Trail Tested in Texas: Review of the GXT67 PRO at MERUS Adventure
Midland is the proud official Communications Sponsor of MERUS Adventure Park.
MERUS is located in the Palo Duro Canyon of Texas, offering an off-road, overlanding, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and backpacking experience that is unlike anywhere else in the country.
Staff at the park uses Midland's GXT67 GMRS 5-Watt Walkie Talkie - GXT67 PRO. Melissa Londenberg of MERUS wrote this review of the GXT67 PRO after using it at the park.
Importance of communication
When you run a 5,500-acre outdoor adventure park in the heart of Palo Duro Canyon, communication isn’t optional—it’s everything.
At MERUS Adventure™, located in the second-largest canyon in the U.S., we rely on durable, reliable gear to keep our team connected across wide open plateaus, deep canyon cuts, and winding trails. So when it came time to put the Midland GXT67 PRO to the test, we knew there was only one way to do it: get it dirty, dusty, and trail tested in real-world conditions.
We handed the radio to our field tech, Dan McCabe, a longtime radio operator, and sent him out across the property—on foot, in a rig, and everywhere in between. Dan compared the GXT67 PRO side-by-side with a popular, budget-friendly model, pushing both to their limits over a week of high temps, variable terrain, and long days on the trail.
Impressive Range and Crystal Clear Audio
What stood out almost immediately was the clear, consistent audio quality.
Whether Dan was checking in from the canyon rim or tucked away in a creek bed, the GXT67 PRO delivered strong, interference-free communication.
Even when other radios were picking up chatter from nearby channels (what the pros call “bleed-over”), the GXT67 held steady—no static, no confusion.
Built Tough for the Trail
Palo Duro Canyon isn’t gentle on gear.
Between the fine red dirt, blazing sun, and the occasional surprise rainstorm, your equipment better be as tough as your trail crew.
The GXT67 PRO handled it all without flinching. It’s IP67 rated waterproof and dustproof, which meant Dan could focus on the trail instead of babying the radio.
Battery Life That Goes the Distance
During the test, Dan ran the GXT67 PRO for almost 48 hours of standby time—while monitoring two channels at once.
That kind of battery performance means fewer mid-shift charging scrambles and more time focusing on guests and safety.
Easy to Use, Even for New Team Members
With just five front-facing buttons and a simple menu system, the GXT67 PRO was refreshingly easy to use—something we value highly at MERUS, where new team members need to get up to speed quickly. No confusing menus or 16-button layouts—just push, talk, and go.
Field-Tested Feedback
Dan also observed that the GXT67’s display was brighter and easier to read, especially in direct sunlight. It even lets you change the background color to suit your environment or preference—small detail, big difference on the trail.
And while it doesn't have some of the flashier features of other models (like a flashlight or FM radio), the GXT67 makes up for it where it counts: clarity, durability, and reliability.
Is It Worth It?
At a retail price of around $200, the GXT67 PRO isn’t the cheapest option out there—but after testing it across the canyon, we believe it absolutely earns its price tag. It’s a radio for people who need it to work—no compromises.
Whether you’re managing backcountry events, guiding off-roaders, or just keeping your crew connected on rugged terrain, the GXT67 PRO is a radio you can trust.
The Bottom Line
At MERUS Adventure™, we’re always searching for tools that can keep up with our team, our guests, and the Texas terrain. The Midland GXT67 PRO fits the bill—simple, strong, and ready for the wild.