BattlBox Mission 76 Review

 Okay, so I gotta be honest, I was going to cancel my BattlBox subscription after my last review, but I let that lapse and I ended up getting another one. Below is my review of Mission Brief 76, Basic edition.

Stuff

Three items came in the box this month; a crud-cloth ("Shower in a bag"), a leather cozy by Lord and Field Outfitters, and a knife from Ganzo tools. Now, I'm a sucker for a good knife, almost as much as I am a good backpack or field bag, so the knife gave me pause. As usual, it's not like I need another knife, but hey, I've already paid for it so...yea!

Crud Cloth

MSRP: $4

• Pros: 
• Few beginner preppers worry themselves about hygiene when getting started in preparedness so a nice little compact way to clean and sanitize yourself and your gear is pretty clever. Toss this in any of your kits and you won't stink quite as much throughout the disruption. 
• The 12"x12" washcloth in the package is washable and reusable so there's a dual purpose as a camp cloth, too.
• Cons:
• None that I can really think of other than there are options to get the Crud Cloth in other scents. The Crud Cloth that came in the box is unscented which is what I'd prefer in a disaster scenario if I'm washing my junk in the woods. The other scents (peppermint, tea tree, lavender, or citrus) may give you away or attract insects.

Lord and Field drink cozy

• MSRP: $24.99 (remember, it's genuine leather).
• Pros:
• It's genuine leather and very well made. VERY well made.
• It has the nice leather smell so when ever you take a drink of...whatever you're drinking, you get the bonus of a leather tinge.
• Cons:
• Despite being genuine leather, the price is violently high. If you're interested in this product, I suggest shopping around a bit.
• I rarely use cozies and even if I did the need for one during a disruptive event escapes me.

The FBKnife by Ganzo Knives

• MSRP: $26
• Pros:
• 440 steel
• One-hand open operation w/lock (close is two-handed, then, obviously).
• Built in belt/pocket clip.
• Wicked-sharp out of the box (no, I didn't cut myself).
• Over all the price is nice for the quality.
• Cons:
• It's made in China.
• No sheath, just a little draw string sack to keep it pretty, I guess.

For the $41.73 I paid ($29.99 subscription + shipping + tax) I do question the value of the box. Bottom line is I could have taken that $41 and spent it on things I really needed (though it's questionable whether or not I needed another knife.)

Over all the products in this month's Basic box were, of course, good quality and, for the most part, usable. As with my first review, if you have the time and want to supplement your preparations, subscription services are fun, but for me, personally, I'm at the point I think the money's better spent in more precise ways.

Peace.