Many hunters rely on the support of a range finder during their time hunting. There are various range finders on the market with differing capabilities and price points. Once you have invested in a range finder, you want to make sure you take the time to protect the piece of equipment adequately.
There is not one specific location you should keep a range finder in, but you need to make sure it is protected. You will need to store your range finder when you are actively hunting and done hunting.
This article will learn about the best places to keep your rangefinder both in the field and at home.
Storing a Rangefinder During Hunting
Carrying your rangefinder during hunting is a necessity, but it can be challenging to keep it both accessible and safe during your trip. There are different ways to carry the piece of equipment safely. The choice you make will be based on personal preference.
Around Your Neck
A popular location to keep your rangefinder when hunting is around your neck. Most people use a binocular lanyard to keep the rangefinder handy and safe. Most of these lanyards come with a retractable cord so you can determine how long or short you want the lanyard to be.
Pros: There are positive reasons to keep your rangefinder around your neck during hunting, making it a popular option for many hunters.
- Easy to access
- Difficult to forget
- Not bulky
- No extra pockets needed
Cons: There are some things to consider before using an around-the-neck storage option for your rangefinder.
- Difficult to maneuver with one hand
- Could make noise if bumped on something
- It could get caught on things when walking.
In a Pocket
One of the most accessible places to store a range finder during hunting is in a pocket that is easily accessible. This does not require any extra gear and should keep it safe.
Pros: The positive things about keeping your range finder in a pocket are:
- No extra equipment needed
- Easy to take out of pocket
Cons: While there are good reasons to keep a rangefinder in your pocket during hunting, there are some negative aspects that you should consider.
- It could fall out of your pocket
- It May be difficult to retrieve if sitting
- Could get bumped or jostled around
Rangefinder Pouch
If your neck and pocket don’t work to carry the rangefinder, you may find it helpful to purchase a pouch specifically designed to hold a rangefinder. Typically, these pouches can be attached to a belt or backpack strap for easy access. You can find the pouches in various colors, materials, and sizes.
Pros: A pouch to carry your rangefinder in can be extremely helpful and has many positives.
- Easy to access
- The pouch offers a layer of protection to the rangefinder
- Easy to carry
- Hands-free
Cons: While the pouch can be helpful, some hunters do not prefer this method. Here are the reasons a pouch may not be the best choice.
- Bulky on belt or backpack
- Difficult to open the pouch
- The pouch is too tight, making it difficult to pull the rangefinder out
- The pouch could open unexpectedly and allow the rangefinder to fall out.
In Backpack
Some hunters prefer to store their rangefinders in their hunting backpacks. This is not the most popular option among hunters for various reasons.
Pros: A backpack can be a fantastic place to store a rangefinder for several reasons.
- There is no risk of the rangefinder falling out of the bag.
- The rangefinder is protected from bumps and dirt.
Cons: A backpack is safe to store a rangefinder when hunting, but it may not be the best option.
- Difficult to access quickly
- It could get lost under other materials in your backpack.
- Unable to quietly get the rangefinder out of the bag.
When choosing an option for rangefinder storage during hunting, you need to determine what is best for you and your needs. You may even have to try a few different options before finding what works for you.
Storing a Rangefinder When Not Hunting
When you are not hunting, you need to take special care of your rangefinder not to get damaged. Storing your rangefinder in the off-season is quite simple, but you must keep it properly to avoid damage.
Remove batteries: Taking the batteries out of your rangefinder will help preserve the battery life and ensure a battery does not explode, which can damage your device.
Cool, dry place: Keep your rangefinder in a cool, dry place. A gun safe or closet can provide this environment. Room temperature will be adequate to prevent damage.
Bump-free: You must keep the rangefinder in a location that will not get bumped or dropped. Either of these things could cause significant damage to your device.
Dustproof Case: If you are not planning on touching your hunting gear until the following season, you will want to store your rangefinder inside a dustproof case. This will ensure dust particles do not settle on your device during storage.
Final Thoughts
A rangefinder is a helpful hunting tool to have on hand. You must store it the correct way in the field and at home. Proper storage and carrying can prolong the life of your investment. There is no one best way to store your rangefinder, but you need to find the best one for you.