FIELD COMMUNICATIONS

I've been called a ham a few times, I've eaten a few even, but never talked on one or even played with one! I've seen them on Amerzon for as cheap as $22 and some a few hundred. Ok, Now tell me the truth. What is min we need to use just on the trails with a group of hammers from NWOL? I used to be big into CB back in the day and still have one in each jeep. Is a small basic hand held going to fill the bill for trails, and what is truly considered minamum bells and whistles to have on one? Good brands and stay away from brands etc. Can a hand held be hooked up to an external antenna or do I need one?