What type system depends on how you intend to use it. We have a Lance camper on a 1 ton 4×4 which, being nomads, we have used in almost every environment. Trees are a big problem. In general frequencies 70cm and below do well with 2m beating 70cm in pine forests. But 70 cm does better if there are hard surfaces like slot canyons. UHF bounces realllllly good thru slot canyons.
We have a dual band (uhf/vhf) rig in the camper and run it as a cross band repeater. We are both hams so as soon as one of us decides to leave the camper area we turn on the repeater and grab HT’s. I would assume you would do something similar if your intent is to have really good comms in the local (5-7 mile radius).
Our repeater can be remotely controlled by either user so I can switch it from repeater mode to remote base mode. This allows me to have the range and power of a fixed radio and the mobility of a hand held. I can dial up a local repeater or change to a different simplex frequency using the auto-dial function on my hand held radio.
For activities near our repeater we carry very small (Yeasu VX-3r) radios with short (1.5″) antennas. We usually run about .5 watts from the VX-3r. They will run for a long time because of the reduced power requirement.
So, in your situation, it depends on who you want to talk to, how much $$ you want to allocate and what type of functionality your situation requires. If all you need to do is talk around the farm or similar area, a couple of GMRS HT’s will do just fine. Even FRS under the new rules will do well.
Generally I recommend that newbies get a used radio from a hamfest and just start using it. Experience is the best teacher. You can always sell the radio after you get a bit of experience.
Sounds like big bucks for a radio that does cross band. Actually if you hunt around a bit (and you know what to look for) there are many mobile radios that do cross band. Look at older rigs that do not have alpha-numeric displays. Nobody want them. I have 3 that I use, none of which cost me more than $50.
So consider the above and respond with how you intend to use it. Then we can narrow down the choices a bit.
de ron N1AHH