[tuzakey]

I'm an extra and a VE. I take a radio with me on all of my back country camping trips and have a solar+battery repeater set up in my 4x4. I've ended up many places where neither radio could get out to anyone simplex and no repeaters were in range. Amateur radio works great when you have a communications plan and know you'll be in range (like when you're working with a group) but for small groups/solo back country and new areas I'll be picking up either a PLB or an inreach for this season. Others mentioned HF, I don't think you can expect to be able to string a wire dipole up and transit if you break your ankle or something ~ assuming the solar conditions allow you to get out anyway.

Also I meet lots of people who have taken the test and bought the $30 radio but don't know how to use it. Practice, practice, practice. I look at group camping trips as an opportunity to practice wilderness protocol and usually come back with a bunch of notes on what worked/didn't.

[themodelplumber]

There's a fairly recent story about a ham using satellite communications when he and his son got their vehicle stuck in mud out in the wilderness. I can't find the link at the moment, but they were practiced at it beforehand and I'm guessing very happy that they were.