I got a VHF radio for use with my kayak saltwater fishing.
Do guys use VHF in the back country..... Adirondacks...BW....Aligash......?
VHF can have decent range but line if sight is needed and he hand-held units are limited in power. Most of them have the NOAH weather radio so that part is useful. Would certainly be good for communication with other boats in your party. Do "rangers" monitor VHF?

I bring a 2m/70cm handheld transceiver on BWCA trips. There is a good repeater network along the Gunflint Trail. Primarily use it for the weather receiver.

One great feature of VHF radio is the MMSI system. You register your vessel and it is given a specific identification number representing your vessel type, name, address, ICE contact info.

The radios have a Mayday red button. When activated, a signal is broadcast. On saltwater, UA Coast Guard monitors this. The signal contains information with your MMSI and your GPS location. I'm not sure if inland agencies (NPS?) monitor the VHF band and MMSI Mayday calls. Boat USA website description of MMSI