This is a solid podcast. However, even in remote OTC hunt areas in the West, there is sizable pressure from backpack hunters and those using, horses, llamas, or in some cases even goats.
One thing that I like here is that people say break in your boots. It's important but it's so much more important to break in your feet. I go through it each year after winter before backpacking season. I hunt the high timberline of western Washington State but I backpack all summer so my feet are since and broken in before fall. BUT each spring I have a break in period. I call it breaking in my winter baby feet. I don't hear people talk about breaking in your feet and I think it's very important.
That is an excellent point, Philip! Breaking in your feet - just as important as getting the rest of your body used to the stress and conditioning of what hunting season brings.
Very interesting I am almost mid 3rd week of Exo Mountain Gears free program they did with Atomic Athlete. I like it a lot and it's been an amazing thing to help get things going after winter. I like it so much I think I'm going to try their Ultimate Predator program.. Just got to talk myself into dropping the coin on it. Very good Podcast to remind us all to get ready for the fun this fall!
Solid advice. I currently ruck once per week as a “cross training” day as part of a distance running plan. After my race, I plan to be more intentional with my ruck work, in anticipation of a Western hunt in September.
Got out and trained with my EXO k3 pack this evening. Pack weight 52 lbs. 2 miles in an hour with a total of 960 feet of elevation change here in the humid Alabama air. This included 8 sets of forward / reverse lunges 5 each side and 8 sets x 5 each leg of side lunges all with pack on. This was done after each lap (8 laps equaled 1 mile). Definitely felt good afterwards.
Barbell squats, deadlifts, bench press, overhead press, and pull-ups. Then three days a week of cardio on the stair master for 15-20 minutes will get you pack ready guaranteed!
I got started with a two-set of generic $30 black molle assaulter type packs off of Amazon and a mislabelled $200 dumbell set that I got 50% off at Academy. Throw however much weight I want in the bag and go for as long as I feel like (generally 45-90 minutes depending on schedule and the weight chosen for the day. I have gone up to 50 lbs (I only weigh about 148-152 lbs) and still haven't even damaged the first bag. Backup bag is collecting dust in the closet.
I use my beartooth 80 from Mystery Ranch With pack weight + 3 liter water, 25lb barbell weight and first aid kit I slide right in at 40lbs. After the 1st week I add another 10 lb weight and that's a struggle. But when I get use to it I slowly go up from there.
hahahahaha. This reminds me of years ago when I served in the Australian Army's Parachute Battalion and every payday we had Pack Day. Basically on Pack Day, every time you exited a building you had to be carrying your full combat load including pack, chest rig, body armour, helmet and assault rifle. Needless to say, very few people would venture outdoors. It was hilarious watching soldiers trying to get things done without having to walk outside. Dodging Pack Day became a sport. 😂😂😂 😂😂😂
We have a blog as well that breaks down 5 simple but very effective exercises to help get and keep you in backcountry hunting shape! You can check it out here: vortexoptics.com/blog/top-5-exercises-for-backcountry-hunting.html
Great episode! I use my bag of tire chains in my pack it is about 40lbs. And it’s free! Thanks for the great info!
Vortex for life!!
Hell yeah! Thanks for being a part of Vortex Nation!
A backpack with a case of water bottles works very well And hydration is a no-brainer
Perfect timing! Just got finished with the morning ruck
This is a solid podcast. However, even in remote OTC hunt areas in the West, there is sizable pressure from backpack hunters and those using, horses, llamas, or in some cases even goats.
One thing that I like here is that people say break in your boots. It's important but it's so much more important to break in your feet. I go through it each year after winter before backpacking season. I hunt the high timberline of western Washington State but I backpack all summer so my feet are since and broken in before fall. BUT each spring I have a break in period. I call it breaking in my winter baby feet. I don't hear people talk about breaking in your feet and I think it's very important.
That is an excellent point, Philip! Breaking in your feet - just as important as getting the rest of your body used to the stress and conditioning of what hunting season brings.
Very interesting I am almost mid 3rd week of Exo Mountain Gears free program they did with Atomic Athlete. I like it a lot and it's been an amazing thing to help get things going after winter. I like it so much I think I'm going to try their Ultimate Predator program.. Just got to talk myself into dropping the coin on it. Very good Podcast to remind us all to get ready for the fun this fall!
Solid advice. I currently ruck once per week as a “cross training” day as part of a distance running plan. After my race, I plan to be more intentional with my ruck work, in anticipation of a Western hunt in September.
Sounds like a solid plan, my friend! Stay after it!
Got out and trained with my EXO k3 pack this evening. Pack weight 52 lbs. 2 miles in an hour with a total of 960 feet of elevation change here in the humid Alabama air. This included 8 sets of forward / reverse lunges 5 each side and 8 sets x 5 each leg of side lunges all with pack on. This was done after each lap (8 laps equaled 1 mile). Definitely felt good afterwards.
Barbell squats, deadlifts, bench press, overhead press, and pull-ups. Then three days a week of cardio on the stair master for 15-20 minutes will get you pack ready guaranteed!
Work hard play hard!
I got started with a two-set of generic $30 black molle assaulter type packs off of Amazon and a mislabelled $200 dumbell set that I got 50% off at Academy. Throw however much weight I want in the bag and go for as long as I feel like (generally 45-90 minutes depending on schedule and the weight chosen for the day. I have gone up to 50 lbs (I only weigh about 148-152 lbs) and still haven't even damaged the first bag. Backup bag is collecting dust in the closet.
I use my beartooth 80 from Mystery Ranch With pack weight + 3 liter water, 25lb barbell weight and first aid kit I slide right in at 40lbs. After the 1st week I add another 10 lb weight and that's a struggle. But when I get use to it I slowly go up from there.
Right on
Curious about pack selection being traditionally a Midwest whitetail hunter. Looking at a Wyoming elk hunt within the next 3 to 5 years
hahahahaha. This reminds me of years ago when I served in the Australian Army's Parachute Battalion and every payday we had Pack Day. Basically on Pack Day, every time you exited a building you had to be carrying your full combat load including pack, chest rig, body armour, helmet and assault rifle. Needless to say, very few people would venture outdoors. It was hilarious watching soldiers trying to get things done without having to walk outside. Dodging Pack Day became a sport. 😂😂😂 😂😂😂
Dang! That sounds pretty intense! But very effective.
Just got done mowing the lawn while strapped up with 40lbs of dog food lol...
Now THAT is efficient.
8mm Mauser train still chuggin
Pretty disappointing. I was hoping that there would be more specific advice on how to structure training.
We have a blog as well that breaks down 5 simple but very effective exercises to help get and keep you in backcountry hunting shape! You can check it out here: vortexoptics.com/blog/top-5-exercises-for-backcountry-hunting.html
@@VortexNation very good article. Thanks for sharing.
@@justinmanz6180 You betcha!