Fall is the start of hunting season for certain types of game, such as deer, black bear, grouse and migratory waterfowl (e.g., duck, geese). Some states may offer turkey hunting as well. If you’re going hunting in the fall, you’ll want to be prepared with the right gear. Some of which may be incorporated into your everyday carry (EDC) equipment. The weather also gets cooler and the nights start growing longer. So of course, your EDC for fall needs to take that into account. Include seasonal gear to deal with the cold and the quicker onset of nightfall. Adopt techniques that will make fall tactical gear more effective. Stay prepared as the seasons change. Don’t forget about your self-defense needs as well! Here at 14er Tactical, we’re big believers in maximum outdoor preparedness! And as the seasons change, our tactical preparation considerations have to factor in the new conditions we may have to face. Maximum Outdoor Preparedness: Adjusting EDC for Fall Weather EDC (everyday carry) is central to the tactical lifestyle. You’re not fully prepared if you’re not equipped to handle threats and emergencies. Everyday life can turn upside down at any time. Your skills and your training may have prepared you to deal with that happening. But you’ll be a lot less effective without the right gear at hand. That’s why we plan and prepare our everyday carry equipment. Part of planning involves making adjustments whenever necessary. Does the season call for us to equip fall tactical gear Then that’s what we’re gonna do! Consider your choice of tactical backpack as well. In warmer seasons, you can travel lighter and make excellent use of a more compact pack. As it gets cooler, you’ll want to pack extra layers and that may require switching to a more spacious backpack. Maximum Outdoor Preparedness: Assuring Your Personal Safety Everyone has their own list of EDC gear. We do believe in prioritizing certain items more than others. One of the more essential items is an individual first aid kit (IFAK). An injury or mishap could happen to you. Having an IFAK on your person can literally be a lifesaver! We recommend storing it in a handy IFAK pouch attached to the hide of your tactical backpack—that allows for speedy deployment. Your EDC for fall should take into consideration the fact that the days are getting shorter. Night comes sooner, which means you’ll be out and about after dark for longer. Personal safety definitely becomes a concern. Your EDC should start including a strong flashlight. Perhaps even a headlamp. (Some say it’s dorky. We say it’s tactical!) A concealed carry weapon can boost your self-defense readiness in a big way. To have it well secured yet easy to access, you can stow it in something like the 14er Tactical Backpack, which has a convenient CCW pocket. You can naturally reach in and grab your weapon in one smooth motion. Now that makes for an excellent piece of fall tactical gear! Maximum Outdoor Preparedness: Wearable Seasonal Gear “Tactical wearables” may seem like an elaborate way to refer to what is basically clothing. But let’s face it, most clothing is designed to be fashionable and trendy. The term “tactical wearable” tells you that something is made to prioritize function over form. It’s durable and will hold up well to either combat conditions or rugged outdoor adventure. That’s why we label it as such—so we know we’re not dealing with some nice but flimsy outerwear that won’t provide any support in a tactical scenario. Therefore make your seasonal gear and clothing tactical. For the autumn season, also look for clothing that will keep you warmer. Plan the day ahead by preparing a number of layers. That way, you can have minimal outerwear during the warmer times of the day, then add layers as the day gets chillier. For the outermost layer, a wind and water resistant tactical jacket is our number one pick. A pair of tactical pants would be good to have as well. Many of these are designed to go over your regular pants. They offer protection from the rain and wind, and keep you dry. In the fall, wearing a tactical layer over your pants provides extra protection against the cold. Get a sturdy pair of boots to round out your fall outfit. Good boots are tough, waterproof and durable enough to last in a rugged outdoor environment. Fall Tactical Gear Options: Range Bag and Backpack This fall, whether you’re going hunting or visiting the shooting range, you need a secure way to transport your firearms and ammunition. The 14er Tactical Range Bag would be an excellent choice for this. It’s got a compact design for great mobility, while having a durable, water resistant and puncture resistant construction. Your firearms will be safe and sound. The range bag offers great flexibility, too. You can expand its storage capacity by attaching extra compartments using its built-in MOLLE straps. For your everyday carry bag, look no further than the dependable 14er Tactical Backpack. A high-quality product with superb longevity (backed by a lifetime guarantee), the tactical backpack offers a reliable and convenient means of being prepared on the go! You can store your laptop, everyday essentials and seasonal gear in an organized fashion. Your firearm can be stowed in a CCW pocket. An IFAK pouch can easily be attached to the bag’s exterior using its MOLLE system. This can also be used to add more pouches for expanded storage and organization options. Thinking of going on a camping trip in the autumn Our guide to planning a fall hiking adventure is worth checking out. It’s got great tips on packing for autumn outdoor conditions, determining your hiking route, practicing outdoor safety and getting the most out of the experience! On a related note, you might be interested in our handy primer on exploring the three major hiking trails in the USA. Visiting one of these trails can be an excellent challenge for you to try out this fall season.
