Hand crank radio/weather radio

[Scotty]

We don't have cell phone or radio reception where we live. It's pretty remote. I like the crank radio idea. We haven't tried one yet but now that you mention it, it's a great idea. We are in such hilly country though, we usually don't get any reception unless we're up on top of a hill.

[Buehner]

I think it is a great idea for emergencies, like the hurricane kit, but would you take with you backpacking? Aren't they a little big? I think ghost dog's solution sounds better.

[outdoorchick]

They only weigh a couple of pounds, and the one we have is about the size and thickness of a paperback book. Probably wouldn't be a problem to throw in your pack.