Monthly subscription boxes are available in almost every category imaginable, even when it comes to outdoor, survival, and tactical gear. The premise is a simple one; just enter the number of months you want to receive the boxes, pay the cost of the subscription tier that you choose, and then sit back and have the gear delivered directly to your home. It’s that easy and convenient. So, where does the problem lie, if any?

Subscription Gear Boxes

Well truth be told, subscription boxes do have their pros and cons depending upon the individual. What works for one may not be right for another. Here, I’ll dissect the advantages for some people, the disadvantages for others, and hopefully when completed, you’ll make an informed buying decision. You’ll either enjoy the anticipation of a monthly box coming to your mail or will continue to build your collection piece by piece and that suits you just fine. 

Convenience and Time Saver

It’s not a mystery that having a monthly box sent to your home, rather than you trekking to your nearest store(s), is a convenience. The ability to just open the door to a delivery person with your items all contained within one package is perfect for those who like to avoid the hustle and bustle of brick and mortar stores. You’ll save time by not traveling around town or further to do other things that you like or need to do. Conversely, the person who likes to have the items within their hands, to feel the quality and construction, and to window shop, won’t be satisfied with a delivered assortment of gear. The person who enjoys looking for new products on the market, as well as enjoying the journey and subsequent meandering around large outdoor or tactical wear shops, won’t find an all-in-one package sitting on their doorstep. 

Budget Busting

This category is a tough one. On one hand, with a subscription box, you’ll know exactly how much you spend on gear every month because the price is set and prepaid in advance. You can then budget accordingly and always stay within your limits. On the other hand, by picking piece by piece, you may either find a deal or sale along the way or end up paying more in the long run as it’s more difficult to keep a running total of all you gear over time. This is where the organized individual can benefit from either option.

If you track all purchases, then both the subscription service and buying individually will work for you. If you happen to have no such organizational skills and frequently go over budget when buying, then stick with the subscription box. There will be no guesswork, remembering costs or tracking purchases. One payment will do it all. 

Out of Your Control Selection

With a subscription box, you get what is sent, and it may not always be what you truly want or need. This is the risk, which depending upon your own personality, may be a good thing or a bad thing. For those people who are list-minded and are ready to check off the items that they have, the monthly box may not be for them. Some items received may not fit their detailed and particular wants and needs, duplicate items that they have already may be sent, or they just don’t like the brand or style of the gear received, may be sticking points for going all-in on subscription boxes.

On the flip side, there are people out there who love to be surprised and get giddy knowing that a “mystery” box is coming their way. They enjoy the unpredictability and have an event to look forward to each and every month. Though their gear list may not be fulfilled quickly, this is a small price to pay for the enjoyment they have when finally dissecting their monthly prize. 

Quality & Durability

This category can be hit or miss when it comes to subscription boxes. The gear within may be of varying qualities, and this fact may put some people off from clicking “subscribe” on the website. True diehards of survival, self-defense, or outdoor equipment may only prefer the top tier of quality when it comes to gear. They want the best, and for good reason, the items may be intended to save their life (or a family member’s). The truth is that you get a mixed bag in the box, and for those people who don’t always go for the best when it comes to buying needed gear, supplies, and equipment, a subscription box will suit you just fine. 

Helping Only the Beginner?

For the newbie or novice to the world of survival, self-defense, or prepping, a subscription box takes the guesswork out of building a useful assembly of items. The mindset would be from this person that if it’s assembled by professionals, then it should the right mix for them who has little to no experience. This is absolutely true. The person new to the preparedness wouldn’t have to dive deep into research or comb the internet for tips, but instead just order and receive the boxes. Their stockpile would build over time. For the seasoned pro, however, many items included may be either inferior to their own, proven ineffective, in-the-field already, or not useful to them as they prefer other designs or styles. While it’s true the veteran preppers may be impressed by the unusual or receive something totally new to them, these pleasant surprises may be few and far-between. 

No Long-Term Risks

If you’re on the fence whether to pull the trigger and subscribe to a monthly gear box, in truth, there is very little risk. While it is a subscription, many services start with a three-month plan and move up from there. If you’re hesitant, start small and choose the lowest subscription. You may not like it, and after ninety days you’re out of it. However, if you do throughout enjoy your first three boxes, then you’re prime to move up to six or 12 months of service. Every month you’ll have that one day to look forward to as you cut the tape, open the box, and explore all the goodies inside.