I guess what really got me into HAM was the proficiency at RF theory and operating radios and utilizing appropriate signal sets for optimal communications without blasting 100000watts. I really don't have a huge interest in having competition rigs or making world wide contacts, I just wanted to know how to use HF to hit specific areas, VHF/UHF to communicate effectively while out hiking/hunting/camping (even if I'm using FRS/GMRS, its the skill set that makes them more effective in my mind).
So I guess my question comes down to, why so few manpackable commercial options. I mean sure there are options to make most mobile rigs manpackable, but I guess more specifically why aren't there more rigs with factory options for this (making reference to the yaesu 897). Something decently rugged, internal battery support, in a lightweight package that may not have all the bells and whistles. I guess there is always the option of milsurp stuff like the 104's and 138's, I just wonder if there isn't really a market for this stuff.
So I guess my question comes down to, why so few manpackable commercial options. I mean sure there are options to make most mobile rigs manpackable, but I guess more specifically why aren't there more rigs with factory options for this (making reference to the yaesu 897). Something decently rugged, internal battery support, in a lightweight package that may not have all the bells and whistles. I guess there is always the option of milsurp stuff like the 104's and 138's, I just wonder if there isn't really a market for this stuff.