Gear Review: Midland MXT575 Our Go-To Trail Radio for Serious Off-Road and Overlanding Comms

5280 Offroad
Aug 14
6 min read

Updated: Oct 2

Published by 5280 Offroad

Born at elevation. Forged in mud. Grit is earned.

Testing Midland MXT575 radio on Colorado high country trails

Alright, 5280 Offroad Tribe! You know the drill. You’re deep in the backcountry, the trail is demanding, and that "no service" icon has been mocking you for miles. When the stakes are high; whether it’s spotting a buddy through a tricky section, calling out a hazard to the rigs behind you, or coordinating a recovery; relying on cell signal is a fool's errand. That’s precisely where rock-solid communication earns its stripes, and why the Midland MXT575 MicroMobile® 50-Watt GMRS Radio has become our go-to.

Why GMRS for Colorado Trails

GMRS beats CB and FRS hands-down when it comes to Colorado’s rugged mix of alpine passes, deep canyons, and wide-open desert. With 50 watts of output, GMRS punches through pine forests, over ridges, and across valleys where cell service disappears. And unlike HAM, there’s no complicated test to pass, it is just a quick $35 FCC license that covers your entire household for 10 years. For serious off-road adventures here in the Rockies, GMRS is our go-to.

Here at 5280 Offroad, we don’t just talk about gear; we live it. We field-test every piece of kit in the same brutal conditions you’re likely to face from high-altitude snowpack to high-desert heat, from bone-jarring washboards to tight, dusty canyons.

Installation & Design: Compact Powerhouse

Dash space in an off-road rig is precious. The MXT575’s remote head design lets you tuck the main unit away (ours slid perfectly under the passenger seat) and mount the control head exactly where you want it. We placed it just above the Jeep’s center console and to the right of the wheel in our 4Runner easy to reach, never in the way. Clean. Functional. Trail-ready.

Setup is plug-and-play, even if your toolbox sees more trail dust than shop time. The included mag-mount antenna works for light use, but for serious range, step up to a high-gain NMO antenna. We hard-mount ours for maximum performance and durability. Your comms are only as good as your antenna, so don’t cut corners.

On-Trail Performance

Let’s cut straight to performance, because that’s where the MXT575 truly earns its keep and justifies its place in your rig.

Transmission Clarity: The 50-watt output isn't just a number; it punches through thick pine forests, over canyon ridgelines, and across long, undulating mountain passes with remarkable clarity. We tested real-world transmission up to 15 miles in variable, broken terrain, and well over 30 miles in line-of-sight desert flats. Communication was consistently crisp, with zero digital noise or distortion, even when the unit was hot after prolonged, heavy use. This is the kind of reliable signal that keeps your Tribe connected when it truly matters.
Weather Readiness: Built-in NOAA weather scan and alert system? Total win. On a recent ride near Engineer Pass, this feature picked up a fast-moving lightning storm that wasn’t even showing on our phones yet. We were able to call an audible, turn the convoy around, and avoid what could’ve been a dangerous situation. It's a small feature that can make a huge difference in Colorado's notoriously unpredictable mountain weather.
Compatibility & Range: The MXT575 plays nice with all GMRS/FRS handhelds on the same frequency. This is perfect if you’ve got spotters on foot, hikers in your group, or other convoy drivers running smaller handheld units like the MXT105. We experienced flawless communication between rigs and between our base camp and outliers, ensuring everyone was always on the same page.

Cold-Weather & Extreme Conditions

Colorado winters can chew up gear. The MXT575’s display stays visible in sub-zero temps, the buttons work fine with gloves, and the fan keeps things cool in summer heat. We’ve run it at 12,000 feet in February and in 100°F desert heat without a hiccup.

Trail-Grade Durability

This radio shrugs off dust, rain, and constant vibration. The mic feels solid in the hand, with buttons that click positively even with gloves. The built-in speaker is strong, but if your rig is loud (soft tops, exhaust mods), an external speaker makes a big difference.

Radio Comparison Chart

Quick Note from the 5280 Offroad Crew: We don’t sell Midland radios or accessories as we’re not an authorized retailer. What we do offer is professional installation and integration of customer-supplied comms gear. If you’ve got a Midland radio (or other comms equipment) you’d like installed in your rig, we’ll take care of the wiring, antenna setup, and clean mounting so you can hit the trail with confidence. Hardware warranties stay with Midland, while installation is warrantied separately by 5280 Offroad.

Model	Trail Strengths	Best Fit For	Considerations
MXT575	Remote head keeps dash clean, full 50W power, NOAA alerts add safety in Colorado’s unpredictable weather.	Trail leaders, overlanders, recovery & SAR crews who need max range and flexibility.	Stock antenna is basic; benefits from a hard-mount upgrade.
MXT500	Same 50W punch as the 575, straightforward full-size design.	Drivers with room on the dash who want top power without remote mounting.	Takes up more space; less flexible in tight rigs.
MXT275	Compact with remote head, easy to tuck into small cabs.	Daily drivers, compact rigs, or anyone who wants a clean install without giving up NOAA alerts.	Lower power (15W) means shorter range in the mountains.
MXT115	Budget-friendly, simple to run, a solid weekend-warrior option.	Casual off-roaders or families who want reliable comms without overbuilding.	No NOAA alerts; limited range compared to higher models.
MXT105	Entry-level, quick setup, solid for short runs and small groups.	Beginners dipping into GMRS, or rigs that just need backup comms.	Only 5W; not ideal for leading groups or long-distance runs.

Things to Know Before You Run One

GMRS License Required: $35, 10 years, covers your household.
Antenna Upgrade: Permanent-mount high-gain NMO recommended for real trail range.
External Speaker: Worth it for loud cabs.
Carry Spares: Fuses and handheld GMRS units for spotting, client use, and emergencies.

Ideal Users

Trail leaders and group organizers who need to coordinate multiple rigs
Overlanders on multi-day routes where cell coverage is a joke
Recovery crews and event coordinators
Anyone who values reliable comms in remote areas

Trail-Tested Setup Tips

If you’re thinking about building out a reliable trail comms package around the MXT575, here’s what’s worked well for us in the Colorado high country:

Antenna Choice: The stock magnetic antenna is fine for casual runs, but for serious trail range, we recommend stepping up to a permanent-mount high-gain antenna. We’ve run both tall whips for max reach and compact low-profile designs that hold up better on tight, brushy Colorado trails.
Power Source: Hardwiring directly to a fuse block or aux panel has given us the most consistent performance in rough conditions. Plug-in setups work, but a dedicated power line cuts down on static and voltage drop (even direct to the battery).
Sound Clarity: In open rigs or loud builds (think soft tops, aggressive exhausts), adding an external speaker makes a big difference in hearing call-outs clearly.
Trail Redundancy: Always carry spares such as fuses, handheld GMRS units, and backup power options. Colorado weather and terrain have a way of testing your preparedness.

Final Verdict: Trail-Tested, 5280-Approved

The Midland MXT575 bridges the gap between recreational radios and pro-level comms. It’s powerful, durable, and easy to use which is exactly what you need for Colorado’s high country.

5280 OFFROAD Rating: 9.5/10

Pros: Durable, powerful 50-watt output, remote head design, excellent clarity, NOAA weather alerts, flexible mounting.
Cons: Stock antenna is basic, external speaker might be needed for very loud rigs.

Planning to Upgrade Your Trail Comms?

Give us a call or email and we can provide recommendations on accessory and comms gears that is field proven and tested. We do not install or sell any Midland gear at this time.

Have more questions about comms gear setup, vehicle upgrades, or how to truly Explore Beyond Limits? Hit up the crew. We’ve lived it, wheeled it, and tuned it for Colorado’s toughest terrain.

Ready to Explore Beyond Limits?

Feeling inspired but want to sharpen your skills before hitting more challenging routes? Explore our 5280 Offroad Training Programs from basic vehicle operation to advanced techniques, we'll give you the confidence to tackle any terrain. And while you're planning your next adventure, gear up at the 5280 Offroad Shop our merchandise is built rugged and trail-tested, just like the adventures you're about to embark on.

ARB Twin Air Compressor

Buy Now

5280 OFFROAD - WHERE PREPARATION MEETS ADVENTURE

Born at elevation. Forged in mud. Grit is earned.

Ways to stay connected:

Email: Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly post notifications plus downloadable checklists
Connect with our tribe across all platforms:
- Instagram: @5280offroadco
- Facebook: 5280offroad
- TikTok: @5280offroadco
- YouTube: @5280Offroad
Comments: Share your own group preparation experiences and ask questions below each post!! Engage on Social Media and share those pictures of your summer adventures!