packed truck with outdoor gear

The “It’s Somewhere In The Truck” Problem: A Better Packing Method For Outdoor Gear

The truck is packed, the coffee’s hot, and somebody’s already asking where the headlamp went.

That’s usually when the digging starts.

A cooler gets dragged out. A camp chair tips over. The tackle bag is under a pair of muddy boots, and the one thing you need is buried beneath everything you probably won’t touch until tomorrow.

funny pic of man packing a truck too full

Most outdoor gear problems don’t start in the woods, on the water, or at camp. They start in the driveway, when everything gets tossed into the truck with more hope than strategy. A better packing system saves time, protects expensive gear, and keeps the first five minutes of a trip from turning into a tailgate excavation.

Stop Treating The Truck Like One Big Gear Bag

A truck bed can haul a lot, but it’s a lousy filing cabinet.

When gear rides loose, the heavy stuff wins. Coolers slide into tackle boxes. Camp chairs scrape against rods. Boots crush gloves, calls, snacks, and whatever got tossed in last. By the time you arrive, half the load has shifted, and the other half is hiding under something wet, muddy, or sharp.

The fix starts with giving each category of gear its own place. Fishing reels need protection. Optics need padding. First-aid supplies need to be easy to find. Smaller activity gear, from dry bags to pickleball paddle bags, works better when it isn’t bouncing around loose with the rest of the load.

organized truck with outdoor gear

Every trip doesn’t have to have an intricately complicated setup. But, the gear you care about should have a dedicated home before it ever hits the truck. The less random your packing is, the less time you’ll spend digging when you should already be outside.

Sort Gear By Mission, Not By Size

Packing by size feels efficient until you need one small item buried under three large ones.

A better system is to sort gear by what it does. Keep the fishing kit together. Keep the camping kit together. Keep hunting gear separate from food, wet clothes, and family recreation gear. If you hike often, build a small trail bag that stays ready instead of rebuilding it from scratch every time.

This also helps you spot what’s missing before you leave. If the cooking bin has fuel, matches, utensils, and a clean pan, you’re set. If the fishing bag has pliers, line, lures, a license, and a small towel, it can go straight from the garage to the truck.

When each activity has its own setup, you grab what you need and go. That beats searching through a pile of “outdoor stuff” every single time.

Outdoor Lifestyle Tees You’ll Love!

Build A First-Grab Layer

Some gear needs to be reachable before the rest of the truck gets unpacked.

Think of this as your first-grab layer. It should include the items you might need right away: headlamp, knife, gloves, rain jacket, first-aid kit, water, snacks, licenses, batteries, and anything else that solves a problem fast.

This layer should never be buried under coolers, tents, decoy bags, or muddy boots. Keep it near the tailgate, in the cab, or in one clearly marked bag that everyone knows not to cover.

frustrated man looking in suv for outdoor gear

A good first-grab layer keeps small problems small. When the weather turns, someone gets cut, or you pull into camp after dark, you won’t have to unload the whole truck to find the one thing that matters.

Protect The Breakables And The Can’t-Lose Items

Every truck has a danger zone. It’s where expensive gear meets gravity, sharp edges, loose tools, and whatever rolled out from under the seat.

Optics, electronics, fishing reels, calls, knives, and small accessories deserve more than a gap between the cooler and a duffel bag. Use padded cases, sleeves, dry bags, zip pouches, and hard boxes where they make sense. The point isn’t to baby your gear. It’s to keep one bad bump from ruining the part of the trip you came for.

The same goes for items small enough to disappear. Tags, licenses, batteries, fire starters, headlamps, and multitools should live in the same place every time. Label the pouch if you have to. There’s no prize for remembering which black bag holds the important stuff.

Good storage keeps fragile gear protected and critical gear findable. That’s the whole game.

Keep Safety Gear Separate From Comfort Gear

Comfort gear can wait. Safety gear can’t.

There’s nothing wrong with packing chairs, games, extra hoodies, camp pillows, and snacks. Those things make the trip better. But they shouldn’t sit on top of the gear you might need when the weather turns, someone gets hurt, or you’re trying to find your way back after dark.

Keep first-aid supplies, water, fire starters, a light source, navigation tools, sun protection, and extra layers in a place that’s easy to reach. A good baseline is the 10 essentials, which covers the kind of gear that helps when a simple outing gets sideways.

Here’s the test: if you had to find your emergency kit in the dark, with cold hands, could you do it without emptying the truck? If the answer is no, it needs a better spot.

Coffee for your next adventure!

Use The Tailgate Test Before You Leave

Before you pull out of the driveway, drop the tailgate and take a hard look at the load.

Can you reach the first-aid kit without moving a cooler? Can you grab rain gear before the storm hits? Do rods, optics, tools, and sharp items have a safe spot? If one hard brake would turn the whole setup into a yard sale, fix it before the road does it for you.

This is where a modular mindset helps. Bags, bins, straps, and attachment points give gear a predictable place to ride, which is the same idea behind smart modular gear organization in hunting and outdoor setups.

The tailgate test takes one minute, and it can save the first hour of your trip.

Reset The System When You Get Home

When the trip’s over, don’t let the truck become a rolling storage unit. Pull out wet gear, charge batteries, restock first-aid supplies, clean tools, and put each kit back where it belongs.

That small reset makes the next trip easier. The next time someone asks where the headlamp, pliers, rain jacket, or fire starter went, you’ll have a better answer than, “It’s somewhere in the truck.”

 

n1 outdoors turkey hunter

Top Features to Look for in a Turkey Vest for Maximum Comfort and Utility

Turkey hunting is not solely about the excitement of the chase. The thrill of the hunt can also be full of countless hours of waiting, walking maintaining a state of readiness for when that gobbler makes its appearance.  So, when you are in the field, the gear you use can make or break the hunt. The unsung hero of many turkey hunts could likely be your turkey vest.

Whether you’re an experienced turkey hunter or a beginner, it’s important to have the appropriate vest in order to maximize your chances of success.

A turkey vest should be comfortable, practical, and durable; the ideal combination that will enable you to remain focused and ready during your hunt. In this guide, we explore the best features to consider in a turkey vest that will not only keep you comfortable and agile during the hunt, but also provide what you need to hopefully be able to capitalize when the moment of truth comes.

Fit and Comfort: The Keys To Waiting Patiently

A turkey vest is more than just a piece of hunting apparel; it’s your second skin when you’re deep in the woods. Turkey hunting can be a very time-consuming activity, with hours of sitting or crouching in different positions, so a comfortable vest can make all the difference. A vest without proper fit and comfort can impede your ability to get set up in just the right position.

Preparing for turkey hunting often focuses on patterning guns and practicing calls, but you should also give thought to the type of turkey vest you’ll be hunting in.

When choosing a turkey vest with legs, the first thing to consider is adjustability. An effective vest will be designed with adjustable straps so you can adjust the fit to your body. Adjustable shoulder, chest, and waist straps allow the vest to be snug without being too tight or loose. The fit must be like a second skin, without any limitations on movement.

In addition to being adjustable, breathable fabrics are an important consideration when choosing a turkey vest. The last thing you would want on a long day of hunting is to be drenched in sweat under a vest with heavy fabric. Lightweight, moisture-wicking vests or mesh panel vests are also designed to keep you cool, allowing air to pass through and moisture to be carried away. This not only makes it more comfortable but also helps avoid chafing and discomfort.

Hunting apparel for your next adventure!

Pocket Preparedness

Another key feature to consider when choosing a turkey vest is how effectively it can help with the organization of your hunting accessories. You may be carrying several calls, shells, snacks, or even a flashlight, but your vest must have pockets that will keep all your items well-arranged and accessible during the hunt.

Find a vest with multiple pockets, but also take note of the size of the pockets. The vest should have big pockets to hold additional clothing or a hydration pack, as well as smaller, more specialized pockets to hold your turkey calls, maps, shells, etc. The more compartments the vest has, the more flexibility you’ll have to sort your gear and keep from having to rummage around in search of what you need.

Another important feature of a good turkey vest is having silent closures. Accessing pockets with noisy zippers or large Velcro closures can quickly alert turkeys to your presence. Look for a vest that has silent zippers or small Velcro flaps that let you access your gear without making unnecessary noise.

The Seat Pad: Wait in comfort

Unless you are “running and gunning,” turkey hunting is not always a fast-paced activity. In many cases, it is a matter of calling, waiting, and even sitting for hours before that wiley gobbler closes the distance. It is here that a built in seat pad can be a game-changer.

If you’re waiting on Mr. Gobbler, being uncomfortable can make the time crawl. That’s where a padded seat can come in extremely handy.

Discomfort makes it difficult to sit still. And extra movement is something you can’t afford when trying to blend in to a turkey’s environment. With that in mind, the cushion of a well-padded seat can truly be the difference between harvesting a turkey and coming home empty-handed.

Even better, most seat pads are waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about sitting on wet ground.

Blending in with Nature

Being successful at turkey hunting hinges, in large part, of your ability to be as inconspicuous as possible. The right camouflage pattern on your vest is one of the most important features that can help you blend into your environment.

man wearing N1 Outdoors hat holding a turkey

Whether you’re hunting deep in the woods, on field edges, or creek beds, you should have a camo pattern that blends in with the area you’re in.

Ideally, try to select a vest that has a flexible camo pattern that can blend in with various hunting scenarios and settings. Turkeys have incredible vision, and you need a vest that will help you melt into the background.

Durability: Be Prepared For The Roughest Hunts

When it comes to durability, you need a turkey vest as strong as your love of hunting. Opting for quality materials and craftmanship can contribute immensely to the number of seasons you can hunt in a particular vest. Why not have turkey harvest pictures that show you wearing the same vest year after year!

Choose vests crafted from durable, waterproof materials such as ripstop nylon or tough polyester. These materials durable and resistant to wear and tear. Also, the reinforced stitching in high-stress areas (such as the straps and pockets) can help prevent the vest from unraveling after a few seasons of rigorous hunting.

The Significance of Light and Functional Design

Turkey hunting can require a lot of walking over hilly terrain, so it is important to have a lightweight, feature-packed vest that’s high on toughness, yet low on bulk.

Price vs. Features: The Right Balance

Although you may be tempted to buy cheapest turkey vest you can find, it is worth spending more for higher quality. A good vest will serve season after season, be comfortable, durable, and useful – all of which will make your hunting experience that much more enjoyable.

So, when turkey season is on the horizon, consider these important turkey vest features. You’ll be well-prepared to take on anything turkey season throws your way. And, if everything goes right, maybe you’ll be posing for a picture behind a big gobbler’s fan!

fat guy

BIG Secret | Best Concealed Gun Holsters for Fat Guys

For people of larger body types, finding the perfect concealed carry holster is an even bigger problem (no pun intended) than it is for others.

But, regardless of body type, there are some key things you need to consider when choosing a holster:

  1. how comfortable is this holster?
  2. Is it easy to access? (Will I have trouble drawing my firearm from it?)
  3. Can I effectively hide it from view (thus, the term “concealed carry?”)

Unfortunately, most concealed carry holsters available today do little to help someone who has a larger frame that is trying to address the above considerations.

So, the goal of this article is to assist in making better choices when looking at a concealed carry holsters for larger framed individuals. We’ll provide helpful tips and recommendations for your best duty holsters, as well as what other options may work for you.

Addressing Unique Concealed Carry Challenges

Holster fit and function are influenced by body type, fashion choices, and daily activity. Carrying a firearm for personal protection, or as part of one’s job, requires having confidence in carrying it safely, out of sight, and with the ability to access it quickly, if needed. 

gun holster in the snow

Holster fit becomes extremely important with larger body types. The ability to access a firearm quickly and keep it concealed, all while staying comfortable is key.

Common problems experienced with holsters, especially those worn by larger persons, consist of the side being pressed upon by the holster; printing (the outline of the firearm visible through clothing); the holster moving around during normal movement, and difficulty in drawing the weapon rapidly if necessary. Not only do these situations cause discomfort, but can also create unsafe conditions. Thus, determining your individual requirements will be the first step in making an informed decision.

Priorities When Choosing a Holster

The most important characteristics for the best large duty holsters include:

  • Comfort: Duty holsters need to be comfortable enough so that they can be worn for extended periods. 
  • Accessibility: It’s imperative to have a good method of drawing the gun out of the holster (quick and easy). 
  • Retention: Safety comes first, which means you want your duty holster to have an effective retention mechanism so that it does not allow the gun to accidentally discharge when you’re not wanting it to or if someone else gets a hold of it. 
  • Concealment: If you would like to conceal your firearm (wear it on your person), then you’ll need a holster that will help keep it from “printing” as much as possible and also remain concealed under all varieties of clothing. 
  • Adjustability: As there are many different body types, adjustable features such as cant, ride height, and compatibility with belts will greatly enhance the ability to customize the fit of the holster to better match your needs.

Types of Concealed Carry Holsters to Consider

For bigger individuals, there are particular holster designs that tend to do well versus others. This is an overview of what experts would recommend you consider:

Inside The WaistBand (IWB) Holster Designs:

iwb holster

As the name suggests, Inside the WaistBand (IWB) holsters are typically worn inside your waistline, close to your body. For heavier people, it’s worth looking into IWB holsters with longer sweat guards and wider clips to help spread the weight so they don’t dig into your skin. Also, hybrid holsters have been shown to be great options because they use a combination of a rigid shell and either a leather or neoprene backing that provides both comfort and retention.

Outside The WaistBand (OWB)Holsters

outside the waistband holster

Generally less concealing, but OWB holsters can be a viable option if you wear loose-fitting clothing such as a shirt or jacket. OWB holsters also provide easy access and will typically not apply pressure directly on the body.

Appendix Carry Holsters

Popular appendix carry IWB holsters allow for extremely fast access. However, for those who are larger due to a larger stomach, this style may need to be positioned carefully, and you should opt for a very comfortable design, since the added bulk from the holster can create discomfort while seated.

Shoulder Holster Designs

shoulder holster

Shoulder holsters distribute the weight of the firearm across the top of your shoulders. Some larger folks find shoulder holsters to be a comfortable way to carry a firearm during prolonged sitting. However, proper covering is required.

Belly Band Holster Designs

Belly bands are a type of wide, adjustable band that you wrap around your midsection. Because belly bands come in various sizes, they can provide flexibility for carrying a firearm regardless of size and/or position. However, the band may become damp with sweat and is particularly uncomfortable in warmer climates.

Key Features of the Best Duty Holsters

Regardless of your body type and size, selecting the best duty holsters will require an evaluation of how each feature improves both your comfort and performance.

  • A Wide Backing Plate or Base: The backing plate on a holster gives a wide area to distribute the weight/pressure of the holster, therefore giving less chance of creating blisters, and/or slippage.
  • Soft Lining and a Sweat Guard: Using materials such as Neoprene (a soft rubber), Ventilated Foam, etc., can greatly reduce chaffing and prevent sweat/moisture from coming into contact with the gun/skin. 
  • Adjustable Clips: Adjustable clips allow you to adjust the ride height/cant of the holster, allowing you to place the holster where it feels most comfortable for optimal concealment/access. 
  • Retention Devices: Retention devices come in many forms, including adjustable retention screw(s) and thumb break(s). These types of retention mechanisms allow you to control how much friction is put onto your gun while keeping it securely attached until you choose to release it. 
  • Compatibility With Belt Widths: If you are using a larger/heavier belt, then you will be able to get greater support/stability from a holster that is made for that type of belt.

Hunting and Fishing Hats you’ll love!

Practical Tips for Everyday Comfort and Concealment

Practical concealed carry tips and tricks for everyday life. Comfort & concealment work together. Here are some practical concealed carry tips from people who have been carrying for years & firearm instructors:

  • Choose a good gun belt: A gun belt needs to be strong enough to hold your firearm as well as your holster. Most standard belts will sag when you’re wearing a large frame, so it makes it harder to stay comfortable while concealing.
  • Mind what type of shirts you wear: When choosing what type of shirt to wear for conceal carry, choose one that’s about an inch or two longer at the bottom than you normally would. Also, choose something that has patterns on it. They hide the outline of the weapon better than solid colored shirts. Darker colors are best for this reason, too. If you want to add an extra layer over the top of your shirt for additional concealment, use a jacket or overshirt.
  • Find out what position is best for you to carry at: Many times, there is more than just one way to carry a weapon. Try each of the three most common ways to see which works best for you: 3 o’clock, 4 o’clock, and an appendix. Each style is very different; however, many duty holsters allow you to adjust how high the weapon sits, so you can experiment with different styles if needed.
  • Consider the Material of the holster: While some types of Material such as Kydex, are great for retaining the weapon,n they can also be stiff against the body. Leather and hybrid holsters can provide a softer surface against the skin, especially during long periods of time when worn.
  • Regular Practice: Regardless of what type of holster you end up using, regularly practicing drawing and re-holstering is important. Large-sized people may need to develop specific techniques for accessing the weapon from whatever location they’ve decided to carry it from, in order to get the weapon out as quickly and safely as possible.

The Role of the Best Duty Holsters in Professional Settings

For law enforcement officers, security personnel, etc., who have to carry a firearm as part of their occupation, the decision about which holster to use has significant implications. In terms of larger-built working professionals, the ideal duty holster will also be capable of meeting the same criteria listed above, but will need to put an emphasis on durability and retention.

man standing with gun in holster

Duty holsters are typically exposed to greater amounts of physical stress and potentially life-threatening confrontation than concealed carriers. Duty holsters should provide adequate retention capabilities (i.e., locking mechanism or level II/III retention). 

Additionally, many departments and/or agencies have minimum requirements for various aspects of equipment, including holsters. Therefore, it is important to find a holster that meets your individual comfort needs as well as the safety needs associated with your position.

What Experienced Carriers Recommend

Many experienced carriers who wear large frame guns will tell you, is that each of us is different, and may need to try many different holster styles and manufacturers before we find one that fits our needs. That being said, some manufacturers seem to have an edge over others when it comes to producing holsters for larger individuals. 

The fact that this article does not endorse a particular product is no reason to dismiss looking for wide, contoured, adjustable holsters and reading reviews written by people who own firearms that are very close in size and shape to your own. Peers will likely encourage you to begin with either a hybrid IWB (Inside Waistband) or high-riding OWB (Outside the Waistband), and then adjust from there based upon your daily routine, the type of clothing you most commonly wear, and your firearm model.

Finding The Best Safe Firearm Concealment for Fat Guys

Finding the Best concealed carry holster for big guys (and women) isn’t simply choosing the first one you find; it is about discovering a holster that will provide you with a comfortable and safe place for your firearm, as well as an easy way to get to your firearm when needed. A good duty holster will be able to accomplish this by combining all three (comfort, concealment, accessibility) and allow you to perform reliably in either a self-defense situation or while on duty.