RADIO GEAR

Complete Starter Kit ~ $75

Handheld 8watt radio for 70cm and 2m and more (GMRS, Aviation, WX) - Baofeng 5RM (8watt)- $30
The below radio comes with a small kit.  It has USB-C so it is easy to charge in the car. Only buy if it comes from "BTECH" or "BAOFENG"as the seller.  (this is to avoid knockoffs)

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. - $10  Link to a CHIRP radio image you can use to give yourself a jumpstart programming.

*Disclaimer - Please get the appropriate radio license.  GMRS is very affordable and covers the whole family (no test required)  Details on how to get yours for $35 here
Getting your Ham license is strongly encouraged and is what a lot of clubs have moved to and require.  HAM tests can be done locally at a "HAM CRAM" and no longer require Morse code.  

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.  It is similar for "Rocky Talkies", they are just overpriced GMRS radios.