Radio for hiking/backpacking

[billski]

I'm looking at a pile of portable radios in my technology junkpile and it occurred to me, should I bring a portable walkie-talkie type radio along? This came to mind since where I will be there is certifiably no cell phone coverage. Suppose the situation is grave. So I have my whistle and signalling mirror. Would it be useful to summons help with a PRS, CB or some other type? I am not a HAM/Amateur. I suppose I'm out of range at five miles.

Now suppose I'm down and out and a rescue party comes looking for me. Would having the radio be helpful at that point?

If this is true, what's the best type of radio to have and what channels are appropriate? Do search and resuce have pre-established channels/frequencies?

Can't seem to find any info on this matter by trolling around the web.

[Lostone]

That is an interesting question and I'd like to have people listening somewhere but a further question would be, if you have a radio, what channel do you try to raise someone on?

If you have CB, it might be better, but most of them are really bulky. There you would have a slightly better chance looking on 19. (9 is the emergerny channel, but I doubt anyone knows that, let alone monitors it.

In the winter, at Sugarbush, they monitor 9-11. But I've stopped carrying my GMRS as, if there was someone there, I wouldn't know where.

Shame, as it would be handy.

[billski]

OK, I'll talk to myself.
I've figured it out, based on further research and discussion.

Cell phone is best, if possible.
Bring a radio for 2 reasons:
1. One more lifeline if cell phones don't work.
2. Put it in scan mode to listen if anyone else is hailing for help. Stuff it in your sack. Shut it off if there is yick-yack.

On hailing a distress call.
1. Try first on frequency 462.6750 (channel 20 on Motorola) try first without elliminator/squelch/CTCSS codes = off. This was the original attempt at an Emergency channel.
2. If this doesn't work, try above with ellimiator code of 22 (141.3 HZ).

3. If this doesn't work, try Channel 1, no elliminator code. There is an effort underfoot to change the calling channel to 1.

Pain, huh? CB channel 9 was much simpler! If you're a HAM you have more choices.

Method is important.
Regularly try to hail for help - a call every hour on the top of the hour is the most common.

Leave a note with someone somewhere as to what channel you will be on.