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Why Your Backcountry Cook System SUCKS (And How to Fix It): Chris Neville of Roughridge Stove Co.
Description
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Backcountry hunters know the struggle… piecing together a cook system that actually works when it matters most.
In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Chris Neville, co-founder of Roughridge Stove Co., to break down how years of frustration in the backcountry turned into one of the most innovative cook systems built specifically for hunters.
Chris dives into the real problems with traditional stoves—poor performance in wind, unreliable igniters, inefficient fuel usage—and how he and his brother spent over 3 years building a system from the ground up to solve them. This isn’t a rebranded product… it’s a purpose-built solution designed for the harsh realities of western hunting.
We also get into the entrepreneurial side of the journey—bootstrapping a company, navigating manufacturing challenges, and what it actually takes to bring an idea to life while balancing family, hunting, and real life.
If you’ve ever struggled with your gear in the backcountry, this episode will hit home.
What You’ll Learn:
Why most cook systems fail in real hunting conditions
How wind and altitude impact stove performance
The biggest mistakes hunters make with backcountry gear
What it really takes to build a product from scratch
The mindset required to stick with something for 3+ years
Check Out Rough Ridge Stoves:
https://roughridgestoves.com
Follow along on Instagram for product updates and behind-the-scenes development.
Gear Up for Your Next Hunt:
If you're looking for a backcountry pack system built to perform when it matters most, check out Initial Ascent:
https://initialascent.com
About the Podcast:
The Mountain Dude Podcast is presented by Initial Ascent.
We bring you real conversations with hunters, entrepreneurs, and people who live for the mountains—diving into the mindset, grit, and lessons learned along the way.
Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.
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https://initialascent.com/
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