Five Essential Hunting Accessories

 Hunting is nothing new on the face of the Earth, but the methods used for catching game evolve through time. Such shifts contribute to employing advanced gear in the field. And the advances are usually welcomed because they are a step forward in terms of design, versatility and durability.

Although hunting gear can get incredibly specific as you hone in on a particular prey and its environment, there are certain auxiliary pieces that are essential for present day hunters. Preparation is key for hunting success, so even if you have an established routine check the following items because they might end up being added to your regular gear.

Binocular Harness

There was a time when simply having a decent pair of binoculars would suffice. Way back when hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and military would not mind enduring hardships to have the latest available gear. Nowadays people quickly notice that the regular straps on a binocular are narrow and thin – prolonged use will make these straps bite into your neck. This is how we got binocular pouch harness as a piece of hunting gear.

Obviously this is more than just a harness, and you can even use pack adaptor straps attached to your backpack to avoid wearing double harnesses. The contraption is made for hunters, so it’s fitted with magnets at the openings that allow silent operation. A set of compartments in a multipurpose binocular pouch harness provides storage space for ammo and valuables (keys, mobile, wallet). You can even extend the useful space with side attachments designed for carrying radio, GPS device or a camera. In essence each of these compartments can be customized to your needs – for example, the kit is compatible with bow hunting.

The most extensive configuration of these pouches includes a hydro pack with drink tube. So you can carry your hydration pouch inside, but also knife, whistle, tinder, ferrocerium. If you ask a hunter: “What's in your Bino harness?” you will get answers along those lines.

Water Filter

Regular hydration during a hunting trip has always been part of planning and logistics. These days, hunters can take their preparedness to the next level due to the multitude of portable water filtration solutions out there. This type of gear is indispensable in survival scenarios because clean water is more important than food in regards to sustaining life under extreme conditions.

Filtration devices feature micro-fiborous tubes for eliminating bacteria and protozoa from your water supply. High end water filters employ the same technology that is used in medical dialysis and can create potable water from the most murky and stale water sources. Additional gear includes nozzles and water bladders so you can use them without taking off your backpack or binocular harness. They are lightweight, don’t require power to filter water and can be used for safe filtration of hundreds of thousands litters of water before you need to replace them. A must have for anyone heading to the outback.

Headlamp

Some game animals are best hunted at night. Even if your hunting activities are to be done during the day, taking a torch or a headlamp is very important. Headlamps are far more practical because they keep your hands free so you can get hold of your weapon or the gutting knife.

There are very slick models of headlamps out there. Those that have multicolor lenses are very useful – red light preserves night vision, while blue light can make tracing blood easy. Of course, go for the model that offers good ergonomics, high shock and water proof rating, and long run time. Sometimes you simply have to spend the night out there. It can be a large animal and you can’t gut it before sunset, or an unfortunate turn of events leave you stranded. Whatever the reason, you got to be prepared.

Knife

It goes without saying, however we feel obliged to include several types of hunting knifes. The primary use is to skin animals. For this purpose you need a sharp knife, though it doesn’t have to be big or bulky. Even pocket knife, folding knife or a multitool with knife will do the job. These knifes are also handy for cutting cord, to slice food, for self defense and first aid.

Some hunters prefer to have more than one knife. And each of these pieces to serve a specific function. Game processing can be tough, especially out there in the field, so this approach seems logical. Purpose made hunting knifes have hook for gutting and edge for slicing fillets. And field dressing knives sport sharp edges that will make the clean up fast and easy. Professional butchers in the food processing industry almost constantly sharpen their gear, so you might also consider adding reliable sharpening tool to your kit.

Rain Gear

Hunting requires a lot of patience, and sometimes that means spending a lot of time fixed to one position. You will be exposed to the elements, so better prepare your gear for all kinds of weather conditions. Having a proper rain gear will keep you warm in case of a sudden rain. Go for good rain gear that will also allow moisture to leave your body. A fabric that breathes (and offers ventilation) will serve to offer natural perspiration. No one looks forward to bringing a cold back home.