Outdoor gear subscription boxes are a great way to receive new gear, but not every box delivers the same amount of value. Even the most promising of subscription boxes can contain more clutter than useful items. In order to maximize the value of a gear subscription box, one must evaluate the subscription box to the gear one currently has, to one's skill level, to the seasonal activities one partakes in, and to one's long-term goals as well.
Define Your Outdoor Pursuits
Think about what you will be using in the months ahead. If you are going to be scouting new areas, small-game hunting, or possibly waterfowl, noting that here would help evaluate the services that offer gear for those types of activities. Range gear, habitat improvement, and other related items would fall under this as well.
Be realistic about your time available for outdoor activities. If you have a lot of demands on your time because of work, family and other activities then be cautious of a subscription service that promises to send you lots of gear on a regular basis. Also be wary of gear that will expire before you get a chance to use it outside of season. Often one off purchases can offer better value than a subscription to a service that delivers a box of gear on a regular basis.
Also, make sure you will be able to use items before they go bad (e.g., before they spoil) and also during the correct season. Even though some items might seem like they would be useful in your subscription, receiving them out of season could negatively impact your perception of the subscription service.
Differentiating Between Essentials and Specialized Gear
Many consumable goods are delivered in subscription services such as cleaning solutions, ammo, rappel ropes, nails, paint, scissors, Sharpies, fire starters, waterproof matches, first aid supplies, multi-tools, knives, etc. While these may be useful for frequent users, you must have adequate storage for them. Durable goods such as shotgun shells, climbing gear, camping gear, tackle, Habitat Improvement tools, etc. need to be compatible with what you currently have. They need to fit you, and you need to live in an area where you can use them.
Also be sure to note whether or not the outdoor subscription boxes will allow you to choose different sizes or even specifications for certain pieces of gear. For example, there are many different styles of holsters and apparel for different types of hunting such as rifle, handgun, bird, or small game. You would need to be able to pick out items that would fit you best as a hunter. If not, then you could end up getting a lot of gear that is not useful to you.
Tools for Outdoor Stewardship
The same principles apply for tools to support Outdoor Stewardship like hand tools, marking equipment, repair materials. All these items are useful for habitat work but need to match your needs and commitments. An outdoor subscription should add value to your existing tool kit and not create clutter of items that are not useful.
Evaluating the Practicality of Each Item
Before you sign up for any subscription service, think about how much use you'll actually get out of each item included in the box. The following questions should help give you an idea of what to expect:
1. How often will I use this item?
2. Do I already own something similar?
3. Would I have chosen this specific item if it were available separately?
It is useful to consider how frequently you will use something when buying it in addition to the cost of the item itself. Even something that appears to be very ordinary can be used for many things. For example an extra flashlight or pouch could be very useful. However cheap items can quickly become expensive if they cause confusion or start to take over your space. So it is worth thinking carefully about the total cost of something in addition to the initial purchase price.
Aim to get useful over quantity, even if it is only sent in a smaller box. Most people would get more use out of a repair tool or even one useful piece of gear in a subscription than a whole lot of useless stuff in a bigger box. Help make sure that you have the right gear to get out and enjoy the outdoors, and not just more to add to your collection.
Scrutinizing Subscription Terms and Conditions
Take time to read the full terms and conditions for the service, don't just look for what promotions are currently available. Read about how often a box will be sent, can you skip a box if you want to? What is the process for cancellation? Can you pick what products you want in your box? Read the sizing information for clothes and equipment, and look for information about any special care items may require. Often gear comes with special care requirements that you wouldn't know about until you open the box. Remember to consider how any gear you receive will be used within the bounds of local hunting laws and regulations.
Also, when subscribing online, be sure to read the Terms & Conditions for the Service, including return policies. Be sure to know the sizing, compatibility, etc. of each item in the box. An item that another person loves can sometimes be ill-fitting for another due to personal preference, etc. In addition, some items may require special care and the subscription box service should make this clear as well.
Many hunting clubs also have strict rules for gear and activities. This can also restrict items sent to you by subscription services in your hunt box. Research the laws of the state and location of your hunting spot before subscribing to a service for items to be sent to you.
Trial Period for New Gear
Upon receipt of your subscription box, do not immediately toss all of the items in your backpack. Set up a sorting area to evaluate each new item. Store all of the packaging until you can determine whether you will use each item. Sort items into four piles: items to use immediately, items to use for future activities, items to give away, and items to return to the sender.
Give yourself plenty of time to try out and decide whether new gear is good for you. Don't throw all of your new subscription items into your backpack right away – lay them out and give yourself some time to get familiar with each item. Consider keeping the packaging for a while in case you need to return an item. Organize new gear into four piles: items to immediately use, items for future use in specific situations, items to give away, and items to return to the sender.
Keep track of what you used out in the field and what you didn't. Chances are you will find that many items were left in your bag or pocket for the entire duration of your trip. Use this information to make an informed decision on whether or not your subscription is meeting your needs or if it's time to cancel.
Preventing Costly Errors
Don't buy too much of the same gear even if it's presented in the best of light. Wait a bit and really think if you can use the gear that is going to be sent to you. Most of all compare what you already have at home with the gear that the subscription is going to send to you.
Consider also the matter of fit. Gear that is awkward to use, or that does not fit well, could require the purchase of additional gear to compensate for your frustrations with that particular piece. In the end, whether to choose a subscription, to purchase items individually, or to hold off on any of these options depends on whether or not it will improve your time outdoors, and help you avoid waste.
