Need a new VHF....Have Questions

Hey guys, Wondering if any of you have any input to help me out. I lost my SH HX300 last summer and need a new one. I was going to buy another HX300 but now I dont know. It looks like both the HX300 and the HX290 have optional battery trays to use with standard AA and AAA batteries. The 300 uses 3-AAA and automatically switches to low power (1watt) when powered this way. The 290 uses 6-AA and it doesnt mention that it reduces power output when on standard batteries. How big of a consideration should that be for me? I would like the option to operate on regular batteries because we do a lot of dry camping and don't have access charge the battery outside of running the generator just for that. Second, I seem to remember someone mentioning that they no longer float when regular batteries are installed. I cant find the post that mentioned this. Anyone remember that? Thanks in advance and see you soon.

FWIW, the HX300 can charge via USB cable, so it should charge off a USB battery brick or solar panel pretty easy.  I don't have either but I've been considering buying the HX300 especially with the $20 rebate going on right now.

Here's an idea. Instead of buying a floating radio with poor battery life then refilling it with disposable batteries... Why not buy a radio that doesn't float but has sufficient battery life to last several sessions?

You can probably order extra/replacement batteries, too, instead of the disposables.

on the other hand you can buy rechageable AA&AAA batteries and chargers for the battery pack and have zero short term waste ( all batteries eventually die)

My SH came with a 12v charger works great charges really fast. I rarely charge at home just charge  in the car on the way

I use the USB charger on my HX300, plug it into my cigarette lighter and charge it like a cell phone. It is simple and straightforward.