The use of electronics and instruments in outdoor activities such as hunting, camping, hiking, and fishing has become as important to the hunter as his gun and to the camper as his sleeping bag. Electronics such as GPS units, atmospheric measuring instruments, compasses, radios, walkie-talkies, and game locating and surveillance cameras have become widely used.

GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite navigational system orbiting the earth and their receivers on earth. The GPS satellites transmit digital radio signals that contain data to the receivers on earth. Based on this information the receivers can pinpoint a location on the earth. By using three satellites, GPS can calculate the longitude and latitude, and by using four satellites, GPS can also determine altitude. Any prepared outdoorsman will include a GPS unit as part of his gear, especially in unfamiliar locations.

The compass, as a navigational aid, has been around since the 11th century. Even with advancements in other electronics and instruments, the compass is still a valuable instrument to get your bearing with. Mostly, compasses are built as a sealed instrument with a magnetized needle on a pivot, or floating in a fluid, and is able to point north and south.

Other electronics and instruments include the game monitoring and surveillance camera. These cameras are set up in suspected game areas to confirm the movement and patterns of game. One camera can be used or they can be set up as a group. The game cameras mostly operate without a "clicking" sound or a flash.

Radios, walkie-talkies, and throat mics are important communication tools for a group of hunters to help prevent accidents by knowing everyone's location, report game sighting or movement, or staying informed about changing weather conditions.

Portable and hand-held atmospheric measuring electronics & instruments are valuable to the outdoorsman to verify wind speed and direction, temperature and changing weather conditions.