78 years ago today on August 15th 1944, the 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion jumped into southern France as part of Operation Dragoon (Operation Rugby for the Airborne component). The operation was a to supplement the Normandy invasion. Originally planned to coincide with Normandy, then cancelled due to a lack of resources to support both operations.Continue reading “The 551st PIB in Operation Dragoon”
Author Archives: BAP45
Alps Mountaineering “Swift Insulated” Air Mat Review
After last years less that ideal experience with the Kylmit Static V air mattress I decided to try to out the Alps Mountaineering “Swift Insulated” air mat. I have not been able to find much in the way of reviews for this pad online so I had to base my choice on just the productContinue reading “Alps Mountaineering “Swift Insulated” Air Mat Review”
The 82nd Airborne in Operation Husky
Just after midnight 79 years ago on July 10th 1943 the 505th PRCT, which included the 3rd Battalion of the 504th, the 456th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, Company ‘B’ of the 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion and other supporting units, would drop on to Sicily in the opening stages of Operation Husky. The remainder of theContinue reading “The 82nd Airborne in Operation Husky”
Backpacking: Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years. Some of these won’t apply to you or you may never need. Like the survival tips, I’ve never used them because I’ve never gotten myself into that situation but it doesn’t mean that its not a handy tidbit to have in the oldContinue reading “Backpacking: Tips and Tricks”
OAF Nation Button Up Review
Recently I saw and ad for one of OAF Nation’s patterned button ups. Naturally I got the P42/Frogskin one. I opted for the tan as a compliment to the Otte Gear green one I got recently. Apparently they are made on demand as it took a month or more to receive mine. The overall qualityContinue reading “OAF Nation Button Up Review”
27th ID on Saipan Equipment and Recreation
In this article we will take a close look at what the soldiers of the 27th Infantry Division were using on Saipan. I had a companion one on the Marines but it will have to be recreated as it was lost with the old site. This is pretty esoteric for most so turn back nowContinue reading “27th ID on Saipan Equipment and Recreation”
Today in History: The 27th Infantry Division on Saipan
78 years ago today, June 15th 1944, the battle for Saipan began. The main part of Operation Forager, it is often thought of as a Marine Corps battle but like virtually every Marine battle there were soldiers involved as well. In the case of Saipan it was the 27th Infantry Division who fought alongside theContinue reading “Today in History: The 27th Infantry Division on Saipan”
Repost: Backpacking: Get Packing
Finally the part all my fellow geardos have been waiting for, the gear.Since we settled on a three day trip in the mountains last time we’ll structure around that. Below is a general list of items. It’s not perfect but it gives you a good starting point. The BackpackYou’ll need a decent sized backpack toContinue reading “Repost: Backpacking: Get Packing”
Taking the Willys Off-Road
Finally got the tires replaced on the MB this week so took it for a little light romping. Nothing too crazy since all the actual good spots are a good deal away and it was an improptu killing of an hour. Plus the suspension still needs to be reworked so I didn’t what to hitContinue reading “Taking the Willys Off-Road”
Klymit Static V2 Review
TL;DR: Not for me Last year I decided to try out an inflatable air mattress on our annual backpacking trip. I’ve always used either an original Thermarest 3/4 length pad or a Thermarest RidgeRest. Tried and true options but bulky and not particularly comfortable with their one inch or less of padding. After doing someContinue reading “Klymit Static V2 Review”
Scattered Shots 