Hunting supplies
If you’re headed out on a hunting trip, there are three things that are going to make or break the trip as a whole: the game, the weather, and your gear.
Though you can’t do much about the first two factors, good hunting supplies can go a long ways in making sure that you have a good trip, even if the weather turns against you.
Of course, the type of hunting you plan on doing will make a big difference in the sorts of hunting supplies you’re going to require for the trip. Not only is the type of game important, but it’s also important to consider the type of weather and climate you’ll be hunting in. Stand-hunting deer in Minnesota in November is going to take a completely different set of gear than hunting deer in Texas will.
Perhaps the most important hunting supplies are those that are wrapped around your body: your clothes. Since your clothes, if properly chosen and designed, will keep you warm and dry, and staying warm and dry is usually extremely important when trying to have an enjoyable day, good clothes often translate to having a good day in the field. No matter where you’re hunting, staying warm and dry depends on using the right clothes and wearing them in the right layers. Your base layer, the one closest to your skin, should be silk or polypropylene; something that will wick moisture away from your skin and hold it away from your skin. Though a cotton t-shirt may seem like a comfortable choice, cotton will keep moisture next to your skin, leaving you uncomfortable at best and freezing at worst. Your outermost layer should be something waterproof unless you’re hunting in a desert. Nylon is good, but a breathable fabric like GoreTex will probably keep you a little more comfortable. This outermost layer is called the “shell,” and even if you’re hunting in cold weather it doesn’t have to be very heavy. Though many hunters will set off into the field wearing heavy parkas, it isn’t your shell’s job to insulate you; your shell is just there to keep your dry. All of the layers between your base layer and your shell are the insulating layers. In a relatively warm climate you may only need one insulating layer, but in cold weather you’ll want more than enough to keep you warm. Polarfleece, down, or wool are great materials for these layers since they’ll trap lots of warm air and hold it next to your body. Also, in cold weather don’t forget a hat, gloves, and warm socks and boots.
Once you’re well-dressed, the rest of your hunting supplies will depend on the type of hunting you’re doing. Some small touches make any hunting trip better, like a few extra granola bars stashed away or a multi-tool tucked in your pocket for repairs in the field. Toss all of your gear in a comfortable backpack and you’re on your way to a great trip. |