5 Ways to Get More Ultralight for Backpack Hunting *NEW VIDEO*

by , on
Jan 31, 2025
Ultralight backpack hunting is no easy feat. This pack is loaded and ready to go on a backpack hunt in Arizona.

The more lightweight you can be heading into a backcountry camp, the fresher you’ll be for the hunt, as well as the hopeful packout ahead. In a new video I recorded down below, I run through 5 ways that I’ve found to save weight on backpack hunts. If you like the video, don’t forget to hit SUBSCRIBE! I’d also love to know your thoughts on the matter. Did I miss anything? Add your tips in the comments for ultralight backpack hunting and let’s learn from one another. Enjoy the video!

2025 – A Great Start with Archery Coues Deer

by , on
Jan 23, 2025
Josh Kirchner holding his bow on a coues deer hunt in Arizona

Now, I know it may sound cheesy, but when a new year starts, it feels like my mind gets a reset. Things seem more attainable and motivation is high for what’s to come. This is how I feel walking into the coues mountains every January. And every January my fingers are crossed that the year will start off with a bang, or I should say an archery coues deer.

Glassing for Coues Deer – My Set Up and Why

by , on
Jan 14, 2025
glassing for coues deer

It’s January right now as I write this. January is most often associated with new beginnings and setting goals for the year. I support that with full force. However, I also heavily associate this month with coues deer hunting. January is archery deer season here in Arizona and coues deer hunting involves an immense amount of glassing. So, in light of that, and for those new to coues deer hunting, I’m going to lay out the glassing set up I use for these special little deer and why in the video below.

End of the Year Thoughts – 2024

by , on
Dec 29, 2024
Josh Kirchner glassing for black bears in Arizona

My daughter and I are currently vegging out with the flu on the couch together next to the Christmas tree. While I “scribble” down my thoughts here, she’s taking care of some important coloring business and watching one of her favorite shows. In the midst of all of this, my mind is blown at how quickly the end of the year has come. It feels like not long ago I was revved up for 2024, jotting down my thoughts here. And now 2024 is coming to a close.

Backpack Hunting – 4 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Starting Out

by , on
Dec 21, 2024
Josh Kirchner from Dialed in Hunter on a backpack hunt in Arizona for black bears
A tipi tent set up in the backcountry of Colorado on a backpack hunt for elk

Learning how to backpack hunt can seem like a tall order that forces you to drink from a fire hose. It can even feel overwhelming and leaves many folks right at the trailhead or setting up a truck camp instead of heading down the trail. After a decade of backcountry hunting, I’m going to try and help clear the noise for you newer or aspiring backpack hunters. Here are 4 things I wish I would have known when I started.

Jetboil Stash Stove for Backpack Hunting – Gear Overview

by , on
Dec 20, 2024
Josh Kirchner holding a Jetboil Stash Stove for backpack hunting

Throughout my years of backpack hunting, I’ve fired up a stove or two…or 10 and Jetboil has always been a top performer in this category. My first stove ever was a Jetboil. So, when I got word that they released their most ultralight stove yet, I just had to get my hands on it. The Jetboil Stash will be getting at least a few backpack rides in 2025 from me. Right off the bat, I have a few thoughts and one concern.

If you want to pick up a Jetboil Stash of your own head over to Black Ovis and use my code DIALED10 to save 10% off sitewide.

2024 Hunts – Year in Review and What I Learned

by , on
Dec 14, 2024
Standing at the door of a tent in the backcountry

As I write this, I’m sitting next to our Christmas tree admiring the many ornaments and reflecting on the memories they all hold. This time of year is naturally a time of reflection. We’re about to close the door on one chapter and move on to the next. A year in review is in order.

FILM – The Unexpected – Bear Hunt Turned Mountain Lion Hunt

by , on
Dec 5, 2024
Mountain Lion being loaded into a backpack

Filming my hunts is something that I honestly never thought I’d do when I was younger. It just seemed like too much work, and that’s true, but it is so worth it in the end. Being able to look back on hunts from the past and relive those memories is something special. And this past October I had a bear hunt that turned to a mountain lion hunt rather quickly. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I am thrilled to share my new film The Unexpected with you. This is one for the books and a hunt I’ll never forget.

Top 11 Favorite Hunting Gear Items of 2024

by , on
Nov 27, 2024
Josh Kirchner glassing for black bears in the high deserts of Arizona

I seriously cannot believe that we’re closing in on another year. 2024 was filled with lots of adventures and there was no shortage of nights spent beneath the stars paired with days hiking through the mountains. In light of all of that, I wanted to lay out some of my top 10 favorite hunting gear items I used throughout the year. This is the gear that I was most stoked on in 2024 and will for sure be bringing into the 2025 season. Let’s get into it! These are in no particular order.

Whitetail Hunt Recap 2024 – Window Shopping

by , on
Nov 23, 2024
Hunter standing next to a whitetail deer track in the snow

Not 48 hours ago I arrived home from whitetail camp in Colorado. The hunt was snowy, cold, and offered very little in terms of deer movement. I came home with much more than a hunting story. It was a new addiction I feel coursing through my veins as I type this.

magbo system