When that first hint of dawn breaks- and the ducks start moving, the LAST thing you want is to realize that you forgot something essential back at the truck, or at home. We all have had that moment- the one where you wish you packed just a little bit smarter. Having the right gear can make all the difference between a comfortable, successful hunt, and a miserable morning.
Here are 10 Must-Haves that you should add to your blind bag today!
1. Zip Ties
They might not seem exciting, but a zip tie or two can save your hunt. From securing decoy lines, and securing brush on the blind, to fixing gear that breaks on the fly. These little lifesavers have endless uses. A few of these tucked in your bag will always come in handy.
2. Extra Batteries
Whether it's for your headlamp, motion decoys, or remotes, nothing will kill a hunt faster than some dead batteries. Pack a few extras- especially when the temps drop, and batteries drain a lot faster than usual.
3. Extra Pair Of Gloves
Very few things will ruin a morning worse than cold, soaked hands. Always keep a dry backup pair in your blind bag. You will definitely thank yourself later after a long retrieve or wet set-up.
4. Snacks
You never really know how long a hunt is going to last. Cold weather, and walking through water, and marshes burn energy fast! Always make sure to keep high protein snacks on hand- Jerky, nuts, granola bars, or even some high class snacks like breakfast in the blind will keep the energy up, spirits high, and the belly full.
5. Coffee ( or your preferred hot drink)
When the cold bites, a thermos of hot coffee feels just like a gift from above. There's very few better moments than watching the sunrise with a cup of joe. Pack in your thermos of coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or whatever hot beverage you like- and watch those mornings get even more enjoyable!
6. Headlamp
Ever gotten out of the truck and realized you left your headlamp at home? We all have, toss in an extra headlamp in your bag today. The season, as short as it seems, does have a way of getting our things all over the place. By making sure you have an extra today- means an illuminated morning tomorrow.
7. Pocket Knife
A solid, sharp knife is worth its weight in gold. From cutting twine, rope, or that splinter out of your finger- to field dressing birds, and opening stubborn wrappers, and packaging. A good knife is arguably the most useful tool to carry.
8. Extra Shells
It's easy to forget, and over-look. But imagine running short on shells when the birds are finally flying, and decoying right. Keep an extra box in your bag- or a dri- bag, just in case.
9. Black Spray Paint
This one might be a little unconventional, but its a personal favorite. A quick coat or matte black spray paint can touch up worn, and revealed spots on your duck blind. Keeping everything clean, and concealed. Late- season this one is going to come in handy!
10. First Aid Kit
The thing we all know we should carry- but usually don't. Cuts, scrapes, or things more serious, can happen fast! A small compact first aid kit gives you peace of mind, when your typically miles from help.
Every hunters blind bag tells a story- what you value, what you've learned, what you've forgotten, and what you can't hunt without. Keeping these essentials stocked now will ensure your ready for whatever the hunt throws at you.
Because when the birds are flying, the last thing you want to be is, wet, cold, hungry, and wishing you packed smarter. Toss some of these in your bags today- and hunt more comfortable tomorrow.
We'll see ya in the blind.