Best Mountain Tested Gear Podcasts (2025)

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The Wag Bag Incident: Gear Abby Confesses Her Biggest On Trail Sin! 41:38

Play Pause

2d ago41:38

41:38

This week on Gear Abby Shawnté and Colin tackle outdoor ethics, bear safety, true confessions, and real-food fueling you’ll actually eat. Here's the rundown: More Michelino: What should happen when athletes break trail rules (education > prosecution). Bear cans: When to carry them even if not required (+ quick gear picks). Confession booth: Gear Ab…

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Thriving in the Mountains Past 60. | Jim Naccarato’s Story 2:30

1d ago2:30

2:30

By Initial Ascent

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Inside the Team Car with Davide “Brama” Bramati + Win 2026 Flanders tickets! 47:06

4d ago47:06

47:06

🎁 Ever dreamed of watching the Tour of Flanders up close? Here’s your chance! Simply comment on this episode (on Spotify or YouTube) with your favorite team Quick-Step rider or race moment from the past 23 years (2003–2025). See details below. EPISODE DETAILS Have you ever wondered what life is really like for a directeur sportif? Here’s your chanc…

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Show #450 - 2026 Triumph TF450-C (Off-Road) First Impression w/ Randy Richardson 1:11:31

3d ago1:11:31

1:11:31

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S5 E53 The Snow Show London, Where to Ski Right Now, This Season’s Gear Picks & Winter 2025 Our Destinations 37:11

2d ago37:11

37:11

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So You Want To Name A Mountain, Trailside Sustainability & Are Gravel Shoes For Real? 49:37

9d ago49:37

49:37

Just in time for fall Shawnté and Colin dive into listener questions about some of the most peculiar, practical, controversial outdoor dilemmas and whole bunch of mating tarantulas. This week’s questions: Naming Peaks – Can the average hiker name a mountain? Shawnté breaks down the tangled history of U.S. place names and what it takes to get one of…

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Behind the Lens with Clint Easley (Filmmaking, Storytelling & Real Backcountry Grit) 1:21:06

8d ago1:21:06

1:21:06

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with Clint Easley, filmmaker, hunter, and founder of Revol Entertainment, to uncover what really goes into crafting powerful hunting films in the backcountry. From wedding shoots to wild terrain, Clint shares the highs, lows, and behind-the-scenes chaos of filming in unforgiving environmen…

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Show #449 - 2026 Kawasaki KX250 Talk/Tips/Tricks 45:24

9d ago45:24

45:24

Kris and Aden Keefer walk you through the 2026 KX250 and what this bike is all about. No changes in 2026 means updated settings, mods and even some things to look out for when it comes to the green machine. Is this viable option if you're in the market for a new 250 four stroke? Listen here and find out!…

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First Trail Runs, REI Splurges & The Backpacking Relationship Test 37:54

16d ago37:54

37:54

HELLOOOOO THERE, outdoorsy friends! Shawnté Salabert and Colin “Partner In Gear” True are back with another wild ride of Gear Abby! The podcast where we answer your burning, weird, and sometimes awkward outdoor questions with advice that doesn’t suck. This week’s questions include: Trail Running 101 – Angry Rae wants tips for new trail runners. Sha…

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Become a Better Shooter: Rodger Holscher 1:17:37

17d ago1:17:37

1:17:37

Got questions? Send us a text! Last week's episode's audio was the story part, btw. We apologize. In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Rodger Holscher—law enforcement officer, lifelong hunter, and one of the most dialed riflemen you'll ever meet. From growing up on a California cattle ranch to navigating high-stakes situat…

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Show #448 - 2026 Yamaha YZ450F Review/Test 1:31:27

16d ago1:31:27

1:31:27

What is its like to ride Yamaha's updated 2026 YZ450F? Let Keefer and company walk you through each change and how those changes are felt on the track. Is the updated chassis and engine that much better where it could sway you to purchase one? Learn about where the new bLU cRU is better and if there is anything that Yamaha went backwards on. Plus, …

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How to Hike Alone, Pack a Raft, Walk On Ice & Still Have Hope 41:22

23d ago41:22

41:22

Host Shawnté Salabert and producer Colin “P.I.G.” True return with another round of outdoor gear confessions and advice in Gear Abby! The podcast where no question is too weird, petty, or controversial. This week’s questions include: Solo Female Hiking – How do you get past the fear of hiking alone, especially when your brain is full of true crime …

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Elk at 12 Yards, Bears in the Dark & No Spoon for 3 Days with Rodger Holscher 1:13:29

24d ago1:13:29

1:13:29

Got questions? Send us a text! Rodger Holscher is back in the studio—and this time, it’s not just tactics and gear talk. This is full-on story mode. From nearly bonking out after three days without a spoon to punching his tag on a bull at 12 yards, Rodger walks us through some of his most unforgettable backcountry hunts with Chris and the crew. Whe…

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Show #447 - 2026 Honda CRF450R Review 1:25:49

23d ago1:25:49

1:25:49

Keefer brings in Eddie Laret to discuss the unchanged Honda CRF450R for 2026. Even though Honda didn't change a thing to the CRF450R there is still plenty to discuss like mods that work, settings, who this machine could be best for as well as some downfalls that you might find with the 2026 Ride Red machine.…

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Switchback Crimes and Punishments & How To Slay The Chafe Monster 35:21

1M ago35:21

35:21

Shawnté Salabert and producer Colin “P.I.G.” True are back with another round of Gear Abby, where the gear questions get real... and sometimes a little gross. This week’s adventures include: The Triple Crown of Hiking – Do you really need to hike the AT, PCT, and CDT to earn your stripes, or is the whole “Triple Crowner” thing kind of overrated? Ch…

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Why Most Hunters Quit Early (And How to Push Through): Chris Young 44:03

1M ago44:03

44:03

Got questions? Send us a text! Welcome back to the Mountain Dude Podcast by Initial Ascent. In this solo episode, host Chris Young dives deep into the one factor that separates successful hunters from those who come home empty-handed: mental toughness. From chasing bugles deep in September elk country to grinding through long solo hunts, Chris shar…

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Polartec® AirCore™ | Inside the Future of Breathable, Sustainable Cycling Performance Gear 54:12

1M ago54:12

54:12

Discover Polartec® AirCore™ — the revolutionary fabric that’s lightweight, breathable, PFAS-free, and made from recycled materials, designed to keep you dry from the inside out. Watch interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-EFOAr534V4 As the industry’s first advanced air-permeable laminate, AirCore™ combines stretch, windproofing, and water repelle…

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Show #446 - 2026 Honda CRF250R Review 56:05

30d ago56:05

56:05

No changes made to the Honda CRF250 in 2026 but we do have a lot of info to break down about the red machine. Learn about the Honda's strengths and weaknesses as well as what mods work best and we even cover some set up tips too help you get dialed in with your new CRF250R.

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Pee Funnels: Trash or Treasure? Plus: The Boots vs Trail Runners Cage Match! 30:42

1M ago30:42

30:42

Gear Abby is back! Host Shawnté Salabert and producer Colin “P.I.G.” True tackle another round of listener questions about the gear and decisions that make (or break) your time outside. This week’s lineup includes: Boots vs Trail Runners – Abby helps settle the debate over whether “real hikers” wear boots, and why trail runners may or may not be th…

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How To Poop With A View & Running Vests: Dorkiness Or Diligence? 35:58

1M ago35:58

35:58

Welcome to the very first episode of Gear Abby! Host Shawnté Salabert and producer/partner-in-gear Colin “P.I.G.” True dive straight into the big outdoor questions you didn’t even know you needed answered. This week’s burning topics include: Best & Worst Places to Poop Outdoors – from Leave No Trace rules to Shawnté’s personal tales of unfortunate …

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Training, Faith & 40+ Packouts a Year: "Hollywood" Dave Beronio 1:04:30

1M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with “Hollywood” Dave Beronio, elite athlete, guide, packout machine, and wedding officiant with over 1,500 ceremonies under his belt. From the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe to hauling 50 animals a year off Utah’s peaks, Dave’s story is one of relentless drive and intentional living. He opens u…

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Show #445 - How To Obtain And Keep A Sponsorship 1:28:05

1M ago1:28:05

1:28:05

In today's world where budgets are getting tighter and cost of living/racing is going up, how can a journeyman racer/family get sponsored to help offset costs? How can you, the racer, help the company that is sponsoring you? What can you do to obtain and then keep said sponsorship? We sit down with Kenny Day (Fox Racing) as well as Andy White (FXR …

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Hello Our Outdoorsy Friends And Welcome To Gear Abby! 1:36

2M ago1:36

1:36

Get to know Gear Abby hosted by Shawnté Salabert! Are you sick of the outdoor establishment old guard who think their way is the only way? Do you crave honest, no-holds-barred gear talk that’s not tied to affiliate links, influencer dollars, or editorial bias? Do you wish you had an outdoor bestie who could answer your deepest, darkest questions ab…

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The E-scouting Guru and the Secrets to Elk Hunting Success: Mark Livesay 1:18:35

2M ago1:18:35

1:18:35

Got questions? Send us a text! On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we’re joined by none other than Mark Livesay—the E-Scouting Master behind TreeLine Academy and one of the most respected educators in the elk hunting world. Mark has spent decades refining his system for digital scouting elk hunting areas and has taught thousands of hunter…

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Show #444 - 2025 KTM 300 XC Talk W/Jamie Ellis 48:47

2M ago48:47

48:47

Got a chance to go test a 2025 KTM 300 XC up in the hills of the high desert so I decided to make a show about it since I liked it so much. After that decision, I decided to grab Jamie Ellis from Twisted Development to talk about some of his magical ECU mapping he does to the stock KTM 300XC. Get the scoop on KTM's best off-road two stroke right he…

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Elk Calling Tactics, Hunting Lessons, and Real-life Challenges: Cody McCarthy 1:17:07

2M ago1:17:07

1:17:07

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of The Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Cody McCarthy—elk caller, Slayer Calls pro, and man of faith—to hear his incredible journey from killing his first bull at 12 years old to becoming one of the most respected voices in the elk hunting world. Cody shares raw, emotional stories from his early…

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Show #443 - 2026 Kawasaki KX450 Talk 53:00

2M ago53:00

53:00

Keefer goes over the 2026 KX450 and why this bike may be best for you. With deals going on at your local Kawasaki dealer, this KX450 may be the right fit. Listen as KK goes over the engine delivery, any misnomers that you may have heard about the KX450, how the chassis can help you corner better as well as reliability talk. Get the straight scoop o…

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Q&A | Beat the Summer Heat: Smart Nutrition for Hot Weather Riding with Dani Hofstetter 53:25

2M ago53:25

53:25

Riding in the summer heat can turn a dream ride into a survival mission if you don’t fuel and hydrate correctly. In this episode, we're joined by returning guest and sports performance nutritionist, Dani Hofstetter, to break down how to fuel and hydrate smarter for hot weather training and racing. From carb absorption to sodium losses, cramping, gu…

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The Legend of The Bugler: Dirk Durham 1:32:28

2M ago1:32:28

1:32:28

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we're joined by none other than Dirk Durham, aka The Bugler, a backcountry legend and one of the most respected elk callers in the game. From his stormy-night birth in rural Idaho to bowhunting elk for over three decades, Dirk walks us through the experiences that shaped h…

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Show #442 - Ironman Combine Weekend Wrap up 1:11:21

2M ago1:11:21

1:11:21

We spent last week at Ironman Raceway for the Scouting Combine so in this show we cover the race itself, the track, the heat, Aden's issues, what kids impressed us, how the whole event works and a lot more from Ironman.

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Elk Every Year: Zach Bowhay’s Secrets to Long-Term Success in the West 1:00:44

2M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Got questions? Send us a text! Zach Bowhay is one of the most consistently successful elk hunters in the West. In this episode, he joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to break down what it really takes to fill tags year after year—without relying on hype, gimmicks, or lucky draws. From generational hunting knowledge to mental toughness, Zach shares the…

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Show #441 - 2025 Loretta Lynn's Wrap Up Show 1:38:34

2M ago1:38:34

1:38:34

Loretta's is done and dusted but the family and I sit down to recap the final days of the week and go over what happened at the ranch. We get off-road racer turned motocross guy Cole Forbes on to clear up a few things as well as talk about his week, how Aden's last motos were, who were the standouts of the week, who was our disappointments of the w…

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Show #440 - Loretta Lynn's Day 3 Recap 1:06:11

2M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

The Keefer family goes over day three of LL's 2025. Weather delays, fast B kids, fast women, some riders that we think should be doing better, a scary guy and a frenchy, how to navigate the amateur motocross path as well as a lot more within this episode.

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Show #439 -2025 Loretta Lynn's Day 2 Recap 1:27:21

2M ago1:27:21

1:27:21

Keefer brings in Randy Richardson, Robby Green and Eddie Laret to talk about day 2 at the ranch. From crashes, podiums, who was good, who wasn't, how the track shaped up and even how many motocross training facilities are in the paddock these days. If you weren't there, it will feel like you were!

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Show #438 - Loretta Lynn's 2025 Day One 1:14:37

2M ago1:14:37

1:14:37

Sit down with the Keefer family and enjoy the day one recap of some racing at the ranch. Kris, Aden, Heather as well as Eddie Laret talk about the day's events, how the racing went, who was fast, who wasn't and even a little bit of drama to tie it all in. It wouldn't be Loretta's without some sort of drama right?…

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Burning Beds, Backcountry Demons & Bowhunting Elk with Nate Illingsworth 1:04:51

2M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Got questions? Send us a text! In this raw and hilarious episode, Nate Illingsworth joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to share his insane journey—from nearly burning down his house mid-romance to losing 80 pounds and tackling backcountry elk hunts head-on. Nate opens up about fitness, faith, mental resilience, and the power of doing hard things—all w…

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VALENTIN PARET-PEINTRE | The Heart of a Climber: Favorite Climbs, Training Tips, and the Transition to SQS 36:57

3M ago36:57

36:57

In this episode, we sit down with one of the brightest young talents in professional cycling — Valentin Paret-Peintre. At just 24, he’s already claimed stage victories at the Giro d’Italia, the Tour of Oman, and made history as the fifth Frenchman ever to win atop Mont Ventoux during his maiden Tour de France. Join us for a relaxed and insightful c…

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Gear Talk Pt 2: Clothing Systems & the Merino vs Synthetic Debate 1:15:42

3M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of Gear Talk, we go deep into clothing systems for backcountry hunting. From the hot debate of Merino wool vs synthetic base layers to how to layer effectively without overpacking, this is your ultimate breakdown of what to wear, when, and why. Whether you’re prepping for spring bear or late-season elk…

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TIM MERLIER & BERT VAN LERBERGHE | The Friendship Behind the Sprinter Duo! 39:24

3M ago39:24

39:24

They were just two kids from Wortegem, riding bikes after school, never dreaming they’d one day end up in the pro peloton together. In this episode of the Castelli Podcast, we sit down with Belgian sprint sensation Tim Merlier and his lifelong friend and trusted lead-out man Bert Van Lerberghe, a duo bonded by years of shared rides, muddy cyclocros…

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Gear Talk Pt 1: Basecamp vs Backpack Hunting | Backcountry Nutrition, Gear Tips 1:13:36

3M ago1:13:36

1:13:36

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we dive deep into the backcountry, from the comfort of basecamp hunts to the grind of true backpack-style missions. We swap personal hunting stories, break down gear essentials like backcountry chairs, and talk about how to balance comfort and pack weight when you're miles deep. We also hit on one of …

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Show #437 - KTM 350 SX-F vs. Yamaha YZ450F Which One Is Better For You? 1:00:34

3M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

Let me walk you through the old age question... Should I get a 350 or a 450? I grab our modified KTM 350 SX-F as well as our trusty Yamaha YZ450F in order to guide you through all of the positives and negatives of each size and color. Is a modified 350 a disadvantage like others say it is? Why modify a 350 when you can just buy a 450? Can you make …

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TOUR DE FRANCE | Chasing Speed with Soudal Quick-Step 20:53

3M ago20:53

20:53

In this special Tour de France episode, we're joined by two of the sharpest minds in performance cycling: Koen Pelgrim, Head of Performance at Soudal Quick-Step, and Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager and driving force behind the Scorpion’s aero innovation. Recorded just ahead of the Tour’s Grand Départ, the episode dives deep into the world of wi…

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The Hollywood Cameraman: Clint Easley 1:04:35

3M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with Clint Easley, a former architect to the stars turned full-time filmmaker and mountain hunter. From designing homes for Hollywood elites to filming in the remote wilds of Alaska, Clint’s story is one of bold transitions, relentless creativity, and a calling to something deeper. This co…

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Show #436 - 2025 Kawasaki KX450SR Race Test With Gary Sutherlin 1:15:39

3M ago1:15:39

1:15:39

We gave Gary Sutherlin our 2025 KX450SR to race the vet weekend up at Mammoth Mountain MX so we ring him up to go over the details of the build as well as the race. What did Gary do to the bike? How was the durability of the KX450SR? Did it have enough power up in elevation? Hear it all on this show!…

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Dan Whitmus Stabbed Himself in Alaska and SURVIVED! 1:01:49

3M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with legendary hunting guide Dan Whitmus, a man who’s lived over 30 years in the wilderness guiding hunters through Alaska, Africa, New Zealand, and the American West. Dan shares jaw-dropping stories, including surviving a self-inflicted knife wound deep in the bush, 300+ pound solo packou…

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Show #435 - Mammoth MX and Remembering Aidan Zingg 1:13:22

3M ago1:13:22

1:13:22

The family and I sit down to share stories about a great young man and how he impacted our lives. If you knew Aidan you already know but if you didn't this show will speak about who he was as a person and how he held a special place in our hearts.

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S5. E52 - Ski News, Club Med Turkey, Play in an Après Band + The Best of Summer Mountains North Amercia 1:00:36

3M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

Drop us a message with any questions you may have :) News: Peak Skis Shuts Down - Founded by Bode Miller, has filed for bankruptcy Dave Ryding to Retire - announced he’ll retire after the 2025–26 World Cup New London Snow Show Launches - at Olympia London this October Visit londonsnowshow.com Eurostar Ski Train Returns - running Saturdays from Dece…

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They've Killed Over 20 wolves! Justin and Kate Small 1:09:31

4M ago1:09:31

1:09:31

Got questions? Send us a text! Justin and Kate Small, two of the best predator hunters on the planet, share their expertise on wolf hunting tactics that can make you a more effective hunter. • Kate's background includes nursing in Tanzania where she spent four months providing healthcare in poverty-stricken areas, including two months living with t…

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Show #434 - The Club MX Experience 1:00:33

4M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Ever wondered what it's like to ride the Club MX facility? What about how it's ran? Is it the best motocross training facility in the United States? Listen as Aden and Kris Keefer talk about their experience visiting/riding the Club MX grounds.

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GIANT IDAHO BEARS with Chris Young 1:06:29

4M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, our host Chris Young shares the full story of his 2025 Idaho spring bear hunt. From rivers crossed with pack rafts to glassing for days in high mountain wind, this conversation captures the highs, lows, and lessons of a truly special backcountry experience. Along the way, Chris reflects on the power o…