduction, Noise blanker, automatic notch filter, with NRL noise reduction with 15 levels.
Nice big display.
CW filter, 500 Hz, DSP, a fantastic antenna tuner 10:1 all bands 160-6 meters,
Receive 30 KHz to 60 MHz .
Plus antenna analyser inside, SWR graph,
Plus Beacon mode in CW only 3 channels easily programmable,
Nothing else to carry, except: Microphone, Palm mini paddle, wire antenna, or my trusty Outbacker antenna.
The IC-703 + is the same size as the Icom IC-706 all flavors.
Check RIG PIX for manual & more informations. and if you are lucky to find one at the various flea market, do not hesitate if it is in the best conditions.-
GL, 72/73, Have a nice and prosperous Seasons greeting.
Mike VE2TH
The QRP’er for 60 years.-
Good evening, i read the article, i really like the TR-45L for the vintage look, but also for the way it is built. But i will refer to another TRX that has not been so popularized. It is HB1-B from Ten-Tech or Your Kits. It is small, has 4 bands + SSB at reception, adjustable filter, monitor etc, can be taken on a trip. 72′ Peter
Tim VA3UZ
My choice would be my FTX-1F, but it is still on order for now. Recently sold my 817 to help fund it, so my only choice at the moment would be my Xiegu X6100. With the new firmware, almost no birdies, built in battery and even better receive it is a great radio. IMHO, I like to do POTA SSB with a little CW hunting P2P and find the best and most versitile activation’s use both. For the antenna in a compact, yet effective format the GRA-7350TC, with 80 – 6M and it breaks down to less than 12 inches and extends to 8FT, and no wires to worry about. Very effective in the mag mount already on the truck and on the air in a couple of minutes. No tuner required with the inside sliding coil, and I have the SWR graph in the X6100 and an a built in awesome ATU anyways.
The truth be known, the best radio is the one you have with you.
Thomas, have a safe, fun well deserved vacation for you and your family and of course a very Merry Christmas.
I’d go with the most flexible, the KX3 or KX2. Nice size, tuner, bring 2 antennas plus the usual stuff. For such a small amount of time, either of those would be the quickest to set up and use.
Larry great selection of radios. However in my case, I am a minimalist. One outing, one radio, one antenna. But, this is only one facet of the hobby I enjoy.
Yesterday I took my three week old DX-FT8 transceiver-tablet, and my new Elecraft AX-1 out for a quick trial. I connected the 5 VDC battery, screwed on the AX-1, turned on this FT8 only transceiver and made a few quick QSOs, all within a few minutes. Everything worked. All from one small case. Today I have to upload the log file.
72 to all