BattlBox is a subscription service delivering survival and tactical gear every month. Each month has a theme based on a different experience with a focus on preparedness and survival.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
This review is for the Pro Plus box ($149.99 a month).
About BattlBox
The Subscription Box: BattlBox
The Cost: $24.99 plus shipping for Basic, $49.99 plus shipping for Advanced, $99.99 plus shipping for Pro, and $149.99 plus shipping for Pro Plus.
The Products: A variety of tactical, survival and EDC gear
Ships to: U.S.
BattlBox April 2018 Review
BattlBox had some shipping issues this month, and included a note to explain why they had spoiled the knife of the month but were unable to get it in time for shipping. They also included a coupon for 50% off one item in their shop, which is pretty great as an apology. Subscribers will still receive the Featherstick from Black Scout Survival in a future box as well.
Each month’s box is themed as a Mission and includes a detailed list of products and their values in all the different level options. This month’s theme is Day Hike/Backpacking, and contains several items to outfit you for a solid day hike or overnight backpacking trip.
Here are the items included in the Basic level ($24.99 cost / $44.94 value):
Esbit Ultralight Folding Pocket Stove with Solid Fuel Tablets - Retail Value $12.24
The first item in this month’s box is this pocket stove from Esbit. They included a pack of 6 fuel tabs, which is enough to boil 3 liters of water (in 500ml increments). The stove is very light and holds all 6 tabs of fuel easily. 6 tabs should be enough fuel to boil all the water you’d need for an overnight hike without having to worry about finding fuel or carrying pressurized gases.
Aquatic Way Hydration Bladder Water Reservoir 2-Liter - Retail Value $13.59
Next, we have this 2-liter hydration bladder from Aquatic Way! Hydration bladders are a must when hiking, in my opinion. I already have one or two of these from subscription boxes alone, but they are always welcome. This one has an insulated drinking tube which I’ve never seen before but solves one of my only complaints with water bladders - when the tube is in the sun too long, your first sips end up being unpleasantly warm. The tube locks into place but is easy to remove for cleaning which is a nice bonus as well.
EXP51-BRK Folding Compass - Retail Value $7.12
Next up we have this folding compass. It’s a pretty nice little package with a signal mirror built into the cover and has all the tools you’d need for basic orienteering. If you’ve never used a compass before, I highly recommend reading up on how, why, and when to use one before you find yourself fumbling around in the woods in trouble!
Gel Insoles - Retail Value $11.99
The last item in the basic box is this set of cushy gel insoles. I always end up putting a set of insoles in my hiking boots, but these are definitely an upgrade to the foam ones I have in mine currently. These have a few harder plastic pieces for support (light blue, black) and extra cushy pieces where the most wear is (heel, ball). I cut these to fit my boots in about 2 minutes and they added a great deal of comfort just walking around the yard, so I’m thinking they will certainly provide long-term comfort while on a hike.
In addition to the items included in the Basic box, here are the items included at the Advanced level: ($49.99 cost / $95.88 value)
Battltac 40L Backpack - Retail Value $38.99
The first item in the Advanced box is this excellent 40L backpack from Battltac! A 40L pack is a great size for a day hike or quick overnight. You can fit pretty much everything you’d need in here with a little thoughtful packing. There is a hidden rain cover pouch in the bottom of the bag, zippered pouches on both hip straps, plenty of places for clipping on gear, and tons of pockets all over the place. It is hydration bladder compatible with a special flap for the drinking tube and a clip to keep it in place on your shoulder. The padding on your back is plushy and allows for airflow from the sides and top. Everything from this month’s box fits easily, and I was able to fit a sleeping bag, hammock camping setup, and some food with room left to spare.
TribeOne Packtach Set - Retail Value $11.95
A nice complement to the pack is this set of non-destructive carabiner attachments from TribeOne. This system is really interesting and it was a little difficult to figure out with the included documentation, but once I saw the photos on their site it made sense. If you were attaching to a pack, you would pinch some fabric and put the plastic clip on the inside, and feed the hook of the carabiner through the pinched fabric on the outside. By using this system you can attach a carabiner to pretty much any fabric without putting 2 holes in it. This seems like a super handy system to have around, and with it being so lightweight it’s a no-brainer addition to any pack.
In addition to the items included in the Basic and Advanced boxes, here are the items included at the Pro level: ($99.99 cost / $190.83 value)
Baro Cook Thermal Pot and Thermal Mug Set - Retail Value $94.95 (found here for $79.95)
The only item at the Pro level this month is this pot and mug set from Baro Cook. I’ve never seen anything like this before! Baro Cook has developed a system in which you can get water up to 200º for about 20 minutes by using quicklime packets and a little bit of water for reaction. While it’s not boiling hot, it will certainly reheat soups and some other foods, and 200º is definitely warm enough to make decent coffee or tea. The system requires both the plastic shell where you put the heat pack and the metal insert which holds your food or drinks. I gave this a shot at home and the steam started to form quickly and heated up a cup of water well within the expected 20 minutes. While these items are a little heavy, you may be able to save weight and space by using them in place of a stove.
In addition to the items included in the Basic, Advanced and Pro boxes, here are the items included at the ProPlus level: ($149.99 cost / $188.95 value)
SOG Baton Q-3 - Retail Value $94
Finally, this month is the Sog Baton Q-3, the replacement knife mentioned above. The Baton is designed to collapse into a straight “baton” shape rather than fold over like pretty much every other multi-tool I’ve ever seen. I suppose this takes up a little more space than a standard Sharpie marker. The advantage though is when you flip out a tool you have a long, slim handle rather than the folded-over, off-balance handle of other multi-tools. When you pop the ends apart, the pliers are spring loaded which is a nice feature. There are 13 total tools in the Baton Q-3, and I feel like it would make a great addition to a hiking kit, but maybe would be even more useful as an EDC tool.
Verdict: BattlBox did an excellent job nailing this month’s theme, despite the minor hiccup of having to send a different knife than was promised. By adding in a few items you could easily outfit yourself for a day hike or easy overnight. This month’s box tops out at $283.83 in value, which is almost $100 less in value than last month’s box, but still above the $150 cost.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? You won’t get this box as a subscriber if you sign up today, but you can buy past boxes in the BattlBox store.
Coupon – Use coupon code MYSUBTEN to save 10% off your first box!
Value Breakdown: At $149.99 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:
- Stove: $6.45
- Reservoir: $7.16
- Compass: $3.75
- Insoles: $6.31
- Backpack: $20.53
- Packtach: $6.29
- Pot and mug set: $50
- Tool: $49.50
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