There are several HAMs that check in on this site. I am one of them.

Getting your Tech license is relatively easy and well worth the trouble. The operating frequencies you can then use are good to great for backcountry use. If you operate where you can hit a local repeater you can do some very good distance communications on 2M, even line of site (without repeater) can give good distance communications (especially compared to FRS radios).

Once you have your license or while studying for it, check out your local HAM clubs etc to understand what gear/frequencies/etc may be best in your area.

The ARRL (Amateur Radio Relay League) site is a great place to pick up some info.

http://www.arrl.org/

Find your local exams here:

http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml

Find your local clubs here:

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/clubsearch.phtml

Great sites to assist studies:

QRZ exams

http://www.qrz.com/p/testing.pl

AA9PW exams

http://www.aa9pw.com/radio/

HAM radio is a great way to both communicate for recreation and for your community during times of need. After you are set up check out your local ARES or RACES, or ACS groups. Volunteering in these emergency communication groups is valuable to the community, and puts you in service rather than in need during an emergency.

Good luck, and I am sure some of the other HAMs will chime in with more stuff.