GEAR
For Every Taste There are dozens of companies creating boxes for those who love everything about the outdoors. Here are some of our favorites: NOMADIK
Boasting “no junk, no trinkets, no samples,” Nomadik delivers products created to enhance outdoor experiences. Previous boxes have included hammocks, smartphone battery backups, multitools and a know-yourknot bandanna. Plans start at $27 a month; thenomadik.com Sample product: The LUCI Outdoor 2.0 inflatable solar light, which is waterproof, runs on solar power and has four light modes
BATTLBOX
Battlbox prepares you for whatever life throws your way. Boxes are themed around survival scenarios with items that can include concealed-carry holsters, tactical pens and fire pistons. Plans start at $24.99 a month; battlbox.com Sample product: SOG PowerPlay with hex-bit kit, a multitool that combines 18 tools and can be opened one-handed
Get in Gear Monthly subscription boxes keep outdoor enthusiasts excited for what’s to come
POSTFLY BOX
STORY BY SARA SCHWARTZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERALD COUNCIL
M
onthly subscription boxes have hit nearly every consumer niche — and the hunting, fishing and camping ones are no exception. But years ago, when avid hunter and fisherman Adam Whitehead wanted one, he came up empty-handed. “After seeing multiple monthly boxes in other industries and my friends having fun with them, I decided to jump onboard and sign up for one that matched my passions,” he says. “I found companies like Lucky Tackle Box, that serve the fishing community, but nothing for the all-around sportsman.” So he set out to create one.
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While figuring out a business plan, he went on a duck hunt with a friend in eastern North Carolina and met his soon-to-be business partner, William Kornegay, who was immediately onboard with the project. Tailored to a region’s upcoming fishing and
hunting seasons, The Sportsman’s Box launched in mid-2015 with 118 customers. Today, it ships out to thousands across the U.S., Canada and soon New Zealand, Australia and Europe. The company, based in Wake Forest, N.C., partners with more than
75 companies, including Mossy Oak, Browning, Farm to Feet, ScentLok, Bone Collector, Cherokee Sports and Remington. Whitehead says part of their success is that they work with about 25 “field operatives” around the country who test out and recommend products.
“Through the Field Op program, we have been able to test and gain suggestions for products,” Whitehead says. “On top of that, we have become a group of friends that all share the same passion and are able to share stories. And when we do get together, it’s like we’ve been friends forever.”
Featuring a gamut of tactical and outdoor gear, past Sportsman’s Boxes have included a vacuum food sealer and fish scaler.
Each Postfly Box arrives with handtied flies, gear and The Fly Guide with information on each fly, advice from the pros and links to how-to videos. Customers can choose from five monthly boxes — trout, warm water, salt water, steelhead and fly-tying. Plans start at $19 a month; postflybox.com Sample product: Striking lures almost too beautiful to use
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