Bands, Frequecies, and radios useful for road trips/ RVs in the midwest and westrn US?

[jr26]

I am looking into getting an amteur radio license and purchase a mobile radio mostly for travel in the midwest and western United States. I currently use CB and find it usefull for highway traffic, but I would like to find something that would be usefull for emergencey situations especially in areas with limited cell service, not really looking to make contacts. I plan on GMRS hand helds for hiking as well. For the mobile what bands or frequecies would be usefull? Should I look into APRS? What power levels? Which level license would I need? I appreciate any advice on the subject. Thank you

 

[sp5it]

For emergency situations get satellite phone.
Or Garmin inReach Mini 2.
Mike

 

[BC Coyote]

For emergency situations get satellite phone.

This. Two way radio is fun, but if you're really serious about getting help in an emergency the satellite phone is the only way to go.

 

[w9cll]

As has been said a sat phone is your best bet. If you want to travel with ham gear then you want a general class license and use HF. VHF and UHF will be mostly useless.

 

[jr26]

I will definitely look into a Satellite phone, I have been looking into the inreach as well especially for hiking. I was mostly looking for something call for help if stuck on a forestry road, report road blockage, have a tow truck dispatched or report a forest fire something a long those lines. For life or death the inreach would deinitely be the way to go.