I would not recommend the R3 for an EDC as power consumption is way too high. The Icom R2 is an incredible reciever, but is really best for FM, meaning FM broadcast radio, TV, and monitioring PSB, Marine and Air communications. WX is quite marginal, and AM is impossible with the stock antenna, not much better with an aftermarket unit. If you must have a scanner get the R2, it runs forever on 2 AAs. <br><br>Indeed, you might want to just get a Ham licence and buy a QC7A, which is basically an R2 with 2 band Ham TX capability.<br><br>I would think the most important bands for an EDC radio would be AM, FM, and TV, and I suspect AM broadcast would be especially important, as those signals go the farthest and will have the most recent information (sources reliable or otherwise). Indeed, I suspect you could get away with AM only. Nevertheless I think the Grundig and Sangean are excellent choices. <br><br>One important consideration is batteries. I chose the Grundig for my backpack kit because it takes AAs just like my flashlight does. The Sangean makes a excellent choice for a briefcase EDC kit when mated with a Mini-Mag or Pelican AAA light and or an Arc single AAA light. It makes replacing batteries easier and you can switch them out if necessary. Lithium AA and AAA units are expensive but last longer and have less weight. One reason a scanner should not be high on your list is that most of the good ones use proprietary batteries, the R2 is an exception. <br><br>I don't suppose anyone knows of a radio which uses CR123s?