Yes, they are a good thing to have. Any transceiver is better than no transceiver. And your choice of AA batteries was a good one. I
suggest you throw a set of Lithium batteries in your pack. They weigh next to nothing and have a 20 year shelf life. Very long lasting under heavy use as well. That way should you need to use the radio you will be assured of a fresh set of powerful batteries. High power transmitters eat batteries. Try some NiMh rechargables to reduce operating cost.

You probably won't hear much until you get someplace like a provincial park or perhaps a large urban area.

Do a search on GMRS and learn about what is available in your area. Find someone else to practice with and learn to operate the radio under stress conditions. It is like a weapon. You have to learn how to use it when you will need it. And stress will probably be part of the scene. Test it to see what kind of range you will get under what conditions. How far in a Mall, How far in a city, or in the wilderness. What hsppens as the batteries die.

You might check out my blog about using ham radio. Lots of the infromation there may be useful to you.

http://n1ahh.blogspot.com

I consider a transceiver of any type to be a very useful emergency tool.