Sneak Peek - Biolite Stove

Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack Review

 

Pretty good sized bag. Plenty of horizontal and vertical compression straps.

I like the combination of pockets and molle webbing. The pockets hold a halgene bottle perfectly. There are also numerous wire guides on the sides of the pack. The pockets are also perfect for holding tripods. I do wish there was 1 more row of molle on the side.

One of the biggest selling points of this pack for me were the MOLLE loops on the back inside panel towards the top of the bag. This is a great place to mount the radio so that it doesn't get bumped around outside the bag but is still at or near optimum antenna placement, and easily accessible. This is also a great spot to mount an admin pouch for tickets, extra cash, passports, maps for the next sector etc.

If you notice the harness and wing loops around the molle they are actually meant to support ASIP’s through PRC-117 Radios (http://www.mysteryranch.com/military/military-pack-accessories/radio-wrap).

I plan to haul around smaller UHF/VHF and possibly HF radios, APRS stations and beacons, transponders and GPSes in that spot.

The other great selling point was this zipper opening to the inside of the pack. This is great for sticking a radio antenna through, running additional comms and power cables, quick access to admin pouch or quick access to a weapon/axe/BK3 that was attached to the molle inside the bag.

Overall impression of the bag is that it's built solid. If the bag was built any tougher it would be unreasonably heavy when empty. The bag easily fits lenovo W510, thinkpad T60, thinkpad X60, their chargers, pelical case with write blockers, pelican case with hardcopy 2, 3 empty drives, evidence bags, small toolkit and all the other EDC items I like to have with me when going on location. The adjustable frame makes all the difference. The pack is about as comfortable as it can possibly be with 40lbs of gear inside.

I really like the attention to detail. Adjustment straps everywhere and zippers on either side of the internal molle panel for running wires in and out.

The side flaps have a long pocket as well as a smaller mesh pocket.

There are wire guides behind the mesh pockets. Both side flaps are set up identically.

One thing this pack is missing is a lot of internal organization. I will probably be using 1 or 2 of these panels to organize some of the contents I need to get to quickly. For now I have a spare pistol and spare mag, radio, first aid kit. I will also be adding an admin pouch.

The laptops will be carried in a similar sized sinsert with laptop sleeves on either side and a pouch for chargers.

The manufacturer web site: http://www.mysteryranch.com/military/assault-patrol-packs/3-day-assault-pack

Predators and Prey

I was introduced a really great local farm that sells raw milk, handmade cheeses and yogurts.

The morning I got there the owner was quite hectic. The last of their 30 ducks was taken and eaten the previous night. The predator is believed to be a coyote or fox. The farm is under constant attack, ducks and chikens are the primary targets.

The friend who patronizes the farm quite regularly mentioned to tot he farmer that he should talk to me.
The farmer told me that in the past he has had trappers go out and capture a fox, and that his son dropped 1 predator. Since I didn't get a deer in December I offered the farmer my help. The farmer happily accepted. I have permission to go out there, use barn roofs, and take predators/non-game animals after 9pm when the farm  animals get put in and locked up.

The farmer is offering to use a live rooster as bait for the fox, I told him that most likely gut piles would work better. I told the farmer I prefer to hold out until overnight temp is 60 or above. After doing a quick survey I confirmed that optimal shooting location is the rooftop of the barn his son used. the open fields/areas surrounding animal pens are best covered by 3 shooters, but 2 shooters may be enough.

I am doing some preliminary planning, and making up some range cards. In the next few weeks I will be looking for 2 more shooters. I am not getting paid, so neither will they. The farmer did say he's provide some free product if some predators are shot. I will happily split the product.

The shooters will need to have accurate rifles/optics, NVG, and preferably suppressors and be proficient with their hardware to 300 feet (longest safe/practical shot from the top of the barn is 400 but I rather not have it get to that). Thermals would work as well. This will be in north east or south east PA. The shooters will need to be close, or be willing to travel there. We will be spending the night on the farm, from 9pm to 5 or 6am

Am I forgetting anything else?

I will be re-posting this on a few forums I frequent, meet a few prospective candidates on a 300 range and just make sure they can hit the targets.

Any other thoughts about how this should be done?
Interested in helping out a friendly farmer?