Communication

[John Nelson]

All this seems more complicated than I would have thought. After reading all these options, I think I’d just retreat to texting with a cell phone. Yes, it’s true that you won’t always have coverage, but you usually will have coverage a few times a day. Your text messages can get through then. Your wife will always have the option of driving somewhere with coverage. And when you know that you’re entering a dead zone, make detailed fallback plans.

If you want more, a SPOT can provide it. As I said, your wife can always drive to coverage to get your messages.

[froze]

Even if my info is out of date, regardless the FRS radio would transmit further, even if you cut the performance down to half of what I said it still out performs the others unless they've backed off the wattage in recent years which they may have done since I found this website, assuming this site is correct:

https://mra-raycom.com/articles/family-radio-communications/

https://midlandusa.com/gmrs-or-frs-radio-how-to-choose/

Those two seem to think that the gmrs may be the best way to go, but it will require a FCC license, but the FCC never checks on this stuff, I knew a guy who was truck driver that ran 200 watts on his CB which was illegal but FCC never checked, and a lot of truckers were doing that same thing and have been doing it for many years, and none that he ever knew got busted.  So I doubt they're going to care on such a small wattage radio like the GMRS.

[canalligators]

My point is that the claim of 35 miles with a few watts is unrealistic, if not blatantly deceptive.  It won’t translate to half of that, it will only be a mile or two. 

GMRS has two advantages: higher powered radios and using a separate, higher gain antenna.  That can get longer distances.

OP is wise to stick with text on cell phones.  Text will sometimes get through when voice won’t. Using text, there is less bandwidth required and the system will retry.

[BikePacker]

Some thoughts "Ed" ….. 
5.   FRS (aka, Family Radio Service). Power output is 0.5 Watts. No FCC License required.

FROZE - THANK you for the Links + APOLOGIES for my out of date above 2-10-21 Post.
One of your FRS Links have shown me that my statement that FRS is FCC limited to 0.5 Watts IS WRONG ...
as of 2017 FRS was increased to 2.0 Watts on certain channels/frequencies.

[froze]

I can't figure out why they keep saying these FRS radios have up to a 35 mile range, wouldn't that be considered false advertising?  https://www.bestbuy.com/site/motorola-talkabout-35-mile-22-channel-frs-gmrs-2-way-radio-white-red/5713809.p?skuId=5713809&ref=212&loc=1&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiApsiBBhCKARIsAN8o_4i5LE5HAXL6qxMNjEQJcDI5JSOsihKBXkmdu8aq-KxGIk6muIKWpq4aAmXdEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

At least that above radio has the weather channels, and it's cheap.

[canalligators]

IMO it is false advertising, though they probably meet the letter of the regulations for performance claims.  They probably test it under absolutely perfect conditions.  Maybe they set up in low humidity, out in the desert where there’s no background noise or other interference, between two hilltops, on a day with low solar activity.  Or whatever.

[BikePacker]

I can't figure out why they keep saying these FRS radios have up to a 35 mile range, wouldn't that be considered false advertising?

My 2 cents: by anyone's measure it is an absurd advertising statement.

[Katarienr]

Read the information on the Mitex PRM446 Xtreme Walkie Talkie to see if it's right for you. My dad uses it at work(a construction worker), and I think it works for the distance you need. As an option, you could check with a consultant at the store, it might be quicker that way. Although my dad orders appliances for work online at http://HTTPS://Choicecommunications.ie, I think you can find out about the features you need there too. Still, it's better to rely on a professional's opinion when you need to know exactly the criteria of the radio.

[HikeBikeCook]

I went with the Garmin in-Reach Mini, you may want to explore that route. You may have to purchase two units and it may be out of your planned budget, since you need a monthly subscription for the service, but it should work anywhere in the world.

[froze]

I went with the Garmin in-Reach Mini, you may want to explore that route. You may have to purchase two units and it may be out of your planned budget, since you need a monthly subscription for the service, but it should work anywhere in the world.

But that radio's range is only 1 mile according to their specs, so why spend all that money and get the same range you would with cheaper units? 

[HikeBikeCook]

it is a satellite based communication system that provides tracking as well. It also has an SOS feature and will work anywhere you can see the sky.https://discover.garmin.com/en-US/inreach/personal/

TWO-WAY MESSAGING
Garmin products with inReach technology use the Iridium satellite network to send and receive custom and preset text messages1, or emails with a delivery confirmation.

TRACKING
Share your adventures by sending track points at preselected time intervals. Using the MapShare™ trip-sharing webpage, followers can see your progress, ping your device to see your GPS location and exchange messages during your trip.1

[froze]

So how much is the monthly fee for sat connection?

[HikeBikeCook]

https://discover.garmin.com/en-US/inreach/personal/ - scroll down

I use the Freedom Plan which can be suspended and activated on a monthly basis. I think there is a onetime $35 activation fee. Once you suspend you can pick a different plan when you reactivate. Three Freedom plans range from $14.95 a month to $64.95 a month. Annual is from $11.95 a month to $49.95 a month.