We are launching something NEW! Tune in to hear Steve and Mark share their vision for The Experience Project. Help us make The Experience Project the best that it can be. Share your feedback and ideas with us... https://forms.gle/YB6zDTDBKJa3ESwD9 To get more insight into the name for this project, read this article that Mark wrote many years ago, about being an "Experience Hunter"... https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/experience-hunter Email Newsletter: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter YouTu...
Mar 11, 2024•40 min
In this episode, Mark runs solo to answer your questions about gear from his Dall Sheep hunt in Alaska. In addition to answering those specific listener questions, Mark has also published a "What's In My Pack?" video for all of the gear he took on this hunt. You can find that video, the full gear list spreadsheet, and more at the links below. QUESTIONS answered on this podcast... - What did you think of the Sitka Dewpoint rain gear that you used on your sheep hunt, compared to the First Lite Ome...
Mar 06, 2024•34 min
In this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer listener questions about sleeping yourself dry in a down sleeping bag, thoughts on new center-zip sleeping bag/quilt hybrid designs, a new rifle scope from Maven Optics, how to assess new gear, the value of buying used gear, the intentionality and sacrifices required for training, the value of "mini-events", and much more... Links mentioned in this episode: - Maven RS 1.2 Rifle Scope: https://mavenbuilt.com/products/rs1-2-2-5-15x44-ffp - "Do...
Mar 04, 2024•35 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 Zak, who completed a guided elk hunt in Montana, which was a family trip with his father and uncle. As an adult-onset hunte...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer listener questions about choosing to prioritize your hunting focus on specific species (in this case, elk vs deer) versus trying to 'do it all' at once. They also answer a listener's question about using the 6.5 Creedmoor for elk hunting. Additionally, they chat about changes to the podcast, updates on this year's Death Hike, and some new things coming from Exo Mtn Gear. Links mentioned in this episode: - Backwards Thinking & Ballistics:...
Feb 26, 2024•30 min
Jay Nichol of Mindful Hunter returns to the podcast to discuss his 2023 season, and the lessons he has learned about confidence, consistency, and choices in gear. We also discuss his expanded hunting gear review platform, his new apparel company, and a whole lot more. - Jay's Prior Podcast Appearance: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/349 - Independent Pack Review, Part 1: https://youtu.be/FdkN_rAeSx0 - Independent Pack Review, Part 2: https://youtu.be/ZuTKzIr8kS0 - Mindful Hunter: https://ww...
Feb 23, 2024•1 hr 9 min
After drawing a once-in-a-lifetime Bighorn Sheep tag in Idaho, and having an amazing experience on the hunt, Jason joins us on the podcast to tell the whole story, the lessons learned, and what this experience meant to him. When you combine a place as epic as the Frank Church Wilderness with an animal as majestic as sheep, and get to experience both of those things with the closest people in your life, you have a recipe for an amazing adventure. Hunt Photos & Video — https://exomtngear.com/b...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 8 min
We are back from Hunt Expo and are answering your listener questions, including questions about what we experienced at Hunt Expo, the best new products we saw there, our thoughts on bow length and stability, and more... Links mentioned in this episode: - Wiser Precision Bino Clamp: https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/ba-7-sparrow-bino-adapter - Wiser Precision Ball Head (Sneak Peek): https://www.instagram.com/p/C3a_owRPpVA/ - Rokstok Rifle Stock: https://www.unknownmunitions.com/product-cate...
Feb 20, 2024•32 min
This is a great conversation on the realities of hunting late-season elk, how dealing with variable weather can change the course of a hunt, the importance of logistics and details, how trophy opportunity can change the pressure of a hunt, and a whole lot more. Rob joins us to tell the story of his 2023 late-season Montana elk hunt. While the hunt ended with a beautiful 350+ bull, it took a lot more work and persistence than Rob imagined it would. Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Messa...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss how to get started hunting, how to choose a sleep bag or quilt (especially for big guys), and why you can convert an Exo Lid into a fanny pack, but they don't recommend it. Sleeping Bag vs Quilt Podcast — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/130 Come see us at Hunt Expo — https://huntexpo.com/ Get a special show discount at the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen's Show when you visit the Born & Raise...
Feb 12, 2024•28 min
Today we are releasing a bonus episode, which we originally recorded with our friend, Kyle Kamp, for his show, the Valley to Peak Nutrition Podcast. Kyle interviewed Mark & Steve about some of the lessons they have learned doing Death Hikes over the years. This whole conversation was conceived because of a recent comment that Steve made on a Monday Minute episode, when he mentioned something along the lines of... "I am not sure that we can make a truly hard Death Hike again, because we have ...
Feb 09, 2024•59 min
If you are interested in hunting big game in Montana in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak with Greg and Emily from Montana Fish, Parks & Wildlife, to get an update on the status of deer, elk, and grizzly bears in Montana. The state's "It's Up To Us" hunter ethics campaign. The differences between Montana's bonus points and preference points for their hunting applications, and much more. Resources for this episode... - https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt - https://fwp.mt.gov/ItsUpToUs - ...
Feb 07, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss the real advantages of a custom rifle, compared to a factory rifle. How to choose a sleep system based on the location, conditions, and logistics of a hunt. Why they don't make the K4 Lid into a fanny pack. And more... Exo Golf Tournament — July 12, 2024. More info to come! Come see us at Hunt Expo — https://huntexpo.com/ Get a special show discount at the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen's Show when y...
Feb 05, 2024•35 min
If you are interested in hunting big game in Idaho in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak Toby Boudreau, Deer and Elk Coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, to get an update on the status of deer, elk, wolves, black bear, and grizzly bear in Idaho. A recap of the recent non-resident tag general sale, information on the use of e-bikes, and a whole lot more. Resources for this episode... - Idaho Fish & Game: https://idfg.idaho.gov/ - Idaho Hunt Planner: https://i...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 14 min
After returning from SHOT Show, Steve & Mark talk about what it means to be made in the USA, clarify comments about ridiculously expensive sheep tags, share one listener's testing and results of the new Flextail Zero Pump (https://www.flextail.com/products/zero-pump), and answer a listener question about investing in a tarp or rain gear for a spring bear hunt. SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https...
Jan 29, 2024•33 min
If you are interested in hunting big game in New Mexico in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak directly with the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish to understand how to hunt in New Mexico, and also answer your listener-submitted questions about their application process, updates on species, changes in regulations, and more. Resources for this episode... - New Mexico Department of Game & Fish: https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/ - Historical Harvest Report: https://www.wild...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min
While traveling between Sheep Show and SHOT Show, Steve, Mark & Jake record a podcast to answer your questions. This is definitely a much different episode than most. SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Jan 22, 2024•47 min
If you are interested in hunting big game in Arizona in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak directly with the Arizona Game & Fish Department to understand how to hunt in Arizona, and also answer your listener-submitted questions about their point system, that status of their deer herd, how they set quotas and use adaptive management strategies, and more. Resources for this episode... - Arizona Game & Fish Department: https://www.azgfd.com/ - How The Draw Works: https://www...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions, talk about Mark's recent experience at the ATA Show, discuss where you can see Exo in the following months, and chat about the current podcast series with state wildlife departments. Items mentioned in this show... - Exo Newsletter: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter - Xpedition XLite Bows: https://www.xpeditionarchery.com/collections/xlite - Wild Tech Game Grip: https://amzn.to/3O5lISa - NILCH'i Wind Checker: https://www.nilchi.com/ - Painted Arro...
Jan 15, 2024•40 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 Bryan, who completed a DIY moose hunt in Alaska this past fall. We hear how the hunt went, the lessons they learned, and ho...
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 7 min
If you are interested in hunting big game in Wyoming in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak directly with the Wyoming Game & Fish department to understand how to hunt in Wyoming, and also answer your listener-submitted questions about point creep, herd population and health, hunting in grizzly country, migration research, and more. Wyoming Game & Fish: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/ WY Hunt Planner: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Hunting/Hunt-Planner Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave ...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss what new changes/additions may be coming to the K4 Pack lineup for 2024, if vacuum sealing game bags is worth it, and how to choose magnification (8x, 10x, or 12x) when purchasing new binos. SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Jan 08, 2024•24 min
Steve & Mark recap the best of 2023 and reveal some new plans for 2024. They recap the best-selling Exo products of 2023, the most-downloaded podcasts of 2023, and the most-watched Exo videos of 2023... THE BEST OF 2023 — https://exomtngear.com/2023 You'll also hear about plans for new content, new hunts, new events, a new Death Hike, and more for 2024. SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exom...
Jan 01, 2024•40 min
Whether you consider yourself a 'resolutions' person or not, the new year is a perfect time to reflect on where you have been, and to make some goals for where you want to go. No matter where you are coming from, Mtn Tough has some great training for your mind and body, to make you a tougher and more capable hunter (and human!) in 2024. In this conversation with Dustin Diefenderfer, founder of Mtn Tough, we discuss training, recovery, habits, mindset, and more. MTN TOUGH TRIAL: https://mtntough....
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Merry Christmas from all of us at Exo Mtn Gear! As a thank you to everyone who supported the launch of our new K4 Pack Systems this year, we wanted to give away some of our favorite hunting gear. We took everyone who purchased a K4 Pack this year, drew random names, and gave away some great prizes that are worth a total of around $10,000 SEE THE PRIZES & WINNERS — https://exomtngear.com/christmas Please support the companies that contributed to this great giveaway.
Dec 24, 2023•3 min
Today's guest, Adam, reached out to us about a very unique hunt he went on earlier this year, in Nepal for Blue Sheep. We knew that this hunt involved very big mountains and a unique species of sheep, but that's about it. We were excited to discuss this hunt with Adam — to hear about the adventure and learn more about this unique hunt. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Photos from Adam's Hunt: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/november-23-himalayan-blue-sheep-story.337291/...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 25 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss how to not "waste the winter" and what they do during the winter to stay productive and motivated, to not regress before the next hunting season. They also discuss what they do, specifically, to stay "in it" on tough solo hunts. And if "smart rangefinders" that create waypoints are something that they use. SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Vie...
Dec 18, 2023•26 min
We have been using onX Maps for many years. First, using the state-specific chips on a handheld Garmin GPS, and then using the phone-based onX Hunt app. While the features and capabilities of onX have grown tremendously, we haven't personally kept up to date enough to take advantage of all that onX can do for us these days. In today's conversation with onX's Dylan Dowson, we wanted to learn more about the capabilities we're not using in onX. Dylan shares the specific new features that he finds m...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss the trade-off of hunting Alaska, even if it means not hunting your normal seasons and species. They answer follow-up questions from their recent Gear of the Year podcast. And they provide some guidance on planning your own Death Hike. Mapping Apps to Consider: - https://onxmaps.com/hunt - https://caltopo.com/ - https://fatmap.com/ - https://www.gaiagps.com/ - https://www.basemap.com/ - https://www...
Dec 11, 2023•32 min
At the end of each year, we like to look back and highlight some of the specific gear that made a difference on our hunts that year. We don't necessarily highlight gear that is newly released this year, or even "new to us". Any gear that made a difference on our hunts in this year is something we may highlight. In this episode, Steve & Mark highlight their "gear of the year" picks for 2023. https://exomtngear.com/gear-of-the-year At the link above you'll find our 2023 gear selections, links ...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 33 min
