A 2M HT and MFJ 5/8th wave whip saved an activation for me last week when I packed a dead battery for my KX2. The greatest distance QSO was only about 45miles… but it was much more exciting wondering if I would make 4 QSO’s on FM simplex than with the HF rig.
IMO It very much depends where you are in the US as to the effectiveness of 2m activation. I operated a couple of peaks in CO and on one occasion made a 140+ mile qso which is a record for me!
If I could be assured of an audience I would lug the FT857 into the woods for 2m SBB / CW contacts too.
In many states I would expect that with a 4ele Arrow antenna and an MFJ 5/8th whip, it would be possible to to make your four and then go play HF.
Richard // N2GBR