hand helds

[4x4junkie]

Starting to sound like I should get a ham for the truck too, I will have to look up these licenses. What about these radios for the FRS/GMRS>>>> http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007B5ZR4G...lid=2FV61L16MLQPR&coliid=I1P2I2RKLH1YI9&psc=1

That's a poorer choice than the one I linked...

-It does not appear to be able to scan for and display channel privacy (CTCSS/DCS) codes (this is important if you're trying to reach out to someone you hear on it for help),
-It doesn't appear to work with GMRS repeaters,
-Seems there is confusion on what it's claimed range is (26 or 30 miles), yet either way it is less than that of the Motorola units (no, those numbers are not what you will always get for range, but the numbers are still relative regarding performance),
-Finally there's no mention of what the heck channels 23-36 are (the channel-to-freq chart in the radio's manual is devoid of any info on that)... Only channels 1-22 are valid legal channels.

Biggest problem with using a amplifier with the CB radio, other the illegality of course is that while you may in fact be able to increase your transmission range, you won't be able to hear anyone responding unless they're also using an illegal amplifier or they're within range in which case you wouldn't need the amp in the first place...

Under good conditions (no static or radio interference present), this indeed is very true.
However I suspect in a majority of cases any station the OP might try to contact to request help won't be in that ideal of a location as far as radio interference is concerned (power lines, fluorescent lights/MJ grow lights, computerized electrical appliances, etc., fuel pumps and/or other electronics in a motor vehicle, etc. all can be huge emitters of static on HF/low-VHF frequencies which includes CB). In these cases the OP would easily be able to hear other stations from where he is, but any station he tries to contact might never hear him.

I agree with the rest of your post, though I will also say pretty much any 2-way radio option can potentially be of use no matter how far or close you are to any populated areas, I wouldn't necessarily exclude entirely any of them based on distance from civilization.

The first time you key up on FM and get a conversation going will be the last time you ever want to use your CB.

Perhaps... Perhaps not. All depends on how that conversation goes.

 

[punisher1130]

Ok wait a minute, I think we changed gears somewhere, I made this post to figure out the best and most reliable hand held to have while hiking and backpacking so if the worst happens I could get help or rescue. Just to recap, a PLB device (regardless of the brand)is better and more reliable than a hand held ham correct?

 

[RobRed]

Ok wait a minute, I think we changed gears somewhere, I made this post to figure out the best and most reliable hand held to have while hiking and backpacking so if the worst happens I could get help or rescue. Just to recap, a PLB device (regardless of the brand)is better and more reliable than a hand held ham correct?

As an "oh shift hit the fan" dire, life or death emergency the PLB is the go to. You do not use it because you got a flat tire. It uses SARSAT satellite communications and most have homing function in them as well. This means when you press the button the distress call is made sending your current GPS coordinates the US Air Force who will determine the best response. If your PLB has a homing function like mine, once rescue is on the ground the can lock to the PLB homing signal for quicker location of you and yours. These are no joke, helicopters will come.

The commercial services like INreach or Spot have a similar help function.

Back to the handhelds - A rugged Yaesu or Icom Ham is probably best bet.

 

[4x4junkie]

Just to recap, a PLB device (regardless of the brand)is better and more reliable than a hand held ham correct?

Yes, a PLB is more reliable than a hand-held 2-way radio for summoning a rescue team to your location. That is the only thing it will do, nothing else.

 

[pugslyyy]

Ok wait a minute, I think we changed gears somewhere, I made this post to figure out the best and most reliable hand held to have while hiking and backpacking so if the worst happens I could get help or rescue. Just to recap, a PLB device (regardless of the brand)is better and more reliable than a hand held ham correct?

Yes

 

[punisher1130]

Ok that was the point of this, a dire emergency rescue situation, for weather I can always do like I do here in FL, look at the sky and judge but for emergencies I needed to know what is better and is best. For my truck I think I got a good handle on what spare parts to bring with but that is something different.