Steve & Mark answer listener questions, including: What should you do when you are setup on an elk and the wind switches? How do you properly test and assess pack fit before you commit? What one clothing piece should a new hunter invest in? LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Resources mentioned in this episode: - June Giveaway for Exo Insiders: https://exomtngear.com/june-gear - Fix Your Pack Fit: https://exomtngear.com/fitfix - Budget Grid Fleece: https://amzn.to/3xqhCLl...
Jun 13, 2022•24 min
Your truck won't run with an empty tank. And it also won't run well, or for long, or the wrong type of fuel. The same is true of you. To perform your best, you need to fuel properly. But what does that mean? With an overwhelming amount of nutrition information on the internet and countless "performance" products being marketed to us, how do you cut through the fluff and get solid nutrition information and recommendations on what really matters? Kyle Kamp with Valley to Peak Nutrition is the guy ...
Jun 10, 2022•56 min
With decades of experience as a hunter, guide, and outfitter, Cliff Gray has hunted more elk than many of us could ever experience in a lifetime. His time as a guide and outfitter has allowed him to see the common mistakes that elk hunters make, and how the consistently-successful hunters make success happen. In this conversation, Cliff shares some of the ways that struggling elk hunters can find more consistent success on public land elk hunts. Connect with Cliff... - Website: https://pursuitwi...
Jun 08, 2022•1 hr 12 min
Steve & Mark answer listener questions about the K3 Crib Load Panel, what their family thinks of their podcasting popularity, the ethics of encountering other hunters in the backcountry, and the best resources to learn more about elk hunting. LEAVE US A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Resources mentioned in this episode: - June Giveaway for Exo Insiders: https://exomtngear.com/june-gear - Gear That Never Leaves My Pack: https://exomtngear.com/alwayscarry - SuperFeet Trailblaze...
Jun 06, 2022•33 min
Rain gear. You may not need it, or it may save your hunt. You can spend fifty bucks or hundreds of dollars. Some pieces weigh a few ounces, while other pieces weigh a couple of pounds. Company X has proprietary technology with miraculous claims, while Company Y claims its membrane is better. So what do you do? How do you select rain gear? Well, it begins with understanding how rain gear works — and why, sometimes, it doesn't. To help us dig deeper than the marketing messages we, as consumers, se...
Jun 01, 2022•1 hr 9 min
If you care about the future of hunting and wildlife, you should care about this podcast episode. We are joined by Charlie from Howl for Wildlife to talk about why individual action (by YOU!) is so important. And how your action (and our collective unity as hunters) can make positive changes and provide lasting protections for the good of wild animals, wild places, and the rights of sportsmen. Connect with Howl for Wildlife: - https://www.howlforwildlife.org/ - https://www.instagram.com/howl_org...
May 25, 2022•1 hr 6 min
Steve & Mark answer your questions about their recent bear hunt. Topics include the ticks they encountered, the optics they used, the shot placement on their bears, and more. They also answer why they use Cordura on Exo Mtn Gear packs and not something waterproof. LISTENER HUNT SERIES (Before & After): Contact podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Resources mentioned in this episode... - Exo Dry Bag Liner: https://exomtngear.com/k3drybag - 6.5 Cree...
May 23, 2022•27 min
Steve & Mark recently filled both of their bear tags on the first evening of what was meant to be a 4-day backpack hunt. In this episode, they discuss the hunt story, lessons learned along the way, and more. ASK YOUR QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: exomtngear.com/podcast
May 18, 2022•48 min
Mark and Emory have an unscripted, informal conversation and chat through a variety of topics. They talk about Emory's position that quilts are the most over-rated piece of backpacking gear, and Mark talks about why he LOVES his quilt. They also debate fleece vs merino for mid-layers, down vs synthetic for insulation, and more. Most importantly, they discuss the "traps" of gear, the importance of figuring out what works for YOU, and the sunk-cost fallacy of continuing to use gear that doesn't ac...
May 11, 2022•1 hr 20 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on a variety of topics. We discuss the use of trekking poles for training, the use of poles while hunting, how to manage trekking poles and weapon access, what is required to legally travel and hunt with a suppressor, the benefits and use of Exo's frame-height extensions on the K3 Frame, and some last-minute advice for a new backpack hunter. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Resources mentioned in this episode... - Frame Extens...
May 10, 2022•40 min
Gun writer and podcaster, Joseph von Benedikt, makes his fourth appearance on the podcast to talk about a variety of topics. We discuss Joseph's wet-aging process for venison and his favorite way to prepare and cook wild game. We learn about his experience hunting Kodiak from a boat this past fall. And, of course, we dive into some rifle-related topics, including vintage firearms, and what bullet Mark should use for his upcoming mountain goat hunt. LEAVE US A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntb...
May 04, 2022•1 hr 25 min
On this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer listener questions on weighted pack training, dealing with ticks on spring hunts, how to spot more bears, why mechanical broadheads may not penetrate, and more... ASK YOUR QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Resources mentioned in this episode... - Corner Crossing Ruling: https://wyofile.com/jury-finds-four-corner-crossing-hunters-not-guilty-of-trespass/ - Compressing an Exo Pack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBmi5MtiVG0 - Fre...
May 02, 2022•46 min
Mark goes solo to answer frequent listener questions on topics and gear that he has personal experience with... - Why did you build a 7SAUM instead of a 28 Nosler, 280 Ackley Improved, or 7mm RemMag? - Should left-handed shooters use left-handed bolt action rifles, or is using a right-handed bolt gun ok? What left-handed bolt action would you recommend? - What should I do if I really want to hunt mountain goats but live in a state where there are no goat hunting opportunities? - What as your exp...
Apr 29, 2022•37 min
This episode is all about rifle actions. We are joined by Mike Lee from Defiance Machine to understand how rifle actions are made, the differences between factory and custom rifle actions, how the action affects accuracy in a rifle system, the difference between tolerance and clearance, the best coatings for actions, Defiance's best action for backcountry hunters, and much more. LEAVE US A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Connect with Defiance Machine... - Website: https://defiance...
Apr 27, 2022•1 hr 10 min
On this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer listener questions on pack selection, budget hunting clothes, how to plan an out-of-state hunt, the pros/cons of lighted nocks and mechanical broadheads, and more... LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Resources mentioned in this episode... - Uno Card Game for Backpacking: https://amzn.to/39gcRLU - Exo Pack Volume Comparison Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_VKnXgRFwY - Listener Story Podcast Episodes: https://exomt...
Apr 25, 2022•44 min
When you hear about hunting in Texas, you may think of fenced private lands, feeders, and box blinds. But there are some big adventures to be had in the deep south. In this episode, Stephen West joins us to talk about his work as a guide in Texas and Mexico. Whether it is chasing Aoudad in West Texas, Carmen deer in the Chinati Mountains, or Mule Deer in Sonora, Stephen is a year-round guide that lives for adventure. Stephen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephen__west/ West of Texas TV:...
Apr 20, 2022•58 min
On today's Monday Minute episode, we answer your listener questions: - Are the new Prana Zion pants as good as the old ones? - What is the best do-it-all Exo pack? - Is Mark using a down or synthetic sleeping bag for his mountain goat hunt in Southeast Alaska? - What are the differences between controlled vs over-the-counter elk hunts in Idaho? - What are the best tools and materials to have available for backcountry bow repair? LEAVE US A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry $100 OFF ...
Apr 18, 2022•34 min
"Success in filling a tag does not mean a successful hunt: A first time elk hunter's highs, lows, and valuable survival and hunting lessons." That was the subject of an email we received this past fall. Upon reading that email from a podcast listener, Matthew, we knew we had to share his story. And that's what we are doing in this episode. The lessons that Matthew learned on this hunt are things that we can all learn from. ASK US A QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Contact Us: podc...
Apr 13, 2022•1 hr 13 min
We announce a limited Exo sale launching this week and then answer your listener questions on arrow weight for elk hunting, how to clean your pack, the new gear we are testing, and more... Sign-up to get notified when the Fusion Blemish sale starts this week: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter LEAVE A QUESTION, WIN A KNIFE?... https://exomtngear.com/knifegiveaway Resources mentioned in this episode: - Pack Damage Photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb_aTUbpJl9/ - Article on Arrow Weight vs Arrow ...
Apr 11, 2022•31 min
If you've looked at laser rangefinders recently, you've probably been overwhelmed by the options. And, perhaps, confused at the massive difference in prices. Or maybe you have a rangefinder that you don't understand. Sometimes it works great and other times it won't give you a reading no matter how hard you try. Our guest in this episode is Jake Love from SIG Optics. He shares his insider knowledge with us to explain how rangefinders work. And why, sometimes, they don't work as expected. We disc...
Apr 06, 2022•1 hr 8 min
We answer your listener questions on: The best way to cross creeks while hunting, the best layering strategies for high-output activities in cold weather, the best way to pack a bear hide, and more... LEAVE A QUESTION, WIN A KNIFE?... https://exomtngear.com/knifegiveaway Resources Mentioned In This Show... - Bivy Talk: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/mm-125 - Cape/Hide Packing Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kleuzOaGhvE - Arc'teryx Atom LT: https://amzn.to/3DE5DMO Ask A Question: spe...
Apr 04, 2022•35 min
We built a limited-edition knife with our neighbor and world-class knife make, Chris Reeve Knives. You cannot buy this knife, but you can win one at: https://exomtngear.com/knifegiveaway. Enter before May 1st, 2022! In this episode we're joined by Tim Reeve to answer your questions about knives. We discuss steel types, knife sizes, blade angles, sharpening tips, and more. ENTER TO WIN: https://exomtngear.com/knifegiveaway Chris Reeve Knives: https://chrisreeve.com/ Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear...
Apr 01, 2022•1 hr 10 min
Mark Rowenhorst is the owner/operator of Limitless Alaska Guiding. Podcast host, Mark Huelsing, will be hunting mountain goats in Alaska with Limitless this fall. In this episode, they discuss Mark's history, how he became a guide in Alaska, what it is like to hunt mountain goats in Southeast Alaska, and much more. Follow Mark Huelsing's journey as he documents this upcoming mountain hunt: https://ExoMtnGear.com/SEAK Connect with Mark Rowenhorst & Limitless Alaska: - Email: limitlessalaska@o...
Mar 30, 2022•1 hr 9 min
We answer your listener questions on camouflage versus solids for hunting, the use of SIG's BDX system for scopes and rangefinders, how to fly with an Exo pack, and tips for a first-time sheep hunter. We also share a "pro tip" from a taxidermist, as well as a DIY breakfast recipe for your next backcountry adventure. Ask us a question: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Resourced mentioned in this episode: - SIG KILO 3000 BDX: https://www.sigsauer.com/kilo3000bdx-10x42-mm.html - Sea to Summit ...
Mar 28, 2022•35 min
Douglas Boze is a passionate bear hunter and author of some great books on bear hunting. He joins us on this podcast to answer your questions about bear hunting, including — What are the differences between hunting black bears in the fall and the spring? What should new bear hunters know? What should you look for when e-scouting for black bears? What is the best way to skin and care for bear hides in the field? What are the best ways to prepare bear meat? And much more... Share your question for...
Mar 23, 2022•1 hr 3 min
We're answering your listener calls. Leave us your audio question or message for a future show at: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry. All audio messages received before May 1st will be entered to win a custom, limited-edition Exo Mtn Gear + Chris Reeves knife. Resources mentioned in this show... - SpeakPipe: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry - Arcade Belts: https://amzn.to/3aEIGuw - Before & After Pack Fit: https://exomtngear.com/fitfix - Exo's 30 Day Trial Period: https://exomtngear...
Mar 21, 2022•26 min
If you've been interested in a suppressor, but have been overwhelmed by the process involved to get one, there's good news. Not only has the process for legally obtaining a suppressor changed recently, but there are full-service providers to guide you in every step of the process. Today, we are speaking with Brandon Maddox from Silencer Central to discuss what's new with suppressor approvals — including how the wait times for approvals will be reduced, how Silencer Central can help you with ever...
Mar 16, 2022•1 hr 3 min
Steve & Mark answer your questions about transitioning from rifle hunting to archery hunting, the necessity of gaiters, budget gear, puffy jackets, and more... SHARE YOUR QUESTION via SpeakPipe: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE... - Kryptek Pack Pre-Orders: https://exomtngear.com/kryptek - Steve & Mark's Budget Gear: https://exomtngear.com/budgetgear - Decathlon Budget Puffy Jackets: https://www.decathlon.com/collections/hiking-down-jackets - LL B...
Mar 14, 2022•29 min
Colton Heward is both a do-it-yourself hunter and a professional hunting guide. He joins us on this episode to talk about the misconceptions that many hunters have about guided hunts, what life is like as a hunting guide, what makes a good hunter/client on a guided hunt, and much more... Read Mark's article: "Going Guided — How To Select A Hunting Outfitter": https://exomtngear.com/guided Connect with Colton Heward: https://www.instagram.com/muleycrazy89/ Search the Podcast Archive: https://exom...
Mar 09, 2022•1 hr 3 min
Steve & Mark talk about the criteria you should consider when selecting rain gear. They also discuss new gear they've tried recently for knife sharpening and dry-fire shooting practice. Rain Gear Selection Criteria... - Expected Exposure - Required Durability - Budget - Activity Level - Discretion — Noise & Color - Packability — Weight & Bulk Resources mentioned in this episode... - Knive Giveaway: https://www.instagram.com/p/CanPez3PM2Q/ - WorkSharp Precision Adjust Elite: https://a...
Mar 07, 2022•29 min
