Exo Journal — Backpack Hunting Basics

Packing out an animal may be heavy, but it should never be painful. After covering what to do when you shoot an animal, what to do when you recover an animal, and how to put on a heavy pack, we now want to share some tips that can help you during a heavy packout... Watch on YouTube FITTED & LOADED A heavy pack that is not fitted well and loaded properly will never feel good. So if you want any chance of hiking heavy in comfort, be sure you have the pack adjusted to you properly, that your gear in...

What is the best way to put on a heavy hunting pack? That depends on the weight of the pack, the terrain, and your physical abilities. While those variables may change from hunt to hunt or person to person, there are also some things that every person should do every time. In this article, we explain the "5 L's" that you should think through every time you need to put on a heavy pack.

The hunt ends, and the work begins. When you recover an animal, there is a combination of excitement, accomplishment, and often circumstances (such as fading light, rising heat, or quickly passing time) that can make you feel a bit rushed. But before you start turning this animal into high-quality protein to feed your family, it is worth pausing, planning, and organizing before you start skinning.

The hunt doesn't end when you shoot an animal. Immediately after you shoot, there are important decisions to make and steps to take. Amidst the adrenaline and excitement, take a breath, take a moment, and make a plan. In this video, we explain some of the first things to do after you shoot an animal.