Ham Radio Reception in Canyons

[cilantro13]

Does anybody carry a Ham radio in the canyons? Is there any reception, or does the sandstone suck up the radio signal?

I am considering buying a submersible handheld for canyons, but would like to know whether a radio in the canyons is as helpful as a GPS (I leave my GPS at home, usually). The idea is to carry it in a drybag and use if for emergencies.

Also, anybody used this radio:
Yaesu VX-8R

http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=111&encProdID=64C913CDBC183621AAA39980149EA8C6&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0

[trackrunner]

It may be hard to get a signal in a narrow canyon. May need to get out of the canyon to get a signal.

[bruce from bryce]

Aren't most ham radios 'line-of-sight'?
And, unlike satellite emergency beacons, you must have someone actively listening to that frequency do you not?
I would choose not use a ham radio.

[denaliguide]

i prefer to carry a handheld aircraft radio.

if i can see a jet i can talk to him. and theres always jets out there. they all monitor 121.5 or you can use the local ctaf for your area to talk to small planes.

[R]

As a licensed amateur, kc5tfz, I can tell you that my only use for FM in the canyons has been to talk to each other, which my friend Michael, kc5und, did in 2004. I can tell you that going around a corner blocked out signals completely, even at 7 watts. My wife and I carry GMRS radios all the time (see pics), but it's still just to talk to each other from close by.

Your best bet for comms in the canyons is a SPOT or a satellite phone. Even then, certain canyons from certain positions won't have a clear satellite view.

http://richardbarron.net/dd/twelvelegs/us/rbmaxbutler01.jpg

http://richardbarron.net/dd/twelvelegs/us/butlerwashabby05.jpg

-Richard

[cilantro13]

Thanks. That is really helpful and answers the questions regarding what 500 feet of sandstone wall will do to RF.