The Hunt Backcountry 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

LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

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

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 work ethic, a wild sense of humor, and an unwavering ability to authentically connect with people. He will be missed across Alaska and beyond.

Support Nick's Family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-nick-peters-memorial-fund

Additionally, donations can be made to Nick's family via check or card by contacting Stoddard's Aircraft Parts at 907-272-2327, or via Venmo to @nickpetersfund.

Our podcast with Nick: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/472

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 Peters.

LISTENER QUESTIONS...

22 Creedmoor: Our experience with it so far. And how we'd compare it to the 6mm Creed?

Ranging Elk: Is the "risk" of ranging worth it for archery encounters?

Boned-Out Meat: Can bone-out when evidence of sex is required?

Gear for Going Solo: What gear changes (additions or subtractions to the pack) on a solo hunt compared to a shared hunt?

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