While I agree HAM is a great resource (I have one in my daily kit), another thought is a satellite phone.<br><br>Pricing is down to about $35 a month with 30 included minutes.<br><br>http://www.globalstarusa.com/pricing/serviceplans/<br><br>-john<br><br>BTW, this is the guy I have in my kit:<br>http://www.yaesu.com/amateur/vx5r.html