Evoke training vs MTN tough

[mad_angler]

Here is the Evoke program:

Backcountry Hunters

evokeendurance.com

The programs seem very different to me...

Evoke comes from endurance background and focusses on endurance. It also works on core and strength.
MNT tough comes from crossfit (it seems). They focus on chassis strength. It also works on endurance.

Does anyone have experience with both programs? I know that the official Evoke program is knew but the Evoke principles have been around for a while.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Here is a very informative episode from Jay at Mindful Hunter that will answer a lot of your questions.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Personally, I draw from elements of both camps.
Having what MTN Tough calls a solid chassis is super important, not only for hunting, but for capability in life and performance in any activity that you are doing.

But, a foundation of Zone 2 and a high aerobic threshold is undoubtably the metric that will offer probably the biggest performance advantage for mountain hunts.

Bonus points and a huge leg up if you have interests outside of hunting such as backcountry ski touring, mountain or road biking, nordic skiing etc. In that case you are building your foundation while at the same time enjoying life.

TLDR; Deadlifts + Squats are your strength and chassis foundation. Low and slow aerobic activities are your aerobic base. Lunges and rucking are your muscular endurance base. High intensity intervals & lifts sharpen the spear of the base you've formed.

 

[LCguy]

Everyone just totally overthinks all of this. Want to get stronger? Lift weights. Want to get better at hiking? Go hike/stairstepper/incline treadmill. Want to get better at carrying heavy stuff on your back? Carry heavy stuff on your back.

 

[pattimusprime22]

To echo things said above: For people that don't/haven't exercised, I think doing MTN Tough is better than nothing, but it is not the best/optimal workout program for hunting. High intensity cardio should be a very very small portion of your training, not the cornerstone.

Evoke Endurance has very legitimate expertise and credibility in mountain endurance sports. They coached both the male and female winners of the last UTMB. EE has trained a lot of SOF guys, including Vince Paikowski (now one of their coaches), who won the Best Ranger Competition in 2021 based on their training principles.

 

[freezerfull]

But, a foundation of Zone 2 and a high aerobic threshold is undoubtably the metric that will offer probably the biggest performance advantage for mountain hunts.

This. Not from a program, but I have went the endurance high zone 2 training and HIIT type training routes at different times. For hunting, mountaineering, etc., there is no replacement for long duration zone 2 training. Pushing as hard as you can at whatever activity you choose at a pace you can maintain forever (at least all day and know you could do it again tomorrow) Training this way is time consuming, but the payoffs are phenomenal. I pretty much have ditched all HIIT, upper heart rate zone, running, etc. Still do some light and fast speed hikes with running on the less steep portions once in a while but that’s more to get the dog out.

 

[MTForester]

Yup, the “Uphill Athlete” provides some good background on the importance of Zone 2 training.

 

[P Carter]

Personally, I draw from elements of both camps.
Having what MTN Tough calls a solid chassis is super important, not only for hunting, but for capability in life and performance in any activity that you are doing.

But, a foundation of Zone 2 and a high aerobic threshold is undoubtably the metric that will offer probably the biggest performance advantage for mountain hunts.

Bonus points and a huge leg up if you have interests outside of hunting such as backcountry ski touring, mountain or road biking, nordic skiing etc. In that case you are building your foundation while at the same time enjoying life.

TLDR; Deadlifts + Squats are your strength and chassis foundation. Low and slow aerobic activities are your aerobic base. Lunges and rucking are your muscular endurance base. High intensity intervals & lifts sharpen the spear of the base you've formed.

This x 100. Do core lifts. Do aerobic training. Do muscular endurance. Periodize the relative percentage of each throughout the year in light of your goal for that timeperiod. Do that consistently year over year over year over year. And get adequate nutrition and rest.

 

[skipper907]

I personal do not think MTN tough has much endurance focus to it ( endurance being zone 2 ish stuff. MTN tough does a lot of strength amrap's I feel. I have been doing there MGD's going on 2year and feel I am doing a crossfit'ish workouts. I like a lot of things about MTN tough, I just don't feel it is good training for the backcountry and will not renew ( I am only doing it a second yr because I forgot to cancel it).

I added in the uphill athlete free training supplement last yr and felt my legs were a lot stronger resilient.

 

[mtnbound]

Here is the Evoke program:

Backcountry Hunters

evokeendurance.com

The programs seem very different to me...

Evoke comes from endurance background and focusses on endurance. It also works on core and strength.
MNT tough comes from crossfit (it seems). They focus on chassis strength. It also works on endurance.

Does anyone have experience with both programs? I know that the official Evoke program is knew but the Evoke principles have been around for a while.

Yes, I have worked with both programs and many others.

My take is one is too focused on high intensity training and the other is too focused on aerobic training.

It’s best to have a balanced workout plan that addresses strength and conditioning.