Steve & Mark answer your listener questions, including a follow-up about cooking dehydrated for freeze-dried meals in Zip-Loc bags, a free tool to find and compare rifle cartridges for your hunting goals, how to prepare for a sheep hunt, the best shelter choice for Alaska, and insuring your investment hunting gear against theft. Resources mentioned in this episode... - "A Wild Winter Sheep Hunt" Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/396 - Free Training Program: https://exomtngear.com...
May 15, 2023•30 min
We continue the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. Today, we are speaking Erik and Jason — two friends that are headed to New Zealand. They will be hunting numerous species in New Zealand, as well ...
May 10, 2023•55 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions about camping styles for elk hunting, if they have found a backpacking stove better than Jetboil, how to backpack and adjust your pack if you have a bad back, and more. Resources mentioned in this episode: - "BASE, SPIKE, OR BIVY?" Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/217 - MTN Gear Bipods: https://www.mtngear.us/product/bipod - Spartan ARCA Adapter: https://javelinbipod.com/products/classic-arca-adapter Share your question: https://speakp...
May 08, 2023•26 min
Curt joins us to tell the story of his solo buffalo hunt on an Alaskan island, which he completed this past fall. This is obviously a very unique hunting opportunity and experience. The hunt story is not only entertaining, there are also lessons to be learned from Curt's experience. Curt's Previous Episode: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/257 ASK US A QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
May 03, 2023•1 hr 18 min
Jakey is back! We finally had a chance to record the second episode of our new "Final Friday" series. Jake is joined by Mark to recap what they've been up to this past month and chat about the recent trip Jake made out to hang out Mark and his family, Hushin's "Brush for Bucks" event, Jake's rifle build, hunting plans for this 2023 season, future plans for the Final Friday Podcast, and more! Resources mentioned in this episode: - Brush For Bucks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBmqi__0RIU - Sav...
Apr 28, 2023•39 min
Tanner joins us to tell the story of his elk hunt from this past fall. For his first elk season, Tanner was able to hunt archery and rifle seasons for elk in Montana. His experience involved a lot of ups and downs, lessons learned, and ultimately some luck that led to his success on his first elk hunt. ASK US A QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr 18 min
We continue the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. Today, we are speaking with Caleb about his upcoming spring bear hunt in Idaho. As a regular guy from Texas, Caleb got some exposure to western hu...
Apr 19, 2023•51 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions about their favorite wild game to eat and how they like to prepare it, how to use an Exo pack for whitetail hunting with a saddle or treestand, if a bivy is worth using inside of a tent, and their comparison of the NXS vs NX8 rifle scopes from Nightforce. Resources mentioned in this episode... - Meat Care Podcasts: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/046, https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/341, https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/mm-09 - Saddle...
Apr 17, 2023•29 min
After 15 years, today's guest drew a coveted archery Bighorn Sheep tag in his home province of Alberta, Canada. As an outfitter, guide, and pilot, Nick knew a bit about what he was up against for this unique hunting opportunity. It wasn't going to be easy, but it was guaranteed to be an adventure. Nick joins us to share the story of the hunt. And as you listen to Nick's experience, you can certainly learn some things to apply to your future adventures in the mountains. Nick's Outfitting Operatio...
Apr 12, 2023•1 hr 20 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions about puffy jackets and durability, solid clothing colors and hunting safety, gaining more storage space in your pack by using the meat shelf for food or gear, and more... Resources mentioned in this episode... - Canis Alps Down Jacket: https://www.canisathlete.com/products/alps-hooded-down-jacket - K4 Nalgene Holder: https://exomtngear.com/nalgene Share your question: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Searc...
Apr 10, 2023•28 min
In this episode, we are "going deep" with John Barklow from Sitka Gear. This conversation will equip you to make better decisions in your selection of clothing (no matter the brand) for backcountry pursuits. We also discuss how to use different types of clothing layers effectively, how to combine layers efficiently, and some of the mistakes to avoid in the field. If you want to take a deep-dive on the technology and application of apparel for hunting (again, regardless of brand), this is a conve...
Apr 05, 2023•1 hr 21 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions, including the pros and cons of flying vs driving for a solo out-of-state hunt, how to get started shooting rifles with kids and preparing them to hunt, and why all K4 packs don't include a horseshoe zipper and a bladder tube holder. Resources mentioned in this episode... - Rokslide Thread on K4 Packs: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/exo-mountain-k4.279017/ - Bladder Tube Clips: https://amzn.to/3zsTyIV - Rokslide Thread on .223 for Hunting: htt...
Apr 03, 2023•22 min
We have officially launched our all-new K4 Packs & Accessories: https://exomtngear.com/k4 Thank you to everyone that has followed this journey and shared so many good questions about K4 over the past couple of months. After chatting about the K4 launch, Steve and Mark dive in to some questions/topics about hunting in the Spring, including: rain gear, puffy jackets, ticks, tripods, scouting, and Steve's 70's Disco thermals. Resources mentioned in this episode: - https://exomtngear.com/K4 - Di...
Mar 28, 2023•27 min
There is a dizzying amount of information online about rifles, bullets, and ballistics. And while you can find an answer for nearly every question, that doesn't mean we have all of the real and definitive answers. Even a trained, experienced, professional ballistician — such as Hornady's Jayden Quinlan — has questions that keep him up night. Today, we speak with Jayden about those mysteries, and also dive into some practical examples of the things that do and don't matter for your shooting and r...
Mar 22, 2023•1 hr 22 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions — discussing how to select the right shelter for your hunt, how to narrow-down areas to hunt, and how to select proper sizing for K4 Pack Systems. K4 Size Selection: https://exomtngear.com/sizing K4 Updates & Giveaway: exomtngear.com/K4 Share your question: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Mar 20, 2023•30 min
When it comes to rifles, calibers, and cartridges for hunting, many assume that bigger and faster is always better. After all, you can't "kill something too dead", right? But where is the point of diminishing returns? If you find what is "enough", then what are the downsides of chasing more than that? Recoil and shootability? Cost of ammunition, components, and barrel life? What else? Mark & Steve are joined by Seth Swerczek from Hornady to discuss these topics, and more. As you will hear, s...
Mar 15, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions — discussing snow pack and spring bear hunting, using a rifle scope to spot or check animals, pack frame height and head clearance, and "What's in my pack?" videos. Resources mentioned in this episode... - K4 Packs "Behind the Design" —https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/k4-pack-systems-behind-the-design - Bear Hunting Podcasts — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/334, https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/115 - e-Scouting for Spring Bear — https...
Mar 13, 2023•31 min
At just 60-years-young, Curtis continues to hunt hard. He is normally a listener of the podcast, but today he joins us as the guest — to tell us a story from his muzzleloader elk hunt this past fall. We discuss... - Why he continues to hunt elk solo - How he trains to be able to hunt the backcountry in his 60s - How he stays motivated to hunt when the conditions are tough - Simple ways he tracks and patterns elk when they are tough to find - What led to him making a big mistake with a knife and ...
Mar 08, 2023•1 hr 13 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions — discussing the best place to carry your InReach (and why it matters), what body type works best in the K4 Frame, what we are working on for K5, and how material choices affect breathability, sweat, and chafing. Share your question: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com K4 Updates & Giveaway: https://exomtngear.com/K4 View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Mar 06, 2023•34 min
Welcome to an all new segment on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast called "Final Friday". This series will be hosted by none other than the infamous Jakey Poo, aka Jake Havlicek. This series will give a look at what's going on behind the scenes at Exo, with the goal of keeping the conversation informal and not having a set goal to accomplish — just a few Exo employees talking into a microphone. In this first episode, Jake and Mark discuss a variety of topics, including: - Show-Season Shenanigans - Fi...
Mar 03, 2023•51 min
Who knew that there was so much to know about tripods? In today's podcast with Michael from Really Right Stuff, we talk about tripod selection for the hunter that wants to use a tripod for both glassing and shooting. Although this episode is packed with helpful information, it only scratches the surface of this topic. As you listen to this conversation, think about the questions you have and let us know what you want to hear more about. Michael has graciously agreed to do a follow-up episode wit...
Mar 01, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions. They discuss... - How much did Kyle's helicopter rescue cost? (Kyle SOS and rescue story is in Episode 389) - Does the wider K4 Hipbelt cause any pinching or limit mobility? - Where is the line between staying tough and staying safe when solo hunting in difficult conditions? - How is the K4 Load Shelf accessed, and how does it function compared to K3 Packs? - What are some book recommendations for hunting, training, mindset, and becoming a better ...
Feb 27, 2023•43 min
Our guests, Josh & Dan, tell us a story of shared success on backcountry bull elk. The hunting collaboration between Josh and Dan formed in a unique way (hot yoga?!?!), and although they have different levels of hunting experience, they have forged an effective hunting partnership. In this podcast, we hear about the story of their last elk season, but also about how they have learned to hunt together well. Josh's Previous Episode: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/329 PACK SYSTEM GIVEAWAY...
Feb 22, 2023•1 hr 23 min
Instead of a Q&A Monday Minute episode, we are sharing an unscripted conversation hunter, guide, and hunting photographer, Luke Carrick (https://www.instagram.com/carrick.luke/). We hear about Luke's adventures — including spending 30+ consecutive days solo in the mountains to scout for sheep, his school that trains hunters for the backcountry, his work documenting sheep hunts on Tiburon Island, and much more. LEAVE A MESSAGE or question for a future Monday Minute episode: https://speakpipe....
Feb 20, 2023•52 min
Our guest, Kyle, tells his story of falling while solo hunting, hitting SOS on his Garmin InReach, and being rescued by helicopter. As a listener of this podcast, Kyle had heard similar rescue stories before and he knew some of what to expect after hitting SOS. Hear Kyle's whole story, the lessons hear learned, and how he found redemption in the backcountry. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Feb 15, 2023•53 min
Steve & Mark answer your questions about the all-new K4 Pack Systems releasing in March. They discuss: - Why should I switch to Exo and the new K4 Pack System? - Should I pull the trigger on a used K3 to save money, or just go all-out on the new K4? - How large are the full-length side pockets on K4 Bags? What size spotting scope can they fit? - What is the best holster for the K4 Hipbelt? Isn't it bad to have the weight of a pistol hanging on the hipbelt? - How is the stiffness and "feel" o...
Feb 13, 2023•47 min
When it comes to folding rifle chassis that are purpose-built for the weight-conscious backpack hunter, there are two primary options — The XLR Element 4.0 and the MDT HNT26. In this episode, Mark shares his personal experience with both of these chassis and makes ten comparisons to help you choose between them. MARK'S ARTICLE & PHOTOS: https://exomtngear.com/chassis XLR Element: https://xlrindustries.com/products/element_4-0_magnesium_chassis MDT HNT26: https://mdttac.com/hnt26-chassis-syst...
Feb 08, 2023•40 min
If you are looking for simple, practical, and applicable knowledge on training and nutrition before your next hunting season, this episode is for you. Mark joins Kyle from Valley to Peak Nutrition to talk about off-season training and nutrition strategies. Kyle's Podcast: https://www.v2pnutrition.com/podcast FREE Training & Nutrition Guides: - https://exomtngear.com/nutrition - https://exomtngear.com/train K4 Pack System Giveaway: https://exomtngear.com/K4 Ask Us A Question: https://speakpip...
Feb 06, 2023•51 min
After drawing an Arizona elk tag that surprised him, our guest, Brent, shares why he ultimately decided to hire a guide for the hunt. Having never been on a guided hunt, Brent shares what he learned about the experience, how he selected his outfitter, how the hunt went down, and ultimately if he was glad that he decided to go guided. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Feb 01, 2023•1 hr 7 min
After announcing the all-new K4 Pack Systems last week, Steve & Mark answer your questions about K4 Packs in today's Q&A. They discuss: - What K4 options will be available at Hunt Expo this week? - Is anything from K4 compatible with K2/K3? - Why did you make K4 bags larger than K3 bags? - Is K4 lighter than K3? - Is there a waterproof option for K4 packs? K4 Updates & Giveaway: https://exomtngear.com/K4 Share your question: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear...
Jan 30, 2023•38 min
