HF on a handheld is always going to be a compromise and some people go over the top and say it's not even worthwhile to try.
Well, that's not true at all.
I'm using an Icom IC-R20. It's a wideband handheld with SSB, yes I can hear some of you spitting already
But I got it because, while my primary interest is HF listening, I'm also interested in VHF and up - and most importantly, I really wanted something easy to put in a bag and bring anywhere.
For HF listening, I've got a wire about 15+ metres long, running out the back garden.
So what can I hear?
Ok, first where I am; Ireland, near Dublin.
Currently I'm listening to Trans Atlantic ATC. New York is coming in, Shanwick, Santa Maria and Gander. I'm hearing planes up to 40 West reporting their positions.
It's no hassle to listen in to Numbers Stations like E3 (Lincolnshire Poacher) and E10 (Mossad), particularly early morning/late night with the latter.
For broadcast stations, well, I get all the usual suspects easily. Radio Prague, VoR, VoA, Radio China, WDR, SRI and my favourite, ORF. Unfortunately Brother Stair also is all too common. Stations from the middle east and beyond are quite abundant, although reception is never great.
I pick up US Hams on SSB occasionally, but not the qrp guys obviously
(yet!)
Basically, I'd just like to say that with this little radio, I've become a devoted listener to the HF bands and their various wonders. So much so that I'm currently learning to copy morse and am going to sit the Amateur license exams either this summer, or more likely at the start of next year.
The attraction to small radios is likely to persist after my experiences with this little Icom, so I reckon I'll be a QRP op from the beginning.
Anyway, that's my .02 cent