PODCAST · sports
The Hunt Backcountry Podcast
by by Exo Mtn Gear
Backcountry hunters talking backcountry hunting. No advertisers or sponsors, no fluff, no BS. We discuss tactics, strategies, gear, hunt stories, and more — featuring a wide variety of guests, from industry experts to everyday listeners of the show.Your hosts, Steve & Mark, have decades of experience hunting the mountains for elk, deer, bear, antelope, sheep, mountain goats, caribou, and more.While this podcast is 100% independent and free from advertising or sponsorship, it is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear, which we own and operate. Exo’s mission is to build the best backcountry hunting pack systems available, provide the best service possible, and do it all right here in the USA. Learn more at: https://exomtngear.com/Contact us at any time with your questions or feedback by emailing us: [email protected]. Or visit the searchable archive of all podcast episodes we have published over the past decade at: https://exomtngear.com/podcast.Thanks for listening! —Steve & Mark
Episodes
-
597 | Sub-Zero Endurance & Thriving In Adversity with Joshua Brown
In this episode, Mark is joined by Joshua Brown—an accomplished Alaskan hunter and the only person to complete the historic 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail on foot, bike, and skis. Drawing from his background in extreme winter endurance events and backcountry hunting, Josh breaks down how to survive,...
-
596 | Elk Hunting, Brotherhood, & An Unexpected Medical Emergency
In this episode, we hear from Levi Barkas and his 15-year-old son, Wyatt, alongside Wyoming hunter Zimmy. What started as a chance encounter at a trailhead during an elk hunt turned into an incredible story of backcountry camaraderie, a sudden medical emergency, a rescue operation, and key...
-
MM 311 | Gear Q&A (Solo with Mark)
In this "Monday Minute" episode of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, host Mark runs solo while Steve is out, answering gear-focused listener questions. Mark breaks down some of his gear choices and strategy for a recent 10-day interior Alaska packraft hunt, discussing down vs. synthetic insulation,...
-
595 | The Experience Challenge Sheep Hunt Winner (After the Hunt)
In this episode, Mark sits down once again with Brian, the winner of The Experience Project sheep hunt, to recount the complete story of his Alaska adventure. Returning after his pre-hunt conversation on Episode 592, Brian details the wild logistics, unexpected challenges, and incredible success…
more -
MM 310 | Hunting Burnout, Short Rifles, Tall Packs, & Bad Water
In this Monday Minute, Steve and Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on a variety of topics, including... Hunting Burnout: What to do when you don't enjoy the hunt any longer? Short Rifles: Do we have any regrets using 16" barrels on our big game hunting rifles? Tall Packs: How does…
more -
In Memory of Nick Peters
In Memory of Nicholas "Nick" Peters June 19th, 1992 - September 15th, 2026 Nick was wholeheartedly devoted to his wife and three children. He loved his family and dedicated his life to mastering skills as a bush pilot, welder, and outdoorsman to selflessly provide for them. He had an admirable…
more -
MM 309 | Life is too short. Solo Gear. 22 Creed. Ranging Elk.
In this Monday Minute, Steve and Mark catch up on what they've been up to over the past few weeks. Before they dive into listener questions, they share the unfortunate news about the death of a friend, former podcast guest, and beloved member of the hunting and flying community in Alaska, Nick...
-
594 | Overcoming Limits in the Backcountry with Dan Jordan
In this episode, we hear from former Olympic-level rifle athlete and coach Dan Jordan. After a rock climbing accident left him paralyzed at age 19, Dan adapted his mindset and physical approach to continue hunting remote backcountry wilderness, and even hunting solo from his wheelchair. In this...
-
MM 308 | The Truth About Waterproof Hunting Packs (And more...)
In this Monday Minute, Steve and Mark unpack the realities of water resistance in hunting packs, break down why no modern pack is truly 100% waterproof, and explain how seams, zippers, and DWR breakdown impact performance. They also dive into satellite messaging distractions, the critical...
-
593 | Long Drives, Lessons Learned, and Packing Elk with the Family
In this episode of The Hunt Backcountry Podcast, we hear from Chad—a full-time Vermont ski patroller and long-time podcast listener who got a late start to hunting in his 30s. Chad shares his journey of transitioning from Eastern woods to Western big game, including the extreme logistics of…
more -
MM 307 | Elk Hunting Mindset, Game Bags, 10mm vs 9mm for Bear Defense, & More...
On this Monday Minute, Mark and Steve answer listener questions to help you prepare for upcoming fall hunts: Game Bag Selection for Mixed Species & Applications: Trey asks for game bag recommendations as he prepares to hunt black bear, elk, and deer in Idaho. Mark and Steve discuss how game bag...
-
592 | The Experience Challenge Sheep Hunt Winner (Before the Hunt)
What happens when you find out you’re heading on a bucket-list Alaskan Dall sheep hunt in just four weeks? In this episode, Mark sits down with Brian, one of the three grand prize winners from The Experience Challenge. Brian went from juggling a newborn and a busy schedule to packing his bags for...
-
591 | Completing the Mission (Expert Roundtable)
The hunt doesn't end when the shot is fired—that’s when the real work begins. In this final installment of our expert roundtable series, we assume the tag is filled and focus on what it takes to successfully "complete the mission" in the backcountry. From tracking and post-shot discipline to…
more -
MM 306 | We're Back (The "Monday Minute" Returns)
The Monday Minute is back! After a hiatus since April, the guys return to recap a busy few months, answer listener updates, and share their upcoming fall hunting plans. Experience Challenge Recap: A look back at the experience challenge that wrapped up in July, including giving away two sheep…
more -
590 | Capitalizing on Shot Opportunities (Expert Roundtable)
Finding a high-country animal is tough, but getting into position and actually closing the deal? That’s where the real challenge begins. In this fourth installment of our expert roundtable, we dive into what it truly takes to capitalize on shot opportunities in the backcountry. We’re joined by…
more -
589 | Adapting To Adversity & Shifting Hunt Strategy (Expert Roundtable)
You’ve e-scouted, hiked in, and invested heavily—but there’s no sign, the weather is crashing, and hunting pressure is high. What do you do next? Today, we continue our expert roundtable series by diving into the practical side of adapting to adversity. We bring together four veteran backcountry...
-
588 | Overcoming Obstacles on Difficult Hunts (Expert Roundtable)
Every experienced backcountry hunter knows that it isn’t a question of if you will face an obstacle on your hunt, but when that difficulty is coming. Whether it’s a sudden mountain storm, a blown stalk, unexpected hunting pressure, or a target animal that seemingly disappears into thin air, the...
-
587 | Preparing for the Unknown (Expert Roundtable)
In this kickoff to our brand-new 2026 Expert Roundtable series, we are diving deep into the practical aspects of hunt preparation. When you step into the mountains, you enter a world of endless variables. You can’t control the weather or the wildlife—but you can control many things that will...
-
586 | The Science of Hydration, Electrolytes, and Altitude with Dr. Robert
What actually happens to our bodies when we sweat? Why do we cramp? And why do you feel hungover at the start of a backcountry hunt at altitude? In this episode, we dive deep into a scientific look at hydration and electrolytes. Driven by a listener question from Max—a Midwest hunter who…
more -
585 | Overcoming Fear and Fails-to-Fire on a DIY Alaska Sheep Hunt
A listener of the show, Andrew, joins us to share the story about his unguided Dall Sheep hunt in Alaska. Navigating the mountains as a non-resident via the next-of-kin rule, Andrew underwent a massive mental and physical transformation to prepare for one of the most rugged hunts you can imagine....
-
The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 7) — Mastery in the Moment of Truth
How can you make the most of every shot opportunity on a backcountry hunt? In episode seven of our Backcountry Blueprint series, we dive deep into survey data collected from over 1,500 backcountry hunters to discuss how you can prepare to "master the moment" and capitalize on your chances. Steve...
-
584 | Olympic Biathlete Paul Schommer on Shooting, Stress, Mindset, & More...
What can a two-time Olympic biathlete teach you about becoming a better backcountry hunter? A lot more than you think. In this episode, we sit down with elite Team USA biathlete and lifelong hunter Paul Schommer to explore the fascinating intersection of high-level endurance sports and the mental...
-
The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 6) — Essential Skills of a Mountain Hunter
What does it take to find consistent success in the backcountry? In episode six of our Backcountry Blueprint series, we dive deep into survey data collected from over 1,500 backcountry hunters to pinpoint the exact skills and knowledge gaps hunters want to improve. Steve and Mark break down the...
-
583 | "Beyond the Label" with Wilderness Athlete
In this episode, we are joined by Chris and Kevin from Wilderness Athlete. Family-owned and operated for over 15 years, WA operates differently from many modern supplement companies, which are fueled by massive venture capital and rely on "white-labeling" pre-made formulas. Chris and Kevin…
more -
The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 5) — The Physical Foundation for Backcountry Hunting
In part five of The Backcountry Blueprint series, host Mark from Exo Mtn Gear dives into the essential physical foundation required for backcountry hunting. Drawing from a comprehensive survey of roughly 1,500 hunters, this episode distills real-world experiences, physical shortcomings, and past...
-
582 | Form Returns — Tripod Shooting, Hunting Accuracy, The Best Creedmoor, Ultralight Rifles, & More
"Form" returns to the podcast to answer your questions on a variety of topics, including optimal rifle weight, 22 vs 25 vs 6mm Creedmoor, the best support for various field shooting positions, the downsides of shooting from a tripod, recommendations for "building" a budget-conscious hunting…
more -
581 | Hunting for Mental Health with Dr. John Delony
Dr. John Deloney is a mental health expert, bestselling author, comedian — and, yes, passionate backcountry hunter. In this conversation, we explore the intersection of mental health and hunting. This conversation is unlike any other we have had over the 10+ years of The Hunt Backcountry Podcast....
-
The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 4) — Building A Gear System You Can Trust
In this fourth installment of the Backcountry Blueprint series, we dive into data from over 1,500 hunters to identify the true gear failures that end hunts early. We aren't just talking about gear that hunters "didn't like," but the specific equipment issues that negatively changed the outcome of…
more -
580 | Nutrition Without The Noise: Forget Trends & Find Results
Kyle Kamp — Registered Dietitian, mountain athlete, owner of Valley-to-Peak Nutrition, and friend of Exo — returns to the podcast to discuss nutrition strategies for your pre-season goals. Whether you are looking to shed some weight, put on some size, or improve your performance for your training...
-
579 | Our Spring Bear Hunt Story, Tactics, & Gear
In this "on-the-road" episode, Steve, Mark, and Justin recap a successful backpack spring bear hunt. The crew discusses the hunt strategy and story, the tactics that helped them find success, how the 22 Creedmoor performed, and other hunt takeaways. For photos, gear notes, and other resources…
more -
The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 3) — Easy & Efficient Mountain Living
In this episode of the Backcountry Blueprint series, we break down real data from 1,500 hunters to uncover the essential skills and knowledge required to make living in the wild feel like second nature. This episode moves beyond the "how-to" of hunting and focuses on the "how-to" of surviving and...
-
578 | Hunting Mountain Goats on Kodiak Island
In this episode, we talk about hunting Mountain Goats on Kodiak Island, Alaska. Our guest, Joey Klutsch, is an Alaska Master Guide and Owner of Katmai/Aniakchak Guide Service. He will be taking the winner of The Experience Challenge on a Kodiak Mountain Goat Hunt. We discuss the logistics of the...
-
The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 2) — Reasons Your Hunt Might Fail
In this episode of the Backcountry Blueprint series, we break down real data from 1,500 hunters to uncover the most common reasons backcountry hunts fail—and how to fix them. Instead of blaming weather, pressure, or luck, the conversation zeroes in on what’s actually within your control, from...
-
577 | Training Q&A with Evoke Endurance
In this bonus Q&A episode of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, we’re joined again by John from Evoke Endurance to tackle listener questions on training for backcountry hunts. We dive into the realities of balancing competing priorities, building fitness for multi-day hunts, and why aerobic base—not…
more -
576 | Backcountry Insights from the Best Ranger
In this episode of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, Vince Paikowski, a former Army Ranger and winner of the Best Ranger Competition, joins us to discuss the intersection of elite military conditioning and backcountry hunting. Vince discusses his work as a coach with Evoke Endurance, where he helps...
-
The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 1) — 7 Attributes of a Successful Backcountry Hunt
If you had an opportunity to ask 1,500 hunters to share the most important reasons they have had success in the backcountry, what do you think they would say? If they were to remove any “luck” that helped them find success (and, yes, luck is often a factor), what was in their control that they…
more -
MM 305 | New Schedule, Plus more on Safety, Shooting, & Scopes
Steve & Mark announce a new schedule for the Monday Minute episodes and a new series coming to the podcast soon. They also dive into listener questions about their archery shot sequence, use of the K4 Quick-Release Rifle Carrier, choosing between First Focal Plane and Second Focal Plane rifle...
-
575 | Mental Skills to Master the Mountains
In this episode, mental performance expert Ben explains how hunters can master their "interior world" to overcome pressure and fatigue on demanding backcountry hunts. By breaking down complex psychological concepts, like the CBT triangle and the ABC model, into actionable tools, he provides a...
-
MM 304 | Scouting vs Hunting, Rifle Trends, and Backcountry Rescue
Steve & Mark discuss listener questions about a 5-day elk hunt strategy (scouting, hunting, and packing), what they do for rescue plans and logistics on remote adventure hunts, their experience with Spartan Precision bipods, how they think about choosing a rifle cartridge, and more... The…
more -
574 | Building the Mountain Hunter: Physiology, Foundations, and the 20-Week Training Plan
John Frieh from Evoke Endurance joins us to discuss a new 20-week training plan, developed in collaboration with Scott Johnston, specifically designed for the unique demands of backcountry hunting. The conversation explores the physiological foundations of endurance, the importance of structured...
-
MM 303 | Health, Hot Tents, & Tripod Choices
Steve & Mark discuss some of their takeaways from the recent, must-listen episode with Andy Galpin. They also answer listener questions about using hot tents and stoves for backpack hunting, what tripod and head they would buy with a $300 budget (for each item), and more... The Experience…
more -
573 | Everyday Habits for Hunting Performance with Dr. Andy Galpin
Andy Galpin returns to the show to discuss everyday habits that can help or hinder your performance as a hunter. Topics covered include physical training and injury prevention, the power of sleep, what does and doesn't matter in nutrition, mental skills for high performance, and more... Physical...
-
MM 302 | Bears, Bivvies, Practice Questions & More...
Steve & Mark answer listener questions about hunting spring bear after a mild winter, nuances of selecting a type of bivy, determining how much shooting practice is enough (or too much), and more... The Experience Challenge — https://exomtngear.com/challenge Backpack Hunting With A Bivy Sack —...
-
572 | Hunting Dall Sheep in Alaska's Brooks Range
In this episode, we talk about hunting Dall Sheep in the Brooks Range of Alaska. Our guest, Joey Klutsch, is an Alaska Master Guide and Owner of Katmai/Aniakchak Guide Service. He will be taking the winner of The Experience Challenge on a Dall Sheep hunt this August. We discuss the logistics of…
more -
MM 301 | Elk Advice, Optics in the USA, Hunting Bans, and More...
Marks goes solo to answer listener questions about hunting elk off-trail and making noise, why we haven't recommended spotting scopes from Leupold, what we should do about a proposed hunting ban in Oregon, and more. Links mentioned in this episode... The Experience Challenge —...
-
571 | New Hip, Late AZ Elk, & More with Josh Kuntz
Return guest, Josh Kuntz, joins us to discuss his recent hip replacement and his late-season elk hunting in Arizona. We explore the mindset needed to push through setbacks, the value of an active lifestyle, elk hunting in Arizona, and more. "Better Basecamp, Better Hunting" —...
-
MM 300 | Register for The Experience Challenge
Steve & Mark discuss the purpose of The Experience Challenge, and how you can join this week. Registration is only open through this Sunday (March 15th)... https://exomtngear.com/challenge The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO INSIDER…
more -
570 | Sheep Hunt Challenge, Show Recap, & Your Questions
"Live" from the road, again, Steve kinda-sorta hosts this podcast. We discuss the pre-Challenge for everyone who wants to win the Sheep hunt as part of The Experience Challenge, we recap our time in BC for the Mountain Hunting Expo, and we dive into listener-submitted questions about hunting elk…
more -
569 | ER Visits, Expo Season, & The Experience Challenge
"Live" from the road, Steve takes over to host the podcast with Mark and Justin along. You'll hear about Steve's surprise emergency room visit (last night), their plans for the Mountain Hunting Expo in BC this weekend, what's to come with The Experience Challenge, and more....
-
568 | Unscripted with Travis Bader of Silvercore Outdoors
Travis from Silvercore Outdoors joins us for a wide-ranging conversation that covers hunting, firearms training, entrepreneurship, and the importance of disconnecting from technology. We explore the relationship between mindset, instincts, and the art of hunting; the importance of community and...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Backcountry hunters talking backcountry hunting. No advertisers or sponsors, no fluff, no BS. We discuss tactics, strategies, gear, hunt stories, and more — featuring a wide variety of guests, from industry experts to everyday listeners of the show.Your hosts, Steve & Mark, have decades of experience hunting the mountains for elk, deer, bear, antelope, sheep, mountain goats, caribou, and more.While this podcast is 100% independent and free from advertising or sponsorship, it is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear, which we own and operate. Exo’s mission is to build the best backcountry hunting pack systems available, provide the best service possible, and do it all right here in the USA. Learn more at: https://exomtngear.com/Contact us at any time with your questions or feedback by emailing us: [email protected]. Or visit the searchable archive of all podcast episodes we have published over the past decade at: https://exomtngear.com/podcast.Thanks for listening! —Steve & Mark
HOSTED BY
by Exo Mtn Gear
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Hunt Backcountry Podcast have?
The Hunt Backcountry Podcast currently has 663 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Hunt Backcountry Podcast about?
Backcountry hunters talking backcountry hunting. No advertisers or sponsors, no fluff, no BS. We discuss tactics, strategies, gear, hunt stories, and more — featuring a wide variety of guests, from industry experts to everyday listeners of the show.Your hosts, Steve & Mark, have decades of...
How often does The Hunt Backcountry Podcast release new episodes?
The Hunt Backcountry Podcast releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 663 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to The Hunt Backcountry Podcast?
You can listen to The Hunt Backcountry Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Hunt Backcountry Podcast?
The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is created and hosted by by Exo Mtn Gear.
URL copied to clipboard!