Jake takes over as host of the podcast and interviews Steve & Mark with your questions about Exo Mtn Gear. Aside from talking about the company, they also answer some fun questions that were submitted, such as their worse backcountry poop experience, who is "the big spoon" when they share a tent, and more. They ran out of time, so Jake will be back on a future Monday Minute to ask more of the fun questions you guys submitted. PS — There is a BIG surprise at the end! https://exomtngear.com/
Mar 03, 2021•1 hr 3 min
We continue our Behind the Scenes at Exo Mtn Gear podcast series with Jake Havlicek. As a teenager, Jake started building packs part-time in the summer. Now, several years later, Jake is a full-time employee and an integral part of the Exo team. We discuss Jake's journey working at Exo, his growth as a hunter, and much more. In tomorrow's episode (#273), Jake takes over as host of the podcast, so tune back in to hear him interview Steve and Mark. https://exomtngear.com
Mar 02, 2021•54 min
Patrick and his wife sold everything they owned, left the Northeast, and headed West without a specific place or plan in mind. Months later, they settled in Boise, Idaho. Patrick walked into Exo HQ and began building packs part-time. Here we are, a few years later, and Patrick is an integral part of the Exo Mtn Gear family. Tune in to hear more about Patrick's story traveling the US, his work at Exo Mtn Gear, and his recent mountain goat hunt. https://exomtngear.com/
Mar 01, 2021•1 hr
Our guest in this episode, Dwayne Magnusson, is an outfitter, guide, and pilot in Alaska. As owner and operator of Magnusson Alaskan Outfitters, Dwayne has vast experience hunting and flying in Alaska for a multitude of species. This past fall, Steve hunted with Dwayne on his sheep hunt. We speak with Dwayne about his experience, the lessons he has learned, what he sees hunters get right (and wrong!) when it comes to hunting in the mountains, and much more. Contact Dwayne: https://huntmao.com/ C...
Feb 24, 2021•59 min
Steve & Mark answer listener questions about broadhead flight, the issue of "not knowing what you don't know", and why Steve said that socialism is now a part of hunting. As always, these informal episodes are meant to answer your questions, so send us your ideas and feedback to podcast@exomtngear.com
Feb 22, 2021•34 min
It is the time of year where many of us are starting to apply for tags in various states. Some of us have a tried-and-true strategy that include spreadsheets of our points for each state and species, while others of us are still scratching our heads and trying to figure out how to make our way through each state's confusing maze of rules for tag applications, points, deadlines, and fine-print. Whether you are a seasoned player in the game of points and draws or a first-time hunter just looking f...
Feb 17, 2021•58 min
Steve & Mark answer several listener questions on archery and bowhunting-related topics that cover bow-sight pin size and selection, arrow selection and setup, and broadhead performance on game. They also chat a bit about their cold-weather hiking from the weekend. SHARE YOUR QUESTION: podcast@exomtngear.com Learn More and Shop Logo Gear: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Feb 15, 2021•30 min
These lessons from a Marine fighter pilot, mountaineer, and backcountry hunter will change how you hunt. Our guest, Dave, shares lessons and specific "sayings" that came from decades of experience and unending curiosity. If you apply these sayings to your hunts, it will no doubt make you a more effective hunter. Read Mark's takeaway's from this podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/5-sayings-that-will-change-how-you-hunt Podcast Logo Gear: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podca...
Feb 10, 2021•1 hr 24 min
Steve & Mark answer listener questions about hiking in the dark, their Death Hike prep, and gear. There are also some funny stories along the way. Share your question or feedback: podcast@exomtngear.com Exo Blog: https://exomtngear.com/blog Gear Lists: https://exomtngear.com/inmypack Podcast Logo Gear: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Feb 08, 2021•42 min
As hunters, we should know how to quickly and cleanly kill the animals we pursue. Not just how to choose a bullet or broadhead. Or how to place a projectile "in the vitals". We should understand the animal's physiological systems and how to affect those systems to cause death. In this episode, we speak with Hornady's Lead Ballistician, Jayden Quinlan, to understand how, exactly, animals die. We eventually work our way into talking about the performance of projectiles — such as expansion and pene...
Feb 03, 2021•1 hr 21 min
Steve & Mark answer an email from a listener that has been hunting elk for 3 years, but has never seen an elk and has only heard bugling on one day. They also end up chatting about 6.5 PRC vs 6.5 Creedmoor. Mark will post his article on why he chose the 6.5 Creedmoor over the 6.5 PRC... Get the article in your Inbox on Wednesday (02/03/21): https://exomtngear.com/newsletter. Or check the blog after Wednesday: https://exomtngear.com/blog Have a question for us?... podcast@exomtngear.com
Feb 01, 2021•33 min
Our guest on this episode, Randy, is a vegan turned elk hunter. We hear about Randy's transition into hunting. What it was like to kill his first elk. How he uses yoga to shoot his rifle (kidding...kind of). And much more! Are you interested in the elk hunting course we discussed in this show? Use the code "EXO20" to save $20 on the University of Elk Hunting online course at https://elk101.com/onlinecourse. As a member of the course, you will also get access to a discount on all Exo Mtn Gear pur...
Jan 27, 2021•57 min
On this late Monday (Tuesday) Minute episode, Steve surprises Mark and asks him to tell the story of his favorite hunt. They also discuss a listener question on bow sights. And then explain the concept of thermals and how thermals affect hunters. Share your question/feedback for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com Shop Bow Sights: https://sandsarchery.com/collections/bow-sights
Jan 26, 2021•43 min
In this episode, we are joined by backcountry hunter and former Green Beret, Stephen Ourada (@northrangehunter). In our conversation with Stephen we discuss how hunting helped him as a Green Beret, how he recovered from a mental and physical low-point after being medically retired, why hiked more 2,000 miles in 2020, and much more. Connect with us: podcast@exomtngear.com and https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Jan 20, 2021•1 hr 15 min
We answer listener questions on budget clothing, the advantages of the Alaska Airlines credit card, when to drop your pack while stalking, and how to select a stabilizer for your bow. Budget Puffy Pants: https://amzn.to/39idele or search the web for "ECWCS Level 7 Pants" Alaska Airlines Card: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/credit-card/visa-signature Bow Stabilizers: https://sandsarchery.com/collections/stabilizers Contact us: podcast@exomtngear.com
Jan 18, 2021•29 min
Photographer and hunter, Beaumon Day, joins us to talk about his pursuit of wildlife — with both weapons and cameras. We talk about what Beau has learned from wildlife photography that also informs his hunting. We then discuss a very unique hunt that Beau got to participate in this past fall, as he hunted Mountain Goats within Teton National Park. Beau's 2021 Wildlife Calendar: https://beaudayphotography.com/products/2021-wildlife-calendar Follow Beau on IG at https://www.instagram.com/beaudayph...
Jan 13, 2021•1 hr 20 min
Mark is joined by Tyler Boschma to discuss their experiences using Hammer Bullets on hunts this fall. The original podcast episode about Hammer Bullets is Episode 227: Hunting with Hammers - Learn more about Hammer Bullets at https://HammerBullets.com - Connect with Tyler: https://www.instagram.com/tyler_boschma/ - Podcast Questions & Feedback: podcast@exomtngear.com
Jan 11, 2021•16 min
Welcome to the Hunt Backcountry Podcast in 2021! We are starting the new year with a new show format as we go "Unscripted" with Emory Wanger. Mark and Emory hop on a call with no agenda, hit record, and this podcast is the result. They discuss a wide-variety of topics on hunting, backpacking, gear, family, and more... 03:35 — Gear choice with no budget limitations 05:25 — Perspective on the meaning of new gear 10:58 — Is hunting conservation? 17:34 — Animals vs wildlife 27:20 — The importance of...
Jan 06, 2021•1 hr 18 min
Need a kick in the butt to get in shape, or stay in shape for the New Year? Check out our free training plan... https://exomtngear.com/train In this episode, Steve & Mark answer a listener question about why they choose backcountry hunting as their main hobby. And also what other hobbies they enjoy. Steve & Mark also discuss their "off season" and favorite winter activities. Share your question for the next episode: podcast@exomtngear.com Exo Packs Available Now: https://exomtngear.com/p...
Jan 04, 2021•19 min
As a small company building our products in the USA, this year presented many challenges. But thanks to the support of our customers, we are finishing this year with immense gratitude for the opportunity we have to continue building high-quality, American-made products for our fellow hunters. As a tangible way to thank you for your support, we want to send a free custom decal to everyone that purchased from Exo Mtn Gear in 2020, and also give you an opportunity to win some of the gear that we pe...
Dec 16, 2020•37 min
As the off-season arrives and hunters turn to shoppers, we answer your latest gear questions on this Monday Minute. Share your question for a future episode by sending us an email to podcast@exomtngear.com
Dec 14, 2020•19 min
Paul Lewis of FHF Gear joins us to talk about a special Bighorn Sheep tag he drew in Montana. We get the full story on how the hunt went down and what he learned along the way. Before we dive into the hunt details, we also get the backstory on FHF Gear. You'll hear how FHF was born from Paul's side-gig in his garage, doing custom work for mostly law enforcement and military needs, and then how it almost unintentionally became the FHF Gear we know of today. This is an entertaining conversation on...
Dec 09, 2020•1 hr 11 min
Steve Evans (@__steve__evans__) just started hunting big game a couple of years ago, but he has already spent more than 150 days in the field across multiple western states hunting deer, elk, and other species. In this wide-ranging conversation, Mark speaks with Steve about the unique experience he has, being both relatively new to big game hunting, while at the same time having the opportunity to spend so much time hunting and learning in just a couple of years. https://exomtngear.com/podcast...
Dec 02, 2020•1 hr 12 min
Steve and Mark answer your listener questions about new-for-2021 bows, the pros and cons of long and short axle-length bows, how to shoot your bow effectively with a pack on, whether or not moose is a good species to hunt for a first trip to Alaska, and more. Oh, and they get interrupted with a poopy diaper. #dadlife Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com
Dec 01, 2020•29 min
Save 15% on all Exo Mtn Gear items this Friday (11/27). Sign-up to get notified: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Is ultralight gear overrated? What's the best way to practice with your bow when you can only shoot at a few yards indoors? How was Mark's experience flying the meat home from his recent elk hunt? Share your listener question for the next episode: podcast@exomtngear.com https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Nov 23, 2020•26 min
Full-time job, wife, kids, no experience, and a worldwide pandemic. Those excuses didn't stop Jared and Eric from a DIY adventure for Sitka Blacktail Deer on Kodiak Island, Alaska. Tune-in to hear how they planned this hunt, what it was like to hunt Alaska on their own, and more. Whether you are looking for specific tips on planning a trip, just wanting to hear a good hunting story, or are open to being challenged about planning your "dream" adventure...there's something in this show for you. ht...
Nov 18, 2020•1 hr 11 min
Will Exo be having a Black Friday sale? YES! And to make sure you don't miss the best pricing of the year, be sure you receive our emails: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Steve and Mark also discuss the pros and cons of Sil-Nylon vs Dyneema/Cuben Fiber for shelters, what they do with their extra gear they're no longer testing/using, and how they make changes to their sleep systems for variable weather conditions. Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com https://exomtngear.com/p...
Nov 16, 2020•23 min
Steve & Mark discuss their favorite gear of the year in 2020. They also revisit their prior favorite gear from 2018 and 2019, and discuss how that gear is still performing for them today. No matter your budget, there's something in here for you... See the whole list at: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/2020-gear-of-the-year Contact us: podcast@exomtngear.com
Nov 11, 2020•1 hr 1 min
Steve and Mark answer listener questions about off-season gear care and storage, how they feel about hunting with a bow vs a rifle, tips they have for packaging meat while at camp, and more... Share your question for a future show: podcast@exomtngear.com https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Nov 09, 2020•26 min
Why you should consider hunting with a muzzleloader...and how to get started. In the episode with John McAdams from the Big Game Hunting Blog, we talk about the knowledge and gear needed to get started hunting with a muzzleloader. If you are like us and want to expand your opportunities to hunt, regardless of what weapon is in your hands, hunting with a muzzleloader can extend your season, open up new opportunities, and you also might find that you simply enjoy the challenge of hunting with a ne...
Nov 04, 2020•1 hr 13 min