HAM GEAR

Complete Starter Kit ~ $120

Handheld 8watt radio for 70cm and 2m - Baofeng BF-F8HP (8watt)- $80
The below radio comes with a small kit.  There are other kits that come with more, but my research has shown that they are knockoffs with fake antennas, radios, etc.  Only buy a kit if it comes from "BTECH" or "BAOFENG"as the seller. 

While the radio works well by itself, I recommend a few additional extras.

Upgraded battery 3800mAh Battery - $18
Battery with the ability to charge via usb directly to the radio while driving. (Charge cradles are bulky and don't work while driving) Car adapter replaced battery and radio powers off when it loses power.  This battery provides the best of both worlds, all day battery life with the ability to charge from any usb port. 

Don't forget, you'll need to buy the proper USB cable for extended Battery too - $8

These radios are great, but modern vehicles can act like a faraday cage (blocking radio waves) and an external antenna is a MUST on the trail for any kind of range.  This external antenna comes with an adapter from your handheld radio, but will also work with a mobile style radio when you decide to upgrade. External antenna - $29 

If you'd like to program your radio you'll need a USB programming cable.  This cable is sold by Baofeng and works great with the free software CHIRP. - $20

Lastly, whatever you do, don't buy a Rugged Radio brand handheld.  Their radio is just a stripped down Baofeng that can not be field programmed.  It requires a computer to load a frequency.