1000km may be stretching things but 200-300mi over say 40 meter band(that stays active day/night) is possible with something called an NVIS antenna[1] the downs

1000km may be stretching things but 200-300mi over say 40 meter band(that stays active day/night) is possible with something called an NVIS antenna[1] the downside is you probably still need ~100W to make it effective which makes portable operation pretty tricky. If the portable HF thing is something that interests you there's something called Summits on the Air which involves hauling a radio up to nearby mountain tops and try to make as many contacts as possible. Even with tech license VHF and HF CW are still something you can do. Elecraft's KX line are really common for these(I own a KX3[3]) and really incredible pieces of kit. With a radio, ~30ft wire and a tree/pole you can definitely make 800mi+ contacts. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_Vertical_Incidence_Skywave https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_Vertical_Incidence_Skywav... [2] http://www.sota.org.uk/ http://www.sota.org.uk/ [3] http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/kx3.htm http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/kx3.htm