For a really good U/VHF antenna, I recommend a Diamond RH77CA, and the Rat
Shack antenna is collapsible. Both are lightweight, and both will slip into
a pack easily. The RH77CA is 15 inches long. Best bet for backpacking/travel
would be the RS antenna. Collapsed, it's 6.5 inches, fully extended, about
26. The radio is about 4.25 x 2.25 X 1.5 inches, approximately. One thing I
use with my radio is a solar battery charger I got at REI a few years back.
Has a meter installed on it and recharges up to 4 AA's at a time. It was on
a closeout and I got the last two in the store. Really saves on lugging
batteries around. Just a thought. Eric