I guess what I'm having a hard time trying to understand is that most of the comments in this thread (and others) regarding the use of HAM comms refer to communicating with others in a group ride etc. On the few group rides I've been on (and I admit that's not necessarily my thing) the necessary range is usually a mile or less, something a FRS / CB could easily handle.
The other aspect of switching to HAM is that other than a very small group of people you will not be able to readily communicate with the rest of the world. I understand that it can be a fascinating hobby ( I built a home for a retired Exxon/Mobil executive and the whole process was designed around building the best antenna platform we could on top of a mountain).
Most of my overlanding trips are just my wife and myself trying to get off the beaten track and explore new areas. If something were to happen that required help (either medical or mechanical) I'm not aware of any medical, law enforcement or mechanical shop that monitors HAM comms (or any other for that matter). We are currently using a cell with We Boost and an InReach. We are also considering a SAT phone as well as a CB as I understand that most people on the Haul Road in Alaska use one and that is in our plan for 2019.
As another point of information we willl be going overlanding in Africa next year for about a month and the group (yes a group for safety reasons) will be using VHF and SAT phones. I guess it just depends on where you're running....
Is my thinking off base? Please help me understand...thanks!