[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?”

[fuzzylogic]

Many thanks :)

[Charles Martel]

It's always a good idea to look at the rigs that are favored for use during radio "field days" - and that Yaesu is one of the radios that is consistently seen at those events. Put it in a rugged "go box" and keep it as mobile as possible. Home base station rigs are nice, but mobility is a much bigger consideration.