Another thread here made me think of asking this

We see lots of folks talking about crank radios, or solar radios, but around here at least, most NEWS on the radio is on the AM band, usually on a strong signal station

Why not a crystal radio? No, not a cat whisker (yeah, those will work), but one made from a variable cap, and a diode, with a high Z earphone. No power needed at all

Thoughts? Anyone make one commercally?

The Xtal Set Society- sells some kits, lots of info.
Xtal Set Society

Certainly that's a viable choice, assuming:

You live close enough to an AM radio station and/or have the willingness and knowledge required to throw up a fairly long antenna. It's not rocket science by any stretch of the imagine, but it's definitely not something you'd want to try to figure out in the middle of an actual emergency. Anyone contemplating this technique should try it out well ahead of time; though this is more or less true of all our equipment. The plus side is that you'll have uninterrupted radio reception so long as the station is transmitting. I have a crystal radio in my living room that has been 'running' almost continuously for the last three years.

Finding a GOOD commercially produced crystal radio can be tough, though there are plenty of so-so receivers out there that will operate reasonably well if given a strong enough signal to work with. I believe Radio Shack still sells such a receiver. Another viable option is to roll your own. They're not particularly difficult to build and you'll learn a great deal about radio in the process.

Oh, I know it's not hard to roll your own - I've done it enough times to make no difference. What I was wondering is if someone made the classic 1n34/bar "antenna", variable cap version of one in a small, rugged case. All you need is the earphone and antenna then. Around here, signals are strong enough that I can get some stations with a set hooked to a set of rabbit ears, never mind if I hook it to the rooftop antenna. I can thow one together "at need" - I was thinking for "other folks". I usually have enough radios "good to go" - from scanners, to ham rigs, to commercial gear, all with backup power