Top 5 Ham Radio Accessories Every Prepper Should Own

Ham radio isn’t just a hobby — it’s a lifeline. When the power goes out, the cell towers fail, and the internet drops offline, ham radio operators are often the only ones still communicating. But a good radio alone won’t carry you through an emergency. You need the right accessories to make your station more versatile, durable, and functional. This article highlights five critical accessories every ham radio prepper should have in their go-kit or shack — and why they matter.

1. 🔋 Portable Power: Anderson PowerPole Battery Pack

Power is the foundation of any communication setup. Without electricity, your radios become expensive paperweights. That’s why a field-ready, rechargeable battery system with standardized connectors is a must-have.

Recommended: Powerwerx Portable Battery Pack with Anderson PowerPoles

• Provides clean 12V output for radios and accessories
• Rechargeable via solar, AC, or DC sources
• Anderson PowerPole connectors ensure quick, reliable connections

Even better, PowerPole connectors are the standard in emergency communications groups like ARES and RACES. Having your gear “PowerPole ready” ensures interoperability when you need to work with others in the field.

2. 📡 High-Gain Antennas for HTs and Mobile Use

Stock antennas (often called “rubber ducks”) are notoriously inefficient. If you’re relying on an HT (handheld transceiver) during a disaster, upgrading your antenna can make the difference between being heard and getting ignored.

Recommended: Signal Stick Super-Elastic Antenna

This antenna is flexible, durable, and provides noticeable range improvements. For temporary base stations or deployments:

Roll-Up J-Pole Antenna – perfect for tossing in your go-bag.

3. 🔗 TNCs for APRS and Digital Comms

APRS isn’t just for fun. It enables real-time position tracking, short message transmission, and even weather reporting. During emergencies, this can help coordinate team movement, locate supplies, or send a message when voice comms are unavailable.

Recommended: Mobilinkd TNC3 Bluetooth Packet Modem

• Pairs easily with APRSdroid or other software
• Works with most HTs using audio interface cables
• Small enough to toss into a pocket or pouch

Pair this with your HT and a smartphone for full digital capabilities, even in the field. See our full post on How to Use APRS in Emergency Communication for more on setup.

4. 🧭 GPS Receiver for Navigation and APRS

If your radio lacks built-in GPS, you’ll need an external unit for APRS tracking and field navigation. Preppers often rely on these when scouting new terrain or coordinating group movements off-grid.

Recommended: Garmin eTrex 10 GPS Handheld Navigator

The Garmin eTrex is waterproof, battery efficient, and widely compatible with TNCs for APRS data input. It’s also great to have on its own in your bug-out bag.

5. 🧰 Coax Cable and Adapters

Don’t let a bad cable bottleneck your signal. Cheap coax introduces signal loss and makes your powerful radio feel like a toy. Always keep quality RG-8X or LMR-240 cable in your kit, and don’t forget adapters.

Recommended: 25ft RG-8X Coax with PL-259 Connectors

Additionally, carry SMA-to-BNC and SMA-to-PL259 adapters so your HT can plug into better antennas when needed.

💡 Bonus: Waterproof Radio Storage Case

Protect your investment. Whether you’re tossing it in your truck or hauling it on foot, a waterproof case keeps moisture, dust, and impact from damaging your radio gear.

Recommended: Pelican 1200 Case with Customizable Foam

Pelican’s reputation for durability is unmatched — you can’t go wrong securing your comms gear in one of these.

🧭 Final Thoughts

In emergency situations, communications can mean the difference between chaos and coordination. A radio alone won’t carry the day. You need accessories that extend range, ensure power, enable data, and protect your equipment.

If you’re building your ham radio go-kit, these accessories are a great next step. Most are compact, budget-friendly, and incredibly useful in both casual and critical settings. Don’t wait for disaster to strike — prep your rig today.

What’s in your go-bag? Let us know in the comments below. And check out our other guides on getting started with ham radio and using APRS for emergencies.

73 — Daniel (KI5QHC)