Jake joins Mark for an overdue Monday Minute episode. They discuss the recent move of Exo HQ, what's to come on the podcast, and why post-hunt pack care (whether you use an Exo or not) is an underestimated and overlooked danger. Links mentioned in this episode: - New Exo HQ: https://exomtngear.com/contact - Hunt Kodiak with Foxtail Lodge: Contact Jerre at taken_line@comcast.net or learn more at https://www.kodiakalaskafishinglodge.com/ - Pack Damage Example: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb_aTUbpJ...
Sep 16, 2024•31 min
Join Steve and Mark as they recap their experience using packrafts on their recent Caribou hunt. They discuss their preparation with the rafts, the conditions of the river they floated, how they loaded the rafts with Caribou and gear, how the packrafts handled the swift water, and more... ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: https://the-experience-project.com/packrafting-for-hunts-in-alaska/ Subscribe via Email: exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.co...
Sep 12, 2024•39 min
Join Steve and Mark as they recap their experience flying for their recent Caribou hunt. They discuss the commercial flights on Alaska Airlines, as well as their air charter flights with Nick from Nick's Air Service. They discuss tips hunters should know for flying into the field, how to pack a weapon and gear, how they flew home with meat and antlers, and much more... ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: https://the-experience-project.com/flying-for-hunts-in-alaska Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/...
Sep 10, 2024•35 min
This podcast was recorded on our Alaska caribou hunt, as we spent a day stuck in camp, waiting for a swollen river to recede to safe levels — allowing us to begin rafting to our pickup point, where we would get flown out of the field a couple of days later. Steve, Mark, Justin, & Jeff discuss how they each killed a caribou bull in the days before this conversation. They detail how each encounter happened, what they did right, and what they did wrong. VIDEO & PHOTOS — https://the-experien...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 19 min
Join Steve and Mark as discuss some of the takeaways following their Caribou Hunt in Alaska. In this shorter, more informal episode, they talk through their expectations prior to the hunt, and how the reality of the hunt did or did not match those expectations. They also talk about some of the lessons they learned, the gear that stood out to them, how Steve's 6mm Creedmoor performed on two big Caribou bulls, and more. THE EXPERIENCE PROJECT — https://the-experience-project.com/post-hunt-debrief-...
Aug 26, 2024•46 min
Steve called them, "a multitool of the backcountry." They can prevent injury, allow you to hike further with less fatigue, support a shelter, and enable you to shoot a rifle with more stability from various positions. If you are a backcountry hunter, you should own, carry, and use trekking poles. Period. In this video, Steve & Mark discuss why backcountry hunters should use trekking poles, what to consider when purchasing trekking poles, the mistakes that people make when using trekking pole...
Aug 19, 2024•42 min
When backpack hunting, a headlamp may be used for simple task lighting around camp, but it may also be a critical source of safety as you navigate difficult off-trail terrain with a heavy pack on a nighttime packout. A backpack hunter's headlamp needs to balance weight, performance, and efficiency. In this podcast episode, Steve & Mark discuss the unique demands of headlamps for backpack hunting, the headlamps we have used, and what headlamps we will be testing and reviewing moving forward.....
Aug 15, 2024•27 min
Steve and Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss why they don't use hammocks for backpack hunts, when to use wrist straps with trekking poles, why they aren't talking about bows on The Experience Project, and much more. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Hammock Camping the Right Way (Podcast): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/168 - Flying With Firearms (Video): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-fly-with-a-hunting-rifle - Travel Tips for...
Aug 12, 2024•39 min
Few things can affect a backpack hunt more than water. When water is plentiful, it becomes an afterthought. But when it is hard to find good water sources, living in the backcountry requires intentionality and effort. In this podcast, we discuss how we find, filter, and carry water on extended hunts. And in addition to this podcast, we have shared a video and links to other resources and research, which you can find at... https://the-experience-project.com/water-filters-for-backpack-hunts/ Subsc...
Aug 09, 2024•43 min
The hunting market is full of clothing brands — each one offering many types and styles of clothing layers, and often different camouflage patterns. And that is just the hunting market. If you're open to using solid colors for hunting, you can begin to shop for technical apparel from brands outside of the hunting space and have never-ending options on what to buy and wear. It can be hard to understand how to evaluate the clothing you need or know where to invest your money. We want to help cut t...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 39 min
At what point does nutrition help or hurt you on a backcountry hunt? When, and how, can your food choices make a difference in your performance? What are some of the common nutrition-related mistakes that hunters make when packing food for a trip? We answer these questions (and many more) with Kyle Kamp of Valley-to-Peak Nutrition. We also share a free nutrition planning spreadsheet, recipes for do-it-yourself backcountry bars, and more... VIDEO & MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.co...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Steve and Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss tarp selection, bivy setups, groundsheets, suppressor protection, worn-out boots, factory ammo for 6mm Creedmoor, and more... THE EXPERIENCE PROJECT — https://the-experience-project.com/ SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcas...
Aug 05, 2024•48 min
There are countless shelters on the market. Tents, tarps, and tipis. Materials such as silnylon, silpoly, and Dyneema. Ultralight options rated for 3-season use, and heavy-duty options rated for 4-season use. Single-wall and double-wall. Freestanding and non-freestanding. And the options don't end there! So how do you select the best shelter for your needs? And is there one shelter that can do it all for you? In this podcast, Steve & Mark discuss the various types of shelters available, the ...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 37 min
In this episode, we dive into the rifle that Steve built for all three of his Alaska hunts this fall. We discuss each component of the rifle (chassis, scope, suppressor, etc), why he chose the 6mm Creedmoor cartridge, what he uses for shooting support (tripod, bipod, etc), and how he manages ballistics in the field. VIDEO & MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/small-rifles-for-big-game/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Pr...
Jul 31, 2024•59 min
Before Steve and Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute episode, they announce an ALL-NEW accessory for K4 Pack Systems — The Elk Call Kit. This kit includes a simple, fast, and secure bugle tube holder, as well as a shoulder harness-mounted holder for 2 elk reeds. CHECK IT OUT — https://exomtngear.com/callkit For listener questions, Steve & Mark discuss how they would plan meat care for an elk hunt in grizzly country (with multiple tags to fill), and talk about the trade-...
Jul 29, 2024•35 min
Sleep is an important aspect of being able to hunt your best each day on a multiday backpack hunt. But getting quality sleep in the backcountry often doesn't come easy. Not only can your sleeping gear affect your sleep quality, but your gear choices also play a big role in how much weight and bulk is in your pack. In this podcast, we discuss the gear to consider for your sleep system, how to get the best performance out of that gear, and some tips for improving your sleep quality on your next ba...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 42 min
Form joins us to answer listener questions that were submitted in response to Episodes 469 & 470 on the topic of Why Smaller Calibers May Be Better for Big Game Hunting. To find the links mentioned in this Q&A, or to hear the previous two-part podcast on this topic, visit: https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-qa/ To jump to specific questions and topics addressed in this conversation, refer to the timestamps below. Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear...
Jul 24, 2024•2 hr 4 min
Steve and Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss choosing bivy camp locations while elk hunting, what they do with their food when hunting in bear country (specifically in Alaska), how to prevent vehicle break-ins at the trailhead, and more. SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/...
Jul 22, 2024•23 min
Join Steve, Tyler, and Dan as they have a planning call for their upcoming Moose Hunt in Alaska. This is an unscripted, "behind the scenes" look at how they are planning their hunt, determining a hunting strategy, selecting gear, and more. Additional Information & Resources: https://the-experience-project.com/listen-planning-our-moose-hunt/ Subscribe by Email to receive future podcasts, videos, articles, and more: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback: podcast@exomtngear.com...
Jul 19, 2024•52 min
Steve and Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss the best way to carry and access a bugle tube on K3 and K4 packs, how to configure your pack when carrying trekking poles, a rifle, a tripod, and a spotting scope, and then discuss whether investing time and money into do-it-yourself bow tuning is worth it. Resources mentioned in this episode... - Small Caliber Discussions with Form: https://the-experience-project.com/?s=smaller+calibers - K3 Bugle Tube Tri...
Jul 15, 2024•17 min
Ben Reynolds returns to the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, joining Steve & Mark to discuss the topic of thriving (not just surviving) on difficult hunts. This is an open-ended conversation on the topic of thriving, which includes practical advice, personal experience, and even some philosophical perspective. MORE INFO & RESOURCES: https://the-experience-project.com/thrive-on-difficult-hunts/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project...
Jul 14, 2024•1 hr 26 min
Jon Pynch (@jonpynch) is one of the top precision rifle competitors in the country, and a very accomplished mountain hunter. He joins us on the podcast to discuss how we all, as hunters, can become more proficient rifle shooters in a mountain environment. This is a wide-ranging conversation that will cover everything from techniques and practice drills, to the reason hunters should be extremely cautious about "long range hunting". MORE INFO & RESOURCES: https://the-experience-project.com/mou...
Jul 11, 2024•1 hr 26 min
Mark is joined by Scott Johnston, author of Training for the Uphill Athlete, owner of Evoke Endurance, and a dedicated outdoorsman and athlete with decades of experience. They discuss the physical demands of backcountry or mountain hunting, what hunters can learn from other outdoor athletes, and the best way to train for extended hunts in difficult terrain. Whether you are coming off the couch and starting a fitness journey, or you are an experienced athlete who already trains seriously, this co...
Jul 09, 2024•1 hr 41 min
Steve & Mark discuss how to effectively use time in the final weeks leading up to a big hunt. They share what they are personally doing, as they find themselves 5 weeks out from their Alaskan Caribou Hunt, and they also provide general guidance for making the best use of the limited time available before any big hunt. If you want advice on finding time, making time, and effectively using time to prepare for any hunt, you will enjoy this episode. MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Steve and Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute episode. The answer to why Exo will not be starting a boot company, if they plan to try barefoot-style boots, their thoughts on Schnee boots, how to select the best length for a rifle barrel, how much ammo to pack on a backcountry hunt, and much more... Resources mentioned in this episode... - Our Footwear Video & Podcast: https://the-experience-project.com/the-best-hunting-boot-is-wrong/ - Schnee Timberline: https://schnees...
Jul 01, 2024•48 min
Join Steve and Mark as they speak with Thor Tingey of Alpack Raft and talk about using Alpacka Packrafts for their upcoming Alaskan Caribou hunt. They discuss how to select a pack raft for hunting, what to know about using a packraft, the additional gear needed with a raft, how to stay safe on the water, and much more... MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/how-to-use-a-packraft-for-hunting/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience P...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 22 min
Join Steve and Mark as they speak with their pilot, Nick from Nick's Air Service, for their upcoming Caribou Hunt in Alaska. They discuss how to plan a fly-in hunt, how to find a pilot, how to pack for the hunt, what to know about weight limits, and much more... MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/plan-a-fly-in-alaska-hunt/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podca...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Do you need the best binoculars on the market, or can you hunt effectively with a budget-friendly bino? Is a 10x42 really the best "do it all" binocular size? What about range-finding or image-stabilizing binoculars for hunting? What is the best way to connect binos to a tripod? What are some common mistakes that hunters make when setting up binoculars for their eyes? We answer these questions, and more, in this episode. VIDEO & MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/how-to-select-the...
Jun 23, 2024•1 hr 14 min
This is the second half of a conversation that explores how bullets kill and why smaller calibers may be better for big game hunting. Be sure to listen to Part 1 of this conversation (Episode 469) before listening to this 2nd-half of the discussion. In this episode we compare how different types of bullets create different types of wound channels, discuss the relationship between impact velocity and bullet expansion/upset, compare the terminal capabilities of Steve's 6mm Creedmoor and Mark's 7mm...
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 37 min
This podcast will challenge decades of "common knowledge" about what type of rifle and bullet should be used for big game hunting. In fact, if you can't have an open mind about things you "know" to be true, you probably shouldn't listen to this. We don't say that to be dramatic, but because being willing to accept information that challenges widely-held assumptions is critical to processing this information... When you listen to this conversation you will hear that killing big game animals quick...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 32 min
