Any handheld radio that can be tuned to 121.5 MHz can be useful in finding an ELT if you start withing range. In CAP we often used either a Radioshack "Jetstream" radio or a handheld scanner.

You hold the radio upright against your chest and slowly rotate your body, noting the "null" in the signal as your body blocks the signal. Move in a direction opposite the null and repeat.

Yes, the signal can bounce off all kinds of things but eventually you'll find it. It does take practice.