CB is mostly out these days. Although cheap and easy to do, not too many people communicate using CB off-road/overland. Besides, you'll need to carry one heck of an antennae to use if backpacking.

FRS is the cheapie walkie-talkies you see at Walmart/Big 5 etc and of no practical use unless within immediate(close) line of sight. Limited number of preset channels.

GMRS is the more expensive walkie talkie types and can be found at bigger sporting goods stores. This covers more preset channels than the walkie talkies above and has better range. A license/fee is required to be paid to the FCC, but no test. The license covers the entire family.

HAM is way more flexible and has numerous channels and can reach much farther. But, you really can't reach out and touch somebody with it. You need a fairly deep knowledge to operate effectively with it. You need the right frequency and repeater frequencies etc. HAM requires a test and a license that each user must pass. (I have a HAM radio, but no license. Too much of a hassle IMHO).

All of the above have limited range and use. Range greatly depends on the terrain and the equipment used (wattage output/antennae/use of repeaters/weather etc). They do have their applications however. Many use GMRS when overlanding/off roading in a group setting.

When you REALLY need help, a satellite service like a Garmin InReach ($399) is your best bet as previously stated. You do need to be able to see the sky however. If you're in a deep canyon, you may need to hike out to get reception. Also, they won't necessarily land Seal Team 6 to rescue you wherever you are. There are accounts out there of people calling for help and being told to hike out to XYZ trailhead and the sheriffs will meet you. They aren't cheap and the subscription fees do add up. I'm glad to hear they have a way to get temp coverage.

Ah, the famous “What if?” wormhole. Generally I carry a small Get-Home bag. Contents fall into the categories of food and water, clothing, shelter, first aid, fire making, and signaling.
I have a couple of Asherman chest seals in the FAK. Doesn’t everyone?

Of course! We all carry gauze, trauma shears, tourniquets, portable defib devices and a Power Bar!


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Aah. Portable defib device … Googling now. :-D

I have lifeboat rations. Calorically dense. Shelf stable for 5 years. Maintains nutritional value despite exposure to extreme temperatures.

Don’t forget the radiation pills.


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Yeah we have SPOT here, many I know who have used it have had issues with increasing monthly rates to no coverage in an emergency, really put me off getting one. They seem so so at the very best, which isnt good enough.

I have two cases of Radiation pills for Thyroid. Bought them years ago. I also have a quality Geiger counter, not one of those shit survey meters either!

You keep coming with those good ideas!!

I got those two. You can get ones that are good for ten years.. two chunks a day... and on you go!!! Was only about $16 bucks to! Last a few days. I like the bit about how they are not sensitive to temps hot or cold and require no cooking prep or water...

I agree with everyone's recommendations. I also think an EPIRB is a great tool WTSHF. INMARSAT Sat Phone if you can. Semper Paratus.

Hot Deal Alert!!! Baofeng UV-G GMRS radio on sale. Smokin' deal! $36!
Amazon.com: BAOFENG UV-9G GMRS Radio Waterproof IP67, Outdoors Two Way Radios Long Range Rechargeable, Handheld Dual Band NOAA Scanner, GMRS Repeater Capable, Programming Cable Included : Electronics

Oh, and it's waterproof too!

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Time for a cell phone upgrade? If it’s just about emergencies, the new iPhone looks like a pretty good deal compared to a subscription service. The iPhone 14 Can Connect to Satellites: Here’s How It Works


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This is quite intriguing. Waiting on the sidelines to see how it pans out in real use.


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The dealbreaker would be if you’re only allowed to call emergency services (i.e. 911 or a 10 digit equivalent from a whitelist) with the satellite service of the iPhone 14.

I wouldn’t imagine this “free for 2 years” service would apply to calling any number in your contacts list, or a towing / extrication company number you wrote down.

At $0.99/min retail, I can SAFELY assume Globalstar minutes preclude Apple from providing unlimited calling to any number for the first two years of iPhone ownership.

I really don’t think the iPhone 14 satellite connectivity is what most people hoped it to be.


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I have an iphone 14 pro max and have been off grid with it already. I have not used the emergency services but looked at it. You can ONLY send a text to emergency services, no voice. and it ONLY works to emergency services. it is not like garmin inreach text services.