At Karmik we believe you DO have items worth protecting. As you think about your outdoor or personal gear, try to consider these factors.
Consider these:
COST: expensive items- If something is prohibitively expensive to replace it needs a decal. If it stores a lot of gear (packs and Cases), thus being expensive, it needs a decal. Examples: Spotting Scopes with a tripod. That setup is over $7000 and although it might be hard to lose, it’s worth the cost of Karmik’s lost and found Service, just in case. We like to say our decals have a 2X value. They protect your original purchase price and prevent the need for a repurchase.
LOSE-ABILITY: Small and portable does not mean inexpensive or non-valuable. However, small and portable DOES equate to easily being lost. If gear is small and portable it might deserve a decal based on that fact alone. Nalgenes or HydroFlask are portable by design and are lost ALL THE TIME! They are not that expensive nor do they often carry sentimental value. But if you don’t want to buy them over and over for yourself or your kids, you should get a decal. Trekking poles are lost quite frequently. You see them at trailheads all the time. Depending on the size of the item our Karmik Anywhere decal is your go to solution.
SENTIMENTAL: This goes without explanation, somethings are irreplaceable. As outdoor folk we can get attached to our favorite gear and we can have fond memories as we use gear. Also, if someone we are attached to gave us something, that item is automatically irreplaceable. I have a Karmik decal on my Buck knife that my father gave me before my first deer hunt. I can’t get another one, ever; thus, I can’t lose it. Please, do not forget to protect your irreplaceable items.
If an item is firmly in one of those categories above it MAY warrant a Karmik decal. If an item you posses overlaps with two of them, it SHOULD have a decal. And finally, an item that is expensive, irreplaceable, and easily lost MUST have a decal.
1. COST & SENTIMENTAL: At a fly fishing expo I encountered a lady who stood back from the booth and gazed at Karmik, then came in and started to get teary eyed. She lost a net recently. This net was her brother’s and he gave it to her. They loved fly fishing together. He passed away after a battle with cancer. Every time she would fish with it, she was reminded of him. It was their bond. She didn’t lose a $198 net, she lost a tangible memory of her late brother. That net might sway far more in the Sentimental value category but the price tag is still there to buy another. Imagine finding a net yourself. Would you be so excited to keep this high dollar item or would you want to return it. Now imagine finding her net and being able to read her story about that item. What lengths would you go to to get it back? A Karmik decal would allow you to see the sentimental value of the item and the ability to get it back.
2. The COST & LOSE-ABILITY overlap is a no brainer. Easily lost and expensive to replace; yep, put a Karmik decal on it. Maybe the most common lost item while hunting is a rangefinder. That is a small item that is easily misplaced in the woods. A single maple leaf can cover your $500 rangefinder! Air Pods are lost all the time. My Garmin In-Reach Mini is with me on pretty much any hunt or backpacking trip or solo adventure. It is small and expensive to replace.
3. LOSE-ABILITY & SENTIMENTAL: items that are easily lost and sentimental need to be protected. My buddy has a discontinued Sage Fly Rod. He loves it. They don’t make it anymore and if he lost it he simply could not replace it. Fly rods are lost often.
The Trinity or Trifecta or Thrice Level of Importance (hmmm should TM that) you need a Karmik decal on those items. Admittedly, I don’t think I own something that is expensive, lose-able and sentimental. These items are rare and cherished and mean a lot to you. They would not mean the same to a finder. Think of your gear and if it fits in this area, you need a Karmik decal.
If you own or manage a fly shop, you may have considered expanding your services beyond selling flies and fishing equipment. One lucrative opportunity worth exploring is starting a rental program. Here are five compelling reasons why this could be a great addition to your business:
Save Time: By offering rental gear, you can save both your employees and customers valuable time and effort. If your shop manages its rentals using excel or worse notebooks or sticky notes you are wasting your employees time. Your rental program should provide a convenient solution, allowing employees and customers to get the gear they need quickly and hassle-free. Every wasted minute trying to book a rental, fulfill an order, looking for gear, shipping, checking an item back in, locating lost gear, etc is costing you money. Also, by making a simple process complicated your customers are bouncing. Let them book gear from the comfort of their homes.
Make Money: A well-managed rental program can be a significant source of revenue for your fly shop. Outdoor enthusiasts are always looking for cost-effective ways to enjoy their hobbies, and renting equipment can be more affordable than buying it outright. This affordability can attract a wider customer base and generate a steady stream of income for your business.
It’s also a great way for people to test newly released gear before making the purchase. New fly fishing gear is expensive and gives people the opportunity to try a new Abel reel or Orvis H3 or Scientific Angler Line or whatever. You should always offer rentals and allow people to experience gear your shop offers.
Sell Used Gear: Over time, you’ll accumulate a collection of used gear from your rental program. This gear can be resold to customers who want to purchase equipment at a lower price point. This secondary market can become a profitable arm of your business, allowing you to recoup some of your initial investment in gear and increase overall sales. By using our system you have valuable data on when to sell something. If you want to continuously provide your customers with a high quality experience it is important to provide them with quality gear. Maybe you want to make a policy to sell after 100 rentals. You can easily sell your gear on our platform.
Collect Rental Data: Running a rental program gives you valuable insights into customer preferences and the most popular gear. You can use this data to fine-tune your inventory, ensuring you have the right equipment available at all times. Additionally, you can identify trends and plan marketing strategies based on what customers are renting most frequently.
Protect Your Gear: Karmik Outdoors lost and found service is included. We have a 78% return rate within one day. Loss happens. People lose gear all the time, including guides. It hurts when it’s your gear! Yes, your customers or guides will have to pay to replace it, but maybe it comes back and they don’t. WIN WIN. We helped a fly shop (and guide) by recovering 3 Sage rental rods. When you sell your used rental gear, consumers can register for the service included at no additional cost.
In conclusion, starting a rental program for outdoor gear in your fly shop is a smart business move that can benefit both you and your customers. It saves time, makes money, creates opportunities to sell used gear, provides valuable rental data, and allows you to protect your gear investment. By offering this service, you’ll not only enhance your customers’ experience but also boost your shop’s profitability and long-term success.
Robert, Founder and Owner of Karmik Outdoors and dreamer of Win Win situations.
Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@glenncarstenspeters?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Glenn Carstens-Peters</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/RLw-UC03Gwc?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>
As we embark on a new hunting season I am filled with optimism. I hope to accomplish so much in my life and with hunting and fishing being such an important part of my life naturally, I have goals in accordance with those passions.
A bucket list is a list of things you want to accomplish before you pass on. They are deeply personal and unique. Yet, in the hustle and bustle of our daily routines, it’s easy to lose sight of the incredible adventures waiting to be embraced. That’s why I love the idea of a bucket list to act as a collection of dreams, goals, and desires that serve as a roadmap to a life well-lived. Our unique bucket list(s) is a testament to our individual thirst for adventure. It’s not just a list of extravagant goals; it’s a declaration of our intent to make the most of every moment, to explore, to learn, and to grow. So, whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or someone seeking a little more excitement in your everyday life, let’s try to use this as a powerful tool for transformation and fulfillment. It’s time to unlock your inner explorer, one dream at a time.
I do want to preface that this is MY LIST, and most of the time while fishing or hunting I am looking for contentment. Most days my soul is full when my wife catches a fish or I’m with a buddy who harvests game. It’s the adventure and camaraderie I’m after. So yes, some of these things might seem superficial and maybe a stroke to the ego but they are MY goals in no particular order. Maybe you are content reading 100 books a year and don’t need an adventurous bucket list and that’s fine.
Below is my “realistic” bucket list. If someday I become a hundred millionaire my list will change but here are some of the things I want to accomplish within my current physical, mental and economic state. You might have accomplished things on my list that are laughable. That’s cool. This is my list; I would love to hear what is on your list.
I guess the next thing to do is to prioritize and set a game plan for these. Researching where they are and how difficult it might be to attain sounds like a good place to start. I can certainly harvest some sharp-tail in a weekend. I have all summer and many lakes to try and get a big ol’ bass. But, moose or sheep, those might take some planning both financially and logistically.
As I reach my mid-life I fear I have a lot left to accomplish. That is both invigorating and depressing at the same time. I am so optimistic that these items seem like a wonderful adventure and will happen. Realistically, I get depressed because if I am able to checking off one per year, which is highly unlikely, I will be approaching 50. Mentally and spiritually I can accomplish all of these things. Physically and financially, I hope for all of these. Tomorrow is not guaranteed and health should never be taken for granted. Financially, if you want something bad enough you can make it happen. But what if you want 15 things bad enough? Some things can happen now and some things can happen eventually and some may never happen, and that’s ok. That doesn’t mean my life was a failure.
What’s on your bucket list? Do you have one?
Robert Gillingham, Founder of Karmik Outdoors and Persistent Dreamer
Do you like Nature? 15 Conservationists you need Thank.
Below is a quick write up of who they are, what they did, why you should care. If not for these people the world would be a much different place, most likely a terrible place. We are responsible for this planet and the flora and fauna of it. At Karmik Outdoors this is not something we give lip service to but actually make important decisions with that notion of responsibility at the top of our mind. The founder, Robert Gillingham is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast and has degree from the University of Nevada, Reno in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Biology. After college he spent many years in conservation sciences. It is our honor to bring this list to you.
Here are 15 important conservationists who have made significant contributions to the field of conservation and to your life whether you know it or not.
1. Rachel Carson: American marine biologist and author of “Silent Spring” which sparked a national debate about the use of pesticides and led to the banning of DDT in the United States. It also inspired the formation of environmental organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund and Greenpeace, and is credited with helping to launch the modern environmental movement.
Rachel Carson’s book helped us to realize the effects of bio-magnification of toxins in humans.
2. Aldo Leopold: American ecologist and author of “A Sand County Almanac,” which promoted the idea of “land ethics” and the importance of preserving wilderness. Heralded as the Father of “Modern Wildlife Management”.
Aldo was a true naturalist who wanted to help people understand nature and farming in a deeper way.
3. Jane Goodall: British primatologist and anthropologist who has spent her life studying and advocating for the conservation of chimpanzees and their habitats. Over the years, Goodall has also been a vocal advocate for animal welfare, conservation, and environmental sustainability.
Conservation of animals begins by conserving their habitat.
4. E.O. Wilson: American biologist and author who has advanced the field of biodiversity research and conservation biology. Very prominent ecologist (antman), biologist, entomologist sometimes called “Darwin’s protégé” and “Father of Biodiversity” through his many contributions to scientific research.
His monikers are well deserved based on his scientific accolades. His life is full of amazing scientific accomplishments.
5. Wangari Maathai: Kenyan environmental and political activist. In 1977, Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, an organization that focused on promoting environmental conservation, sustainable development, and women’s rights through planting trees, and providing education and resources to communities in Kenya. She was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, in recognition of her efforts to promote sustainable development, democracy, and peace.
“It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees.” – Wangari Maathai
6. David Attenborough: British naturalist and broadcaster who has produced numerous documentaries on wildlife and the environment, and has been a vocal advocate for conservation. If you do some digging you will see he is not simply a TV personality or documentary narrator, but is a lifelong learner and advocate of the planet earth and the animals on it.
“It’s surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth.” – David Attenborough
7. Jane Lubchenco: American marine ecologist and former administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who has worked to promote sustainable fisheries and protect marine biodiversity.
The oceans are the controller of our climate and fate of our species. Over half of the human population relies on the ocean one way or another.
8. Sylvia Earle: American marine biologist and oceanographer who has spent her life exploring and studying the ocean, and advocating for its protection. Earle has made over 100 expeditions to explore and study the world’s oceans, including leading the first team of women aquanauts in 1970, and setting a record for the deepest solo dive in 1986. She has also served as the chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and has been a leader in the development of new technologies for ocean exploration and research.
Sylvia Earle is an absolute pioneer and leader in oceanic exploration and studies.
9. Dr. George Schaller: German-American biologist and conservationist who has worked to protect endangered species and their habitats, and has helped establish numerous protected areas around the world. He has spent more than six decades working to protect some of the world’s most endangered species including pandas, tiger, snow leopards, mountain gorillas and more as well as their habitats. He has played a key role in the development of modern conservation biology.
One of my personal conservation idols and real bad ass of a scientist.
10. Theodore Roosevelt: Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States and a passionate conservationist. He established the U.S. Forest Service and created numerous national parks, wildlife refuges, and monuments during his time in office. If you have been to one of our amazing National Parks, you have Mr. Roosevelt to thank for the opportunity.
“While my interest in natural history has added very little to my sum of achievement, it has added immeasurably to my sum of enjoyment in life.” – Theodore Roosevelt
11. John Muir: John Muir was a naturalist and writer who was instrumental in the creation of Yosemite National Park and the preservation of other wilderness areas in the western United States. He co-founded the Sierra Club, which is still a prominent environmental organization today.
“I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” – John Muir
12. John James Audubon: John James Audubon was an ornithologist and artist who is known for his detailed illustrations of North American birds. His work helped raise awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation.
Nearly every image or painting of Mr. Audubon shows a shotgun in his hand. Harvesting birds was critical to his understanding of ornithology.
13. William Temple Hornaday: William Temple Hornaday was a zoologist and conservationist who founded the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. He was also the first director of the New York Zoological Park (now known as the Bronx Zoo) and was an advocate for wildlife protection and habitat conservation.
“He who knows the wild animals of the world always travels among friends, and in every land he finds a welcome.” – William Temple Hornaday
14. Gaylord Nelson: Gaylord Nelson was a politician who served as a U.S. Senator and Governor of Wisconsin. He is perhaps best known for his role in founding Earth Day, an annual event that raises awareness about environmental issues.
Senator Nelson with JFK. “The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” – Gaylord Nelson
15. Gifford Pinchot: Gifford Pinchot was a forester and conservationist who served as the first Chief of the United States Forest Service. He advocated for sustainable forestry practices and the conservation of natural resources for future generations.
“Unless we practice conservation, those who come after us will have to pay the price of misery, degradation and failure for the progress and prosperity of our day.” – Gifford Pinchot
16. Bonus Alfred Russell Wallace: The Charles Darwin you never heard of but really should give credit too. “Father of Biogeography” and critical to the foundation of evolution through natural selection. Discovered “Wallace’s Line” and potentially ‘speciation’ prior to Charles Darwin. His many voyages around the world discovering plants and animals are the foundation of modern natural sciences.
Someone I really admire. The amount of bravery it took to publish his work and findings is immense. “If this is not done, future ages will certainly look back upon us as a people so immersed in the pursuit of wealth as to be blind to higher considerations.” – Alfred Russel Wallace
These individuals, among many others, have made significant contributions to the conservation of the natural world and have inspired countless others to do the same. We are grateful for their contributions as we celebrate Earth Day and continue to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Now go outside.
– Robert Gillingham, Owner of Karmik Outdoors and lover of the outdoors.
