4 miles5W = 10 miles(I know they say 12 miles, but that is under ideal conditions, believe me - 10 miles is doing really good for a 5W radio with built in antenna)Now, knowing this - if you're way out there and calling for help - do you want 2Watts or 5Watts when you press the PTT button?

i had no need to use it but look forward too my next outing in canada so it will definitely be of great value there, arrived quickly in perfect condition