The Hunt Backcountry Podcast Podcast By by Exo Mtn Gear cover art

The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

By: by Exo Mtn Gear
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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, moose, 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: podcast@exomtngear.com. 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 & MarkAll rights reserved Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • 574 | Building the Mountain Hunter: Physiology, Foundations, and the 20-Week Training Plan

    574 | Building the Mountain Hunter: Physiology, Foundations, and the 20-Week Training Plan
    Apr 1 2026
    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 programming, and how hunters can transition from being "strong" to being "aerobically fit" for the mountains. Why Fitness is a Specific Task Definition: Fitness is defined as the specific ability to perform a chosen task; being fit for one activity often means being "unfit" for another if the training is too specialized.Safety: In mountain hunting, fitness acts as a safety buffer that determines your ability to handle multi-day efforts and return home safely.The Hunting Demand: Unlike many mountain sports where loads decrease over time, hunting is unique because the physical demand often peaks at the end when packing out an animal. The Power of the Aerobic "Gas Tank" Mitochondria: Endurance is powered by mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of the cells that produce energy (ATP) from fat.Efficiency: Proper aerobic training increases mitochondrial density, which John compares to upgrading a truck's fuel economy—allowing you to go longer and faster without running out of "gas."The Deficiency: Most hunters are already strong but "aerobically deficient," meaning they lack the efficiency to move all day without getting "cranky" or hitting a wall. Structured Training Phases A successful program follows a linear progression to give the body clear, "un-muddled" messages for adaptation: Aerobic Base: The foundation of the program involves low-intensity work (Zone 2) to build mitochondria. This phase often feels "boring" or "slow" but is mandatory for long-term success.Max Strength: This phase focuses on the "motor." It uses high weights and low repetitions to improve the neurological connection between the brain and muscles without adding unnecessary bulk.Muscular Endurance: The final phase pulls the "tank" and "motor" together using sport-specific training, such as hiking with heavy packs (starting around 40 lbs), to prepare for the actual hunt. Training Logistics and Common Mistakes Avoid the "Shortcut": There is no 6-week shortcut to elite endurance; aerobic systems can take up to seven years to fully maximize.Heart Rate Discipline: Monitoring heart rate is the only way to ensure you are training the correct energy system. If you cannot breathe through your nose or hold a conversation, you are likely going too hard and missing the aerobic benefit.Strength Bias: Many athletes fall into the trap of only training what they are already good at (usually strength for hunters), rather than performing a "ruthless self-assessment" to find their weak links.Equipment: While a full gym is helpful, the absolute minimum requirements for this type of training are a heart rate strap and a backpack with weight. THE TRAINING PLANS... Use code EXO before 04/30/26 to save on the training plans...20 Week Training Plan: https://evokeendurance.com/training-plans/backcountry-hunting-20-week-training-plan/28 Week Training Plan: https://evokeendurance.com/training-plans/backcountry-hunting-training-plan/ LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE... Episode 475 | "Proven Training Methods for the Mountain Hunter": https://the-experience-project.com/proven-training-for-mountain-hunting/Scott's Books: https://amzn.to/3zAQH42Evoke Endurance: https://evokeendurance.com/Your Heart Rate Zones: https://evokeendurance.com/resources/setting-your-hear-rate-zones/Understanding Muscular Endurance: https://evokeendurance.com/resources/muscular-endurance-all-you-need-to-know/Additional Free Resources from Evoke: https://evokeendurance.com/resources/ The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • MM 303 | Health, Hot Tents, & Tripod Choices

    MM 303 | Health, Hot Tents, & Tripod Choices
    Mar 30 2026

    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 Challenge — https://exomtngear.com/challenge
    • Andy Galpin Episode — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/573
    • Kyle Kamp / V2P Nutrition — https://v2pnutrition.com/
    • Tripod & Heads from S&S Archery — https://sandsarchery.com/collections/lightweight-tripods

    The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/

    EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — 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
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    39 mins
  • 573 | Everyday Habits for Hunting Performance with Dr. Andy Galpin

    573 | Everyday Habits for Hunting Performance with Dr. Andy Galpin
    Mar 25 2026

    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 Preparation & Injury Prevention

    • Identify Your "Performance Anchors": Prioritize training based on your specific weaknesses—whether it is ankle stability, back strength, or nutritional deficiencies—that are most likely to cause failure during a long hunt.
    • Develop Tissue Tolerance: The goal is to prepare your body (specifically low back, knees, and ankles) to handle the repetitive stress of a multi-day hunt so you don't "break" on day three.
    • Use Your Actual Gear: Do not wait until the hunt to wear your boots or pack. Wear them during daily activities or training to let your body adapt to the specific stress loads of that equipment.

    The Power of Sleep

    • The Number One Risk Factor: Poor sleep is a primary driver of injury risk and negatively impacts everything from cognitive focus to food cravings.
    • Consistency Over Duration: It is better to sleep the same six hours every night than to fluctuate between four and nine hours. Your body optimizes sleep better when it recognizes a consistent pattern.
    • Perception Matters: A person's perception of how they slept often dictates their performance more than the actual hours of sleep they received.

    Nutrition & "Major in the Majors"

    • Focus on Quality: Avoid getting lost in "minor" details like seed oils if you are still eating inconsistent meals or highly processed gas station food.
    • The Micronutrient Factor: While calories and macros determine body composition, micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, fiber) determine how you actually feel and perform.
    • Protein Intentionality: Many people eat less protein than they realize. Reaching high targets (e.g., 1g per pound of body weight) requires specific planning rather than just "eating meat".

    Mental Performance Skills

    • Talk to Yourself, Don't Listen: To build grit, use your own name (or a nickname) when encouraging yourself. This creates a psychological detachment that allows you to view a problem as a "coach" rather than being embedded in the suffering.
    • Physical Grounding: Use a "reset button," such as touching a specific wristband or looking at a meaningful acronym, to regain focus when you feel overwhelmed or lost.

    LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE...

    • Vitality Blueprint: https://www.vitalityblueprint.com/exo — Save 10% with code EXO10 through 04/30/26
    • Andy's Website: https://www.andygalpin.com/
    • Andy's Podcast: https://performpodcast.com/
    • Andy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandygalpin/
    • Episode 454 | Hunting & Human Performance: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/454
    • Episode 542 | Resilience, Joint Health, & Sleep: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/542

    The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/

    Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter

    Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

    Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

    Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
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    1 hr and 13 mins
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They're both just normal guys who talk about relevant things. I've learned so much and am still picking up new things. Newer to backcountry hunting and this one is the best.

Best Hunting Podcast!

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