The Weight of the Chase: Choosing Your Optics Support for Deep Country

The hunt is not a weekend trip to a sporting goods store. It's grit. It's tracking through terrain that will chew up your boots and test your resolve. When you're miles from the nearest trail, relying on your gear—especially your optics—is non-negotiable. Every component must earn its weight.

Take, for example, the critical role of reliable optics support. A sturdy bipod isn't just a piece of metal; it's the difference between a careful, ethical shot that provides for your family, and a frustrating miss. Whether you're using a scope for long-range rifle work or setting up for a glassing session, stability is paramount. But when you're carrying everything on your back—the meat, the supplies, the boots—you have to be obsessive about ounces.

Backcountry vs. Mountain: Weighing the Trade-Offs

We recently looked at two top contenders for optics support: the MDT Backcountry and the MDT Mountain. Both are built for serious hunters, but they approach the problem of weight and functionality differently.

For the ounce counters going deep into the country—the guys who are tracking through the toughest terrain, maybe seeking that elusive bighorn or mountain lion—the 5 oz. Backcountry Bipod shines. Its design prioritizes minimum weight and maximum strength, making it perfect for those grueling hauls. It’s built for the slog.

However, if your hunt demands maximum adjustability, or if you anticipate needing a wider, more stable stance for varying ground conditions, the Mountain Bipod (at 5.7 oz.) offers more features. It provides that extra mounting option and the wider stance, giving you more versatility when you need it most.

It's Always About the Mission

Ultimately, the choice between the two is a trade-off between weight savings and sheer functionality. Do you need every gram you can spare, trusting the basic strength of the Backcountry? Or do you need the extra adjustability and mounting points the Mountain offers, knowing those extra ounces are worth the peace of mind?

When you're out there, far from the paved roads and the convenience stores, your gear failure isn't just an inconvenience; it's a threat to the mission. This is why the meticulous planning—the scouting, the gear selection, the preparation—is just as vital as the shot itself. The hunt is preparation for facing Goliath, and your tools must be worthy of the task. This commitment to self-sufficiency is what separates the weekend tourist from the hunter who understands the weight of providing for his own.

Getting Out There

Whether you are equipping yourself for a public land DIY hunt, or joining a guided trip with an experienced outfitter, the principle remains: gear must serve the mission, and the mission is always the fair chase. If you're serious about improving your fieldcraft and getting dialed in on your optics support, check out the work being done by founding guides like Josh Austin at Lone Canyon Outfitters. They know the deep country, and they know the right equipment for the job. For those looking to connect with the heart of the hunt, a trip with the guys at Bookcliffs is always a masterclass in grit.