John Barklow
Become a proficient wilderness hunter with this deep dive into planning, environmental precautions, hydration & nutrition, clothing, and caring for yourself to meet the demands of a multi-day backcountry hunt.
John Barklow
Backcountry Mission Planning
Expert & U.S. Special Operations instructor John Barklow guides you through becoming a smart and proficient wilderness traveler. John details planning, environmental precautions, hydration & nutrition, clothing, and caring for yourself to meet the demands of a multi-day backcountry hunt.
16 Chapters
Lesson Length:
02:37
Meet your instructor, U.S. Navy veteran John Barklow. John lays out his course for effective backcountry hunt planning.
Lesson Length:
05:31
A true hunter is never satisfied, and is a student - continually learning and always honing their craft.
Lesson Length:
07:06
When your hunt goes sideways in the backcountry, we don’t rise to our expectations, but rather fall to the level of our training.
Lesson Length:
04:45
John details the importance of forging strong partnerships to achieve safe, fulfilling & consistent success in the backcountry.
Lesson Length:
04:58
Going into the backcountry is inherently risky. Risk can change based on the team, their collective experience and skills.
Lesson Length:
06:21
Knowing your rate of movement on-off trail over various terrains, with weight on your back, is critical for hunt planning.
Lesson Length:
05:06
Altitude is the great equalizer and can hurt, or shut down, your hunt quickly. No matter how tough you are, you cannot gut-out the crushing effects of altitude impairments.
Lesson Length:
04:27
Weather can make or break your hunt if you’re ill prepared with poor clothing or shelter selections.
Lesson Length:
06:49
Water is more essential than food. John details water sources, filtration and storage for maximum performance & survival.
Lesson Length:
05:53
Fueling the body with food to maintain reasonable performance is essential to backcountry success - even when nauseous.
Lesson Length:
07:00
Stoves can bring your hunt back to life with warm food, a heat source, and water purification.
Lesson Length:
06:30
A solid technical clothing system for most conditions and hunts only require eight pieces of clothing.
Lesson Length:
07:29
Not all shelters are created equal. John breaks down the options based on experience level, terrain, and weather.
Lesson Length:
08:03
John considers your sleep system an extension of your clothing system. It is your last line of defense from the cold.
Lesson Length:
05:00
The backcountry is harsh to the unprepared. Document the highs and lows, equipment, food and clothing issues throughout your season.
Lesson Length:
03:19
John lays out ten important tips to make you a better Student of the Game.
About John Barklow
Retired U.S. Navy Diver John Barklow spent over two decades teaching U.S. Special Operations Forces the skills and mindset required to survive and thrive in austere mountain environments. John has also taught professional rescue groups and first responders how to be habitually proficient in the most grueling and dynamic wilderness environments. John currently develops clothing and equipment systems at Sitka Gear for the hunting industry.