The seventh installment of our Staff Favorites series features Mr. Scott Packard. Scott is thoroughly defined by his 20 years of service as a Marine Corps infantry officer; you’ll see this clearly throughout his staff picks. But to imagine that this is his sole character trait is entirely foolish. He’s an excellent writer, enrapturing GP’s audience with Defense Journals and other articles packed full of ethos and well-studied logic. Scott’s also an active athlete (his favorite pastimes include bicycling, surfing, skiing and even, recently, motocross); a craft beer enthusiast who frequents many of the great tap rooms in his home of San Diego with his wife, who he says enjoys beer even more than he; a passionate cook; and a father and husband. He is, in short, the Most Interesting Man in the World’s older, wiser brother. We’re proud to have this experienced character on our staff. He’s proud of some awesome gear.
Benchmade Tactical Folder 710DLC-1 McHenry & Williams Design
A gift, subdued and inscribed with “Marine Warrior”, from someone I deeply respect who knows the meaning of both words. The super-tough G10 handles can take some serious punishment, and the tool steel blade is just about as tough as they come. My blade is a bit beat up from use in many a clime and place, and occasionally opening the mail.
BMW X5 xDrive50i
The Bimmer is a tight, beefy driving machine — truck owners look up in surprise when I fire her up. Unlike other luxury German brands, BMW is about the driving — even more so with the M Sport Package — and less about the luxe. Get in and drive one, and you’ll realize that it’s not some boxy hauler, but a precision-muscled beast that just happens to have an SUV shape to it. The power is intoxicating.