Backcountry Hunter Exercise Library

Train harder. Hunt smarter. Never Settle.

The Backbone Unlimited Backcountry Hunter Exercise Library is built from Matt Hartsky's 30+ years experience as a professional strength and conditioning coach to help hunters develop real-world strength, endurance, and durability for the demands of mountain hunting. Each section targets a specific focus—Legs, Push, Pull, Core and Mobility—using movements that transfer directly to steep climbs, heavy pack-outs, and long days in rugged terrain. Scroll down to each section below to access exercises based on the area you want to train and build a balanced, hunt-ready body from the ground up.

Leg Exercises

Build strong, durable legs for steep climbs, long descents, and heavy pack-outs. This exercise library focuses on single-leg strength, knee and hip stability, and endurance-driven movement patterns that directly transfer to real mountain terrain—helping backcountry hunters move efficiently, resist fatigue, and stay strong deep into the hunt.

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Pull Exercises (Back + Biceps)

Build the upper-body strength needed for pack hauling, weapon control, and long days under load. This pull exercise library focuses on back, biceps, and grip strength to improve posture, pulling power, and endurance—helping backcountry hunters stay strong, stable, and efficient during climbs, descents, and demanding pack-outs.

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Push Exercises (Chest + Shoulders + Triceps)

Develop upper-body strength and stability for weapon control, pack management, and sustained effort in the mountains. This push exercise library targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps to improve pressing strength, shoulder durability, and fatigue resistance—helping backcountry hunters maintain control, posture, and performance through long days in rugged terrain.

Core Exercises

Build a strong, stable midsection that supports every movement in the mountains. This core exercise library focuses on anti-rotation, bracing, and controlled trunk strength to improve balance, posture, and load transfer—helping backcountry hunters move efficiently, protect the spine, and stay powerful during climbs, sidehills, descents, and heavy pack-outs.

Mobility Exercises

Improve movement quality, joint health, and durability for long days in the mountains. This mobility exercise library focuses on hips, ankles, shoulders, and thoracic spine mobility to enhance range of motion, reduce stiffness, and support efficient, pain-free movement—helping backcountry hunters stay resilient, recover faster, and move better under load in rugged terrain.