Photo credit: Robert LeBlanc
MYSTERY RANCH created the Backbone Series and Scholarship to help the men and women that go above and beyond in the off-season. Fire Classes, medical training, and college education aren’t cheap. Countless men and women who work for Federal Land Management Agencies seek to better themselves in the off-season to compete for permanent appointments in fire management, whereas some individuals use fire as a means to an end in the pursuit of greater life goals and objectives.
Funding for the scholarships will be supported through the sale of two limited edition lifestyle packs, URBAN ASSAULT 21 and the 3-WAY BRIEFCASE, which will become available online in early 2021. Built in the “wildfire black” colorway with the same zippers, 500D CORDURA® fabric, and detailed pops of orange like our fire packs, 10% of proceeds from these unique packs will fund the scholarship and winning contributors will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Contributors will receive much needed scholarships to support their education and life after firefighting. Winners will be selected anonymously throughout the duration of the campaign.
To qualify for the MYSTERY RANCH Backbone Scholarship, you must be a US or Canadian Wildland Fire employee, retiree, or spouse of a current or retired Wildland Fire employee and a profile contributor for the Backbone Series. Learn more about the contributors and the Backbone Series scholarship here.
I have the Urban Assault 21 in coyote. Nice little pack. Minimal features – no port for a hydration bladder tube, no exterior pockets for water bottles. But it’s well made, comfortable for a long hike, and holds plenty for a day – raincoat, water, snacks, and a collapsable bowl for the dog to drink from. All I need. I like the black/orange colors, but can’t really justify buying another one.