Heavy Pack frequency?

[TheWhitetailNut]

Don't worry about your HR for your explosive/heavy compound movements. I would only track it during the Z2 workouts, and don't rely on a wrist-based HR monitor; get you a chest strap HR monitor.

You mention this is a multi-species hunt. What all are you going for?

12 Days- Tags for Sheep, Mt. caribou, , Moose, Mt. Goat, bear, wolf, etc. Focused on the first 3 in that order.

 

[3325]

One weighted session is enough *if* you are doing aerobic work the other 5 days of the week (one rest day).

Agreed.

Whether we say Zone 2, fat burning zone, or aerobic, or conversational pace, or low intensity steady state, it’s essential.

And we have to have the chassis to support the aerobic system, so a base of strength and local muscular endurance is also crucial. Without the ability to produce force, we couldn’t move a muscle at any intensity.

I’ve neglected my aerobic system for years in favor of the high intensity approach. I’m not satisfied with the results and I intend to remedy that.

 

[TheWhitetailNut]

Agreed.

Whether we say Zone 2, fat burning zone, or aerobic, or conversational pace, or low intensity steady state, it’s essential.

And we have to have the chassis to support the aerobic system, so a base of strength and local muscular endurance is also crucial. Without the ability to produce force, we couldn’t move a muscle at any intensity.

I’ve neglected my aerobic system for years in favor of the high intensity approach. I’m not satisfied with the results and I intend to remedy that.

Interesting.

 

[huntfishhike]

I switched in the past year to doing more unweighted training, especially hiking, just to avoid injuries and try to optimize longevity. I’ve seen too many guys that toted lots of heavy loads over many miles start to develop knee and other issues which in the long term can set you back and even prevent you from certain hunts.

 

[mtwarden]

I’ve seen a lot of folks on Rokslide and elsewhere, posting about lots of work with lots of weight on their back; for backpack hunting I don’t see that as necessary and possibly even detrimental due to increased risk of injury. Especially leading up to a once in a lifetime sheep hunt.

The “recipe” isn’t overly complicated in my view. Get lots of Z2 training in—this should be the highest priority—period.

On the weekend (or days off) get a little longer hike in—time on your feet.

Get some (twice a week is enough) strength training in, focusing on big compound lifts.

8-10 weeks out from your hunt, add some muscular endurance (ME) on a steep incline with a weighted pack. Start with a lighter pack and slowly build up the weight. I’ve found 50 lbs to more than sufficient, never having too much trouble with 70-80 lb meat pack outs in rough terrain.

Bonus points if you can find time to go backpacking outside of hunting season.