In this new series I am going to focus on walking through a single hunt from this past season with a hunter and breaking down their success, lessons learned, gear failures and much more. On this first episode I sit down with my friend and founder of Aziak Equipment Rydell Reinbold. Aziak Equipment https://aziak.com/ https://www.instagram.com/aziakequipment/ 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 podcast, we put the latest lineup of hunting and fitness wearables through the Mindful Hunter scoring system—breaking down everything from battery life and GPS performance to real-world hunt data and sleep tracking. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense review that cuts through the marketing fluff, this one’s for you. We start with a full overview of the scoring system and testing methodology, followed by a deep dive into how each watch performed across a variety of metrics that actually matter in the field. From price and display quality to weather resistance and app integration, we leave no stone unturned. This review also includes a detailed section on performance and health tracking, as well as exclusive hunt data analysis and training metrics that show how these devices hold up under pressure.+ If you’re serious about your gear and want honest insights from someone who’s been there, this breakdown will give you the clarity you need to make the right choice. 0:00 – Intro 1:58 – Scoring System 2:28 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 3:26 – Price 4:46 – Battery 7:23 – Bands 8:51 – Display 9:53 – Weather Resistance 10:34 – GPS 11:26 – App Integration 13:29 – Descriptive Totals 13:37 – Swarovski ATX 85 Giveaway 14:27 – Sensors 15:28 – Sensitivity 16:28 – Performance Tracking 17:41 – Health Tracking 18:42 – Sleep Tracking 19:02 – Hunt Data 24:31 – Training Data 25:38 – Tracking Totals 25:54 – Final Score 26:21 – 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
It’s been a while, but I am finally back with a jam-packed Q&A episode. I was only able to get through half the questions, so if you don’t see yours, it will be on the next episode. 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
Since publishing my in-depth review of rangefinding binoculars last year, Sig Sauer has introduced a major update to their KILO10K line. In this video, I take a closer look at the changes and share insights from recent field testing to assess whether these updates represent a meaningful improvement over the first generation—or if they’re simply the result of marketing spin. 0:00 – Intro 3:38 – Major Outfitting News 7:38 – Upgrades to Gen 2 8:34 – Explanation for Blue Tint on Gen 1 10:57 – Pricing 11:16 – Origin 11:44 – Warranty 12:47 – Weather Resistance 13:24 – Glass Quality & Coatings 14:26 – User Interface & Integration 15:59 – Laser Quality 18:36 – Swarovski ATX 85mm Giveaway 19:32 – Conclusion 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 MSR Access 1 really a 4-season tent worthy of your late-season hunts? In this in-depth field review, I take the Access 1 into real winter conditions to see how it performs under snow, wind, and solo backcountry use. From packability and setup to structural stability and breathability, this review breaks down what works—and what doesn’t—for hunters who demand reliable gear in unforgiving terrain. Along the way, I cover the full spec sheet (weight, materials, cost), test it in true mountain conditions, and offer insight on whether this tent belongs in your winter hunting kit. Plus, I announce two gear giveaways—the Swarovski ATX 85mm and Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x binos—so stick around for details on how to enter. 🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT! Every $5 you spend on merch at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ gets you 1 entry to win a Swarovski 85mm Spotting Scope. No purchase required. Contest begins on February 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) 1 previously owned Swarovski ATX 85mm Spotting Scope (approximate retail value $5,900.00 CAD). Skill testing question required. This Contest is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland, who are legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence (19 in AL and NE, 21 in MS, and 18 in all remaining U.S. states, The District of Columbia and Canada, 16 in United Kingdom, 20 in New Zealand, 16 in Finland, 15 in France, and 18 in Switzerland), who are age of majority in their province or territory of residence at time of entry. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No entry limit. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/swarovski-atx-85mm-spotting-scope-giveaway💥 Plus, I’m giving away a Swarovski TAX 85mm! 0:00 – Intro 1:27 – In-Field Review 8:28 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 9:03 – Price 9:42 – Weight 10:01 – Materials 12:57 – Setup 13:15 – Packability 14:49 – Structural Stability 16:55 – Swarovski ATX 85mm Giveaway 18:06 – Breathability & Condensation 20:53 – Livability 23:57 – Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x Bino Giveaway 25:02 – Conclusion 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 it possible to get top-tier performance from a spotting scope without breaking the bank? In this video, I put an unexpected contender to the test, breaking down every detail—from glass quality to weather resistance—to see if this budget-friendly scope can hang with the big names. 0:00 – Intro 3:18 – Swarovski TAX 85mm Giveaway 4:11 – Price 4:36 – Resale 5:44 – Weight 7:00 – Origin 8:07 – Warranty 8:44 – Weather Resistance 9:25 – Mounting 9:56 – Construction Totals 10:08 – FOV 10:57 – Magnification 12:58 – Exit Pupil 14:38 – Glass Quality 15:42 – Optics Totals 15:51 – Viewing Performance 24:35 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 26:32 – Final Scores 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
Boot reviews suck—and I’ve said it before. But that doesn’t mean I won’t do my best to give you the most honest, no-BS breakdown of the Meindl Air Revolution Alpine Pro 200 after 5 months of real-world testing. I put these boots through 25-30 training hikes (each 90 minutes with a 50lb pack) and a late-season mule deer hunt in freezing temps with deep snow. My goal? Find a late-season boot that’s not as stiff as my La Sportiva Nepal GTX but still tough enough for serious mountain hunting. Do they live up to the hype? Are they worth your money? And most importantly—should you trust another boot review? Let’s find out. 🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT! Every $5 you spend on merch at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ gets you 1 entry to win a Swarovski 85mm Spotting Scope. No purchase required. Contest begins on February 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) 1 previously owned Swarovski ATX 85mm Spotting Scope (approximate retail value $5,900.00 CAD). Skill testing question required. This Contest is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland, who are legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence (19 in AL and NE, 21 in MS, and 18 in all remaining U.S. states, The District of Columbia and Canada, 16 in United Kingdom, 20 in New Zealand, 16 in Finland, 15 in France, and 18 in Switzerland), who are age of majority in their province or territory of residence at time of entry. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No entry limit. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/swarovski-atx-85mm-spotting-scope-giveaway Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 1:16 – Testing Protocol 2:30 – Spring Bear Discount! 3:32 – Tech Specs 6:17 – Swarovski ATX 85mm Giveaway 7:41 – What I like about the boots 10:43 – What I don’t like about the boots 14:54 – Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x Bino Giveaway 15:44 – Final Thoughts 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
🔎 Affordable Spotting Scope & Binoculars – Sirui Review 🔎 Are budget-friendly optics worth your money, or do you always “get what you pay for”? I put the new Sirui spotting scope and binoculars to the test to see if they break the mold. Are these the best low-cost optics for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts? Watch to find out! 💥 PLUS: SIG SAUER Zulu 10 15x Binoculars Giveaway! Stay tuned for details. 📌 Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 1:49 – BC Spring Bear Hunts 2:17 – Categories 2:29 – Price 💰 3:33 – Weight ⚖️ 3:55 – Size 📏 4:31 – Origin 🌍 5:10 – Warranty 🛠️ 5:52 – Weather Resistance ☔ 6:12 – Ergonomics 👐 9:12 – Field of View 🌄 10:15 – Glass Quality & Optical Performance 🔍 12:41 – GIVEAWAY: Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x Binoculars 🎁 13:07 – Conclusion 🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth gear reviews! Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountry (clothing) https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ 📩 Join My Newsletter: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact 👕 Get Mindful Hunter Merch: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop 🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast 📖 Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools 👉 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/
A reliable phone scope adapter is essential for capturing high-quality footage of your hunting adventures. With so many new options on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this video, I put 5 of the top adapters—Full Frame, MagView, Mountain Mag, Ollin, and On Glass—through rigorous testing to see which one truly stands out. 🔎 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Price & Compatibility Breakdown ✔️ Optic & Phone Installation Process ✔️ MagSafe & Multi-Lens Support ✔️ Ease of Use & Overall Performance ✔️ My #1 Recommendation for 2025 💥 PLUS: SIG SAUER Zulu 10 15x Bino Giveaway! Stay tuned for details. 📌 Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 0:33 – Brands Tested 0:54 – Scoring System 1:59 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 2:48 – Price 3:27 – Adapter Compatibility 6:33 – Optic Installation 9:41 – Leave On Adapter 12:39 – Phone Installation 15:51 – Magsafe Compatibility 19:38 – Ease of Use 22:21 – Portrait/Landscape Use 31:19 – Final Scores & Best Pick 🔔 Subscribe for More In-Depth Gear Reviews Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ 📩 Join My Newsletter: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact 👕 Get Mindful Hunter Merch: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop 🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools 👉 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/
I put snowshoes to the ultimate test—breaking two pairs on my last three winter hunts. After finally finding a reliable pair with the Atlas Montane 35, I couldn’t help but wonder: is there something even better? Enter the Atlas MTN Range 35. In this video, I run both snowshoes through a head-to-head comparison to see which one can handle extreme conditions. Can the Atlas MTN Range replace my trusted Montane? Watch now to find out which snowshoe reigns supreme for winter hunting and backcountry adventures. 📌 Chapters for Easy Navigation: 0:00 – Intro 4:05 – Overview 6:11 – Scoring System 6:52 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 8:19 - Price 8:30 - Weight 9:23 - Materials 9:35 – Bindings 14:29 – Traction 15:42 – Flotation 15:55 – Durability 20:52 – Features 21:40 – Mindful Reviews Giveaway 23:25 – Conclusion Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.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 break down the full story behind “Full Circle” — my year-long mountain goat saga filmed over six separate hunts in British Columbia. I share the raw behind-the-scenes truth of the final hunt: when my hunting partner bailed mid-trip and a grizzly charged me as I tried to recover my goat. From the emotional highs of the Full Circle premiere to the reality of solo backcountry hunting, this is one of the most intense stories I have ever told. 🎥 Watch the film: https://youtu.be/WoDa9wpmQgc 👕 Limited Edition Shirt Drop + Poster Giveaway: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/products/full-circle-limited-edition-heavyweight-tee 🕒 Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & “Full Circle” film premiere 02:00 – Limited edition t-shirt, posters & 10% off code 05:00 – The five-year mountain goat saga begins 08:00 – Six hunts in 13 months across British Columbia 09:30 – Partner bails early on the first hunt 13:00 – Lessons in partnership, quitting, and persistence 20:00 – Back to the mountains – scouting, planning, and preparation 25:00 – Opening day: the massive Billy and a perfect shot 27:00 – Partner bails again — Jay goes solo 34:00 – Fog, grizzlies, and a stolen goat carcass 41:00 – The grizzly charge 48:00 – Calling the CO & realizing the hunt is over 52:00 – What the whole Full Circle journey meant 56:00 – Lessons learned, gratitude, and next year’s goal 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
A bipod is one of the most versatile stabilizing devices for long-range shooting. In the last few years there have been a number of new products hit the market. In this video I specifically look at the Gunwerks Elevate 2.0, Sparan Javelin Pro and the MTNGear Mountain Bipod. ***Update*** There is a way to micro-adjust the tightness of the pic rail attachment. I missed it. My fault. 0:00 – Intro 2:11 – Price 2:26 – Weight 3:08 – Length 3:15 – Descriptive Class Totals 3:31 – Notes On Scoring System 5:23 – Origin 5:52 – Warranty 7:03 – Weather Resistance 9:04 – Construction Class Totals 9:29 – Adjustability 14:24 – Feet 15:36 – Pivot & Cant 18:38 - Attachment 25:00 – Leg Deployment 26:00 – Stability 28:42 – Function Totals 30:32 – Final Score & Recommendations Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.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
Last minute hunt opportunities: Archery mule deer in AB Oct 12th Late season goat in BC Oct 20 Any weapon mule deer in BC Nov 23 email - jay@mindfulhunter.com Curious about the Sig Zulu 6 HDX PRO Binoculars and their performance in the field? In this video, I share my experience after months of extensive use, including multiple hunts. Are these image stabilizing binoculars truly a game-changer for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts? 🔍 Key Points Covered: Image stabilization technology Performance during hunts Comparison to 15x binoculars How They Stack Up Against Previous Models Weather resistance 👀 Why Watch This Review? I provide a detailed and honest assessment of the Sig Zulu 6 HDX Pro Binoculars, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses based on real-world usage. Find out if these binoculars live up to the hype and are worth adding to your gear. 🎯 Ideal For: Hunters Bird watchers Outdoor enthusiasts Nature photographers 📈 Benefits of Watching: In-depth product review Practical insights from field experience Balanced analysis of pros and cons 🔗 Related Videos: Best Binoculars for Bird Watching Top Hunting Gear for 2024 Outdoor Essentials: Must-Have Gear 🔔 Subscribe for More Reviews: If you found this review helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more gear reviews and outdoor tips. 💬 Join the Discussion: Have questions or comments about the Sig Zulu 6 Binoculars? Drop them below, and I'll be happy to respond. 0:00 – Intro 0:45 – The Science of Image Stabilization 2:22 – HDX vs. HDX PRO 11:40 – Discounted Bear Hunts 12:38 – HDX PRO vs. 15X Binos 26:16 – HDX PRO vs. 10X Binos 27:56 – 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
Last minute hunt opportunities: Archery mule deer in AB Oct 12th Late season goat in BC Oct 20 Any weapon mule deer in BC Nov 23 email - jay@mindfulhunter.com Don’t let your leather hunting boots suffer in the offseason! With hunting season coming to a close, it’s the perfect time to clean, condition, waterproof, and properly store your boots to keep them in top condition for next year. In this video, I share my step-by-step guide to: ✅ Cleaning leather hiking boots ✅ Applying a waterproofing system ✅ Storing boots to prevent damage Many of you have asked for tips on maintaining leather boots, and I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a hunter, hiker, or outdoor enthusiast, these tips will extend the life of your boots and keep them performing like new. 🔧 Watch now and make sure your boots are ready to tackle your next adventure! 🔍 Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 1:29 – 3-Step Process 2:39 – Step 1: Cleaning 14:36 – Step 2: Conditioning 20:45 – Step 3: Treating Prime video 32:14 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
Last minute hunt opportunities: Archery mule deer in AB Oct 12th Late season goat in BC Oct 20 Any weapon mule deer in BC Nov 23 email - jay@mindfulhunter.com Are 15x binoculars worth adding to your hunting gear? After years of debating their value, I’ve spent the last 8 months rigorously testing the Sig Zulu 10, Maven B.5, and Swarovski SLC 15x56 binoculars to find out. These powerful optics are game-changers for spotting animals across vast landscapes, but which one is the best for your needs? In this video, I break down my detailed field tests, compare performance, and reveal my top pick for the best 15x binoculars for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re glassing for big game or refining your backcountry gear setup, this guide will help you make the right choice. 🔍 Watch now to see how these binoculars stack up and find your ultimate hunting companion! 0:00 – Intro 2:18 – Discounted BC Black Bear Hunts 3:52 – Price 4:08 – Resale 5:02 – Weight 5:23 – Length 6:07 – Descriptive Totals 6:25 – Origin 7:43 – Warranty 8:41 – Ergonomics 10:59 – Construction Totals 11:15 – FOV at 1000 Yards 12:40 – Eye Box 14:18 – Exit Pupil 15:45 – Focusing Ability 18:04 – Prism 19:03 – Glass Quality 23:02 – Glass Coatings 24:57 – Optics Totals 25:46 – Viewing Performance 30:38 – Final Score 31:03 – Conclusion Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.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
Last minute hunt opportunities: Archery mule deer in AB Oct 12th Late season goat in BC Oct 20 Any weapon mule deer in BC Nov 23 email - jay@mindfulhunter.com How light is too light when it comes to backcountry gear? Many adventurers push their limits to save weight, but at what cost? In this video, I put the Enlightened Equipment Enigma 50° quilt to the ultimate test: sleeping in sub-freezing temperatures. Using an integrated systems approach, I evaluated how different pieces of gear work together to handle extreme conditions. Watch as I share the results of my field testing, discuss the risks of ultralight sleep systems, and reveal whether this quilt can truly handle the cold. Don’t miss this in-depth gear review! 📌 Chapters for Easy Navigation: 0:00 – Intro 5:39 – Black Friday Deals 7:29 – The Gear 12:13 – The Results Links: 11:35 – Wyoming Podcast Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.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
Last minute hunt opportunities: Archery mule deer in AB OCt 12th Late season goat in BC Oct 20 Any weapon mule deer in BC Nov 23 email - jay@mindfulhunter.com Finding the perfect early-season base layer has always been a challenge—too thick, too thin, too stiff, or not stretchy enough. But could the Kuiu Tiburon Hybrid Hoodie finally be the answer? In this video, I put Kuiu’s innovative design to the test during real-world field use. Discover why this hoodie stands out, how it performs in varying conditions, and if it’s the best base layer for early-season hunting and outdoor adventures. 📌 Chapters for Easy Navigation: 0:00 – Intro 2:03 – Price 2:13 – Weight 2:33 – Materials 4:19 – Warmth 4:46 – Breathability 5:35 – Durability 6:56 – Fit 11:53 – Options 12:11 – Packability 12:23 – Odor 13:11 – Final Thoughts & Conclusions Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.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
This week on the Mindful Hunter Podcast, I dive into the controversy surrounding hunting influencer Ryan Lampers and the recent wildlife violation charges filed against him. We’ll break down: - The details of the allegations (mule deer, mountain lion, wolf) - What this means for hunters, conservation, and the companies who partnered with him - Why integrity, responsibility, and transparency matter in the hunting community ⚠️ Important: These are only allegations — Ryan has not been convicted of anything. This discussion is about principles, ethics, and the bigger picture of hunting culture. I also cover your Q&A questions on gear, elk hunting strategy, backpacks, bullet choice, and more. 👉 If you value authentic conversations about hunting — not hype — hit subscribe and join the community. 0:00 – Intro: Mountain goat hunt recap & upcoming film 1:16 – Why I’m doing a Q&A episode 1:52 – The Ryan Lammers controversy & wildlife charges 3:24 – Breaking down the charges: deer, lion & wolf 7:08 – Does Ryan owe hunters an explanation? 11:02 – What this means for hunting companies & sponsors 15:23 – Incentives, social media & the pressure on hunters 18:36 – Do past accomplishments get tainted? 22:14 – Public figures, accountability & second chances 25:11 – My personal reflections on integrity & content creation 27:15 – Transition into Q&A 28:19 – Glassing tarps: waste or worth it? 34:01 – Best states to build elk points affordably 35:26 – Training & rehab after a torn meniscus 39:08 – Crossbows: ethical or unfair advantage? 41:51 – Best backcountry solar panels 43:42 – My elk hunting & calling strategies 48:09 – Prairie mule deer tactics in featureless country 52:01 – My current weight & fitness goals 52:30 – Storm-worthy backcountry tents 55:09 – Local vs overseas gear manufacturing 59:40 – Why my goat hunt partner bailed (coming in Full Circle film) 1:00:23 – Top gear surprises of 2025 so far 1:01:27 – Backcountry bathroom etiquette 1:03:07 – How the “Shoot to Hunt” course changed my shooting confidence 1:03:58 – Mental toughness vs physical fitness in mountain hunts 1:06:15 – Why I prefer highly fragmenting bullets 1:09:17 – Updated tent vs tent thoughts 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
Rain gear is one of the most crucial and expensive investments for hunters, and finding reliable testing methods can be a challenge. After 2 years of field testing, I’m excited to share my comprehensive review of the Stone Glacier M5 Rain Jacket. This video dives deep into how it performs in real-world conditions, covering water resistance, breathability, durability, and more. I wanted this review to be as accurate and reliable as possible, and I’m pleased to finally share the results. 📌 Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 1:57 – Testing Protocol 3:15 – Bow Giveaway and Mindful Hunter Outfitting 4:29 – Comparative Review 4:49 – Price 5:24 – Material 7:32 – Fit 12:31 – Water Resistance & Breathability Ratings 15:45 – Durability 16:59 – Wind Protection 18:39 – Final Thoughts & Conclusions Join me as I break down why the Stone Glacier M5 might be the rain gear you need for your next hunt. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts! 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 Dan Durston, founder and lead designer of Durston Gear, to dive deep into the world of ultralight shelters, backcountry design, and the future of small gear companies taking on the giants. We talk about Dan’s journey from long-distance thru-hikes like the Pacific Crest Trail and Great Divide Trail, to daydreaming gear ideas in the wilderness, to accidentally founding one of the most respected ultralight gear brands today. This conversation goes beyond shelters—it’s about innovation, passion-driven design, and how democratized manufacturing has opened the door for boutique companies to challenge industry leaders. If you’re into hunting, backpacking, or just geeking out on gear design, this one’s for you. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & guest background 02:00 – Discovering ultralight backpacking 05:00 – Pacific Crest Trail planning, logistics & lessons learned 08:00 – Gear philosophy: weight efficiency vs. pure ultralight 12:00 – “Death of the Giants” & rise of boutique gear brands 16:00 – Daydreaming gear ideas on long hikes 20:00 – The birth of Durston shelters 25:00 – Fly-first pitch design & real-world use 28:00 – Business journey: partnerships, contracts & independence 32:00 – Why SilPoly changed the shelter game 36:00 – Material battles: SilNylon vs. SilPoly 40:00 – The evolution of Dyneema and shelter construction 45:00 – Ultra fabrics, durability, and real-world tradeoffs 50:00 – Lessons from building a grassroots gear company 55:00 – The future of ultralight innovation Durston Gear https://www.instagram.com/durstongear/ https://durstongear.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