Hunters might seem like a tough sell when it comes to survival gear. After all, they generally know their way around the outdoors, they already have useful gear on them (such as a firearm and a knife and proper clothing), and they usually have a heightened sense of situational awareness and practical experience about the realities of life in the field. But those traits may actually work for your retail staff when it comes to convincing hunters to take additional steps to be more prepared for a possible survival situation. In fact, a careful sales approach can properly expose overconfidence and under-preparedness, providing a mental on-ramp to sales of some key pieces of survival gear.

At some point we all realize there’s no way to mitigate all the risks associated with hunting. In fact, part of the draw of hunting is the challenge involved with harvesting game in the field, which includes taking real risks. Sales opportunities then include asking realistic “what if” questions to encourage better preparation for a potential survival situation. What if you fall out of your treestand? What if a harvest goes well past dusk and you run out of energy or lose your bearings? What if a storm comes out of nowhere? What if you hear of another hunter in your vicinity who has been hurt or needs help?

As hunters, your customers are probably already carrying at least a folding knife if not a fixed-blade. They’ve probably got a means to start a fire for heat and/or light. Probably they’re carrying a flashlight and a water bottle. And, of course, they have a firearm or a bow and arrow or crossbow.

Here’s where adding a few key items — carried on their person or perhaps in a simple duffle bag or backpack — can bring additional utility, physical comfort, and peace of mind.

 

More Hydration

Your customer is already carrying extra water, perhaps in a water bottle. Even if they know a freshwater stream may be nearby their hunting location, it’s always a good idea to have extra water on hand. Adding more — to equal up to a gallon or two per day — is wise. Yes, this adds significant extra weight. But this can be distributed in a couple ways: carrying extra water bottles in a backpack and using a hydration bladder in a backpack. We’ll address the purification of water below, but for now, the gear possibilities include water bottles, hydration backpacks and other means of carrying the H2O.

 

Shelter

An unexpected turn of circumstance, including severe weather, may result in a situation where your customer is forced to remain outdoors for much longer than expected. Even if it’s merely a matter of keeping dry in the rain, a small tarp can become an emergency wrap or covering to protect against the elements. Space blankets serve a similar purpose but may also be designed as a sort of sleeping bag a person can crawl into. These not only protect against the elements but also help trap body heat. A poncho along with a blanket liner attached (look up “woobie” online) can also provide warmth and protection.

 

Treating Injuries

First-aid kit capabilities have grown significantly in recent years, even creating new categories. Hunters can carry a basic first aid kit (simple bandages, tweezers, antibiotic wipes or cream, etc.) or an individual first aid kit (IFAK), which includes advanced medical equipment such as a tourniquet, trauma shears, and other significant bleeding control equipment.

 

Eating and Drinking

Carrying and/or wearing hunting clothing, not to mention dragging out or packing out harvested game, means significant exertion — and that’s if everything is going according to plan. Add an unforeseen situation and caloric demands will only go up while energy goes down. A protein bar in a pocket is a minimal means of recreating energy stores, but “what if…” could result in a need for more. If your customer has successfully harvested game, perhaps that becomes an immediate food source. Better, though, to be able to take in extra calories from other prepackaged means. Additional protein bars, freeze-dried foods, MREs and other shelf-stable, zero- to little-prep snacks and meals can provide significant help. Depending on the situation and the location, adding a small fishing kit to a survival pack may be useful. And when the one or two gallons of water runs out, a means of water purification (tablets, filtering systems) can make natural water sources more conducive to drinking.

 

Navigating

Some survival situations may require your customer to hunker down and stay put. At other times, it may be more prudent to get moving toward safety. Mobile phones and electronic GPS gear may fail or deplete their power sources. So, advise your customer to carry extra batteries or a perhaps a solar power source and be sure to recommend some analog options, such as a compass and a map (along with instructions on how to use them.

 

Signaling for Help

At some point in a survival situation, the opportunity may arise to attempt to signal others. Smoke from a fire can help. But since signaling might require fast action, it’s better to be equipped with a flare, whistle and mirror. Each provides a unique means of sending a signal with differing reach and longevity. Additionally, the space blanket your customer is carrying can be fashioned into a ground signal or a flag.

 

Other Gear

Other useful items for a survival kit include paracord or twine or rope, a roll of duct tape, and a saw. And don’t forget to remind them to look into personal locator beacons, too.

 

How to Carry It All

Help customers keep the toting and storage of such items in mind. Some of these things can simply be added to pockets. But there’s more than enough to justify an additional duffle or backpack so that it is always with them, not left in a vehicle or at a campsite.

 

Gear to Consider

Stealth Angel 2 Person Emergency Kit Survival Bag

Highly rated and including food, water, and gear to help two people for 72 hours, this popular kit provides dozens of pieces of gear all packaged neatly in a durable backpack.

Uncharted Supply Company THE SEVENTY2® PRO SURVIVAL SYSTEM

Uncharted refers to its gear selections as professional-grade tools designed to support two or more people. The kit includes over 60 tools and a rugged backpack that turns into a tarpaulin. Includes some medical instructions and labeled pockets.