The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

by Exo Mtn Gear
  • 4.9 (3K)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated Semiweekly

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 & Mark

  1. 1d ago

    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 trade-offs between pack weight and backcountry performance, and why traditional rain covers do more harm than good. TOPICS COVERED... Satellite Messaging & Focus: Managing off-grid connectivity and keeping your mind on the hunt. System Trade-offs: Balancing pack weight, comfort, rifle accuracy, and backcountry endurance. Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: The truth about technical fabrics, seam failure, DWR degradation, and zipper leaks. Rain Covers vs. Dry Bags: Why rain covers fall short and how an internal dry bag liner keeps critical gear safe.  RESOURCES MENTIONED... Sleep Better in the Backcountry: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/sleep-better-on-backpack-hunts onX SOS: https://www.onxmaps.com/sos Roundtable Podcast Series: https://exomtngear.com/roundtable Exo Dry Bag Liners: https://exomtngear.com/drybag 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

  2. 6d ago

    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 driving 40 hours cross-country to hunt elk on public land solo. Chad is also joined by his 10-year-old son, Eli, to share the story of a memorable, multi-generational family road trip out West that ended in an unforgettable evening elk harvest surrounded by bugling bulls in the sagebrush. Key Talking Points & Takeaways Late-Start Advantage: How starting hunting in his mid-30s shaped Chad’s perspective and growth as an archer and Western hunter. Cross-Country Logistics: Practical strategies for executing solo, long-distance hunts, including managing drive times, gear setups, chest freezers, and local meat processing. Sticking to an Area: The long-term benefits of learning a single unit year after year, understanding pressure patterns, and adapting tactics accordingly. Family Western Trips: How to balance solo hunting passions with family travel, seamlessly blending family vacations with scouting and hunting. Eli’s First Elk Encounter: A firsthand account of an incredible close-quarters hunt, complete with heavy pack-outs, field lessons, and favorite hunting gear and books for young outdoorsmen. 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

    593 | Long Drives, Lessons Learned, and Packing Elk with the Family

  3. Aug 17

    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 shape, size, fabric weave, and bone-in vs. boned-out strategies impact how you pack and carry meat—along with tips on fly protection, paracord rigging, and buying individual bags vs. sets. Mindset & Expectations for a First-Time Elk Hunter: Nick is heading out for his very first archery elk hunt and wrestles with balancing high expectations vs. a low success rate. Steve and Mark break down process-oriented goals, managing pressure, and how to maintain "kill mode" without quitting early or burning out. 10mm vs. 9mm Handguns for Backcountry Defense: Justin asks for handgun recommendations between popular 10mm options and whether to run red dots. Mark and Steve share their personal perspectives on recoil, shootability, capacity, optics, and practical safety precautions in grizzly country. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE... K4 Pack Systems: https://exomtngear.com/packs 40+ Elk Hunting Podcasts: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/must-listen-elk-hunting-podcasts Argali Game Bags: https://argalioutdoors.com/collections/argali-ultralight-game-bags Grizzly Bear Defense Podcast: http://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/121 Exo Mtn Gear YouTube: https://youtube.com/ExoMountainGear Exo Insider Email Newsletter: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter 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

  4. Aug 13

    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 the Brooks Range in less than a month. In this pre-hunt conversation, they dive into: The Big Call: Brian’s story of winning the live drawing in the middle of a chaotic family dinner. Logistics & Gear: Prepping for an Alaskan backcountry hunt on short notice, managing checked baggage with firearms, and gear adjustments for Northern weather. Bow vs. Rifle: The decision to swap a tuned archery setup for a rifle to make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime tag. Mental Prep & Expectations: Preparing for long miles, unpredictable Alaskan weather, and the physical grind of hunting sheep and caribou in the backcountry. Follow along as Brian shares his mindset just days before taking off for Alaska, and stay tuned for the post-hunt episode to hear how the adventure unfolds! 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

    592 | The Experience Challenge Sheep Hunt Winner (Before the Hunt)

  5. Aug 5

    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 field dressing, caping, meat preservation, and high-mileage packout logistics, four seasoned mountain hunters share their distinct perspectives on handling the aftermath of a successful hunt: Nate Simmons breaks down the mental game of blood-trailing, why you need an extraction plan before pulling the trigger, prioritizing meat care over filming, and using tech like temperature sensors to monitor meat during long drives home. Ben Reynolds discusses post-shot scope discipline, mechanical resets, managing multi-mile solo packouts through strategic load "shuttling," and techniques for keeping meat dry or chilled in extreme environments. Isaac Deuling brings a guide’s perspective on showing respect to harvested game, caping for the taxidermist, cutting meat by natural muscle sections, and tactics for keeping scavengers away from meat piles. Brad Brooks emphasizes staying locked in post-shot, knowing your physical limits before taking a shot, mapping terrain bottlenecks for efficient packout stages, and solo field-deboning strategies. Whether you’re heading out on a solo backcountry elk hunt or guiding in remote terrain, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom to help you protect your harvest, stay safe, and execute a seamless packout. All Roundtable Episodes: https://exomtngear.com/roundtable 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

    591 | Completing the Mission (Expert Roundtable)

  6. Aug 3

    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 hunts and a mountain goat hunt, participant milestones, and plans for the program. K4x Pack System: An inside update on the multi-year development of the K4x—a lightweight version of the K4 system that retains 100% of the durability, performance, and cross-compatibility. Upcoming Fall Hunts: Steve and Mark share their fall schedules, including a September Alaska trip for black bear, caribou, and moose, an Afognak Island elk hunt, and a second-rifle mule deer hunt in Colorado. Podcast Roadmap: Updates on upcoming listener story episodes, guest appearances, and a preview of the final 2026 Roundtable episode on post-shot recovery and meat care. 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

  7. Jul 29

    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 four seasoned hunters—Ben Reynolds, Isaac Deuling, Nate Simmons, and Brad Brooks—to break down the critical moments between spotting an animal and pulling the trigger or releasing an arrow. Together, the panel covers: Patience vs. Aggression: How Ben Reynolds balances slow, methodical glassing with a "default aggressive" mindset once a stalk route is set. The Guide’s Perspective: Isaac Deuling’s non-negotiable rules on hunter safety, reading subtle mountain winds, and setting up rock-solid shot positions. High-Country Bowhunting Tactics: Nate Simmons on playing the long game, knowing when to pull the plug, and using mental visualization to execute under 60 yards. Mastering the "Red Zone": Brad Brooks on trusting your instincts, managing risk late in a hunt, and flipping the mental switch from analyzing to executing. Whether you're chasing rams, high-country mule deer, or mountain elk, this episode is packed with practical strategies, gear considerations, and mental frameworks to help you turn hard-earned opportunities into filled tags. All Roundtable Episodes: https://exomtngear.com/roundtable 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

    590 | Capitalizing on Shot Opportunities (Expert Roundtable)

  8. Jul 22

    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 hunters to debate one of the hardest questions in the field: When should you stay patient and trust the process, and when is it time to abandon your plan and move? In this episode, you’ll learn from: Isaac Deuling on why you shouldn't "fall in love with your plan," how he manages patience during remote sheep and moose hunts, and using daily "mindsets" to guide your decisions. Nate Simmons on balancing spot-and-stalk tactics, knowing when to pull the plug on an area, and why persistence kills more game out west than any single tactic. Brad Brooks on trusting your gut intuition, avoiding the trap of overanalyzing animal behavior, and the most efficient times of day to relocate camp. Ben Reynolds on the physical demands of covering high alpine terrain, ensuring you effectively cover an area before moving, and how strategy varies between sheep and elk. All Roundtable Episodes: https://exomtngear.com/roundtable 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

    589 | Adapting To Adversity & Shifting Hunt Strategy (Expert Roundtable)
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Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
2,951 Ratings

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 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 & Mark

Information

  • Creator
    by Exo Mtn Gear
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    788
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

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