Exo Journal

Mark Huelsing
2024 Exo Death Hike — A Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim Hike of the Grand Canyon

2024 Exo Death Hike — A Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim Hike of the Grand Canyon

This year, for the first time on an Exo Death Hike, the entire hike took place on an established trail. We embarked upon a Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike of the Grand Canyon. Starting at the South Rim, we descended more than 4,700' in elevation down the South Kaibab trail. Crossing the Colorado River, we continued putting on miles in the depths of the Canyon before ascending more than 5,800' up the North Kaibab Trail to the Grand Canyon's North Rim. From one side of the Grand Canyon to the other. And back again. In total, we hiked more than 50 miles, climbed...

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The Ethical Dilemma of a Bad Hit — Keep Hunting or Notch Your Tag?

The Ethical Dilemma of a Bad Hit — Keep Hunting or Notch Your Tag?

We had been hunting hard for seven days, but no arrows had taken flight. With 45 minutes left of light, we spotted a great bull about a mile out. Like hungry coyotes, we quickly moved through the dense high desert to close the distance before nightfall. As the sun dipped into the horizon, we were presented with a great shot opportunity. We heard the arrow hit, watched the bull run off, and decided to give it time. After a frosty night, we picked up the blood trail, but couldn't find the bull. The search continued until we found ourselves with...

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Mark Huelsing
Climbing the Denali Summit — High-Altitude Mountaineering With A Hunting Pack

Climbing the Denali Summit — High-Altitude Mountaineering With A Hunting Pack

"I bought and have used the Exo Mtn Gear K2 5500 backpack for years while hunting in Alaska. As a military mountaineer, I am planning an expedition to climb the highest peak in North America, and I will be using my Exo pack for this adventure. This pack has held up great while bushwhacking countless miles through Alaska and packing out extremely heavy loads of moose. Now, it will be going to one of the harshest environments in the world, at the summit of the highest mountain in North America, which rises to 20,310' above sea level." Exo customer, Sean...

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Mark Huelsing
Sheep Hunting Gear List — Mark's Backpack Hunt for Dall Sheep in Alaska

Sheep Hunting Gear List — Mark's Backpack Hunt for Dall Sheep in Alaska

Mark from Exo Mtn Gear goes through all of the gear he took on a 10+ Day backpack hunt in Alaska for Dall Sheep. He covers all of his backpacking gear (shelter, sleep system, water filtration, etc), as well as all clothing, weapon and other hunting gear. Download a spreadsheet for all items...

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