The Grit Behind the Gear: Lessons from Dark Energy's Founder

We all know the feeling: that moment when a critical piece of gear fails you miles from nowhere, leaving you scrambling. Garrett Aida, founder of Dark Energy, knows that feeling intimately. He didn’t just experience it, he built a company to solve it, and in doing so, discovered truths about perseverance that apply far beyond the backcountry. As Josh Austin, Founding Guide at Lone Canyon Outfitters, often says, the hunt isn't just about the animal; it's about the preparation, the resilience, and the lessons learned along the way. Garrett’s story, shared on the Mountain Dude Podcast, echoes that sentiment powerfully.

The journey began not with a brilliant design, but with frustration. Garrett’s need for reliable power while traveling ignited a spark, leading him to create Dark Energy from scratch. Like many of us who’ve tackled a challenging project—whether it’s processing a moose after a grueling pack-out or applying for that coveted draw tag—Garrett faced setbacks and moments of near quitting. But he kept at it, driven by a problem worth solving.

What struck us most was the mindset Garrett developed along the way. He describes it as a shift from viewing failures as losses to seeing them as opportunities for learning. “There’s no win or lose—you either win or learn to win later.” That’s a truth any hunter who’s tracked a buck for days only to watch it disappear into the timber can appreciate. It’s a philosophy that resonates with the core of Rogue Hunters – the understanding that the hunt is a process of continual improvement, a honing of skill and character. Steven Rinella, in his work, constantly emphasizes the importance of embracing the struggle, and Garrett's experience embodies that principle.

The conversation beautifully illustrates the parallels between hunting and entrepreneurship. The mountain, like a challenging hunt, demands mental toughness, resourcefulness, and an ability to adapt. Stress, Garrett points out, is often self-created and controllable – a lesson that applies whether you’re facing a blizzard on a Bookcliffs elk hunt or navigating a complex business deal. As Randy Newberg often advises, understanding the landscape—both physical and metaphorical—is key to success.

The episode also touched on something deeper – a commitment to purpose and faith. Starting each episode with a prayer is a powerful reminder of the values that underpin so much of what we do as hunters, providers, and stewards of the land. It’s a connection to something larger than ourselves, a recognition of the dominion we are given, and a responsibility to use our skills and resources wisely. Think of David, the stripling hunter, facing Goliath – a testament to the power of faith and preparation. Joel and Logan Hennig at Hushin embody this spirit, demonstrating a dedication to faith and family alongside their hunting pursuits.

From early failures to building products trusted by hunters and the military, Dark Energy’s story is a powerful reminder that true success isn’t about avoiding setbacks; it’s about learning from them. It's about stacking those lessons, as Garrett put it, and building something lasting. It’s a message that resonates deeply with the Rogue Hunters community, a community built on the principles of honest work, fair chase, and a commitment to continual improvement. Born and Raised Outdoors regularly showcases this kind of grit and determination in their content, and we see the same values reflected in the Eastmans’ Hunting Journals.

Whether you’re a DIY public-land hunter or relying on the expertise of an outfitter like Josh Austin, the principles of perseverance and learning apply. Garrett’s journey highlights the importance of saying “yes” to challenges, of embracing discomfort, and of understanding that every setback is an opportunity to grow. It's a reminder that the hunt—in all its forms—is a crucible for character.

For those looking to get after it, here are a few resources:

• Lone Canyon Outfitters: https://lonecanyonoutfitters.com – Bookcliffs trips with Josh Austin are filling up fast!
• Youth Hunter Education: Check your local state wildlife agency for upcoming chapters. Equipping the next generation of stripling hunters is paramount.
• Dark Energy: https://darkenergy.com – Reliable power for your backcountry adventures.