Looks like similar idea to the satcase thing.

Runbo make rugged phones with walkie talkie and radio built in for much less. Think the X1 is less than $150

Beartooth has just revealed their final specs recently. Looks good, so I'm in, as I will need it for the 3 weeks family cruise vacation in December, hope it will be available by then, as their deadline stated as the "Late 2016". Just ordered a pair for $149 (8 days of promotion left). You can use my referral link to get an additional $10 discount for a pair (the specs are on that page as well, just scroll down): http://ssqt.co/KlBx The more people get it the better your chances on a mesh network availability when on a remote trail.

Wirelessly links phone with other Beartooth users within range.

Tech Specs

iOS and Android Compatible
LOS Range: 5 Miles for Voice, 10 Miles for Text
NLOS Range: 2 Miles for Voice, 4 Miles for Text
900 MHz Digital Transceiver (US Spec: 902MHz - 928MHz)
1W Transmit Power (30dBm)
Up to -148dBm Receiver Sensitivity, 178dB Link Budget
Mesh Networking for Extended Range
FSK and LoRa Modulation with Frequency Hopping
AES 256-Bit Encryption
Bluetooth 2.0 Connection to Smartphone
4 Day Battery Life (5/5/90 Duty Cycle)
3000mAh Battery (1.75x iPhone 6S Battery Capacity)
USB Type-C Port With Fast Bi-Directional Charging (2.1A)
2.44" x 4.0" x 0.49" and 4.5oz

Referral program

Beartooth is better with friends! Share the unique URL you received after you purchased Beartooth with anyone you like. Those who use your link will receive $10 off their Beartooth purchase and, after we confirm their purchase through your link, you receive a refund of $10. Refer as many friends as you like and receive a refund for every friend who buys Beartooth, up to the value of your original purchase!