IBEX Journal

Think You’re Backcountry Ready? Take Our Free Workout Test

Think you can make it in the backcountry? Try "The 22s", our free workout that tests your physical and mental readiness.

podcast

Turning Feral with Zach Hanson

Hanson lived on cruise control. He had a thriving career, designer clothes, and a jet-setting lifestyle. He practiced high-level jiu-jitsu, ran ultramarathons, and pursued academic interests, but nothing gave him what he craved: the antidote to suburban sedation. Hanson...

form

What Is the Proper Squat Form? MTNTOUGH Weighs in

In this video, we had Jimmy mic'd up as he was training a MTNTOUGH'er in the LAB who was struggling with his squat form. He touches on squat depth, back rounding, knees caving, and more.

getting started

Why MTNTOUGH?

There are a thousand reasons to dedicate yourself to a fitness regimen, and there are thousands of programs to choose from today. So why MTNTOUGH?

hunting · nutrition

Elk Meat: The Perfect Protein for Backcountry Hunters

After hours of scouting, tracking, and finally harvesting an elk in the backcountry, learn how to make the most of the meat you've worked so hard for.

backcountry knowledge · hunting

How Should You Choose Hunting Boots? Schnee's Boots 3 Tips

As a seasoned hunter, you know that solid footwear is crucial when you're out in the wild, but what boots should you wear to go hunting?

podcast

Grizzly Bear Attacks: Two Hunting Survival Stories

It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been in the backcountry, navigating the same hills and the same valleys. One day it could randomly happen and it could happen to any one of us: A chance encounter with a grizzly bear and a desperate fight for survival.

military

How to Conquer Ruck Marches, The MTNTOUGH Military Pack Test

Weighted pack training has been a part of MTNTOUGH’s programs since our inception. With Green Berets and Navy SEALs on staff, it was only a matter of time until we retooled it for military training.

How to Cut Weight Fast, the MTNTOUGH Way

After learning that his wife bought him a trip to Bora Bora for his 40th birthday, MTNTOUGH trainer Jimmy Alsobrook decided to cut some weight - now, you get to reap the benefits of his hard work.

mental toughness

The Unbreakable Remi Warren: Mental Toughness in the Wild

Remi Warren - the man who'd rather learn to shoot a bow with one arm and his mouth than be sidelined by injury. The man who once saved his wife's life when she went missing for three days in the deserts of Nevada. Watch as he shares the important role of mental toughness along the way.

altitude · podcast

Altitude Training: Exercise Physiology and Human Performance

Unravel the body’s dynamic response to high altitudes and its critical role in top-notch training with the guidance of Tom Cuddy, MSc; a trailblazer in high altitude exercise physiology.

backcountry knowledge · hunting

Exploring Elk Hunting Difficulty and How to Win in the Wild

You've likely faced steep trails, harsh weather, and the reality of unpredictable wildlife. But that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the challenges of hunting elk.

fitness · military · podcast

Major Donny Bigham: A Scientific Approach to Physical Dominance

Retired MAJ Donny served his country for 27 years and deployed more than 45 months in combat. A powerlifting champion himself Donny has held multiple world records and continues to compete globally to this day. Donny was instrumental in...

fitness · minimal gear

Your Guide to Gearing Up For Year-Round Training

If you're ready to jump into the Backcountry Hunter training programs, but want to know what equipment you'll need access to, start here.

mental toughness

What Is the Difference Between Self-Discipline and Motivation?

Are motivation and self-discipline the same or something different entirely? Read on as we discuss whether the Mount Rushmore of mental toughness Mount should reserve one spot or two spots for these forces of the mind.

fitness

Deadfall Training: A Hunter's Guide to Functional Strength

Strength comes in handy when you’re climbing over fallen trees, but all the squats in the world won’t prepare your body for working through deadfall up the mountain. You need a combination of strength, mobility, and endurance to get over deadfall.

backcountry knowledge · hunting

Remi Warren on Bowhunting with a Mouth Tab

For backcountry hunters like Remi Warren, a wrist injury could've easily been catastrophic - but his mental toughness wasn't having any of that. Here's how it went down.

fitness

Spring Fitness Training Guide for Backcountry Hunters

Just days or weeks before the season starts, you realize you've been a bit too dormant over the winter... This spring, you're trying something different.

backcountry knowledge · bow hunting · hunting

What Is the Best Month to Hunt Elk?

A well-timed trip not only increases your odds of fresh, organic, and healthy meat for your family but also provides a more memorable experience. So when should you set out for elk?

bow hunting

Advanced Guide to Bow Hunting Fitness and Injury Prevention

The most important tool for bow hunting is your body. You need to be ready for the rigors of hiking and hunting, where building strength and endurance is key. But you also need to reduce your risk of injury.

recovery

12 Recovery Strategies for Backcountry Hunters

Whether you realize it or not, as a backcountry hunter you’re a performance athlete, so you should be recovering like one. There are many methods of recovery - but the simplest methods often have the greatest return on investment.

mental toughness

7 Powerful Mental Strength Exercises That Build Toughness

Join us as we work through 7 powerful mental strength exercises designed to unlock the true potential of your mind, setting you up for success in both everyday life and thrilling adventures.

business · entrepreneurship · podcast

MTN OPS Co-Founder Trevor Farnes - 5 Million Meals and the Creation of "Conquer Hunger"

Dustin sits down with Trevor Farnes, Co-Founder of MTN OPS to hear the story of how "Conquer Hunger'' was created, a program that gives meals to those in need. This is an emotional and powerful episode as Trevor discusses how...

motherhood · podcast · running

Creating Montana's Only 100 Mile Race with Megan DeHaan

Megan DeHaan is a mother, rancher, ultra-runner, and founder of the Crazy Mountain 100, Montana's only 100-mile ultra-endurance race! She bridges the gap between landowners, forest service, and the hunting and ultra-running community. It is not easy to run a...

healthy soul · podcast

The Lifelong Struggle to Tame Anxiety and Fight Deep Depression with David Brinker

Dave Brinker, host of the Altitude Show, avid hunter and musician sits down with Dustin to dive into his struggle with depression. After a successful career as CMO of SITKA Gear, Dave took a leap of faith to pursue...

military · podcast

From Heavy Metal to the Army, Rich Spalla Finds New Purpose with SIG SAUER

Rich Spalla, SIG SAUER Product Manager and Academy Instructor, sits down with Dustin to share his crazy life story from being in a heavy metal band, to creating the UFC theme song, then joining the Army later in life. Listen as Rich openly discusses the difficulties of transitioning out of the military and the importance of surrounding yourself with close friends and family you can count on.

backcountry knowledge · hunting

How To Pack for Hunting Trips in 3 Simple Steps

We've created a simple 3-step formula to help you power through the packing stage without missing anything along the way. We're spilling pack secrets to maximize your efficiency and effectiveness.

backcountry knowledge · hunting

Picking the Right Hunting Pack: Stone Glacier Answers 5 FAQs

In this article,we've partnered with Stone Glacier to answer 5 frequently asked questions on how to pick the perfect hunting pack.

backcountry knowledge · hunting

Backcountry Hunting Guide: How to Layer Clothing Effectively

In this guide, we'll walk you through a tried and true approach to getting the most out of your apparel through layering, helping you stay comfortable, pack less, and focus more on the hunt.

Why I do MTNTOUGH: Online MTNTOUGH'er Jake Knigge

The air’s cold, but Jake Knigge leans into the brisk chill as it hits his face, icicles clinging to his eyelashes. The former pro-snowboarder is no stranger to winter weather whether he’s gliding down chutes nestled between boulders and trees,...

MTNTOUGH PRESENTS

IBEX Journal RSS

Think You’re Backcountry Ready? Take Our Free Workout Test

Turning Feral with Zach Hanson

What Is the Proper Squat Form? MTNTOUGH Weighs in

Why MTNTOUGH?

Elk Meat: The Perfect Protein for Backcountry Hunters

How Should You Choose Hunting Boots? Schnee's Boots 3 Tips

Grizzly Bear Attacks: Two Hunting Survival Stories

How to Conquer Ruck Marches, The MTNTOUGH Military Pack Test

How to Cut Weight Fast, the MTNTOUGH Way

The Unbreakable Remi Warren: Mental Toughness in the Wild

Altitude Training: Exercise Physiology and Human Performance

Exploring Elk Hunting Difficulty and How to Win in the Wild

Major Donny Bigham: A Scientific Approach to Physical Dominance

Your Guide to Gearing Up For Year-Round Training

What Is the Difference Between Self-Discipline and Motivation?

Deadfall Training: A Hunter's Guide to Functional Strength

Remi Warren on Bowhunting with a Mouth Tab

Spring Fitness Training Guide for Backcountry Hunters

What Is the Best Month to Hunt Elk?

Advanced Guide to Bow Hunting Fitness and Injury Prevention

12 Recovery Strategies for Backcountry Hunters

7 Powerful Mental Strength Exercises That Build Toughness

MTN OPS Co-Founder Trevor Farnes - 5 Million Meals and the Creation of "Conquer Hunger"

Creating Montana's Only 100 Mile Race with Megan DeHaan

The Lifelong Struggle to Tame Anxiety and Fight Deep Depression with David Brinker

From Heavy Metal to the Army, Rich Spalla Finds New Purpose with SIG SAUER

How To Pack for Hunting Trips in 3 Simple Steps

Picking the Right Hunting Pack: Stone Glacier Answers 5 FAQs

Backcountry Hunting Guide: How to Layer Clothing Effectively

Why I do MTNTOUGH: Online MTNTOUGH'er Jake Knigge