Badlands Recon Pack Review

                            Badlands Recon Pack 

                                 Review

       Hunting Gear is necessary. The ability to carry all your gear is essential. Badlands has set the performance bar high on their Recon pack.  Two Thumbs Up to Badlands for not only making a comfortable pack but also finding a way to defy gravity! Well, lets just say they done their homework on this one. The Recon is light weight and seems a perfect fit without being bulky.  It seems to sit with you, rather than hang on you.  Badlands KXO material is tough and proved itself in the Ozarks Blackberry thorn bushes while shed hunting last week. The Recon pulled through without a rip.  

Three Reasons Why I Purchased the Recon.

     Size was not bulky, but not too small!                                            
      Equipped with Rain Cover Built In

  Badlands Fix It For Free Forever Warranty 

  

Rain Cover Test

 Size was the most important to me. Filming most of my hunts with a Canon Xa10, GoPRO, DSLR, and a tripod means I need something with lots of room. Hunting from a tree stand mostly, I wanted something that wasn't bulky.  The Recon works perfect for all my gear and the weight doesn't even seem to put the pack to the test.  This pack is loaded with pockets. Every time I open it I find a new one! I carry the tripod, or tree arm, in the bow holder. Cameras go in the main compartment, and the batteries, lights, and other gear go in the secondary. You have two side pockets. One holds my .380 and the other holds a pair of fold up microphones. I can carry all this without the bulk. Thanks Badlands!

   Having camera equipment and Rain mix as much as a weatherman and Missouri.  I want to be prepared if comes a downpour and the Recon`s built-in rain cover gives me the peace of mind. I know it works because I personally tested the cover while it was raining.

Freeze test

 I even took it another step to see how the Recon preforms. I literally froze this pack in my freezer to see how it would work during winter weather. Six hours at a brisk Zero degrees. Things I tested were zipper noise, zipper function, buckle function/noise, and overall pack noise. Surprisingly, the zippers made no extra noise and functioned the same. The Buckles had no effect from the coldness as well. The outside of the pack was a little bit louder but the inside of the pack was night and day difference. The material inside was much louder. While I never plan to reach in my pack while an animal is in earshot, you never know when your camera battery will tire out from the cold weather and you need to swap out. A little pre-organization on my part would help in this situation. 

 The Recon is a great pack that I`m sure will be handed down to my son. It fits all my needs when I`m hunting and when I'm running the camera! I love using this pack and was a great investment for me.

*Badlands wants to know what we like in a pack and heres what I would like to see.

 A Run and Gun Camera Pack.(the camera bag is just too bulky for me) Keep the same specs as the Recon except an inch or two wider. Needs Pockets inside designed for camera batteries, a built in sd card holder (inside top of pack), a GoPro pouch on the side. Remove the ability to put a bladder in the pack(too close to cameras) and just leave that space open. Leave the bow holder on there because us cameramen use it as a tree arm or tripod holder. Make them waterproof, without the use of a cover. I want a side pock with a lithium ion battery affixed with a USB port to charge my camera while Im using my camera.!!  Call it the Revelation pack!  Ok I got a little carried away.

                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                        Justin Sapp

Canon Xa10 Review

                    Canon XA10

The Canon Xa10 may be small but like the saying goes, "Great things come in small packages!" This is especially true with the Xa10.  One of the main reasons I purchased this camera was because of its size. My work schedule leaves me off during the week and self filming mostly.  Having a camera that is easily transported and carried in my pack is a big advantage. I have included what I feel are Pros and Cons to this camera.  Remember, everyone has different expectations. Something I may not like, may not be a bother to you. This is a reference for those wanting to know more information on the Canon Xa10 for filming hunts.


PROS                                           

*SIZE-  The Xa10 is a small camera but don`t let it fool you! It is packed with a bunch of extra features and the video quality will not disappoint.  Easily packed in and out without the bulkiness. Perfect for those self-filming.

*LARGE LCD SCREEN- The Xa10 is equipped with a 3.5" LCD touch screen panel. I love the larger viewing screen so you can easily look at that panel to make sure your focused on the buck of a lifetime!

*MANUAL FOCUS WHEEL- Self-filmers may be thinking, When will I use that?? Actually, More than you think!  Manual focus means more control! The Xa10 has focus assist options to help those transitioning from auto into manual focusing! You can also change the focus speed and direction of the wheel with the tap of a few buttons.

*CUSTOM BUTTONS- You get two custom buttons to set whatever function you would like. I set my first one to change from Auto to Manual focus. Why? My wife and I share the camera. She is learning and instead of going in the menu to change it back and forth, I can touch one button. Also, self-filming can be tough sometimes. If I get in a hurry , and my subject is in an open field, I can touch one button and not have to worry about my focus anymore.
   My second custom button is white balance. Doing my own editing it saves me a lot of time by getting the white balance correct!

* FACIAL RECOGNITION- A big plus to self-filmers. You can walk anywhere in the frame and the cameras facial recognition with keep you in focus the entire time. I have noticed it works on animals as well. If it does not recognize your subject , you can tap the screen on your subject and it will then lock onto that subject.

*GRIDS- I like to use the rule of thirds. The XA10 is set up with a grid you can make visible to help you keep everything just where you want it.  For those who do not like the grids, no worries, you can easily take them off!

*ACCESSORIES- The handle is great for packing in the camera if your pack is too full! The dual SD cards make it easy to sit all day without worrying about having enough storage to film when Granddaddy shows up! There are a ton of settings you can change to put you in control! Dual XLR ports for professional audio! Infrared filming for those really early morning-late evening interviews!

There are a lot of things I like about this camera but these are just a few. My advice is to set your camera is Manual mode, adjust your settings to your likings, and enjoy.

CONS

*ON CAMERA AUDIO- I do not care for the on camera audio. The buttons on the side of the handle actually shake and you can hear it on the built in audio during playback. I would look into utilizing the XLR ports and getting a shotgun mic. I purchased the RODE NTG-1 and have no regrets.

*HUNTING AND TOUCH SCREENS- You have three options. Cut Holes in your gloves, take your gloves off every time you need to touch the screen to make adjustments or use the tracking (not recommended when ole Tom is 60 yds out and also another good reason to learn shooting in Manual ) or you can purchase gloves that have the ability to transfer your touch through the glove.  Most people have touch screen phones and are already familiar with the cut gloves !!

* TOO PRETTY- Honestly there is not much on this camera that I do not like. My Mother saw my camera and commented how small, pretty, and petite it looked.  I ordered a Camouflage Camera skin from Campbell Outdoors that night!


                                                                                             Justin Sapp

Perfect Practice

     

Just like everything in life, the only way to get better at something is by practicing. Bowhunting is no exception to this!  With very little margin of error, we need to be as accurate as possible. A couple of inches off of our mark and we could have a long tracking job ahead of us. We owe it to ourselves and our quarry.

     Just as important as practicing is, perfect practice. What do I mean? Well, most of the time we practice standing up and a wide open shot. How many of you have gotten snuck up on and had to shoot sitting down in your stand, I know I have. Actually, if the deer is on my left side, I do not even bother standing up to make the shot anymore. So, if we may encounter these situations in the field, why not practice for them?

     Shooting sitting down is a lot different than when standing up. I find it physically harder to draw and hold my bow.  A lot of my hunting is done from ground blinds. That means I need to practice shooting out if it also. The lighting will be low, so you need to make sure you can see your sight pins. Also, shooting out it may let you know if you need a taller chair to hunt from. I had a few mishaps this summer,  learning I need a taller chair to prevent shooting the bottom of the blind window.  I would not know this had I not practiced. 

     Clothing should play a role in your practice also.  We mostly practice in the summer, then hunt the winter. So we practiced with light clothing, then threw on a few layers, gloves, and face mask. How close is your arrow group now?  Can you find your anchor points? I personally only wear light gloves in the winter with a fleece hand warmer. I can put my hands in the hand warmer, and take out without any extra movement or noise. I use a face paint mostly, but sometimes in the winter I do wear a face mask that I can pull down to my neck to get out of the way for a shot.

     My first turkey I killed with a bow, I owe to practicing.  I practiced shooting in every way possible. I shot from my knees, a chair, and even reacted trying to shoot a turkey behind me. The moment of truth came on my birthday. It was 11:00 and had been sitting in a blind all morning. I decided it was time to leave but something told me to walk to the edge of the ridge and throw a call down it. I did and immediately had a bird answer. He was maybe 30 yds away and about to crest the hill. I dropped to ground on my knees just as he crested that hill. His head went behind a tree and I drew, when he came out from behind it I let the arrow fly at a mere 10 steps. Would have I still killed the bird without practicing? Maybe, but, I did practice and I did successfully harvest a turkey shooting from my knees. I was confident from my practicing and that made me confident (and successful) in the field.

         With only a few days left until bow season opener here in the Ozarks, you can bet I will be practicing. I will be shooting from a blind chair, tree stand, and any situation I think I will find myself in.  I encourage everyone to practice in different scenarios this week.  Let me know what you have found. Did you find it harder/easier?   Does it make you more confident? Thanks for reading and interacting with my blog this week. Remember to enjoy the outdoors and carry on the tradition.                   
                                                                                      Justin Sapp                             

U Pack?

     How many of you carry a concealed weapon on you during archery season? Did you know that with a valid CCW permit you can carry a concealed weapon on you during Missouri archery season? Well, now you do!

     Some say "Why are you carrying in the Ozarks?" Yes, we only have a few dangerous animals that may put us in a position that we may need to use our weapon. I can't say I have been in a position where I needed my concealed weapon but its kind of like toilet paper, better to have and not need, than to need and not have.

       Actually, the most dangerous animal in the woods walks on two legs. I spend a lot of my time on public ground which means there is no telling what (who) I may run into. Don't believe me? Do a quick google search and it will make you paranoid enough to go get your CCW permit! Think about it. We have a bow averaging somewhere in the $500 and up range. Then add on your accessories, rangefinder, knives, and even camera gear and we are easily a walking $2500. 

       I look at my concealed weapon as being just as important as my safety harness while hunting. At the end of the hunt, we are all just trying to safely get back to our families. For more information on the regulations for hunting here in the Ozarks go check out this link http://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/regulations/deer-regulations

 

NOTE* You also cannot open carry in Missouri archery without a valid CCW permit. However, all other seasons you are allowed.

Justin Sapp

A blast from the past during Thanksgiving

      I am opening my third pack of Hot Hands hand warmers of the evening and I have only been sitting for 10 minutes!  The antlerless season that Missouri allows in select counties gives me more opportunities to fill that tag. I feel like a stuffed Thanksgiving turkey with all these warmers stuffed all over. This brings me to the question, what are you thankful for this year?

     I am very thankful to be here , in the woods, surrounded by nature and its peacefulness.

However, I would not be here without a few people in my life. First, I would like to thank my wife, Robin, for all that she does to put up with me. How does she do it? I have no idea. I drive myself insane sometimes. I am blessed with a wonderful wife who enjoys the outdoors and joins me in the field. She has also given me a handsome little man, Carson, who is my hunting buddy for life!

    Second, I would like to thank my parents. Both of you were there for me in life and raised me to be respectful and courteous to others. Thanks for providing me with a home, food, and clothing, while keeping me a home free from alcohol and drugs. You have taught me priorities and the value in life. Thanks for always being there!

       Lets not forget the creator on this one! Look at what he has given us. Our lives, our families, and our friends. The ability to hunt game in his beautiful creation. Remember next time you watch the sunset, hear the gobbler sound off in the morning, or watch a buck cruise the ridge top that God has created this for us to enjoy. Give him thanks. Without him we have nothing. Without him we are nothing.  We hope you have a safe Thanksgiving and lets remember to be thankful for the important things in our life, Family!          

It makes "Scents"

    Last week, I was rushing around to get to work. The temps had been rising for a few days and we were expected to reach 50 degrees. As I finally stepped outside to leave, it hit me. A smell you cant really explain but, everyone knows what it is when they make contact with it. It is like nature, river, dirt, almost like you can smell the sunrise. I call it the spring morning smell. I stood there taking it in and immediately was taken back in memory to camping with my family. We would go every year and camp by the riverside. We would stay by the fire, talking and fishing the night away.  When you wake in the morning there is always that smell! Its like the rivers and mother nature put out this sweet aroma that's calm and relaxing. Like I said, "you cant explain it , but everyone knows the smell."  

    It is no secret that some scents can trigger your memories. Some people may be triggered to trout fishing, turkey hunting, mushrooming, or by the spring morning smell. To others, it may not trigger a memory at all. What causes this? According to Psychology Today "The reason for these associations is that the brain’s olfactory bulb is connected to both the amygdala (an emotion center) and to the hippocampus, which is involved in memory. And, because smells serve a survival function (odors can keep us from eating spoiled or poisonous foods), some of these associations are made very quickly, and may even involve a one-time association." 

     The spring morning smell is not the only one that triggers a memory for me. Most of the time on a cold day you can smell the vehicle exhaust fumes after starting them. Nearly every time, I think of the time spent on the river fish gigging. I'm sure it has the do with the exhaust of the generators and vehicles smelling the same but, I can guarantee you that if I smell exhaust fumes, I'm thinking about gigging.  The smell of coffee makes me think of deer season. My Dad was never " the big hunter." We would walk out to this cut electrical high-line and wait for deer to filter through the opening. This tactic worked but what I remember most is Dad pouring that coffee from his thermos. The steam would roll when the hot coffee touched the frigid air. The smell of coffee would hit you in the face like a ton of bricks , but that's how he hunted. He was refilling his cup when I harvested my first deer!

    What takes you back. What smell(s) do you associate with a memory from the outdoors? Thanks for reading my blog post today. I thought it would tie right in with Throw-back-Thursdays. I hope it takes you back to some wonderful memories.

                                        

                                                                                             -Justin Sapp-