Hi Philip, I just made a trip up to Marion with the XYL to operate from EM85 last month, I had a good number of takers, even having to share the pass with another rover operating from a much needed grid to the south. I try to keep a list of grids around me and the more avid grid chasers that need them. That list will dwindle if not empty after such a trip, but within a short time, it grows again as new folks come into the hobby and get the bug. (AMSAT journal ran an article about the XYL & I going up there about 2 years ago, there and another grid. Fun day trip for the wife!)
That said, I only have one callsign listed for EM85 at the moment, but that doesn't mean more don't need it. Not everyone can necessarily make a specific pass on a specific day. Yes, I keep EM95 fairly active and the EM96 line is just right up the road from me about 15-20 minutes. But, I have a about 5 on each list for EM84 and EM86 and I am sure there are more that need them. Bottom line, there are no regular sat ops in those grids. AND no regular op that I know of in EM85 (or else I wouldn't need to drive the hour or so up there periodically.) =^) So I am sure even an irregular presence in EM85 would be welcome! I suggest you make a note on your QRZ page that you welcome sked requests... because those of us afflicted with the grid chasing disease will ask other ops things like, 'Who did you work in XX99?' and then try and scare up a sked.
As for gear, a pair of 817s is great... if you can't quite afford that, a full duplex HT or a pair of HTs for FM will do. Have a look at my gear on my special QRZ page and if you like the 'bag' idea, I can send you links to where to buy that particular bag and really good shoulder straps. (Also the power cable, battery, etc.) I got the bag and straps idea from N8HM who has about perfected the art of the 'wearable sat station'. https://www.qrz.com/db/N4UFO/P
Whatever you do, just make sure to have fun... that's the name of the game. Sometimes we can get wrapped up and take the hunt too seriously. As has been said before. if you aren't having fun, you aren't doing it right. 73, Kevin N4UFO