Jason Hairston & Brendan Burns

Date: 2016-06-30 | Duration: 2h 43m

Episode Overview

Jason Hairston and Brendan Burns dive deep into the world of high-performance hunting gear and the demanding lifestyle of serious hunters. They discuss the extreme engineering behind their company’s products, emphasizing how innovation and technical precision set their hunting apparel and packs apart from typical outdoor gear. Brendan shares insights into the rigorous testing and material science involved, including collaborations with experts in carbon fiber technology, to create ultralight, durable equipment built for harsh mountain environments. The conversation highlights the necessity of gear that not only survives but thrives in extreme conditions, reflecting the intense physical and mental demands of backpack hunting. The episode also explores the culture and ethics of hunting, challenging common stereotypes by focusing on the respect and dedication hunters have for wildlife. Jason recounts personal experiences tracking elusive animals like Roosevelt elk and bighorn sheep, illustrating the patience, fitness, and deep connection required for the pursuit. They touch on the nutritional aspects of wild game, sharing tips on aging and preparing meat for maximum flavor and health benefits. Throughout, the guests emphasize hunting as a lifelong passion that tests both body and mind, while also supporting conservation efforts and sustainable wildlife management.

About Brendan Burns

Brendan Burns is an accomplished mountain hunter and the manager of KUIU Professional Services, a division of the renowned ultralight mountain hunting gear company founded by former NFL player Jason Hairston. With a deep passion for the outdoors and a wealth of experience in high-altitude hunting, Brendan has earned recognition for his expertise in gear selection and wilderness survival. Known for his engaging personality and practical insights, he shares his adventures and knowledge with fellow hunting enthusiasts, making him a compelling figure in the hunting community. His appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience highlights his dedication to promoting sustainable hunting practices and the importance of gear innovation in the great outdoors.

About Jason Hairston

Jason Hairston is a former NFL player turned entrepreneur, best known as the founder of KUIU, a pioneering company specializing in ultralight mountain hunting gear. With a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to innovation, he transformed the hunting gear industry, creating products that emphasize performance and lightweight design. Hairston’s unique journey from professional sports to outdoor entrepreneurship showcases his versatility and dedication, making him a compelling figure in both the athletic and outdoor communities. His insights into the intersection of sports, business, and adventure resonate with audiences, as evidenced by his appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, where he shared his experiences and expertise.

Key Moments

– Hunting Gear Engineering
– Backcountry Hunting
– Wildlife Conservation
– Hunting Ethics
– Nutrient-Dense Foods
– Hunting Techniques
– Carbon Fiber Technology
– Physical Fitness for Hunting
– Hunting Culture
– Pack Design
– Wild Game Cooking
– Animal Behavior
– Hunting Economics
– Hunting Tag Systems
– Hunting Safety
– Hunting Motivation
– Hunting Equipment Testing
– Hunting History
– Hunting Challenges
– Hunting Community
0:00:00 – Introduction and company overview
0:01:19 – Discussion on engineered hunting clothes
0:03:12 – Challenging hunter stereotypes
0:05:11 – Extreme engineering in hunting gear
0:07:42 – Survival and thriving in harsh environments
0:09:20 – Backpacking 37 miles in Alaska glacier terrain
0:10:43 – Addressing misconceptions about hunters
0:11:05 – Hunting as a DNA-driven pursuit
0:13:11 – Hunting as a lifelong passion
0:15:19 – Challenges of online shopping for gear
0:18:49 – Transparency and customer engagement
0:22:03 – Obsession and dedication in hunting
0:25:40 – Innovations in lightweight fabric technology
0:30:26 – Carbon fiber technology in hunting equipment
0:36:53 – Testing packs with various weights
0:41:59 – Passion versus work in hunting business
0:46:24 – Meeting Brendan Burns in Bozeman
0:48:01 – Roosevelt elk size and characteristics
0:50:46 – Genetics and dominance in elk populations
0:55:27 – Public perceptions of hunting
1:04:04 – Economic impact of hunting in poor regions
1:10:17 – Ethical meat procurement through hunting
1:16:38 – Natural cycle of life and death in hunting
1:22:49 – Drawing ethical lines in animal treatment
1:24:00 – Personal hunting experiences and memories
1:29:50 – Quality and performance of hunting clothes
1:31:07 – Ultralight gear for mountain performance
1:33:25 – Physical and mental demands of hunting
1:39:22 – Transitioning from dehydrated meals to fresh food
1:41:19 – Caloric deficits and nutrition in the field
1:43:11 – Importance of food preference on hunts
1:50:16 – Observing bear eating habits for nutrition insights
1:53:19 – Mental focus and confidence in competition
2:00:40 – Cooking wild game after hunting
2:04:14 – Proper aging and preparation of wild meat
2:14:37 – Auction tags and their role in conservation
2:31:57 – Rarity and challenge of drawing sheep tags
2:38:39 – Appreciation for innovation in hunting gear

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 couple hours and yeah we got the gun what's up gentlemen how are you good thanks for having us Starting point is 00:00:29 what I like about your company is there's not a lot of people that take what you guys do, Starting point is 00:00:53 I found out about you guys from my friend, Matin Putelis, who works for Meat Eater. Starting point is 00:01:19 the most technical most ridiculously engineered hunting clothes. You would say, well, what the fuck? Starting point is 00:01:46 And it's fascinating to me. Starting point is 00:02:11 And came up with the concept, introduced it in 06 to the hunting market, Starting point is 00:02:30 Totally. Starting point is 00:02:44 They're like, what well what is that one of the reasons why i want to have you guys on Starting point is 00:03:12 People think of hunters as Bubba, rednecks, driving around drinking beer, Starting point is 00:03:24 It's where we live and breathe. It's why I train every day. It's what my focus is in my life and Starting point is 00:04:09 where you also have a lowest common denominator kind of guy that you're associated with. Starting point is 00:04:49 I mean, we argue that it's a different format than even outdoor gear. Starting point is 00:05:11 over the extreme engineering involved Starting point is 00:05:29 I was listening to one of the podcasts where you talk about your Excel sheet that you make, Starting point is 00:05:55 performance and we found the same to be with with what we're doing on backpack hunts i mean every Starting point is 00:06:28 And this is one of the things that I wanted to kind of highlight about this pursuit. Starting point is 00:07:06 It really does. Starting point is 00:07:25 I mean, you have to be really well Starting point is 00:07:42 got to survive to A to B. I mean, you have to thrive Starting point is 00:08:07 We're seeing stuff that nobody would ever go see. Starting point is 00:08:29 And it defines for Brennan and I and for people in the company and pe...

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Frequently asked about this episode

What Joe Rogan episode are Brendan Burns and Jason Hairston on?

Brendan Burns and Jason Hairston appear together on JRE #817 to discuss KUIU hunting gear, backcountry hunting, and conservation.