Using truck bed covers for hunting worth it?

Pickup trucks are one of the most important means of transportation for hunting. They provide spacious cargo areas to store equipment, carry game, and even transport hunting dogs. Hunters often carry sensitive equipment such as guns, optics, and camping gear, so they face the challenge of protecting their equipment from weather damage. In addition, they need to protect their hunting equipment and game from theft during hunting.

Considering these factors, hunters may consider installing a truck bed cover to meet these needs. In this article, we will explore truck bed covers, and the benefits and potential drawbacks of using them in hunting. Ultimately determine whether a bed cover is really worth investing in for hunting purposes.

Benefits of using truck bed covers for hunting

Provide a surface

The tonneau cover provides a flat, stable surface for your scope, which is useful in a variety of hunting situations. There is also ample space underneath where hunters can prepare their gear or set up supplies, allowing them to be ready to hunt at any time.

In remote hunting locations, where flat and stable surfaces are rare, having a reliable workspace is invaluable. The sturdy tonneau cover also provides an elevated vantage point for scouting, allowing hunters to observe the area without leaving the safety of their vehicle. In rough or muddy terrain, this surface also keeps gear neat and clean, away from dust and debris that can stain or damage gear.

Add safe room

Equipping your pickup truck with a tonneau cover means an added layer of security for your valuable gear and supplies. You can safely store items such as binoculars, guns, extra clothing, and coolers in the truck bed. If exposed, these items may attract potential thieves. After installing a tonneau cover, hunters can leave the vehicle unattended without worrying too much about safety issues.

Whether it is a multi-day hunt or a solo outing, having a secure storage area allows hunters to focus on the hunt instead of the safety of their belongings, greatly improving the hunting experience.

Save time

When you spend less time preparing for hunting, it means you have more time to focus on hunting. Tonneau cover helps you keep your gear organized and easily accessible, saving you time. It makes hunting activities better integrated into your life. On vacation or a night after get off work, you no longer need to spend time organizing your gear. You can jump in the truck and go. It makes your outing easier and faster. In addition, the equipment in the truck bed is neatly arranged and fixed, allowing you to quickly set up and dismantle the camp and prepare for hunting. This organization and protection ultimately reduces downtime, allowing hunters to spend more time actively hunting instead of dealing with misplaced or damaged items.

Preserve game

Preserving your prey after hunting is a very important aspect. When you install a tonneau cover, it keeps the truck bed cool, keeps it cooler, protects the prey from direct sunlight reduces the risk of spoilage, and protects your prey from other animals.

During long-distance transportation, exposure to the elements will reduce the quality of the prey. If you want to keep the prey fresh, having a tonneau cover is even more important, allowing you to return with the prey in the best condition, ready to be processed or eaten.

Store guns and ammunition

A tonneau cover provides you with an enclosed space that is perfect for storing your guns and ammunition. When you use a hard tonneau cover, your guns are located in a secure place with the tailgate closed, hiding them from sight, reducing the risk of theft, and ensuring that hunting weapons remain safe when not in use. This storage method also protects sensitive equipment from moisture, dust, and other factors that can cause malfunction or damage.

In short, a truck bed cover adds security, organization, and accessibility, making it an indispensable feature for any hunting expedition that requires reliable weapon storage.

Potential drawbacks of using truck bed covers

While truck bed covers offer significant advantages, they also present potential disadvantages that hunters should consider:

Initial cost

High-quality hard and retractable bed covers are a significant investment. Depending on the type and features, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. For occasional hunters or those on a budget, the expense outweighs the benefits.

Even though a truck bed cover can last for years, hunters need to weigh the cost against the frequency and type of hunting they do. For occasional hunters, a simpler, more affordable bed cover may suffice, while more serious hunters will find that investing in a higher-quality bed cover can add more value to their hunting experience.

Limited space for larger game

Some fixed or hard-folding truck bed covers can limit the available space in the truck bed. This can be a challenge when transporting large game that requires extra space. Covers can limit the ability to carry large items, such as a hunting rack or a larger cooler.

Accessibility

Accessibility can be an issue with some truck bed covers; for example, hard folding covers need to be partially or fully lifted, which can be inconvenient during hunting when you need to quickly access your gear. Hunters who consider quick and easy access to their gear may find some types of covers restrictive. In these cases, choosing a cover with an easy-open feature, such as a retractable or soft roll-up cover, can strike a balance between security and accessibility.

Conclusion

Given the protection, safety, and organization benefits, tonneau covers are a valuable asset to hunters. However, whether they are worth the investment depends on the hunter's specific needs, hunting frequency, and budget. For hunters who value convenience and safety, a high-quality hard or retractable cover can enhance the overall experience by protecting gear and providing peace of mind. Conversely, those who hunt occasionally or on a limited budget will prioritize a simpler, more affordable cover.