There's a new product out called a GoTenna. Basically it's a antenna and transmitter that's paired (via bluetooth) to your smartphone that uses the UHF radio frequencies (151-154 MHz) to communicate with other GoTennas. It also uses your smartphone GPS so you can share your location with other GoTenna users (privately). The GoTenna smartphone app can also download off-line maps to use. Basically, it enable you to send text messages and your location information to anyone that also has an GoTenna within range (about four miles in the country, about one mile in urban areas).
The cost is $199 for two GoAttenas (one cannot purchase a GoTenna by itself, only in pairs).
Right now it's only being sold online so I haven't seen it in person. Has anyone used this device?
http://www.gotenna.com/pages/faqs