Category: Backcountry Performance

The Lifetime Hunter Summit

Hey there! I hope your summer is going well. It’s already mid-July and the days are literally flying by. I’ve got a list of items (work assignments, house projects, workouts, trips, etc.) that I’m hustling to check off. I imagine it’s the same for you. As part of the Fit for the Field backcountry hunter conditioning system, this summer I…

The Field to Table Journey

Spring is upon us and I’m filled with newfound energy and reflections on the process of renewal. In reality, late March really feels like the “first of the year” to me more than does January 1. Sometimes our societal constructs and the natural world don’t always coincide perfectly.  PK & I recently had a discussion on the Podcast about kickstarting…

A Physical Therapist’s Guide to Backcountry Footwear

[also available on the Podcast!] Let’s say you are headed into the backcountry. Or maybe it’s an adventure anywhere that gets you on some natural terrain. This could be the mountains, woods, swamps, or even the local recreational trail. Here are some common questions. What kind of shoes should I wear? How can I prepare my feet for the journey?…

Shooting With a Recoil-Sensitive Shoulder, Part 1

This is a science project. I recently acquired a recoil-sensitive shoulder. This is the story of how that happened and what I’ll be doing to continue pursuing one of my lifetime sports in the presence of an orthopedic issue. I decided to share this journey because I believe it has the potential to benefit many other LIfetime Athletes who participate…

Hunter Performance Part 3…Applications and Mindset

In this third part of the Hunter Performance Series, I’m going to discuss a variety of tactics and strategies that can enhance your effectiveness and enjoyment as a backcountry hunter. Many of these concepts will be useful for any mountain athlete or wilderness traveler. In Part 1 we covered conditioning and in Part 2 our focus was gear. Now we…

Hunter Performance Part 2…Gear Tips for Backcountry Hunters

One of the great things about being a modern backcountry hunter is all the cool gear we have at our disposal. Of course, the outdoor experience itself is king, but quality gear can make you a more safe, comfortable, and effective backcountry hunter. The athletic mountain hunter benefits greatly from the wise use of technology. This article is not going…

Hunter Performance Part 1 – Training the Backcountry Athlete!

Hunters are the original athletes. Hunting the backcountry is my favorite thing. It is a natural, evolutionarily-appropriate sport in many ways. But in reality, backcountry hunting is much more than an athletic endeavor. It’s a way of life and an amazing source of connection, enrichment, and renewal. This is the first time in many, many years that I’m not heading…

Get Fit for the Field!

Let’s say you like to get outdoors and do your thing, whatever that may be. Perhaps you consider yourself a mountain athlete…who runs, bikes, climbs and skis in the backcountry. Or maybe you are an avid hunter who pursues game in the hinterlands. You’re a backpacker, a fisherman, or someone who likes to hike to the top of the local…