Not having the right gear when you need it can prove disastrous on a hunt. Whether it’s a matter of comfort, an emergency, or unplanned weather, being prepared is the key to success at any level of the game. Having a truck dedicated to hunting means having a space where you can stow your gear. Here’s a list of the ten tools you should add to your pack list before your next hunt.
Portable Heater
During the colder months, a portable heater can go miles in making freezing weather bearable. I like to keep a heater handy in my truck to use in a deer or duck blind.
If you ever find yourself taking an unplanned dip in the water, a portable heater can be a lifesaver. Not only can it warm you back up, but you can use a portable heater to dry your clothes, shoes, socks, and gloves.
You can keep a smaller-sized heater in the floorboard of your truck and you’ll be glad you have it if you ever find yourself stranded on the side of the road in a winter storm, or in some other emergency situation.
Survival Kit
It’s important to recognize that a survival kit will go a lot further than a standard first aid kit in an emergency situation. Band-aids and a pack of matches just won’t cut it. So what are the tools you need to get yourself out of a bad situation?
Being prepared ahead of time is the key to survival when things go south. I keep the Seventy2 Survival System in my truck when I’m on the hunt, on a road trip, or on vacation. It’t everything I could possibly need for survival, including a survival tent, 3-in-1 radio, emergency rations, flashlight, water bottle, water filtration system, fire starter, heat pack, and tons more.
Spare Ammo
Regardless of whether it’s deer, duck, or turkey season, you better have some spare ammo tucked away in your truck.
Sooner or later, the time will come when you forget your ammo, or maybe run out. Either way, running out of rounds is a deal-breaker for any hunt. Don’t let this happen to you. Be sure you have what you need in the truck to stay on the hunt.
Tow Chain/Rope
Every hunting truck should have a tow chain or rope to help remedy the situation when you find yourself sideways in the ditch or mud hole. It’s another situation you’ll eventually encounter when you spend enough time in the backcountry. These can also pull double duty for hoisting deer or other big game up on the meat pole at the end of the hunt.
Portable Power Booster
A portable power booster is one of those tools you don’t think you need until you need it. It’s a lifesaving tool that’ll get you out of a pinch when you find yourself stranded with a dead battery, whether on your vehicle, or the electronic gadgets you haul to the woods.
I keep a unit called The Zeus in my truck. It’s a handheld unit that’s got enough power to jump a gas or diesel engine, but also has all the USB ports I need to keep my phone or other gadgets charged. It even has a built-in flashlight. It’s the perfect tool to keep you powered when you find your gear running low on juice.
Shovel
I was hunting black bears with friends in the Idaho backcountry a few years back when my crew of guys got the truck stuck in snow that we couldn’t push through, or back out of. We were a hundred miles from any help, but we did have a shovel. It took a little time, and lots of manpower, but we were finally able to dig the truck free from the snow. The shovel was a lifesaver on this hunt, and it immediately became one of the tools for the hunting truck that I never leave home without.
Basic Tools
I like to keep a multi-tool and a few basic tools in the truck at all times for maintenance or breakdowns that need a little attention. Minor maintenance issues will occur from time to time, and you can easily address the need if you have the basic tools. If not, your small issue can quickly turn into a major problem when you don’t have the tools to make it happen.
Headlamp
The headlamp is one of the handiest tools you’ll ever own. It provides hands-free lighting for any activity you find yourself in when darkness sets in. The walk-in or out from your treestand, field dressing deer in the dark, working on your truck, or hanging out in camp – they’re all easily accomplished with a headlamp on your noggin’. Keep one in your pack, but also keep a spare one hanging on the rearview mirror of your truck as a backup. You’ll be glad you did.
Water Jug
Keep a jug full of water in your truck at all times. Some hunters only rely on water during the warmer months of hunting season, but I keep a jug of water around all year long. From keeping you hydrated to washing the blood off your hands, and cooking an emergency meal, the jug of water in your truck will come in clutch when you need it.
Cooler
Rarely will I be on a hunt that I won’t have a cooler thrown in the back of the truck. I go to the woods to hunt game. I plan to be successful, so I carry the cooler I need when success comes my way. Far too many hunters lose meat because they aren’t prepared with a cooler. The cooler can pull double duty to keep your food and beverages cold in camp, serve as a pantry for dry goods, or a place to stash your camo or other items you want to keep protected.
What about you? What are the go-to items you won’t leave home without?
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