It is important to be able to fabricate cables with PL-259 connectors now and again. In most cases, in emergency situations RG-58 cable is used. Although it has more loss than the larger RG-8, it is much easier to work with in emergencies.

The RF connector on your radio might not always mate with the RF connector on the coaxial cable you want to use. It's a good idea to be prepared with adapters.

At times, not everything fits the way it should. It is recommended that you carry some of the more common RF adapters in your ready kit. Many of these adapters can be found at your local Radio Shack store (excepting, perhaps, the SMA to BNC adapter and some of the N and BNC adapters) or used (surplus) at a local hamfest. You may find that other RF adapters may be handy.