#101: FROM ROCK CLIMBING TO BOWHUNTING: BRAD BROOKS OF ARGALI ON GEAR, GRIT, AND THE LEARNING CURVE OF THE HUNT
In this episode of First Generation Bowhunter, host Adam Buchanan sits down with Brad Brooks, founder of Argali Outdoors, to talk about the unexpected overlap between rock climbing, bow hunting, and building gear that actually works in the backcountry.
Adam and Brad dig into how their shared obsession with climbing shaped their approach to bowhunting, why bow hunting has one of the steepest learning curves in the outdoors, and how persistence—not shortcuts—is the real key to success. They also compare the true cost of climbing vs. hunting, why hunters tend to obsess over gear, and how to avoid wasting money when you’re getting started.
The conversation goes deep into wild game as a primary food source, from preparation and cooking to why harvesting your own meat changes your relationship with food entirely. Brad also shares insight into how Argali gear is designed, why simplicity matters, and how innovation in hunting apparel and equipment is evolving to better serve serious hunters—not trends.
They wrap with a real conversation about balancing family life, work, and hunting, why communication matters, and how learning from failure is unavoidable in both climbing and bowhunting.
If you’re a bowhunter, endurance athlete, climber, or someone trying to do hunting the right way—this episode hits.
Brad is the founder of Argali Outdoors, known for lightweight, no-nonsense hunting gear built for real backcountry use.
👉 Check out Argali gear here: https://argalioutdoors.com
(Designed for western hunters who value durability, weight savings, and simplicity.)
Rock climbing builds mental toughness that translates directly to bow hunting
Bow hunting has a steeper learning curve than most outdoor sports
Climbers tend to spend less on gear than hunters—but both obsess over performance
Success in bow hunting often comes after repeated failure
Wild game becomes a staple when hunting is done consistently
Quality gear matters—but skill and decision-making matter more
Communication is critical when balancing hunting, family, and work
The hunting gear and apparel industry is shifting toward function over hype
Episode Chapters
00:00 – How rock climbing shaped obsession
05:03 – Transitioning from climbing to bow hunting
10:52 – Gear advice for new bowhunters
18:01 – The steep learning curve of archery
21:16 – Adaptability in bow hunting
23:04 – Arrows, mistakes, and hard lessons
26:29 – Why wild game matters
27:56 – Cooking and preparing wild meat
30:32 – Balancing hunting with real life
31:31 – Communication and family support
38:08 – Innovation in hunting apparel and gear
bow hunting podcast, archery hunting tips, Argali Outdoors, backcountry hunting gear, bow hunting learning curve, wild game cooking, hunting lifestyle, archery gear recommendations, western bow hunting, First Generation Bowhunter
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