I'm in the evaluation process of gadgets. An average techy, I'm specifically interested in feedback from other HAM operators. Regardless of the gadgets discussed, I always carry the essentials with me.

On a recent elk hunt, I was packing a cell phone, FRS/GMRS radio, GPS and HT with rollup twin lead antenna. All are small, compact and efficient. But one begins to wonder, what is the proper balance of preparedness/effectiveness. The "light & fast" vs "slow and prepared" debate comes into play.

Some factors I take into account:

• I've always felt an external antenna on a cell phone is important for backcountry travel. My EDC phone doesn't have one, but I simply move my SIM card into another phone when I enter the back country. My personal experience has shown they get better reception in remote areas. I'll always take a reliable cell phone.
• I have a Garmin eTrex Vista with maps for my specific region. Lightweight, good battery life, waterproof, etc. Not the Lexus of GPS units, but size and weight factor in for me. It makes me more likely to carry it and I use it afield to mark a weigh point for my vehicle, trailhead, downed game, etc. Oh, comes in useful if you are lost as well.
  
• When hunting, assents and backcountry travel with like minded folks, I carry a FRS/GMRS radio with acclaimed 36-mile range. I know its limits, which is important. But water resistant construction, good antenna length and quality, adjustable Tx power and rechargeable batteries with the option to use any other AA is important. They come in useful when you are spread out while hunting. Had clear communication 23 miles away on mountain ridges at 5 watts. Can't complain about that. We used them regularly.
• For emergency purposes, I took along my Yaesu VX-7R HT HAM radio and a home made twin-lead 2M antenna. Knowing the local repeater frequency, this was my emergency communication backup plan. HAMs always encourage others to have their radios with them for that exact purpose.

The hunting area I was in was remote, so I felt it justified all four items. Now as I start reading up on PLBs, the FastFind 210 finds its way to the top of the gadget list. But I must start to wonder, is it necessary to have all five gadgets on a similar hunt or like back country outing?? Weight and space and sanity hang in the balance.

I've historically been a slow and prepared type. But I have been migrating more towards the light and fast mentality. I'll always go with the basic essentials, cell phone, etc. But on outings, I've found I travel the back country faster and more comfortably, enjoying the overall experience more, when I'm lighter.

So my questions for the group, particularly fellow HAMs, where is your gadget balance of need to have vs nice to have on more remote travel? Particularly in areas where you may see no one and there may be no trail...