I have had this one in my pack for more than 2 years with the clip on wire antenna for increased range on FM and shortwave listening. I’ve always found something to listen to on AM in the sticks. The extending antenna is for FM/SW, it has an internal bar antenna for AM. It is simple, cheap, light, small, and runs forever on 2 AA’s. It won’t give you any weather alerts but I find it to be good for general listening. I’m guessing that you will be issued a handheld as part of your kit that you will be checking in on and can get weather reports and forecasts upon request.
[Kaito KA321](www.amazon.com/dp/B008MPKAPK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TrUfBbG8HFTRB)
[Kaito T-1 Radio Antenna](www.amazon.com/dp/B00066Z9XG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JxUfBbEWYAS87)
I already have a nice camping shortwave and another small multiband receiver, but I wanted another, so I picked this up.
http://www.amazon.com/Kaito-KA321-Pocket-size-Shortwave-Processing/dp/B008MPKAPK
I misspoke. It only has SW 1-8.
It is a cheapy radio, but I have found that some of the cheap chinese radios work nicely for just fun listening
Unlike a lot of people, I'm not that big into the idea that communications will break down and the only news will be shortwave and ham. Ham radio has it's place, and if I can find a nice receiver I might buy it, but I don't go that much into it.
whittle
i like to make walking sticks
also I cheat and bring one of these
it's pretty light and the AAs last forever. There's some weird shit on those shortwave bands, too. Caught an hour of english Beijing news last week.
Just get you something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Kaito-KA321-Pocket-size-Shortwave-Processing/dp/B008MPKAPK?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_2529707011
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I live on the gulf coast and have busted it out for storm/weather info. It works well and is cheap
2nd this
I bring a lil kaito ka321 am/fm/shortwave with me, 5 oz with batteries and the thing lasts forever. can find some freaky stuff on shortwave at night, too