The radio is actually pretty small, about 2x4x8 inches . If at all possible the plan is to stay put so the size/weight issue isn't a big concern. If it has to be carried , it can be and I don't have to carry a lot of batteries. Depending on what part of California you live in you might run out of AA batteries before the official help arrives. Here the goal is to be ready to go 1 week without outside help. Once that goal has been reached work towards 3 weeks.The hand crank is a backup to the AA's and recharging using the solar panels, car or hand generator. All the critical things( communication, water, food, cooking, FAK etc.) have at least 1 backup. Anyway that's the plan, and so far it's worked.