The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

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 Out-of-State Hunts (Podcast): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/417 THE EXPERIENCE PROJECT — https://the-experience-project.com/ SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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/ Subscribe via Email: exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

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 through that confusion. In this podcast, Steve & Mark discuss their approach to clothing layers for backpack hunts, and how different seasons and conditions affect their layering strategies and gear choices. VIDEO & MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/clothing-layers-for-backpack-hunting/ (00:00:00) Introduction (00:03:20) Socks (00:15:05) Baselayer Bottoms (00:20:29) Camouflage vs Solid Colors for Hunting (00:26:30) Is Budget Clothing Good Enough? (00:32:03) Hunting Pants (00:34:35) Our Work on Apparrel D

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.com/backcountry-nutrition-spreadsheet-and-recipe/ Valley-to-Peak Nutrition: https://v2pnutrition.com/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

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/podcast

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 many shelters they have used, and what to consider when selecting a shelter for backpack hunting. VIDEO & MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/shelters-for-backpack-hunting/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

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 Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

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-offs between killing quickly and minimizing meat loss. They also answer a listener's question about how (and why) to rate and review the podcast. ELK CALL KIT — https://exomtngear.com/callkit NEW EXO NALGENE — https://exomtngear.com/bottle NALGENE HOLDER & BOTTLE BUNDLE — https://exomtngear.com/nalgene 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/po

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 backpack hunt. VIDEO & MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/sleep-systems-for-backpack-hunting/ Subscribe via Email: exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

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.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:22) The most reliable trigger Remington 700 style actions (00:05:38) Is Extreme Spread is entirely meaningless? (00:15:47) Is near-max, high-velocity load development worth it? (00:16:40) Should you carry a pistol with a round in the chamber? (00:18:46) What is "drop safe" in pistols and rifles? (00:21:57) Does velocity or

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/podcast

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

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 Trick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drwWRte2qcs - Jon Dudley Bow Setup Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKFf1gMGIT4pscxgVuVB98s49ribeqNLX 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/podcast

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: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

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/mountain-rifle-shooting-tips Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

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 conversation will help equip you with the knowledge and tools to physically prepare for adventurous hunts in the mountains. MORE INFO & RESOURCES: https://the-experience-project.com/proven-training-for-mountain-hunting Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

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/final-hunt-preparation Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

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.com/timberline-v2-0g-mens/ - Hanwag Alverstone: https://www.hanwag.com/us/en-us/men/trekking/alverstone-ii-wide-gtx/ - Vivo Barefoot Boots: https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/tracker-forest-esc-mens-aw22 - Small Caliber Discussions with Form: https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-1/ - Form Discusses Barefoot Boots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7osIjciPdE SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://sp

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 Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

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 podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com