I agree with the suggestion of constructing one's own antenna, for non-mobile. But dipoles are less than optimal due to their directiveness. Better, and not more complicated, to concoct a simple ground-plane antenna (plane NOT meaning aeroplane in this context)
I did this,
with help from Circuits Online - Forum - Simpele antenne voor VHF-ontvangst for those who can make out Dutch language - no prob for BackPacker, I should reckon... Reception improved drastically. One day I'll have to make a better mechanical construction and attach the whole thing in open air, on the roof if possible.
Addition: our alther friend wikipedia pointed me to this nice calculator:
Amateur Quarter Wave Ground Plane Antenna Calculator