10 Must-Have Bass Pro Shops Finds For First-Time Customers

Bass Pro Shops is one of the most iconic outdoor retailers in the United States. As a kid, I pored over the catalogs, dreaming of things I wanted and even ordering an item or two here and there. By the time BPS began opening retail stores in my home state of Texas in 1999, I was already several years into a three-plus-decade career as a professional fishing guide and outdoor writer. Nonetheless, I made it a point to visit the closest shop in person soon after its grand opening and have shopped at numerous locations since then.

If you're wondering how your first visit to a Bass Pro Shops will go, expect to come out of there with a cart full of stuff. And not just be fishing gear. That's because although BPS started as a tackle shop, they now carry a wide range of gear for just about every type of outdoor activity, plus a bevy of BPS merch, apparel, housewares, gifts, and decor. Many of the products you'll find in these sprawling destination retail locations are from various house brands — Bass Pro, White River, Pursuit, Redhead, Tracker, and more. However, there are also plenty of well-known national brands represented.

Without a doubt, a visit to one of these mega-stores is much different than shopping at Bass Pro Shops in the 1970s, when the entire brand consisted of one very small location. Through the years, the stores have gotten bigger, featuring more attractions and an ever-growing amount of merchandise. So, while you could make your first Bass Pro Shops trip all about fishing gear, I usually find a variety of gear that I can use for all sorts of outdoor activities.

To be honest, I haven't worn a Bass Pro mesh trucker cap in years, as I'm usually sporting headgear from different brands that I represent. But I certainly have one and wherever we travel for fishing trips throughout the world, we see people donning this iconic headpiece. Oddly enough, it has become a viral fashion trend in recent years — even among those who do not fish. As a first-time visitor to BPS, it's almost a rite of passage to spend the $6 and pick up one of these basic ball caps to commemorate your inaugural visit.

A multitool is a piece of essential gear for anyone who enjoys any sort of outdoor activity, and is among the emergency supplies that can save your life when camping. For me, the Gerber Dual Force multitool ($124.99) is nearly ideal for fishing, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and household chores. As the name implies, it has several features, including slip-jaw pliers, yet weighs only 12 ounces. That means it can handle almost any task you're confronted with, but is light enough to be easily packed or pocketed.

Another product that's great for any outdoor activity is the Columbia Bora Bora II booney hat ($32). I typically start the day with a cap. However, whether I'm fishing, hiking, or hanging out at the beach, I always have my wide-brimmed booney hat handy for a little extra sun protection. I particularly like the Columbia Bora Bora version because it's durable and crushable, so it travels easily and doesn't take up much space. It also has UPF 50 sun protection and dries quickly if you get it wet, as I typically do.

The BPS Advanced Angler pro backpack tackle system ($129.99) is designed for fishing, but works well for many activities. It holds a ton of gear and the built-in rod holders make for convenient hands-free hiking. I typically wear it while walking the shore or jetties and casting, but I also take it on the boat. Since it holds more tackle than I tend to carry, I use the padded upper portion for camera gear and other equipment. The built-in rain fly has come in handy more than once, keeping my gear dry.

The Ugly Stik GX2 spinning combo ($79.95) is something just about every angler can utilize. It is known as one of the best fishing rods for beginners. However, it is also a good choice as a backup combo for experienced anglers or for use in extreme conditions. The GX2 is not my primary rod. However, because it is notoriously durable, it is what I often carry when camping, hiking, or traveling in rugged areas where I don't want to risk snapping a more sensitive, high-end graphite fishing rod.

An outdoor excursion can turn deadly dangerous if you get severely dehydrated. The best way to avoid such an unfortunate circumstance is to carry fluid with you. I take a YETI Rambler ($50) when hiking, camping, and fishing. Even when we have plenty of cooler space for drinks, I carry the Rambler to help reduce the amount of single-use plastics we use. The stainless steel bottle does cost more than many water bottles, but I like its proven durability — it can bounce off rocks or boat docks and be perfectly fine.

Laying outside in a hammock is one of my favorite ways to relax. I like the Grand Trunk ultralight hammock ($29) because I can carry and use it anywhere — in the backyard, while camping, even when taking a break during a hike. At 12 ounces, it's light and small enough to carry in my backpack or tackle bag, and it's one of those simple things first-time campers should know about. It's easy to set up and dries fast. It also features corrosion-resistant hardware, which is good in a saltwater environment, and has a lifetime guarantee.

With a lifetime on boats and in the woods, I've learned it's always a good idea to carry a flashlight. So I have flashlights in my boat, truck, and all gear bags. One of my favorites is the Cabela's C800R rechargeable flashlight (BPS owns Cabela's). This small flashlight ($19.99) stows easily, but still emits 800 lumens of light, which is plenty powerful. It's also anodized and waterproof. Plus, at this price, it's not the end of the world if it gets lost.

Something else I've learned through the years is that it can always rain, even when no rain is in the forecast. So, for decades I have made it a habit of carrying a Frogg Toggs ultra-lite rain suit ($32.99) in my boat, truck, and backpack. I have heavy-duty gear for when I'm expecting a storm. But this suit is light, compact, and inexpensive, making it perfect to use as a spare or as emergency rain gear when foul weather surprises you. This habit has saved me from getting soaked more than once.

Everyone who adventures outdoors should carry a survival kit, even on a day hike. The SOL Adventure Ready survival kit ($59.99) comes with many of the essential items you need in an emergency, such as a compass, whistle, fire starter, tinder, headlamp, paracord, safety pins, and duct tape. It also includes an emergency sewing and fishing kit and comes in a 2-liter dry bag. That allows me to use the same kit on my boat or kayak, and when hiking and camping. Here, the company's acronym stands for Survive Outdoors Longer.