Heavy Pack Workout: Pack-In Pack-Out for Backcountry Hunters

You're miles deep into the backcountry, the weight of your pack digging into your shoulders, your muscles screaming.

The physical toll on your body is the only thing overshadowing the experience. At this point, you're not just hunting game, you're battling fatigue, wrestling with discomfort, and grappling with the harsh realities of the wilderness.

You have the ability to turn the tables. A way to transform your body into a finely tuned machine, primed for the rigors of backcountry hunting - pack and all. This is where the MTNTOUGH Pack-In Pack-Out comes into play.

It's a heavy pack workout with a specific purpose - get you physically prepared for backcountry hunting. It's not just about endurance or strength, it's about functional fitness and mental toughness.

This includes being able to carry heavy loads over long distances, navigate challenging terrains, and still have the mental fortitude to make critical decisions when it matters most.

This article is your guide to achieving that level of fitness before the season begins, the MTNTOUGH way.

We'll share all the details for the Pack-In Pack-Out workout, a game-changing fitness routine designed specifically for backcountry hunters, but just as effective for military personnel and law enforcement officers.

We're going to break down the workout, explain its benefits, and show you how it can revolutionize your hunting experience. For those ready to redefine your limits, read on.

Evolution of the Pack-In Pack-Out Workouts

The Pack-In Pack-Out workout didn't just appear out of thin air. It was born out of the raw, rugged realities of the backcountry, where the only gym available is the wilderness itself.

The workout began with the simple act of using a backpack for workouts, a nod to the gear that's as much a part of a hunter as their rifle or bow.

But it didn't stop there. The workout evolved, taking inspiration from the obstacles and challenges that hunters face in the wild.

The workout started to mirror the actions of a hunting season, incorporating elements like navigating over logs, maneuvering around trees, and overcoming other obstacles that the wilderness throws at you.

The idea was to make the workout as close to the real hunting experience as possible.

But the real game-changer was the introduction of weight. The workout started with a specific load in the pack, a weight that was challenging but manageable. But then, in a twist that would make any hunter nod in approval, the workout added extreme weights after "pretending" to kill an elk or deer.

After all, name any other mountain activity where the weight you carry out is hopefully more than what you hauled in... significantly more.

You can't. This is part of the adrenaline-fueled beauty of backcountry hunting.

Adding more weight simulated the process of loading up packs for the journey back, turning the workout into a true test of a hunter's strength and endurance.

This evolution of the Pack-In Pack-Out workout is a testament to its effectiveness.

It's not just a workout; it's a training regimen that prepares you for the realities of backcountry hunting. It's about turning your body into a machine, primed and ready for the rigors of the hunt.

And as you'll see in the rest of this article, the benefits of this workout go far beyond physical fitness. So strap in, gear up, and get ready to take your hunting game to the next level. Because the next section will guide you through every step of the workout.

Pack-In Pack-Out Workout Structure and Challenges

If you can't tell yet, or you've simply skipped ahead to this section, the Pack-In Pack-Out workout is not your typical gym routine. It's a regimen forged in the crucible of the wilderness, designed to mimic the challenges you'll face in the backcountry.

The movements are as varied as the terrain you'll traverse on a hunt:

• You'll find yourself going up and over benches, mimicking the act of scaling logs or rocky outcrops.

• You'll be crawling under garage doors, a stand-in for ducking under low-hanging branches or navigating dense undergrowth.

• And then there are the lunges, weighted lunges that will test your strength and endurance to the limit.

The workout starts with a specific load in your pack. It's a weight that's challenging, but manageable, providing a solid and tough workout that will get your heart pumping and your muscles working. But the real challenge comes when you switch to heavy weights during the lunges.

This is where the Pack-In Pack-Out workout truly shines, pushing you to your limits and replicating the physical demands of packing out an elk.

But this workout isn't just about strength. It's about cardio and overall fitness, about building a body that can withstand the rigors of backcountry hunting. It's about turning yourself into a hunter who is as tough and resilient as the wilderness itself.

If you're ready to take your first step to being MTNTOUGH, grab your pack and start the video above. If you want to redefine what you're capable of, take a step beyond the Pack-In Pack-Out workout and click here for your 14-day free trial to MTNTOUGH.

Importance of Familiarization with the Pack

In the wild, your gear is more than just equipment - it's your lifeline and the essential vein to being 'Always Ready'. Understanding the fit of your pack, including the nuances of lumbar support and adjustments, is crucial. It's not just about comfort; it's about efficiency and endurance.

When you're miles deep in the backcountry, every ounce counts, and a well-adjusted pack can make the difference between a successful hunt and a grueling ordeal.

Familiarization with your pack goes beyond just knowing its pockets and straps. It's about understanding how it feels on your body, especially when loaded with weight. This understanding is key to improving core strength.

The pack becomes an extension of your body, its weight a constant reminder of the abdominal muscles you're working to strengthen. The more accustomed you are to the feel of the pack, the more naturally you'll move with it, enhancing your overall performance in the field.

For those in the market for the right pack, be sure to check out the pack guide from Stone Glacier, and take it one step further by getting a Stone Glacier pack. If you have questions, they're the team to walk you through any and every pack-related topic.

Building Resilience and Mental Toughness

The Pack-In Pack-Out workout isn't just about physical strength though; it's a test of mental fortitude. A topic we ingrain into every MTNTOUGHer.

The regimen pushes you to the brink of your physical and mental limits. If you repeat it daily for five days, you'll know what we mean. Consistency in this regard is the key to building resilience, a quality as important in the backcountry as it is in life.

Those who emerge from it find themselves not just physically stronger, but mentally tougher.

The fatigue sets in, the muscles scream for respite, but you push on. This is not just about building muscle or improving cardio; it's about forging an unbreakable will.

The Pack-In Pack-Out workout is a journey, and like any valuable journey, a transformation occurs along the way.

You start as a hunter, but by the end, you become MTNTOUGH, ready to face any challenge the wilderness might throw at you.

This is the essence of the MTNTOUGH ethos - to be as tough as the mountains you traverse.

Remember, the wilderness doesn't care about your comfort. It doesn't care if you're tired or if your muscles ache. All it cares about is survival, and with the Pack-In Pack-Out workout, you'll be more than ready to answer its call.

Benefits of the Pack-In Pack-Out Workout

The benefits of the Pack-In Pack-Out workout extend far beyond the physical.

Yes, it will enhance your recovery time, reducing fatigue and soreness after physically demanding tasks like packing out an elk. But it's more than that.

This workout is about improving your fitness, your cardio, and your overall strength. It's about preparing you for the physical demands of hiking and packing out an elk, but it's also about preparing you for the challenges of life.

The Pack-In Pack-Out workout is part of a lifestyle, one that embraces the challenge, pushes through the pain, and comes out stronger on the other side.

Impact on Packing Out An Elk

In the wilderness, it's an entirely different experience when you're hauling an elk quarter on your back.

The routine involves a series of exercises that mimic the physical demands of packing out an elk, enhancing your recovery time and reducing fatigue.

The result? Less soreness, more stamina, and a quicker bounce-back after a demanding hunt.

But the benefits of this workout extend beyond just recovery. It's about building a body that's as rugged as the terrain you're traversing. The Pack-In Pack-Out workout is a comprehensive fitness regimen that targets cardio, strength, and endurance.

It's akin to the physical demands of packing out an elk, but without the elk.

This workout is your secret weapon to becoming a more efficient, more resilient backcountry hunter, rewiring your body for the wild, ready to take on whatever the wilderness throws at you.

The Pack-In Pack-Out workout, the brainchild of MTNTOUGH Coach Jimmy Alsobrook, is designed to simulate this exact scenario. It's a rehearsal for the real deal. And the results are overwhelmingly positive. Just see below. 

Testimonials and Overall Success

Coach Jimmy, a seasoned hunter in his own right, has become a vocal advocate for the Pack-In Pack-Out workout, attributing his best-ever post-elk pack-out condition to this regimen.

Jimmy and his crew have been religiously following the workout for months, even undertaking a grueling week of five consecutive days.

The results? Well, watch the video above to see for yourself. But in short, unprecedented fitness levels and a newfound resilience in the face of the wilderness.

In the video, Coach Jimmy is joined by his friend Rich Fillbach, a lifelong backcountry hunter who echoes this sentiment.

The same hunting season he followed the workout, he claimed to be in the best shape of his life, all thanks to the Pack-In Pack-Out workout - both physically and mentally.

The benefits of the Pack-In Pack-Out workout extend far beyond individual anecdotes. Long-time hunters across the board are reporting unprecedented fitness levels, faster recovery times, and an enhanced ability to manage the physical demands of hunting.

For anyone familiar with the MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab, this dual-focus on mind and body will come as no surprise. For the unfamiliar, let us introduce you to the 'Lab'.

The MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab

In the heart of the rugged Montana terrain, a revolution in backcountry fitness is taking place. Welcome to the MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab, where mental grit meets physical power.

This is where backcountry hunters and tactical athletes come to forge their own strength training, endurance, and resilience, preparing them for the harshest conditions nature can throw at them.

It's far more than a gym. It's a research and development hub, a place where we constantly test and refine our training methods.

Our goal? To ensure that our athletes are not just fit, but mountain tough. That's why we believe improving mental toughness is as important as physical strength, and our training reflects that.

The Team Behind MTNTOUGH

At the helm of this revolution is a team of seasoned professionals, each bringing their unique expertise to the table.

• Dustin Diefenderfer: The founder of MTNTOUGH, is a backcountry hunter and ultramarathoner who believes in pushing individuals to their limits to achieve their personal and professional goals.

• Alex Fichtler: Former US Navy SEAL who has faced some of the toughest conditions on the planet. His philosophy is simple: set the bar high and live up to it. He trains to be the best he can be and empowers others to find the mental toughness inherent in all of us.

• Ara Megerdichian: A US Army Ranger and former West Point Instructor, brings his military experience to the team. His focus is on functional training and sports conditioning, helping clients achieve their personal fitness goals.

• Jimmy Alsobrook: Mountain training legend, Jimmy adds his wealth of experience to the mix. A certified personal trainer for the past 12 years, Jimmy specializes in functional training and sports conditioning. His goal is to help his clients reach their personal fitness goals, whether that's climbing Mount Everest or packing out an elk.

Together, this team is redefining what it means to train and be fit for the backcountry. They're not just training athletes; they're ensuring that when you step into unforgiving conditions, you're not just ready - you're MTNTOUGH.

You can see the output of the Fitness Lab for yourself with a 14-day free trial.

The Pack-In Pack-Out Workout - Forging Backcountry Titans

The Pack-In Pack-Out Workout, as endorsed by seasoned hunters, is a game-changer in the hunting field. It's a comprehensive regimen designed to elevate your performance, whether you're stalking prey in the backcountry or hauling your prize back home.

The workout's effectiveness lies in its multifaceted approach. It familiarizes you with the weight and feel of the pack, simulating the real-world conditions you'll face in the wilderness. This familiarity breeds confidence, enabling you to navigate any terrain with ease and precision.

Moreover, the workout focuses on core strength - a crucial factor in maintaining balance and stability, especially when carrying heavy loads. An improved core strength means less strain from heavy packs on your back and more endurance for long treks.

But perhaps the most significant benefit of the Pack-In Pack-Out Workout is its impact on recovery. The workout conditions your body to recover faster from strenuous activities, reducing downtime and keeping you ready for the next day's hunt.