"Live" from the road, we recap the best new gear we saw at SHOT Show, answer listener-submitted questions, and provide updates on K4x and The Experience Project.

Links for items mentioned in this episode...

• MTN Gear Chassis: https://www.mtngear.nz/products/expeditionchassis
• Schnee Torre Ultralight: http://schnees.com/torre-ultralight-0g-men-s/
• Longshot Target Camera System: https://www.longshotcameras.com/
• Coast WPH20R Headlamp: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1029249031
• Nightforce NX6: https://www.nightforceoptics.com/riflescopes/products/nx6/nx6-2-12x42mm-f1/
• Garmin Zero L60i Rangefinder: https://sandsarchery.com/products/garmin-xero-l60i-laser-rangefinder
• Spot Hogg ROTI Modular Sight: https://sandsarchery.com/products/spot-hogg-roti-modular-sight-system
• Swarovski Balance Spotting Scopes: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-at-st-balance
• On Glass Digiscoping Adapter: https://onglassadapter.com/
• Sheep Feet Stalking Shoe: https://sheepfeetoutdoors.com/products/stealth-bombers-stalking-camp-shoe
• Argali Outdoor Apparel: https://argalioutdoors.com/collections/technical-hunting-clothing

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, Rob shares his journey from being a customer of S&S Archery to becoming a key player in the company. He discusses his transition from corporate IT to the outdoor industry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of working in a field he is passionate about.

Rob also opens up about his recent battle with throat cancer, detailing the physical and emotional challenges he faced during treatment and how it shaped his perspective on life and hunting. His story is one of resilience, support from friends and family, and the joy of returning to the outdoors after overcoming adversity.

LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE...

• S&S Archery $500 Giveaway: https://sandsarchery.com/pages/newsletter (Winner chosen on February 1, 2026)
• Rob's Kodiak Hunt Film: https://youtu.be/_qwgsA37G8s
• Mark's Kodiak Gear Lessons: https://exomtngear.com/kodiak-gear
• Shop @ S&S Archery: https://sandsarchery.com/

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 catch up with Nick as he recounts his transformative caribou hunt in Alaska. We discuss his preparation, including physical training and mentorship, and the mental challenges faced in the Alaskan tundra. Nick shares the excitement of spotting caribou bulls and the emotions surrounding his successful first shot. We also explore the instinctive process of harvesting the animal and the camaraderie built throughout the adventure, highlighting the deeper meanings of hunting and connection with nature.

Nick's Before-the-Hunt Episode: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/531

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

CHAPTERS...

1:29 — Catching Up with Nick 1:47 — Pre-Hunt Preparations 5:20 — Alaska Drop Camp Overview 7:33 — Arrival in Alaska 11:55 — Traveling to the Hunting Grounds 18:27 — First Impressions of the Tundra 21:10 — Setting Up Camp 22:28 — Navigating the Tundra 29:24 — The First Few Days 31:48 — Learning to Identify Caribou 37:38 — Mental Toughness in the Hunt 39:26 — Passing the Time in the Tent 39:38 — Weather Changes 43:30 — The First Bull Sighting 51:18 — The Moment of Truth 53:30 — Post-Shot Reflections 1:02:53 — Breaking Down the Caribou 1:12:01 — The Joy of Packing Out 1:16:27 — Final Days and Packing Up 1:20:59 — Logistics of Returning Home 1:27:15 — Reflection and Conclusion

Last month, we selected the winner of the "Best Moment" category from the Exo Experience photo contest. That winner, Shane, and his brother, Alec, join us today to share their do-it-yourself Mountain Goat hunt in Montana.

"Pursuing mountain goats in the backcountry is a tough endeavour! After 8 days in the mountains, covering more than 85 miles and gaining over 25,000' of elevation, we were finally able to locate a lone billy in a remote area of the unit. After all the effort we put into finding, shooting, and retrieving the billy, we cherished an incredible night under the stars at camp." —Shane

Shane's Winning Photo — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/exo-experience-best-pack-and-best-moment-photos

Previous Podcasts with Shane — Episode 371 & Episode 372

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

Last month, we selected the winner of the Best Pack Photo from the Exo Experience photo contest. That winner, Ryan, joins us today to share the full story of his hunt.

"I have been trying to harvest a mature Billy on the south coast of British Columbia for several years now. Although this region offers an over-the-counter opportunity to hunt goats, success rates are incredibly low, with only 1 or 2 goats typically being harvested each year. The area is widely considered some of the toughest, most unforgiving terrain in the province. This type of adventure pushes you past your perceived limits and proves how important it is to have the right partners. Killing this Billy was 100% a team effort. (PS: This was my first packout with the K4, since purchasing it in November of 2024. I am kicking myself for not getting an Exo pack sooner!)" —Ryan

In this episode, Ryan and his friend Regan share their experiences and tell the story of their adventurous do-it-yourself mountain goat hunt.

Ryan's Winning Photo — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/exo-experience-best-pack-and-best-moment-photos

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

Last month, we selected the winner of the Best Photo Story from the Exo Experience photo contest. That winner, Kenny, joins us today to share the full story of his hunt.

When we selected Kenny's winning photo story, we had no idea just how unique the hunt was. Kenny, a resident of North Carolina, drew a limited Dall Sheep tag in Alaska.

With Alaska's opportunity for non-residents to hunt Dall Sheep without a guide — if the hunter is accompanied by an Alaska resident who is a second-degree relative — Kenny, his brother-in-law from Alaska, and two others embarked upon a do-it-yourself sheep hunt unlike any other.

This hunt included highs, lows, and unexpected challenges — as any good sheep hunt should.

In this episode, Kenny and his friend Zach share their experience as first-time, do-it-yourself sheep hunters.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Kenny's Photo Story: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/exo-experience-photo-story-winner
• Exo Experience Contest: https://exomtngear.com/experience
• Example Sheep Hunt Gear List: https://exomtngear.com/sheep-gear

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

Steve and Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss your questions about how they utilize the meat they bring home from hunts, the differences in rifle calibers they have used, why Exo doesn't make a fanny pack, and more...

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

Steve & Mark have a candid conversation about the Hunt Backcountry Podcast and Exo Mtn Gear, discussing their vision, plans, products, and more...

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