[fuzzylogic]

Can anyone make a recommendation on a radio to purchase? What features should I be mainly concerned with?

[MarchonDC09122009]

Yes.
I researched this topic Exhaustively.

The Best amateur radio transceiver made that’s affordable, portable, super reliable, backpackable, uses little power, has its own battery pack, and provides you with the capability to communicate Around the world is the:
Yaesu FT-817ND.

Period

5 watts of low power QRP sexiness.

The little Banbullsh1t $30 radios you see on Am@z0n are FM radios 2m radios that rely on repeaters that are located every 5 miles that require electricty.

HF is the ONLY way to go.
*Study for your Technician Class license immediately and **grab a FT 817ND while you can.
I’ll go into portable affordable antennas later.

73
(I’m not telling you my call sign here cuz of red kit harvesting ;n)

RE: “Can anyone make a recommendation on a radio to purchase? What features should I be mainly concerned with?”

[mad_as_he$$]

Complicate question with no simple answer. If you just want to get started the entry level radios are great. Amazon is your friend in this case.

To find a net in your area go here:

http://www.arrl.org/arrl-net-directory-search