The modern-day term for walkie talkies is two-ray radios, and that is not all that is new.
Companies like Audiovox and Motorola have transformed the device, and now they come with extra features like thermometers, barometers, altimeters and integrated digital compasses.
Today's models are not just about new features, though there are lots of good ones, they have taken the basic features and made them much better.
It is quite common for them to work over large distances of a few kilometers, even though this seemed like an impossible feat a while ago.
You can expect the batteries to last a long time, and even when they do run out, you can re-charge them rather than having to buy new ones like with the old models.
A built-in global positioning system (GPS) is one of the most notable features of the latest walkie talkies; it helps you remain on your path or find your way back to where you started your trip.
It is possible to receive weather information broadcasts directly to your walkie talkie if you want them, so if you are out hiking or fishing then there is no need to be caught off guard by the weather ever again.
Walkie talkies are helpful in a variety of situations, although they are most popular among fishermen, hikers and campers.
Even if you are not an outdoors type of person, you can benefit from having walkie talkies, for example, in the case of an emergency such as an earthquake or hurricane.
Most people now rely solely on their cell phones for making contact with others, but your cell phone is not as reliable as you may think, so having a Plan B is a good idea.
For all the benefits they provide, walkie talkies are not expensive - a good quality set can be purchased for only $100.
Remember that the price you pay is all you will ever have to pay, because there are no call charges to pay for as there are with cell phones.
You might only use them a few times a year, but they will last for years and years, so they work out to be a good long term investment.