workout | The Filson Journal

Filson x MTNTOUGH “Embrace the Ruck” Challenge

MTNTOUGH’s “Embrace the Ruck” challenge is designed to test mental barriers as much as it is to push physical ones. “If you can do this, there are very few people or animals that will be able to outlast you,” says Ara Megerdichian, MTNTOUGH coach and former U.S. Army officer and Ranger.

5 Min

Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 6: “THE DEVIL’s 55”

If you could only do one workout with limited equipment this MTNTOUGH workout would be at the top of the list. It is 55 minutes of total-body work, making it an extraordinary challenge to finish, but with continued dedication this can become an ordinary workout you can do anytime, anywhere with only a weighted pack.

5 Min

man wearing backpack with dumbbells over shoulders doing lunge squat

Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 5: “Brick by Brick”

MTNTOUGH’s “Brick by Brick” Workout is designed to help you become a more balanced athlete. The repeated pendulum lunges will make you want to throw in the towel, but they will test you psychologically. Stick with it.

5 Min

man lifting a backpack above his head in a black filson hat

Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 4: “Gone In 12 Minutes”

MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab believes eliminating psychological barriers is the key to reaching our goals. Their team knows the most important muscle you can train sits between your ears… the brain. Your mind, just like your body, can be trained. Mental toughness and perseverance can be cultivated through proper training, specifically training above the neck. Dustin Diefenderfer, lifelong backcountry hunter & founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab, shares a straightforward workout to boost your grit that you can do anytime, anywhere with only a pack, backpack or rucksack.

3 Min

wildland firefighter running holding a bundle of material in front of some large machinery reflecting the orange glow of the fire

Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter Workout Series

We worked with the guys at MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab to bring those simple but effective routines to you and whatever space you occupy to help you keep physically fit and mentally sharp. Here you’ll find each workout in our series. Take ’em one by one or, if you’re up for a serious challenge, try to run through the whole routine.

3 Min

man holding backpack on biceps doing deep squat lunge

Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 3: “The Pack Challenge”

We worked with the guys at MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab to bring those simple but effective routines to you and whatever space you occupy to help you keep physically fit and mentally sharp. In the second installment of our series with MTNTOUGH, they walk us through their leg-day routine dubbed “The Mother of Quad.” Be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart.

3 Min

Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 2: “Mother of Quad”

In the second installment of our series with MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab, they walk us through their leg-day routine dubbed “the Mother of Quad.” Be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart.

2 Min

Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 1: “FRIDLEY”

First responders and wildland firefighters don’t have the option to work from home. They need to be in top physical and mental shape or else lives could be lost. If they can’t make it to the gym, they bring the gym home or find a way to use whatever space they have to hit their daily goals. We worked with the guys at MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab to bring those simple but effective routines to you and whatever space you occupy to help you keep physically fit and mentally sharp.

7 Min

two men shirtless in a gym, the one in front bent over with his hands on his knees tired while the other adjusts the rowing machine behind him

Field Notes

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter with Mountain Tough Fitness Lab

The day-to-day rigors of a wildland firefighter require supreme mental and physical strength. These folks hump 45-pound packs up and down steep, rugged terrain for three to five miles a day — usually in the intense heat of a wildfire. If you want what it takes to be a wildland firefighter, you have to train like one. That’s where MTNTOUGH comes in.

2 Min

Filson x MTNTOUGH “Embrace the Ruck” Challenge

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 6: “THE DEVIL’s 55”

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 5: “Brick by Brick”

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 4: “Gone In 12 Minutes”

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter Workout Series

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 3: “The Pack Challenge”

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Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 2: “Mother of Quad”

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter, Workout 1: “FRIDLEY”

Train Like a Wildland Firefighter with Mountain Tough Fitness Lab