Backcountry Fitness
Try MTNTOUGH’s simulation-style workout to prepare for traversing steep country and packing out meat from a 700 – 1,100 lb. animal.
The Simulator
Pack Weights: Phase 1
- Beginner: 35 lbs.
- Intermediate: 45 lbs.
- Elite: 55 lbs.
Kettlebell Weights: Phase 1
- Beginner: 20 kgs.
- Intermediate: 24 kgs.
- Elite: 28 kgs.
Pack Weights: Phase 2
- Beginner: 50 lbs.
- Intermediate: 60 lbs.
- Elite: 70+ lbs.
- Sled Weight: Bodyweight
Warm Up: 2x
- 2-Minute Backward Pack Walk @15% Incline
- Band Walks x 20
- Fire Hydrants: 10 / 10 x 2
- Toe Grab Squats x 5
- Lateral Lunges: 5 / 5
- Hand Walks x 5
- Knee Hugs: 5 / 5
- Butt Kicks: 10 / 10
- World’s Greatest Stretch: 5 / 5
The Simulator Phase 1 (Note: If you don’t have access to a treadmill, find a hill and get to work.)
Block 1 x 3
- 2-Minute Incline Walk @ 15%
- Lateral Step Ups: 10 / 10
- Incline Side Shuffle @ 15%: 1 Minute / 1 Minute
- Forward Step Ups: 10 / 10
- Incline Backpack Asymmetric Kettlebell Walk @ 15%: 1 Minute / 1 Minute
- Lateral Lunges: 10 / 10
Block 2 x 4 (With Pack Off)
- Kettlebell Chops: 5 / 5
- High Pull Squats x 5
- Chinups x 5
The Simulator Phase 2
Block 3 x 5 (With Pack On)
- Lunges: 20 / 20
- Sled Push / Pull: 15 yds. / 15 yds.
Cooldown
- 5 Minutes of Mobility and Foam Rolling
“Steep slope angles can be devastating in the backcountry if you don’t train specifically for the mobility and stability needed to handle high angles under heavy load. onX Hunt enables hunters to learn the terrain of their hunting area, and this workout allows you to train for the demands regardless of where you live.”
– MTNTOUGH Founder Dustin Diefenderfer
