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The Mindful Hunter Podcast

Author: Jay Nichol

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A deep dive into a mindful perspective on the discipline of hunting.
306 Episodes
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I finally had a chance to sit down with my buddy Bo and do a debrief of our Mexican Coues hunting adventure.   Bo Campbell https://www.instagram.com/boscottcampbell/   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
After breaking down 11 animals this year, including two bears and a deer, I’ve spent serious time with the Benchmade Raghorn in the field. In this no-nonsense review, I’ll walk you through what this knife does right — and where it falls short. If you’re wondering whether the carbon fiber CPM-CruWear version is worth $420, or if the blade shape holds up under real-world use, this review is for you. 🧠 No hype. No sponsorships. Just hard-earned field experience. 🗂️ Chapters below — or jump into the comments if you’ve used the Raghorn or have other blades you want tested. 📍 Support the channel, join the private gear forum & access my exclusive gear database: 🔗 https://www.mindful-reviews.com 📧 Questions or booking inquiries: jay@mindfulhunter.com ⸻ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – 11 animals, multiple knives 00:12 – 3 animals with the Raghorn 00:22 – What this review will cover 00:42 – Knife evolution: from ultralight to full-size 01:02 – Raghorn overview: full-size without the weight 01:14 – CPM-CruWear model vs. S30V version 01:29 – Specs & price breakdown 02:02 – CruWear vs. MagnaCut comparison 03:11 – Why corrosion resistance matters 03:54 – Crew wear vs. MagnaCut: final verdict 04:05 – Outfitting update: Mule deer & bear hunts 05:06 – Real-world use on bear & deer 05:35 – No sharpening needed — field edge retention 06:12 – Handle grip, jimping & ergonomics 06:35 – Blade geometry: where the knife falls short 07:26 – Why belly placement matters 08:13 – Final thoughts: who this knife is for 08:56 – Is $420 a fair price? 09:17 – Designed for elk-sized game? 09:26 – Not an all-purpose knife — but a valuable tool 09:41 – Benchmade warranty + lifetime sharpening 10:05 – Why unbiased reviews matter 10:29 – Join the community at Mindful Reviews 10:50 – Feedback request: what knife content do you want? 11:33 – Like, comment, subscribe — it all helps ⸻ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
In this episode of the Mindful Hunter Podcast, I sit down with a good friend who spends just as many days in the field as I do. What starts as a conversation about hunting quickly turns into a deeper discussion about parenting, mindset, and the realities of modern hunting. We dive into the importance of getting kids outside, why making the outdoors fun is the key to raising lifelong hunters, and how time in the field forces you to slow down and be present. From there we get into Arizona hunts, changing draw systems, and why the traditional “save points forever for one dream tag” strategy may not make sense anymore. We talk about alternatives like landowner tags, outfitted hunts, and finding creative ways to keep hunting more often instead of waiting decades for a tag. We also break down the biggest misconceptions people have about guided hunts, the psychology of managing clients during a hunt, and why mindset matters more than grinding miles when it comes to actually killing animals. We wrap things up talking about discipline, the 75 Hard challenge, and why stacking small wins every day might be the real key to success—both in hunting and in life. This episode is a wide-ranging conversation about hunting culture, experience, and the mindset required to stay in the game for the long haul.   Jake Downs https://www.instagram.com/jake_d_downs/   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
The #1 question I get after reviewing both the HDX and HDX Pro versions of the Sig Sauer Zulu 6 binoculars is: “Which pair should I actually buy?” In this video, I break down all 7 models in the Zulu 6 lineup — both HDX and HDX Pro — and help you decide which model fits your hunting needs. I’ve spent months using these optics in real-world hunts. No fluff, no paid endorsements — just hard-earned insights from the field. If you want the clearest, most honest buyer’s guide on these binos anywhere online, you’re in the right place. 👉 Support more videos like this and access my full gear database at: 🔗 https://www.mindful-reviews.com 📧 Book a hunt with me or ask a gear question: jay@mindfulhunter.com ⸻ ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Why this video matters 00:26 – 3-month real-world testing 00:44 – HDX vs. HDX Pro: Key differences 02:00 – Objective sizes, magnification & pricing 02:33 – Light transmission + warranty 03:08 – Ergonomics & hand-feel 04:18 – Field use: 10x30 model 05:06 – Exit pupil explained 06:16 – Light transmission trade-offs 07:17 – Why Pro coatings matter 08:00 – Image stabilization: Scan vs. OmniScan 09:22 – Exit pupil comparison (graph) 10:12 – Bigger objective = better image 11:15 – Top picks: 10x30, 12x42, 16x50 12:09 – Raghorn hunt spot announcement 13:23 – My 4-variable framework: How to choose 15:39 – Final recommendations by user type 17:19 – Bino harness talk: AGC vs Stone Glacier 18:54 – Why this channel exists 19:13 – Support Mindful Reviews 19:32 – Join the discussion in the comments
In this episode of the Mindful Hunter Podcast, I sit down with outdoor photographer Sam Averett to talk about hunting, storytelling, and the strange intersection between the two. Sam and I first met on a mountain goat hunt in British Columbia — the kind of hunt that makes you feel like you’re standing on the moon. But beyond the mountains, Sam has quietly built one of the most respected careers in hunting media, working behind the camera with some of the biggest brands and personalities in the outdoor space. We dive into how Sam went from growing up hunting out the back door in eastern Oregon to working for the Forest Service and eventually making the leap into full-time photography. Along the way we talk about mentorship, breaking into the outdoor industry, and why relationships matter more than talent early in your career. The conversation also explores something that doesn’t get talked about enough: the tension between documenting the hunt and actually experiencing it. In a world full of influencers and constant content, Sam made a deliberate choice to stay behind the camera and focus on the craft rather than building a personal brand around dead animals and social media validation. We also get into the art of capturing real moments in the mountains, the difference between filming your own hunts versus having someone document them, and why some of the most powerful stories in hunting might still be told through writing and print rather than short digital films. This is a thoughtful conversation about creativity, authenticity, and staying grounded in an industry that’s changing fast. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the lens of the best hunt films and photos in the industry — this episode is for you.   Sam Averett https://www.instagram.com/samaverett/ https://www.samaverett.com/   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools      
Is an ultralight backpacking stove really lighter when you factor in the extra fuel it burns? In this video, I put the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 head-to-head against the MSR WindBurner to find out. I ran extensive lab tests, measured fuel efficiency, compared total system weights, and looked at real-world packability to help you decide which stove is best for your backcountry hunts and backpacking trips. Whether you’re a hunter shaving ounces for a goat hunt, or a backpacker planning a 10-day alpine trip, this review gives you the data and context you need to make the right call. If you enjoy in-depth, no-nonsense gear breakdowns, subscribe for more content like this.   Chapters / Timestamps 0:00 – Is ultralight really lighter? 0:18 – The contenders: Pocket Rocket 2 vs WindBurner 0:37 – My experience with both systems 1:12 – Stove & pot weight breakdown 2:05 – Why I chose the Oli Camp XT pot 2:32 – Total system weight comparison 2:43 – Testing setup & protocols 3:29 – Fuel burn results (Pocket Rocket vs WindBurner) 4:22 – Realities of flame control in the field 5:23 – What the data means for hunters 5:42 – Packability & wind performance 6:56 – System weight vs fuel weight trade-off 8:19 – My go-to stove for most hunts 9:23 – When the Pocket Rocket makes sense 10:14 – Why the WindBurner stands out in the field 11:20 – Final thoughts & viewer Q&A   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
In this episode, I sit down with Robby Denning for a raw and honest conversation about storytelling, hunting, and what really matters.   We dive deep into how hunting stories shaped us growing up — from books and campfire tales to modern films and YouTube. Are we telling better stories today? Or have we lost something in the shift toward short-form content and constant cameras?   We talk about: Why written stories hit differently than video The evolution of hunting content over the last 15 years Ego, burnout, and the pressure to always create Finding balance between documenting the hunt and being present Mentorship, community, and the mistake of going it alone Recovery, masculinity, and how the outdoors can reshape a man   This isn’t a gear episode. It’s a conversation about identity, legacy, and why storytelling might be the most important thing hunters can do right now — especially as ballot initiatives and public perception continue to shape the future of our lifestyle.   Robbie Denning https://www.instagram.com/robbydenning/   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools      
Is King’s Camo the best bang for your buck in hunting apparel right now? In this video, I put the Elevation Quarter Zip Hoodie and Ridge Pants through real backcountry testing—scouting trips, goat hunts, and long training hikes. I break down the fit, function, and feel of each piece, compare them directly to Sitka and Stone Glacier, and share whether these budget-friendly options can truly hang with the premium brands. 🔍 What you’ll learn in this review:  • Price breakdown & comparisons (up to 50% cheaper than Sitka/Stone Glacier)  • Features & materials explained (breathability, stretch, odor control, durability)  • Real-world performance on tough hunts  • Final verdict: Are they worth your money? If you’re a value-minded hunter, new to backcountry hunting, or just tired of paying top-dollar for gear, this review will help you decide if King’s Camo deserves a place in your kit. 👉 Drop your questions or budget gear recommendations in the comments below—I’m working on a budget backcountry gear list and your input will help shape it. Please like, comment, share, and subscribe if you find this review helpful. It really helps push this content further in the algorithm. Thanks for watching and stay tuned for more gear deep dives.  Chapters: 00:00 – Is King’s Camo the best bang for your buck? 00:12 – Introducing the Elevation Hoodie & Ridge Pants 00:33 – Best season and layering use cases 01:00 – Field testing & hunts 01:21 – How I evaluate gear (Fit, Function, Feel) 02:05 – Review framework (Price, Features, Fit/Feel/Function) 02:17 – Hoodie price & comparisons (Sitka, Stone Glacier) 03:00 – Pants price & comparisons 03:34 – Hoodie features breakdown 04:41 – Ridge Pants features breakdown 07:00 – Fit & sizing overview 08:10 – Hoodie fit & hood performance 10:19 – Ridge Pants fit & mobility 12:12 – Hoodie field performance (drying, odor, durability) 15:02 – Pants field performance (fit, durability, crampon test) 18:17 – Final thoughts & value verdict 19:41 – Kings Camo stamp of approval 20:00 – Future reviews, budget gear list, and sign-off   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
Adam Grenda is known for killing giant moose and flying Super Cubs into wild places — but that’s only half the story. In this episode, we go deep. We talk about: Calling in a 71” bull moose to 12 yards with a bow The intensity of Alaskan moose hunting (and why it hits different) The reality of internet hate and how to not let it own your headspace Building a dream hangar house in remote Alaska from the ground up Why fear is the wall between you and freedom This isn’t just a hunting conversation. It’s about risk. Ownership. Growth. And building a life most people are too scared to chase. Adam lives an incredible life — but not an easy one. And that’s the point. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of comparison, dealt with criticism, or wondered what it really takes to build something meaningful… this one’s for you.   Adam Grenda https://www.instagram.com/grenda89/   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools      
I've got three spots left open for spring black bear hunts in BC and two spots left for archery mule deer in Alberta. For any outfitting info, email me jay@mindfulhunter.com I avoided the Mountain Stick 4.1 from MTN Gear for years because I assumed it was just a trekking pole with an ice axe head. I was wrong. After putting it through the ultimate test on a mountain goat hunt in brutal terrain, I can confidently say this tool is in a league of its own. In this review, I cover: • Why my first impressions were dead wrong • How the Mountain Stick performs in real-world backcountry hunting conditions • Features like the carbide tip, pommel grip, climbing hooks, digging ability, rifle mount, and saw attachment • Pros, cons, and whether it’s worth the $300 price tag If you’re a mountain hunter, backcountry hiker, or gear junkie wondering if the Mountain Stick 4.1 is hype or a legit game changer, this deep dive is for you. 👉 What do you use instead of trekking poles in the mountains? Drop your thoughts in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe for more no-BS gear reviews, optics tests, and backcountry hunting insights. ⸻ 📍 Chapters  00:00 – Why I avoided the Mountain Stick 4.1 00:31 – First assumptions vs. reality 01:08 – Build quality & durability (vs. trekking poles) 01:55 – Stability in steep terrain 02:57 – Pommel grip advantage 04:03 – Carbide tip & footing on tough slopes 05:16 – Climbing with hooks & ice axe function 06:14 – Digging, water, and camp uses 08:08 – Rifle mount & shooting stability 09:28 – Saw attachment & versatility 10:42 – Materials, specs & weight 12:39 – Downsides: grip, price, and weight 14:24 – Why it’s more than a trekking pole 14:51 – The “battle axe” factor 15:20 – Final thoughts & viewer questions   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
Four months ago, I gave my first impressions of the new GoHunt apparel lineup. Now, after a full season of guiding black bear hunts in British Columbia, attending a shooting course, and weeks of scouting, I’ve put these pieces through serious abuse. In this video, I give you my honest, unsponsored, and unfiltered feedback on four key pieces: • Atmosphere Jacket • Blackrock Hoodie • Basin Hoodie  • Approach Hoodie No marketing hype — just real-world results from months in the field. Some pieces impressed me, others fell flat. If you’re considering GoHunt gear, this review will help you make a smarter decision before dropping your cash. 👉 Do you agree with my take, or has your experience been different? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.   ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Why This Review Matters 01:01 – Atmosphere Jacket (Sitka Ambient Comparison) 03:23 – Blackrock Hoodie (Best Grid Fleece?) 04:58 – Basin Hoodie (Merino Durability Issues) 06:33 – Approach Hoodie (Favorite Piece) 08:45 – Overall Thoughts on GoHunt Apparel 10:52 – What’s Next from GoHunt (Approach Light, Pants) 11:28 – Community, Giveaways & Closing   If you appreciate unbiased, no-BS gear reviews, support the channel at MindfulReviews.com and join a growing community of backcountry hunter👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe Card: 0:28 – First review   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools  
Looking for the best digiscoping adapter for your spotting scope? In this video, I put the Kapture Digiscoping Adapter head-to-head against the industry leader, the Ollin adapter. After six weeks of guiding bear hunts in British Columbia, I tested both products in real hunting conditions to see which one holds up when it matters most. We compare:  • Price  • Build quality & installation  • MagSafe accessory compatibility  • 5x iPhone lens support  • Field usability & reliability If you’re serious about filming your hunts, digiscoping wildlife, or capturing backcountry footage with your iPhone, this review will save you money, frustration, and missed shots. 👉 Which adapter do you trust — Ollin or Kapture? Drop your thoughts in the comments. 👍 Like, Share & Subscribe for more unbiased hunting gear reviews. 00:00 – Intro & Previous Digiscoping Review 00:20 – New Player on the Market: Kapture 01:10 – 6 Weeks of Field Testing in BC 02:05 – How Ollin Works 02:44 – How Kapture Works 03:50 – Price Comparison ($175 vs. $310) 05:00 – Adapter Compatibility & Installation 05:35 – Leaving Adapters On While Glassing 06:20 – Phone Install & MagSafe Compatibility 07:21 – Portrait vs. Landscape Mode 07:45 – The 5x iPhone Lens Advantage 09:50 – User Experience Scores 10:45 – Final Category Rankings (Dead Tie) 11:10 – What Really Matters: Field Experience 13:20 – Why Convenience Beats Features 16:40 – Design Flaws with Kapture’s Adapter 20:00 – Build Quality & Stability Issues 21:00 – Everyday Use with Bino Harness & Pockets 22:10 – Why Ollin Wins for Reliability 23:05 – Wrap Up & Final Verdict 23:50 – Support Mindful Hunter Reviews   Cards: 0:07 – Digiscoiping review   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools  
In this in-depth review of the 2025 Durston X-Mid 2 Solid, I take this ultralight trekking pole shelter into true mountain hunting terrain to find out whether it can handle real-world backcountry abuse. Wind, rain, poor ground conditions—you name it. No sponsor bias, no marketing fluff—just hard-earned experience and honest feedback. We cover everything from specs, setup, and weather resistance to real-time in-field performance and packability. I also break down whether this tent belongs in your hunting toolkit—or if it’s better left for more casual trips. 🔔 If you’re tired of gear reviews that feel like commercials, hit subscribe. This is the Mindful Hunter way: practical, honest, no-BS reviews to help you make smarter gear choices. 📌 Join the Community: https://www.mindfulreviews.com ⸻ 🕒 Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 – Intro from the Field (Hawaii Update) 00:38 – Initial Setup and Wind Prep Strategy 01:50 – Tent Design and Geometric Benefits 02:50 – Gear Testing and Scouting Trip Overview 03:45 – Guided Hunt Openings + Booking Info 04:14 – Tent Review Criteria Explained (11 Metrics) 05:22 – Weight, Price & Materials Deep Dive 06:05 – Weather Resistance and Rain Performance 06:54 – Condensation, Build Quality & Packability 07:58 – Setup Techniques and Pro Tips 09:18 – Small Footprint Trade-offs 10:10 – Real-World Interior Space Test 11:49 – Vestibules: One of the Tent’s Biggest Wins 13:20 – In-Field Footage 16:54 – Final Verdict & Use Case Recommendations 18:54 – Support Independent Reviews Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
Are you a bigger guy looking for the best ultralight sleeping pad that won’t bottom out on rocky ground or cold nights? In this in-depth comparison, I put the Thermarest NeoAir Xlite NXT and the Big Agnes Zoom UL head-to-head to find out which one truly delivers for tall and heavy hunters and backpackers. This review goes beyond marketing fluff. I field-tested both pads in real backcountry conditions, evaluated their warmth, comfort, durability, and packability, and broke down the specs in a way that actually matters when you’re over 6 feet tall and 200+ pounds. If you’re tired of vague reviews and want real answers from a mindful, no-BS perspective—this one’s for you. 0:00 – Intro 2:28 – Testing Protocol 3:17 – Spec Comparison Table 8:03 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 8:51 – In-field Testing Footage 13:15 – Final Thoughts & Recommendations   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools    
Is the Sig Sauer Oscar 6 HDX Pro worth the hype? In this no-nonsense review, I take a deep dive into Sig’s latest image-stabilized spotting scope and stack it up against the competition in real-world hunting and glassing conditions. 📌 Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 3:09 – Limitations of digiscope footage for competitive reviews 4:45 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting updates 5:38 – 3-way Digiscope Analysis 12:29 – 3-way Category Scoring 15:50 – Conclusion & Recommendations 🧠 What You’ll Learn: • Real-world pros and cons of the Oscar 6 HDX Pro • Where it excels—and where it falls short • How it compares to other high-end stabilized spotters • Who should (and shouldn’t) invest in this optic 🎯 Whether you’re a backcountry hunter, long-range shooter, or glassing geek, this breakdown delivers the insights you need—no marketing fluff, just honest field-tested results. 📈 Support the Channel: Subscribe for weekly gear reviews and hunting content rooted in real-world experience and mindful critique.   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
I sat down this week with my good friend Colton Bagnoli to discuss his personal experience with the recent trend of smaller cartridges for use on big game. We closed out with a good chat on some reloading basics as well.   Colton Bagnoli https://www.instagram.com/papwinkle/   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
Revenge by BLK FLG claims to deliver energy, focus, mood, and pumps—but does it actually hit the clinical doses that research shows are effective? In this no-BS deep dive, I break down every key ingredient—L-citrulline, caffeine, alpha-GPC, Dynamine™, TeaCrine®, huperzine A, and more—against real peer-reviewed science. 🎁 Gear Giveaway: Win a SIG Oscar6 Image Stabilized Spotting Scope by supporting at https://www.mindfulreviews.com 🦉 Hunt with Me: Interested in booking a 2026 hunt? 📧 Email me at: jay@mindfulhunter.com 💥 December Booking Discount Ends Jan 2!   ✅ Support Independent Content: No sponsors. No hype. Just honest reviews and real-world experience. Subscribe on MindfulReviews.com  starting at $5/month.   0:00 – Intro 0:33 – Clinical Dosing 2:34 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 4:08 – Review Framework 4:39 – Ingredients Profiles & Dosing 9:48 – Conclusion and Recommendations     Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools  
When I saw Aquila's giant muley show up on my IG feed, I knew I had to sit down with him and hear the story of how he killed this buck. As usual, there were no secrets or gimmicks just a whiole lot of persistence and hard work. Aquila Broewn https://www.instagram.com/kootenaybackwoods/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools  
I’ve been running the new Teratorn Backpack from Shoot2Hunt and Exo for over two months—and I’ve put it through hell. From six weeks of hardcore bear guiding to a full week at a precision rifle course where I fired 1,200+ rounds, this pack wasn’t babied. I used it as my primary shooting support, my daily hauler, and my backcountry workhorse. This isn’t just a first impressions video—this is a real-world, no-BS review after serious use. If you’re considering this pack for backcountry hunting or tactical shooting, you’ll want to watch this first. 0:00 – Intro 3:26 – Scoring System 4:13 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 5:59 – Price 7:01 – Weight 8:02 – Capacity 11:29 – Fabric 12:12 – Build Quality 12:47 – Weather Resistance 12:59 – Buckles & Zippers 14:30 – Straps 16:59 – Access 19:28 – Pockets 19:46 – Hydration Compatibility 20:12 – Meat Shelf Protection 21:28 – Compression 24:00 – Packing System 36:53 – Final Score and Conclusions     Shoot2Hunt https://www.instagram.com/shoot2hunt/ https://shoot2hunt.com/     Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
I leave in just under a month for a two-week Coues hunting trip that will see me bow hunting in Arizona and rifle hunting in Mexico. That means there was no better time to sit down with the Coues legend himself, Jay Scott.   Jay Scott https://www.instagram.com/jayscottoutdoors/ http://jayscottoutdoorspodcast.com/   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools  
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