This year the match had a modified version of Trooper division where competitors had to carry everything they would use for the whole match on them during each stage.  The stage designers also included additional challenges in the stages for Troopers to make the match harder.   I placed first in Trooper with my CAV-15 MKII with Leupold HAMR/Aimpoint Micro and Samson Evo Rail.  I also used the new PMAG40 on 4 of the 5 stages, and it worked great.

I used Whiskey Two-Four’s Heavy Rig outfitted with Trooper-Gear pouches for my load bearing gear.  WTF’s 3D airmesh lining made the vest comfortable to wear in the 110º heat, providing both padding for comfort and making the vest breathe better so it wasn’t too hot. The shoulders had the right balance of padding to support the weight comfortably, while remaining unobtrusive in shouldering the rifle properly. The integral Source hydration carrier was convenient to use and refill with the water bottle adapter; a significant improvement over other hydration bladders that require removal from their carriers and unscrewing a cap to refill.  Ease of refilling the bladder was important; I lost 7 pounds of water weight on the range and that was with drinking over 2 gallons over 8 hours.