The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

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, perform, and make critical decisions when pushing into remote shoulder-season and sub-zero environments.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

The Human-Powered Iditarod: Josh explains the history of human-powered Iditarod events, comparing the unique demands of completing the 1,000-mile trek via foot, fat bike, and cross-country skis.

Extreme Cold Hydration & Fueling: Why dehydration happens faster in sub-zero temps, methods for keeping water systems from freezing, and why calories act as the internal furnace against hypothermia.

Nutrition & Palate Fatigue: Balancing high-fat and carbohydrate needs with real-world palatability on long-duration backcountry events.

Cold Weather Injury Prevention: Practical steps to prevent frostbite and hypothermia, including proper foot fitting, the strategic use of vapor barriers, and recognizing early warning signs of problems.

The "Oh Crap" Bag & Self-Rescue Mindset: Why every hunter and adventurer must carry an emergency dry bag with dry base layers and a sleep system, treating self-rescue as the only reliable option.

Layering & Moisture Control: Implementing the "cool, not cold" motto to prevent wetting out clothing through sweat, and choosing quick-drying synthetics/fleeces over hard-to-dry alternatives.

Resources & Recommendations:

Zojirushi Insulated Thermoses

Andrew Skurka’s Vapor Barrier Guide

Western Mountaineering HotSac Vapor Barrier Liner

RAB Hooded Vapour Barrier Sleeping Bag Liner

Feathered Friends Expedition Sleeping Bags

Iditarod Trail Invitational Race

Iditarod Trail Invitational Camp

8,000 Miles Across Alaska by Jill Homer

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

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 takeaways for hunting public land safely.

Key Topics & Takeaways...

Backcountry Connections: Levi, Wyatt, and Zimmy share how a random meeting at a Wyoming trailhead led to a joint hunt and a lasting friendship.

Elk Hunting Tactics: Why heavy cow calling can be the "golden ticket" over bugling in thick country or late-season scenarios; managing satellite bulls vs. herd bulls in dense cover; and lessons learned on midday moves, spot-and-stalk tactics, and letting the herd settle down before pushing in.

The Medical Emergency: While hanging out at midday, Levi suddenly lost all function on his left side and fell to the ground with stroke-like symptoms.

Garmin InReach & Rescue Response: The critical role of satellite communicators even when cell service seems available, a step-by-step account of the short-haul helicopter extraction and Wyatt’s ride out in the "screamer suit", a breakdown of Search & Rescue operations and associated costs.

Culture on the Mountain: The willingness of fellow hunters to step up and help in times of need.

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

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, merino base layers, wet-weather moisture management, replacement options for discontinued boots, sharpening knives with angle guides, and his current everyday phone case setup.

PRODUCTS & RESOURCES MENTIONED...

Sleep System: Katabatic Alsek

Apparel: Sitka Kelvin LT, Outdoor Vitals Vantage Alpine Down Jacket, Argali Clothing (Merino Hoodie not yet released), Orange Gripper Nitrile Gloves

Boots & Accessories: Meindl Air Revolution Alpine Light Hiker, Metatarsal Pad Insoles, Grakksaw Boot Dryers, Mountain Hunter Outdoors Boot Dryers

Knives & Sharpening: Mark's Sharpening Technique (Video), DMT (Non-Guided) Folding Sharpener, Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener, Alaska Blade Works Wrangell Knife

Digiscoping & Accessories: Rokform Phone Case, Mountain Mag Digiscoping System

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

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VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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 of his trip to the Brooks Range.

Key Topics & Takeaways...

Travel & Tag Logistics: Facing lost locking tags right before departure, flight delays, and a high-stakes airport sprint, Brian highlights how a generous podcast listener in Fairbanks stepped up to save the trip.

The "Hurry Up and Wait" Reality: Weather delays in Coldfoot and the mindset required to navigate classic Alaska travel logistics. 

Gear & Mental Adjustments: Shifting from a DIY mindset to trusting experienced guides (Joey and Sam), making quick gear decisions, and learning to stay present in the moment.

Day-One Success: Spotting a band of nine rams, executing a careful stalk across steep shale terrain, and taking a successful 470-yard shot on his target Dall sheep.

Life in Camp After the Hunt: Weathering incoming Arctic snowstorms in the tent, enjoying fresh ram heart and backstrap fajitas, and packing meat and horns back out.

Reflections on The Experience Project: How months of consistent effort and preparation paid off, the connections made with fellow hunters along the way, and practical tips for flying home with meat and horns.

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

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 frame height influence pack comfort and performance for tall people?

Bad Water: What to do if your water tastes like a tire when you drink from your water bladder?

RESOURCES...

Nick Peters Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-nick-peters-memorial-fund

Short Barrel Speeds & Effective Range for Hunting: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/short-barrel-speeds-and-range-for-hunting

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