Mostly though, it was an exercise in "how fast can I get out the door?" Everything was pre-sorted into a storage box, all batteries charged, just a matter of putting it in a pack after lunch and going. Naturally I forgot several items: the one-ear earbud that I prefer using outdoors, the spiffy arborist line that makes antenna hanging so easy, hanging line for the HF antenna (used the one from the VHF antenna), and multi-tool. (Glad the batts in the tuner held up, because without a phillips screwdriver on the multi-tool I never would have gotten them changed.) Made it all work anyway, but there is much room for improvement. Do and learn.
Then I came back to civilization to find that the current version of this radio has been discontinued, due to parts availability problems. Two announcements of this, at QRPer and The SWLing Post respectively: End of an Era and The Yaesu FT-818ND has been discontinued Lots more detail there, including down in the comments.
Anyway, it was a good day on the trail, with temps in the mid-60's and a sunny blue sky.
ps and to add on & review:
- earbud
- arborist throw line & bag
- antenna hang line
- multi-tool
- band plan – going to pick one of the Nifty (brand) laminated manuals for this. I've been relying on printed inserts into the clear front pockets on notebooks, but those are large-ish and I simply neglected to bring one on this lightweight hiking trip.
Repeat: Do and learn.
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