Episodes

3h ago

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

4d ago

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

5d ago

I have a lot of friends in Australia, and I lived there for two years, so when my good buddy reached out to see if we could do a quick update on how people could fight back against Australia's knee-jerk reaction to stricter gun reform in light of the recent terrorist attack, of course, I agreed. Remember they;re not just coming after our guns they're coming afetr our freedom so even if you are not a gun ownewr it behooves you to help porotect civil libeerty. This link, cr9pyf61nzf3bsxc ( https://filebin.net/cr9pyf61nzf3bsxc ), provides an email template/message points to use when contacting state MLCs and MLAs. Also includes the list of emails for every politician, along with step by step guide. Americans, Canadians, Kiwis, and friends, please help us spread this message. Remember, be polite, dont swear and remove emotion, otherwise you will do more harm than good. 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

Dec 15

This week I sat down with Tanner from Frontiermen to discuss reinstating the Ram awards at the BC sheep show in 2026. We also had a good chat about several other hunting topics. 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

Dec 12

In this episode, I sit down with Jake from Unknown Munitions for a deep dive into the origins, growth, and ethos of one of the most respected names in precision ammunition. We explore Jake’s unexpected shift from a safe corporate job into launching a reloading empire, what it takes to build a scalable business without selling out, and the real-world implications of trying to balance quality, growth, and authenticity in the hunting and shooting space. We also get into the nuts and bolts of reloading, discuss rifle upgrades, and troubleshoot real-world load development issues. If you’re passionate about rifles, gear, and building something from the ground up—this one’s for you. Chapters 00:00 – How Unknown Munitions Came to Be 09:00 – Scope Trends, Maven RS.1.2, and Market Gaps 18:30 – Taking the Leap: Leaving the Corporate World 26:00 – Navigating Growth Without Sacrificing Quality 34:30 – Building Custom Ammunition: Customer Lifecycle 41:00 – The Hybrid Hunter and the Rise of DIY Precision 48:00 – How Not to Scale: Lessons from Sitka & First Lite 59:00 – Gear Talk: Barrel Coatings, Bottom Metal & Mags 1:13:00 – Reloading Deep Dive: Load Development and Data 1:31:00 – Cross-Border Gear, Legal Loopholes & Upcoming Events Jake Mushaney / Unknown Munitions https://www.unknownmunitions.com/ https://www.instagram.com/unknownmunitions/ 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

Dec 9

Sale on hunts with Mindful Hunter Outfitting. Get up to $750 off per person. Email https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ and get automatically entered to win a Sig Oscar 6 Image-Stabilising Spotting Scope! In this deep dive, we put the Kite Optics APC 60 through a rigorous field test to see if it lives up to the hype. With built-in image stabilization, compact form factor, and claims of premium optics, this scope targets serious backcountry hunters and wildlife spotters looking for performance without the bulk. But does it deliver? We break down real-world performance across vibration control, handheld use, optical clarity, and mirage resistance—plus we’ve got TWO gear giveaways including a Swaro ATX and the Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x binoculars! 📌 Chapters 0:00 – Intro: What is the Kite APC 60 & why it matters 2:10 – Caveats: Honest thoughts before you buy 4:31 – Vibration Test: Does the stabilization actually work? 6:35 – Handheld Test: Can you glass steady without a tripod? 8:02 – Optical Quality Test: Contrast, color, edge-to-edge sharpness 8:58 – Mirage Test: Can the APC 60 cut through atmospheric distortion? 10:58 – Recap: What stood out and what didn’t 12:29 – Swaro ATX Giveaway: How to enter 13:16 – Conclusion & Recommendations: Who is this scope for? 14:59 – Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x Binocular Giveaway: Second prize details 🔥 Whether you’re hunting high-alpine mule deer or scouting elk from windy ridgelines, this review will help you decide if the APC 60 belongs in your pack—or if you’re better off saving your cash. 📢 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more honest, no-BS reviews of the best optics and gear in the hunting world. #KiteOptics #APC60 #SpottingScopeReview #BackcountryHunting #ImageStabilizedOptics #HuntingGearReview #LongRangeGlass #SwarovskiATX #SigSauerZulu #OpticsShootout #MindfulHunter 🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT! Every $5 you spend on merch at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ gets you 1 entry to win a Swarovski 85mm Spotting Scope. 0:00 – Intro 2:10 – Caveats 4:31 – Vibration Test 6:35 – Handheld Test 8:02 – Optical Quality Test 8:58 – Mirage Test 10:58 – Recap 12:29 – Swaro ATX Giveaway 13:16 – Conclusion & Recommendations 14:59 – Sig Sauer Zule 10 15x Binocular Giveaway 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 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! Stay tuned for details!

Dec 5

This week, I sit down with Chris Neville, one of the cofounders of Roughridge Stove Co. He is also a stud of an elk hunter. Chris Neville https://roughridgestove.com/ https://www.instagram.com/roughridgestove/ https://www.instagram.com/cjneville23/ 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

Nov 28

Time for another Q&A 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

Nov 25

If you’re looking to film high-quality, cinematic content deep in the backcountry without lugging around a heavy camera rig — this iPhone setup is for you. In this video, I walk through my ultralight iPhone 15 Pro Max filmmaking rig, designed for shooting Apple ProRAW / ProRes, capturing clean wireless audio, and storing footage directly to an external SSD. This setup is perfect for backcountry hunters, adventure filmmakers, mobile content creators, or anyone trying to travel light without compromising on quality. Let’s break it down! 🎥 Gear I Use: iPhone 15 Pro Max (or newer) Samsung T7 SSD (external storage for ProRes/RAW footage) SmallRig SSD Mount (keeps SSD secure + compact) Newer Cold Shoe Mount (modular & lightweight) Rode Magnetic Smartphone Mount (quick attachment on the go) 40Gbps Flexible USB-C Cable (no dropouts, high-speed transfers) DJI Mic 2 (Bluetooth audio, no receiver needed) 💡 What You’ll Learn: How to shoot RAW video on iPhone using an SSD Lightweight audio setup with DJI Mic 2 via Bluetooth Best gear for filming in remote or rugged locations Color grading workflow using LUTs in post-production How to keep your pack light without sacrificing image quality 0:00 – Intro 3:00 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 3:52 – Gear Required 8:59 – Swarovski ATX 85mm Giveaway 9:58 – Apps Required 12:48 – Digiscoping Mode 14:22 – Storage and Access 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

Nov 21

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 episode, I sit down with my friend Ben, and we break down our archery elk hunt in Montana this year. 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

Nov 18

Welcome back to another edition of Mindful Review Mondays, where I provide an audio version of a video review I have already posted to YouTube. This week, I am combining two episodes into one. Not only did I post the first impressions review of the new GoHunt apparel, but I also attached the follow-up review I shared after a full season of bear guiding in the clothing. 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

Nov 14

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

Nov 11

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

Nov 7

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

Nov 4

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

Oct 31

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

Oct 28

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

Oct 24

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

Oct 21

🔎 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/

Oct 17

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/

Oct 14

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

Oct 10

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

Oct 7

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

Oct 3

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

Sep 30

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

Sep 26

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

Sep 23

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

Sep 19

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

Sep 12

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

Sep 9

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

Sep 5

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

Sep 2

Late season whitetail hunting in sub-zero temperatures can be tough, especially when it comes to keeping your feet warm. After testing multiple solutions, I found these heated insoles to be the best option for staying comfortable during long hunts. In this video, I break down the benefits of these insoles, how they compare to other market options, and why they’re my go-to for late-season hunting. 0:00 – Intro 1:39 – Other Options Available 4:24 – Testing Protocol 5:57 – Bow Giveaway 6:21 – Benefits Of Heated Insoles 8:33 – How The System Works 11:51 – Pros & Cons https://www.motionheat.ca/ 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

Aug 29

This episode is a deep dive into field judging, DIY hunting adventures in Mexico, and the development of the Horn Score app with veteran outfitter Jay Scott and Blake Cannon. We cover: What makes Coues deer hunting in Mexico such a unique adventure The logistics of crossing the border and hunting DIY ranches Why field judging is such a challenge for both new and experienced hunters The evolution of the Horn Score app: from proven scoring methods to building a massive public database of measurements, photos, and scores How the app helps hunters sharpen their skills, make quick shoot/no-shoot decisions, and set realistic expectations in any unit The future of field judging and the role of AI in hunting technology Whether you’re a seasoned guide, a DIY backcountry hunter, or just getting started, this conversation is packed with insight on how to hunt smarter, field judge more accurately, and enjoy the process along the way. 👉 Learn more about the Horn Score app: https://hornscore.com/ Jay Scott Outdoors https://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

Aug 26

Looking for the best compact spotting scope? This comprehensive comparison of the Swarovski, Kowa, and Vortex compact spotters will help you make the smartest purchase decision. Over the last month, I’ve rigorously tested all three models to assess their performance, build quality, and value for money. From price and brand reputation to weight, glass quality, and weather resistance, I provide detailed, unbiased insights and my personal opinion to help you choose the right scope for your hunting needs and budget. 📌 Chapters for Easy Navigation: 0:00 – Intro 1:38 – Scoring System 2:57 – Giveaways 5:01 – Price 5:23 – Resale/Brand Power 6:40 – Weight 8:17 – Size 9:29 – Descriptive Totals 9:47 – Origin 10:42 – Warranty 11:50 – Weather Resistance 13:37 – Frame Material 13:43 – Rubber Coating 14:17 – Mounting 14:45 – Ergonomics 17:26 – Construction Totals 17:40 – Field of View 19:39 – Eye Relief 21:39 – Exit Pupil 22:42 – Glass Quality 28:16 – Viewing Performance 30:37 – Focusing Ability 32:58 – Eye Box 33:50 – Final Score & 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

Aug 23

Alright folks, elk season is just around the corner, and to help us all get ready, I am reposting some of the best elk hunting episodes I have done in the past. If you have never listened to these episodes, they are full of great tips, and if you have, it never hurts to get a refresher right before the season. This originally aired as episode 132 Typically, I have John on to do deep dives on gear setup and discuss backcountry mission planning. This week, however, we focused intensely on the elk talk. John is a very blue-collar elk hunter, and sometimes I think those are the best guys to learn from. Plenty of useful info in this week’s episode. John Barklow https://knowledgefromstorms.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jbarklow/ 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

Aug 21

Alright folks, elk season is just around the corner, and to help us all get ready, I am reposting some of the best elk hunting episodes I have done in the past. If you have never listened to these episodes, they are full of great tips, and if you have, it never hurts to get a refresher right before the season. This originally aired as episode 132 Joel has been a good friend ever since I took his Shot IQ controlled process online program 4-5 years ago. I have always been intrigued by Joel’s somewhat unconventional approach to elk calling and finally sat down with him to pick his brain about it. As a previous world champion caller and absolute killer in the elk woods, Joel brought a ton of experience and unique opinions on strategy to this conversation. Joel Turner https://www.shotiq.com/home https://www.instagram.com/joelturner_shotiq/ 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

Aug 19

Alright folks, elk season is just around the corner, and to help us all get ready, I am reposting some of the best elk hunting episodes I have done in the past. If you have never listened to these episodes, they are full of great tips, and if you have, it never hurts to get a refresher right before the season. This originally aired as episode 131 This week, I had the opportunity to sit down with a man I have admired for many years. Dirk Durham, also known as The Bigler, has established a reputation not just as a competitive elk caller but also as an exceptional elk hunter. We discussed his upbringing as a hunter and then focused on various tactics, particularly covering some useful techniques for navigating thick brush and dealing with low elk densities typical of the Pacific Northwest. Dirk Durham https://www.instagram.com/thebugler/ https://www.youtube.com/@THEBUGLERBRAND https://www.phelpsgamecalls.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

Aug 15

This week we’re going deep on PEDs. I opened up a Q&A on IG and got a ton of great questions about TRT, Peptides and PEDs. I start by sharing my personal experience with these compounds over the last 10 years, then do my best to answer as many questions as possible. I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. 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

Aug 7

Not a lot needs to be said about this one. Buckle up for the story of how we got Vance his first Billy in the mountains of BC after a year of struggle and failure. 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

Aug 1

In this special on-the-road episode, Vance and I hit record while driving deep into goat country. With the truck packed and tags in our pockets, we tackle a pile of listener questions ranging from ethical shot distances and when to use a tripod, to the age-old debate of who gets first shot. We also break down whether a 6mm Creedmoor has any business being pointed at a moose. 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

Jul 25

The My First Elk Series is focused on conversations with elk hunters who have killed their first elk in the last couple of years. The goal is to break down their experience and see what changed that allowed them to end their losing streak and finally put an elk on the ground. This second episode features my buddy Tim and dropped a ton of useful insights that will come in handy this September. 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

Jul 18

The My First Elk Series is focused on conversations with elk hunters who have killed their first elk in the last couple of years. The goal is to break down their experience and see what changed that allowed them to end their losing streak and finally put an elk on the ground. Up first we’ve got my buddy Bo Scott Campbell and this episode is full of helpful insights for the up and coming elk slayer. Bo Scott 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 https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

Jul 11

While I’m out in the mountains scouting for an upcoming mountain goat hunt, I didn’t want to leave you hanging. So in this episode, I’m sharing the audio from two recent YouTube gear reviews: the Argali Absaroka Tent and the Prime RVX 34 Bow. 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

Jul 4

I sit down with the boys this week to discuss our upcoming archery elk hunt in Montana. We go over how we drew the tags, what our strategy is, how that’s changed along the way and what gear we are planning to bring. 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

Jun 27

I just got back from the intro 600 yard course from Shoot2Hunt and it absolutely blew my mind. In this episode I go over the entire experience, provide my critique and then I answer listener questions. 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

Jun 23

I just wrapped up six intense weeks of guiding and outfitting bear hunts here in British Columbia. It was my first season running a full-time outfit in this new territory, and it delivered everything I hoped for—hard lessons, great people, and unforgettable adventures. A lot of you had questions, so I dropped a Q&A post on Instagram and used this episode to dive into your biggest asks. I break down what I learned, what surprised me, and how I’m already planning to level things up for next year. 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

Jun 13

This week I’ve got my hunting partner Vance on the show, and we’re digging into last year’s goat hunt that didn’t go as planned. We talk about what went wrong, the key lessons we took away from the experience, and how we’re changing things up for this season. We also walk through our updated gear lists — what worked, what didn’t, and what’s getting replaced. From layering systems to optics and boots, we break down what we’re packing and why. It’s a raw, honest chat about failure in the mountains, learning the hard way, and dialing things in for a better shot at success this year. Vance Johnson https://www.instagram.com/aim_for_the_alpine/ https://www.youtube.com/@aimforthealpine 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

Jun 9

In this episode, I sit down with Ben and Anthony, two recent clients of Mindful Hunter Outfitting, to walk through their successful spring bear hunt in the mountains of British Columbia. We talk about how the hunt played out — covering the tough terrain, the glassing strategy, some key decision points, and what it took to get it done in rugged country. It was a classic mountain hunt with a good mix of hard work, quiet moments, and a few unexpected twists along the way. If you’re interested in the realities of guided hunts, hunting BC’s backcountry, or just want to hear a couple of guys share their experience without the fluff, this one’s worth a listen. No fluff. No hype. Just an honest conversation about what matters in the mountains. 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

May 23

In this episode, I sit down with Blake, who succeeded on his bear hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting this week. We dive deep into the full story—how we planned the hunt, the gear we relied on, and the moment it all came together with a mature black bear. This isn’t just a hunt recap. It’s a candid conversation about mindset, learning curves, and what it’s like to put trust in a guide for the first time. We also break down the specific strategies we used to locate bears in remote country, the calling setup that brought him in, and how the whole experience shaped both of us. If you’re into raw, real hunting stories with a focus on skill, ethics, and challenge—this one’s for you. 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

May 9

In this no-holds-barred Q&A episode, I dive into your hunting-related questions straight from Instagram. I give my unfiltered take on the worst supplement brand in the hunting industry and why I think it’s time we stop falling for influencer-driven hype. I also share an update on my latest tattoo—what it means and why I got it. And yes, we get into the weeds on the always controversial topic of shot placement on black bears, especially under real-world hunting conditions. No fluff, no BS—just honest answers, thoughtful critique, and a mindful perspective on all things hunting. 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

May 2

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Avery — founder of Rokslide and Shoot2Hunt — for a candid conversation about the evolution of hunting media, rifle culture, and how gear reviews have changed over the past decade. Ryan shares his journey from building one of the most trusted backcountry hunting forums on the internet to launching Shoot2Hunt , a platform built to cut through marketing noise and focus on real-world rifle performance. We dig into the rise of gear-centric hunting content, the pitfalls of influencer hype, and why community trust still matters. If you’re into precision shooting, backcountry gear, or just want to hear how one hunter built two of the most respected platforms in the space — this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Ryan Avery https://www.instagram.com/avery_adventures/ https://shoot2hunt.com/ https://www.rokslide.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

Apr 25

In this episode, we sit down with Tanner Danish, founder of Frontiersmen Gear, to talk about what it really takes to build a hunting business with integrity. From navigating the hype-driven world of outdoor marketing to staying grounded in craftsmanship and customer trust, Tanner shares hard-won insights from his journey creating gear that stands up to real backcountry use. We dig into the early challenges of launching a brand, the importance of saying “no” to shortcuts, and how staying true to your values can actually be a competitive edge. If you’re someone who’s tired of the gimmicks and wants to hear what building something real in the hunting space looks like—this one’s for you. Topics Covered: – The origin story of Frontiersmen Gear – Lessons learned from bootstrapping a brand – How to earn trust in a skeptical market – Avoiding the BS in gear design and marketing – Advice for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs in the hunting industry Tanner Danish https://frontiersmengear.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/frontiersmengear/ 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

Apr 18

In this episode, we sit down with Monte Clarke for a raw and reflective conversation on the deep self-awareness forged through solo hunting, the quiet rhythm of fly fishing, and the ongoing challenge of fatherhood. Monte shares stories from the backcountry and the riverbank, weaving in lessons learned from time spent in solitude and the parallels between being a mindful hunter and a present father. It’s a grounded, no-BS look at how nature sharpens not just our skills, but our character. Monte Clarke https://www.instagram.com/monteclarke/ 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

Apr 10

My good buddy Brandon had the opportunity to go down to Argentina and hunt Red Stag, so I had him on the podcast to share the story of his trip. Brandon Roth https://www.instagram.com/brandon.roth.hnh.bc/ 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

Apr 4

I met Sean 15 years ago when I was the sales manager for a high-end health club, and he was a full-time MMA fighter. It’s safe to say we have both lived a lot of life since then. We went deep on this one. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation, and I hope you do too. Sean Zubor https://www.instagram.com/seanzubor/ 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

Mar 28

This week, I sat down with the founders of Oryx Outdoors, a new apparel company focused on designing durable, technical training gear for hunters. We dive into their personal hunting stories, what pushed them to start an apparel company in a saturated market, and the real challenges of designing clothing that works when it matters most. Oryx Outdoors https://oryx-outdoors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/oryxoutdoors_official/ 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

Mar 21

Time for another Q&A episode. This week I answer questions about both my archery and rifle setups for 2025. 🎯 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 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

Mar 14

Time for another Q&A episode. This week I answer questions about sleep systems, archery setups, new packs and much more! 🎯 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 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

Mar 7

The Wild Sheep Society of BC asked me to speak at their Sheep Hunter University again this year at the Mountain Hunter Expo in Penticton. I absolutely love this event. It’s the only true conference solely focused on mountain hunters here in BC and is growing every year. I spoke about how to have an integrated approach to gear systems and more specifically how that applies to a couple of sleep systems I have put together lately. WSSBC https://www.wildsheepsociety.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

Mar 1

In this episode, we sit down with Hunter McWaters—host of a popular hunting show on the Sportsman Channel, podcast creator, and a man deeply rooted in faith. Hunter shares his journey from the outdoors to the screen, discussing how his passion for hunting, storytelling, and personal growth has shaped his career. We dive into the highs and lows of producing a hunting show, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how his faith keeps him grounded in an industry that’s always evolving. Hunter McWaters https://www.thehuntersquest.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thehuntersquest/ https://www.youtube.com/@thehuntersquest 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

Feb 21

If you want something done right, sometimes you have to do it yourself—and that’s exactly why I created the Forged Base Series. A complete redesign from the ground up, this next-to-skin base layer system was built for unmatched comfort, durability, and performance in the backcountry. 🔥 Why I Built It: For years, we searched for the perfect pair of base layers—especially boxers—that could withstand the grind of multi-day hunts. After brands cut corners and changed fabrics, I decided to create my own. ⚡ What Makes It Different? ✅ Premium Fabric Blend – We tested multiple materials before landing on a Modal & Spandex blend: • Modal: Bio-based, ultra-soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial • Spandex: Just the right amount of stretch for all-day mobility • Durability: Resists pilling, shrinkage, and holds its shape over time ✅ Dialed-In Fit • Mid-thigh length for a secure fit • Supportive waistband without discomfort • Legs that stay in place without restriction ✅ Built for Performance • Top-access fly for convenience with a pack hip belt • Strategic mesh panels for breathability in high-heat zones • No chafing, no hot spots, no compromises This is base layer apparel designed for the modern backcountry hunter—because when the foundation is strong, performance follows. 🎯 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. Open to legal residents of Canada, excluding Quebec, 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 👉 Watch now & check out the full breakdown! 0:00 – Intro 2:07 – Design Process 3:09 – Feel/Fabric 5:26 – Fit 7:51 – Function 12:07 – Bear Hunts 12:40 – Sizing 14:47 – Forged Base Hat 16:28 – Forged Obsession Tees 17:32 – Swarovski ATX 85mm Giveaway 18:25 – Zulu 10 15X Binocular Giveaway #ForgedBaseSeries #TechnicalHuntingGear #BackcountryHunting #HuntingBaseLayers #PerformanceApparel #HuntingBoxers #BuiltToEndure #StayForged

Feb 14

Aziak Equipment has been making waves in the hunting industry with their innovative, lightweight designs that are built for hardcore backcountry hunters. Rydell’s approach to gear isn’t just about cutting weight—it’s about maximizing efficiency without sacrificing durability. Today, we’ll get into the story behind Aziak Equipment, the challenges of designing high-performance hunting gear, and what’s next for the brand. Plus, we’ll pick Rydell’s brain on his own hunting experiences and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Aziak Equipment https://www.aziakequipment.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

Feb 7

Timmy has spent years guiding hunters through some of the most extreme conditions Alaska has to offer—chasing giant moose, Dall sheep, and brown bear in remote backcountry that few ever get to experience. We’ll talk about what it takes to be a successful Alaskan outfitter, the toughest hunts he’s been on, and what hunters need to know before stepping into the last frontier. Plus, we’ll get into my archery brown bear hunt planned for spring of 2026 and the mindset, gear, and preparation required to make an Alaskan hunt a success. Timmy Winslow https://www.instagram.com/timmy.winslow/ https://arizonatrophyoutfitters.com/ https://bushwhackalaska.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

Jan 31

It’s no secret I am a big fan of small innovative companies that produce great products and MTN Gear is definitely one of those. Matt made a big splash with his ultralight bipods a few years ago and has continued to improve their design until recently selling the rights to MDT. We had a great chat covering ground from his humble beginnings to what he plans to do with the new found funding from the sale of the bipod. MTN Gear https://www.mtngear.nz/ https://www.instagram.com/mtngear.nz/ Nick https://www.instagram.com/b1isters/ 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

Jan 24

Winter goat hunting isn’t for the faint of heart, and this trip proved why. From 60mm of freezing rain to failed sleep systems and broken snowshoes, this hunt was a brutal test of both gear and grit. As miserable as it was, I learned a ton and put some new gear through its paces—some of it held up, and some didn’t. In this episode, I break down the highs and lows of the trip, share what worked (and what didn’t), and offer tips for planning your own winter hunt. Tune in for hard-earned insights and a look at what it takes to chase goats in the harshest conditions. 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

Jan 17

Dylan is well-known in the hunting community in Vancouver for his generous spirit and endless drive to help foster growth in the newer hunter community. We had a great chat about Dylan’s history, how Eat Wild got started and even squeezed in a few good hunting stories. Dylan Eyers https://eatwild.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/eatwild/ 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

Jan 10

I was able to get in two late season hunts before the close of 2024 for mule deer and whitetails. In this podcast I go over the gear I took with me on those two hunts and share the results of testing the new Sevr 1.5 Ti Hybrid out in the field. 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

Dec 31, 2024

I am always on the lookout for better boots. For years I have been unable to find a replacement for my Schnees Beartooth’s as my go-to all-purpose mountain boot. Well, I think I finally found an upgrade. I have been running the Scarpa Ribelle HD all season and am very impressed with their performance in various hunting scenarios. I review all the features that impressed me about this boot and share who I think it might be a great fit for. Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 1:15 – Testing Process 2:43 – My Previous Favorite 3:55 – Tech Specs 5:53 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 8:02 – What I Love About These Boots 12:51 – Water Resistance 16:12 - Takeaways 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

Dec 27, 2024

I’ve been eager to have Connor on the podcast for some time now. Not only is he an incredibly talented photographer and videographer, but he also leads a fascinating life. His content stands out as some of the best in highlighting the reflective side of hunting and the importance of being fully present in the outdoors. Connor Gabbott https://www.instagram.com/connorgabbott.photo/ 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

Dec 24, 2024

There has been significant innovation in tripod technology over the last few years and both Aziak and Outdoorsmans have updated their carbon fiber offerings. I have considerable experience testing gear from both companies and have always been impressed. Unfortunately, I had a catastrophic failure on this recent trip with one of these tripods. Watch the video for a detailed comparison of these tripods and hear the story of why I will never bring one of these tripods to the field again. Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 0:21 – Technical Specs 2:17 – Filed Testing Protocol 2:52 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 4:32 – Pros and Cons of The Aziak 9:50 – Pros and Cons of The Outdoorsmans 17:34 – Catastrophic Field Failure 22:22 – Standing Tripods In The Backcountry 23:42 – Follow-Up Review With RRS 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

Dec 21, 2024

After seeing the latest GoHunt original One Good Chance starring Trail Kreitzer I knew I had to have Luke on the podcast. We spent almost two hours nerding out on what goes into making gear hunt films. Luke Dusenbury https://www.instagram.com/luke.dusenbury/ 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

Dec 17, 2024

Discover my top backcountry food hacks to prep your meals for the wilderness effectively. Learn how to save weight, cut costs, and increase the caloric density of your meals with these simple tricks. Get your free meal planning PDF and watch the detailed breakdown of each hack: Backcountry Meal Planning Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools 0:00 – Intro 0:39 – Free Meal Planning PDF https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools 1:14 – Field Strip Meals 3:20 – Avoid Overpriced Backcountry Foods 6:56 – DIY Breakfast Ideas 9:17 – Dual Dry Bag Food Storage Technique 12:43 – Don’t Cut Calories – Add Fats! 📦 In This Video: Detailed field stripping instructions Money saving ideas for the backcountry Innovative food storage ideas Tactics to increase the caloric density of your meals 👀 Who Should Watch: Hikers Hunters Nature photographers Outdoor enthusiasts Mountaineers Relevant Videos: Watch now and elevate your backcountry meal game! 🔔 Subscribe for More: If you found this review helpful, please like, share, and subscribe for more reviews and insights on the latest outdoor gear! 💬 Join the Conversation: Have any questions or thoughts? Drop them in the comments below, and I'll be happy to respond! #BackcountryFood #CampingHacks #OutdoorCooking #MealPrep #HikingTips #SaveMoney #BoostCalories 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

Dec 13, 2024

In this video, I give you my initial impressions of the new Kowa TSN-55A Spotting Scope. Known for its compact size and superior optics, the Kowa TSN-55A promises exceptional performance for bird watchers, hunters, and nature enthusiasts. Join us as we explore its features, performance, and explore whether it lives up to the hype! 🔍 Chapters: 0:00 – The Problems with Reviews 4:49 – Initial Impressions Kowa TSN 55A 5:27 – Fluorite Crystal 7:01 – Trade-offs 7:34 – So What’s New? 9:10 – Price 9:33 – Specs 12:49 – Size & Shape 14:48 – Upcoming 3-way Battle 15:45 – Final Thoughts 📦 In This Video: Detailed review of the Kowa TSN-55A Spotting Scope Unboxing and initial thoughts Pros and cons to help you decide if it's worth the investment Comparison with other popular spotting scopes 👀 Who Should Watch: Bird watchers Hunters Nature photographers Outdoor enthusiasts Anyone looking for a high-quality compact spotting scope 🌟 Key Features: Compact and lightweight design High-resolution optics Durable and weather-resistant construction Easy to carry and use in the field 📈 Benefits of Watching: Get a thorough understanding of the Kowa TSN-55A Spotting Scope Learn about its performance in real-world scenarios Discover how it compares to other spotting scopes on the market Make an informed decision before purchasing Relevant Videos: @Backwoods Pursuit OH NO THEY DIDN'T! NEW - Kowa TSN 55 Compact Spotting Scope Review 🔔 Subscribe for More: If you found this review helpful, please like, share, and subscribe for more reviews and insights on the latest outdoor gear! 💬 Join the Conversation: Have any questions or thoughts? Drop them in the comments below, and I'll be happy to respond! #KowaTSN55A #SpottingScopeReview #BirdWatching #HuntingGear #OutdoorGear #NaturePhotography #OpticsReview 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

Dec 10, 2024

Last week was my daughter Esme’s 9th birthday and one of the things she asked for was to come on my podcast. I put a Q&A post on my IG story to get some questions from my audience and was shocked at how great the response was. Not only did we get a ton of questions, but they were super high quality. So, I would like to officially introduce you to my daughter Esme. I hope you enjoy this conversation. 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

Dec 6, 2024

I have had the opportunity to test a lot of Argali gear over the last few years, and I always love getting to sit down and chat with Brad. Not only is he a great product designer, but he’s an absolute stud in the woods. We dove into some of the lessons learned from our hunting trips this year, and then we got into one of the products I have been testing for them this season, and Brad shared an exclusive product announcement. Brad Brooks https://www.instagram.com/bradabrooks/ https://argalioutdoors.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

Dec 3, 2024

After wearing the Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar every day for the last 10 months, I'm finally sharing my full review. This episode dives into the features, performance, and whether it's worth the investment. Watch to find out if this smartwatch lives up to the hype! Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 1:02 – Testing Process 3:40 – My 5 Smartwatch Priorities 6:22 – Training Tracking 11:36 – Sleep Tracking 14:12 – Navigation 16:37 – Battery Life 18:33 – Phone Integration 22:10 – Conclusion In This Episode: Detailed analysis of the Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Real-world usage and performance insights Pros and cons after 10 months of daily use Key features including training tracking, sleep monitoring, navigation, battery life, and phone integration Who Should Listen: Outdoor enthusiasts Fitness buffs Tech gadget lovers Anyone considering the Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Don’t Miss: My honest opinion on whether this smartwatch is worth your money Practical tips for maximizing the use of your Garmin Fenix 7X Pro Solar Subscribe for More: If you found this review helpful, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more reviews and tech insights! #GarminFenix7XPro #SmartwatchReview #OutdoorGear #FitnessTech #TechReview 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

Nov 29, 2024

I always enjoy talking with Trail—his honesty and unique way of sharing hunting experiences never fail to resonate with and inspire me. In this episode, we dive into the universal truth that everyone makes mistakes, but what truly matters is how we move forward and grow from them. From missing critical archery shots to navigating life as an introvert working at GoHunt, Trail shares meaningful insights and valuable lessons that we can all take to heart. This conversation covers a lot of ground and is packed with inspiration for hunters and anyone looking to grow from their challenges. Trail Kreitzer https://www.instagram.com/trailk11/ 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

Nov 26, 2024

Are you curious about the Sig Zulu 6 Binoculars and their performance in the field? In this podcast, I share my experiences after three months of extensive use, including multiple hunts. Are these image-stabilizing binoculars truly a game-changer for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts? 0:00 – Intro 0:28 – Sig Sauer Storytime 4:25 – Testing Process 7:13 – The Pros 11:00 – The Cons 18:37 – Final Thoughts 🔍 Key Points Covered: Image stabilization technology Performance during hunts Durability and build quality Ergonomic design and ease of use Weather resistance 👀 Why Watch This Review? I provide a detailed and honest assessment of the Sig Zulu 6 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.

Nov 22, 2024

Jake is one of my favorite people. What you see is what you get; he doesn’t pull punches, and you never have to wonder what he thinks on any given subject or individual. On this one, we rambled and chased several squirrels with no real agenda other than two dudes sitting down to catch up. 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

Nov 19, 2024

One of the most challenging things about finding the right boot is that reviews are almost no help whatsoever. Our feet are so personal that it seems you can find just as many people who love a specific boot as hate it. At the end of the day, the only true way to find a boot that works for you is to try it on. However, I think I can help narrow down the selection and find boots that will fit your needs more effectively. 0:00 – Intro 6:07 – Boot selection framework 6:25 – Stiffness 10:40 – Materials 13:22 – Insulation 16:07 – Fit 20:00 – Testing process 27:12 – Example recommendations 28:13 – Other good online retailers 29:58 – Q&A 36:59 – Wrap-up 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

Nov 15, 2024

I met these two guys at last year’s WSSBC Expo here in BC and was immediately impressed with their enthusiasm and sincerity for hunting. They have had a stellar season this year and I had them on to talk about how they got into hunting and what they’re doing to stcak up so many wins. Borderland Hunting https://www.instagram.com/borderland_hunting/ 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

Nov 8, 2024

This week’s episode is a Q&A focused on winter hunting gear. I answered questions such as how to thaw your boots, the best hot tent combo, down vs. synthetic sleep systems and much more 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

Oct 25, 2024

Want a chance to win the Frontiersmen Vulpes field dressing knife? Follow the simple steps below to enter our exclusive giveaway! After years of using disposable hunting knives, I switched to fixed blades, and ever since I’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate field dressing knife. In this video, I put two of the best knives to the test: the Frontiersmen Vulpes and the Argali Sawtooth. I’ll break down what I liked and didn’t like about each knife, and in the end, you’ll find out which one came out on top as my favorite for field dressing big game. Knife Giveaway Instructions: Each task earns you one entry! YouTube: 1. Like this video 2. Comment below 3. Subscribe to my channel (if you haven’t already) Instagram (Go to my latest post featuring these knives): 1. Follow @mindful_hunter 2. Follow @frontiersmengear 3. Like the post 4. Comment on the post 5. Tag friends for extra entries (1 entry per tag) 6. Share the post to your story 📍 Chapters: • 0:00 – Intro • 0:25 – Testing Experience • 1:19 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting • 2:12 – Categories Reviewed • 2:22 – Price • 2:44 – Frontiersmen Knife Specs • 3:15 – My Custom Frontiersmen • 5:29 – Knife Giveaway Details • 6:33 – Argali Knife Specs • 7:15 – Manufacturing Origin • 7:30 – Blade Material Comparison • 11:41 – Blade Shape Differences • 14:57 – Frontiersmen Handle Review • 16:37 – Argali Handle Review • 17:19 – Sheath Comparison • 19:51 – Final Conclusion 🛠️ Links & Resources: • Argali Outdoors • Frontiersmen Gear 📧 Contact: Jay Nichol | Mindful Hunter Email: jay@mindfulhunter.com Get gear reviews, outdoor content, and more at Mindful Reviews. 🔗 More From Mindful Hunter: • Forged In The Backcountry • Merch Store • Newsletter Sign-Up • Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide 🎧 Podcast: Mindful Hunter Podcast 📸 Instagram: @mindful_hunter

Oct 18, 2024

Want to WIN this bow? 🎯 Enter now by joining https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ before December 15, 2024, and you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway to win the Prime RVX 34 Compound Bow! In this video, I’m sharing my 10-month in-depth review of the Prime RVX 34 — a bow I’ve hunted with and tested on multiple trips, including a successful Vancouver Island black bear hunt 🏹. Unlike typical “first impression” bow shop reviews, I’ve spent months living with this bow in the field, putting it through real hunting conditions. I’ll break down the Prime RVX 34’s performance across objective categories like speed, weight, grip, and build quality, as well as my subjective experience with tuning, hand feel, and overall stability. Whether you’re a seasoned archer or just starting out, I’ve made this review accessible to everyone. 📜 Time Stamps for Easy Navigation: 0:00 – Intro 0:56 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 1:35 – Context for Review Objective Categories 3:35 – Price 4:02 – Specs & Models Available 5:07 – Weight 5:32 – Speed 7:14 – Cams 8:28 – Riser 8:39 – Rest and Sight Mounts 9:32 – Quiver Mount 10:48 – Stabilizer 11:13 – Vibration Dampeners 11:22 – Strings 12:45 – Grip Material 13:34 – Build Quality 14:33 – Bow Giveaway Subjective Categories 16:05 – My Setup 17:01 – Tunability 20:39 – Hand Feel 21:12 – Stability 21:40 – Noise 24:01 – Grip Ergonomics 25:38 – Accuracy 26:57 – X-Factor & Final Conclusions Other great Prime RVX 34 Review @podiumarcher3447 https://youtu.be/1nNkVZF1Bbo?si=v191I4tOeeNn6U_k 🎯 Prime RVX 34 Key Features: • Core inline cam system • Center grip riser • Nano grip Join me in this detailed breakdown of the Prime RVX 34, and don’t forget to enter the giveaway! 🔗 Important Links: Join Giveaway https://www.mindful-reviews.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

Oct 11, 2024

This week I sat down to record a solo Q&A episode. Touched on things like my biggest gear improvement this year, my hunt plans for next year and how the lessons learned this year changed my plans, and my thoughts on whether the hunting industry is over-saturated with influencers. 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

Oct 4, 2024

I am going to do my best to document this year’s guiding season through the podcast. First up is a combo moose/elk hunt at Primitive Outfitting. I go over the first hunt of the season in this episode. I had two great hunters who busted their ass and we were able to kill a great elk. 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

Sep 27, 2024

Argali Absaroka Tipi Review: Is it the Best Shelter for Mountain Hunts? Looking for a spacious, lightweight, and durable shelter for your alpine adventures? In this in-depth field test, we put the Argali Absaroka tipi through its paces during a 12-day mountain goat hunt in Northern B.C. We explore whether this floorless tipi is the right choice for sheep and goat hunters who are used to freestanding shelters. Watch the full review to see how it holds up in harsh weather conditions, its weight, setup ease, stove compatibility, and more! https://argalioutdoors.com/en-ca/products/absaroka-4p-tent ⏰ Chapters: • 0:00 – Intro • 1:35 – Freestanding Shelter Disclaimer • 2:13 – Potato • 2:35 – Price & Weight • 4:11 – Additional Pole • 5:05 – Materials • 9:19 – Setup • 10:39 – Weather Resistance & Durability • 11:53 – Win a Prime RVX 34 Bow • 13:08 – Space & Measurements • 15:43 – Ventilation • 17:22 – Stove Compatibility • 18:17 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting • 20:43 – Conclusion 🎯 Giveaway Alert!: Win a Prime RVX 34 Bow! Join Mindful Reviews for your chance to win: https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ Technical Material Articles https://argalioutdoors.com/advice/tent-fabric-backpack-and-lightweight-tents https://durstongear.com/pages/materials @Argali https://youtu.be/2dYRtyPO7HE?si=WlVr2V398MZy3WL4 https://youtu.be/Z96lfV7aE8c?si=_3KKcx98wD7HQc7q My Argali Owyhee Review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=en1rrtTxG10 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

Sep 20, 2024

This one is a hard one to record. Sometimes no matter how hard you work or how much you plan things just fall apart. I have always prided myself on being as authentic and transparent as possible and I will continue to shard my hard-earned lessons with anyone who wants to listen. 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

Sep 5, 2024

Adam is one of those legit BC killers that quietly gets it done every year on great animals. Last time he was on the podcast we discussed his phenomenal blacktail record and this time we chatted about his similar streak with Stone’s Sheep. Adam Sarich https://www.instagram.com/4pointoutdoors/ 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

Sep 2, 2024

Start of a new live series with the crew. 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

Aug 30, 2024

After the frustrations I experienced during my recent Mountain Goat hunt, I decided on my way home that I needed to completely overhaul my long-range hunting system. I reached out to Caylen from Modern Day Sniper and we agreed to collaborate together on some content detailing my journey. Here is part 1 with much more on the way Caylen Wojcik https://www.instagram.com/caylen8541/ https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper/ https://moderndaysniper.com/ https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/spaces/10747476/content 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

Aug 26, 2024

Welcome to Mindful Hunter Outfitting, where we bring you the ultimate Canadian hunting experience! Whether you're an aspiring hunter looking to sharpen your skills or a seasoned veteran in search of trophy game, we've got something for you. Our Alberta Archery Mule Deer hunts and BC Spring Bear hunts offer a unique blend of adventure, challenge, and opportunity for growth. At Mindful Hunter, our mission is to guide you through the wilderness, helping you gain the knowledge and confidence to tackle the toughest hunts. Join us and elevate your hunting experience to new heights! Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction to Mindful Hunter Outfitting 5:26 – Alberta Archery Mule Deer Hunts 10:14 – BC Spring Bear Hunts (Any Weapon) 14:54 – Why We Do This: The Story Behind MHO 👉 Ready to embark on your next hunting adventure? Contact us today to book your guided hunt! 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

Aug 23, 2024

Well folks here is the second and possibly last part of my 2024 goat hunt. There are many lessons learned on this one and much room for improvement. I hope you enjoy. 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

Aug 16, 2024

Well folks I am back from my goat hunt, and this is the first episode in a two-part series detail the adventure we had. I am joined on part 1 by Vance Johnson as we recount the first half of our hunt. Stay tuned for more 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

Aug 9, 2024

I have spent a lifetime hiking in the mountains, and I also have Morton’s Neuroma which has led me to be very particular about both my boot choice and the insoles I use inside them. I have tried multiple custom orthotics and was always intrigued but skeptical about Sheepfeet. I have now run my custom insoles from Sheepfeet for the last two years and felt compelled to post a review. I hope this review is helpful. 0:00 – Intro 2:05 – Purpose of insoles 5:41 – Scoring system 5:55 - Price 7:00 – Weight 7:39 – Customization 13:02 – Materials & construction 15:33 – Support & comfort 17:23 – Durability 19:17 – Conclusion https://sheepfeetoutdoors.com/ https://yoursole.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

Aug 2, 2024

I love doing head-to-head product reviews but sometimes it’s hard to capture all the nuance of the underlying technologies or materials. So, I wanted to take a first principles approach to gear reviews in this new series and start to look at individual variables separate from the products themselves. I have wanted to do a backcountry stove review for a while but have been challenged by what systems to include. With that in mind, I backed up a step and derived some tests to look at how important heating fins were on the pots themselves. I was quite surprised at the results. 0:00 – Intro 5:47 – Testing Methodology 9:01 – Results 11:23 – Conclusions 15:21 – My Favourite Setup Olicamp Kinetic Ti + XTS Pot Combo https://a.co/d/gnO9LXM 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

Jul 26, 2024

I only met Tyler a few months ago when he invited me on his podcast, but I instantly knew he was my people. He is an ex-cop turned private physical performance coach with a deep passion for hunting and the outdoors. We had a great chat, and I hope you enjoy it. Tyler Geiger http://www.nockperformance.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nockperformance/ http://www.nockperformance.com/podcast/ 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

Jul 19, 2024

Over the last three years, I have slowly become obsessed with late-season whitetail hunting. The one difficulty is staying warm for 10 hour sits in -20 degree weather! I have experimented with multiple different heating strategies and think I have finally found the best one for my hunting style. Last year I ran The IconX Heated Core Long Sleeve and Pant from Pnuma Outdoors and wanted to share a detailed review of my experience. Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ Mindful Reviews https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ 0:00 – Intro 2:01 – Who is this gear for? 8:38 – Final Thoughts and Recommendations 9:56 – Synopsis 11:07 – Pricing 12:05 – Weight 12:37 – Materials 13:28 – Warmth 19:14 – Batteries 21:11 – Breathability 21:49 – Durability 22:16 – Fit 24:47 – Options 25:14 – Packability 26:00 – Odor 27:22 – Final Wrap-up https://pnumaoutdoors.com/collections/heated-core https://pnumaoutdoors.com/collections/heated-core/products/iconx-heated-core-pant https://pnumaoutdoors.com/products/iconx-heated-core-long-sleeve-shirt https://www.instagram.com/pnumaofficial 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

Jul 12, 2024

The crew over at Stuck N The Rut have one of the best hunting YouTube channels going right now. I got eh chance to sit down with Tom Schneider and have a great chat. We touched on a bunch of topics including hunting tactics, the history of North Idaho hunting and some of the courses and events that SNTR are offering now for up-and-coming hunters. Tom Schneider https://www.instagram.com/sntrhunter/ https://www.instagram.com/stuckntherut/ https://www.stuckntherut.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPAT7XECi55O62ZOsYxOO5A 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

Jul 3, 2024

To celebrate Cody’s successful hunt all Forged apparel will be 20% off for the next week until July 9th and any purchases made will be entered into the next giveaway! Just use code Cody20 at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ When I launched Forged In The Backcountry I gave away a guided bear hunt with Primitive Outfitting. Part of the prize was that I would also buy a hunt and film the winner’s hunt. Cody was the lucky Forged customer that won that hunt. We just spent a week together in Northern B.C. chasing black bears with our guide Gary and had an absolute blast. I hope you guys enjoy the film and please let me know what hunt you’d like to see me give away and film next! Stick Bow Bear Hunt with Primitive Outfitting https://youtu.be/U5yRcy-5x4M Cody Sisco https://www.instagram.com/_codysisco_/ 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

Jun 28, 2024

Technically, this is the longest amount of time I have ever spent researching and testing for a review. I got my first pair of Outdoor Research gaiters 23 years ago. Since that time, I have been on the quest to find the perfect pair of gaiters. In this review I compare 4 different options and share why I think I have found my new perfect system. Lifestyle apparel for the backcountry hunter https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ Join Mindful Reviews to support unbiased nonsponsored gear reviews and have a chance to win some kick-ass hunting gear. https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ Ape Equipment https://apeequipment.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/apeequipment/ 0:00 – Intro 3:42 – Gaiter Giveaway 4:01 – Price 4:24 – Sitka Rant 7:44 – Weight 8:22 – Materials 18:46 – Sizing 21:05 – Fit 23:06 – Bear Hunt Giveaway 24:56 – Closure & Attachment Systems 29:13 – Origin 29:49 – Final Thoughts and Giveaway Details 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

Jun 21, 2024

We’re back for another episode of Guns & Stuff. This week Colton and I sat down with Matt from AG composite stocks. AG Composite https://www.agcomposites.com/ https://www.instagram.com/agcomposites/ 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

Jun 14, 2024

Get 15% off with code fathersday2024 at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ until June 16th. You can also enter for your chance to win a prize pack valued at over $1000 by visiting this Instagram post. https://bit.ly/3VjR7Ty If you’re looking to go deep on orthotics, inserts and assistive devices to improve foot function than this is the podcast for you. Adam Janke is a Canadian board certified Pedorthist and ran a successful business for many years helping people improve the functionality of their feet through creating assistive devices such as orthotics. Adam Janke https://journalofmountainhunting.com/ https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_kill 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

Jun 7, 2024

Well, it was time to interview the host. I’ve known Mark Huelsing, the number 2 at Exo and host of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, for a few years now and we text quite regularly, but I wanted to get him on the podcast to pick his brain about his history and the role hunting plays in his life. They also have a super cool project coming up at Exo this year that we dove into. Mark Huelsing https://www.instagram.com/markthefark/ https://exomtngear.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

May 31, 2024

Jake puts more animals on the ground with a stickbow every year than most guys can with a compound or rifle. On top of that, he runs his own electrical contracting business and has a young family to take care of. Jake and I spent most of our time discussing mindset, discipline and why it’s important to do hard shit every day. 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

May 24, 2024

In less than 3 months Vance and I are headed into the alpine for our early season rifle goat hunt. We sat down to go over the general game plan and our gear lists. Vance’s Gear List https://www.mindfulhunter.com/s/Vances-Goat-Gear-List-2024.jpeg Jay’s Gear List https://www.mindfulhunter.com/s/2024-Early-Season-Goat-Hunt.xlsx Vance Johnson https://www.instagram.com/vance_johnsons_hunting_alberta/ 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

May 17, 2024

On the most recent episode of Guns & Stuff, Colton and I sat down with Bryan and Eric from Hammer Bullets to discuss their unique approach to bullet design. Hammer Bullets https://hammerbullets.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hammerbulletsco/ Eric Hoover https://www.instagram.com/hooverprecisionrifles/ Colton 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

May 10, 2024

Bryan is not only the founder of Day Six Gear, but he is also a very successful businessman who's driving motivations are his family and faith. I love talking to guys like Bryan because I get the chance to learn from someone who is tackling similar problems to myself but is a little closer to finding the best solutions. We talked a lot about business and archery systems so there is a lot to dig into on this one. Bryan Broderick – Day Six Gear https://www.instagram.com/daysixbb https://www.instagram.com/daysixgear https://www.daysixgear.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

May 3, 2024

Okay we’re gonna kick it old school with the podcast for a new series where I’ll do deep dive q&a’s on gear categories. Up first is Sleep Systems. Let me know what you want to see next! 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

Apr 12, 2024

Less than one week left for your chance to enter the BC Guided Bear Hunt Giveaway. Every $5 you spend at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ will get you one entry! This week I sat down with my good friend Jeff Lander who owns Primitive Outfitting and guides Mule Deer in Alberta and Moose and Bear in BC. Jeff is also the one who is hosting the giveaway hunt for Forged. We had a great chat about all kinds of different hunting and Jeff may have told the best bear story ever told on this podcast! Jeff Lander https://www.primitive-outfitting.com/ https://www.instagram.com/primitve/ 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

Apr 5, 2024

This week on Guns & Stuff, Colton and I sit down with Zac Waterman from Nosler to go deep on their product offerings. We had a bunch of great questions from listeners and I learned a ton on this episode. Less than two weeks left for your chance to enter the BC Guided Bear Hunt Giveaway. Every $5 you spend at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ will get you one entry! Nosler https://www.instagram.com/noslerinc/ Colton 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

Mar 29, 2024

It’s been a while since I did an old-fashioned Q&A episode so figured it was time to bang one out. Lots of great questions in this one! Drop me a note if you want to see more of these episodes. 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

Mar 22, 2024

EP 169 – Culture, Conservation, and Hunting Rights with Mike Duplan Mike is known for killing big mule deer but more importantly, Mike also has a very strong voice for conservation and hunting rights. Given the climate we are in right now and all the battles we are facing for our hunting rights across North America I wanted to have Mike on to get his thoughts and advice. Mike Duplan https://www.instagram.com/mikeduplan/ 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

Mar 15, 2024

Alright folks, it’s rare but it does happen. Every now and then I use a product so bad that I can say with complete confidence you do not need this in your arsenal. This tripod definitely fits into this category. I hope you guys find this useful and I give some other recommendations at the end of the video for products that will perform significantly better for you! Enter the bear hunt giveaway by going to https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ Every $5 you spend gets you one entry to win a guided, filmed black bear hunt in BC! Join Mindful Reviews to support unbiased nonspnsored gear reviews and have a chance to win some kick-ass hunting gear. https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ 0:00 – Intro 1:33 – Price 4:52 – Weight 6:20 – Load Capacity 7:27 – Height 8:31 – Packability 9:02 – Vibration 10:33 – Leg Locks 14:35 – 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

Mar 12, 2024

Chill episode this week as I sit down with my buddy Leighton who gave me a hand at the booth during the WSSBC Mountain Hunting Expo this year. We go over the show and just have a general catchup about gear and hunting. Leighton is one of those super solid quiet dudes I’ve got to know through hunting and gear reviews and I hope to get him on more episodes. He’s one of the only dudes I know who runs as much different gear as I do. Leighton Garfield https://www.instagram.com/glass_half_full_outdoors/ 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

Mar 5, 2024

One of the first podcasts I discovered when I was getting into backcountry hunting was Gritty Bowmen. It was a brand-new podcast hosted by Brian Call. It was one of the most impactful shows on both my development as a hunter and the type of hunting I ended up pursuing. Brian played a large role in my fascination with bow-hunting elk in the rut and self-filming. I was not expecting this conversation to get as deep as it did, but I personally took a lot away from it that is very applicable to where I am at in my own journey right now and I hope you can as well. Brian Call - Gritty https://www.instagram.com/brian_call/ https://www.youtube.com/c/BrianCallGritty https://briancall.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

Mar 1, 2024

On this episode of Guns & Stuff, Colton and I sat down with Seth from Hornady to do a deep dive on the different families of bullets offered by Hornady, their 4DOF solution, when you should choose a monolithic, and much more. Seth From Hornady https://www.hornady.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-hornady-podcast/id1603633739 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

Feb 28, 2024

I have wanted to sit down with Steve since I started this podcast. His app was one of the main sources of information that helped me kill my first solo blacktail in the mountains. We covered a ton of ground on this one and Steve held nothing back. It was a privilege and an honour and I know you will find some value in this episode. Steve Isdahl https://www.howtohunt.com/ https://www.instagram.com/proguide66/ 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

Feb 23, 2024

Steve is someone I have followed on IG for a while not only because he’s a badass mule deer hunter but because he buys and tests a lot of his own gear. We had a great chat about deer hunting and some of the standout pieces of hear he ran this last year and also some duds he came across. Steve Evans https://www.instagram.com/__steve__evans__/ 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

Feb 20, 2024

Travis Bader is a local entrepreneur who founded Silvercore Outdoors and hosts the Silvercore Podcast. I’ve been social media acquaintances with Travis, but this is the first chance I had to sit down with him for a good chat. Travis is one of those salt-of-the-earth guys who puts family first and is strongly dedicated to being a contributing member of his community. Travis Bader https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav/ https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors/ https://www.silvercore.ca/ 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

Feb 15, 2024

After months of work behind the scenes I am proud to announce that Forged In The Backcountry - A Lifestyle Apparel Brand For Backcountry Hunters is now live! In this video, I go over the story of how I came up with the brand, the design aesthetic, and all the products included in the initial launch. To celebrate the launch I am giving away a guided black bear hunt in BC! https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/

Feb 13, 2024

There have been some great strides of innovation in the ultralight tripod industry over the last few years and Aziak and Tricer are two of the best examples of this. Both these companies have taken different approaches to solving the problem of creating the lightest weight backcountry tripod while still offering a stable platform for glassing. I’ve been running these tripods for the last 6 months and in this video I break down the pros and cons of each and give my recommendation as to which one you should buy. 0:00 – Intro 2:00 – Buyer’s Remorse 4:22 – Scoring System 4:51 – Pricing 5:29 – Weight 6:52 – Materials 9:43 – Load Capacity 10:51 – Height 13:07 – Packability 15:01 – Leg Locks 20:28 – Vibration 23:01 – Heads 25:40 – Scoring 26:13 – Final Recommendations Reel – 1:59 – Buyers Remorse 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

Feb 9, 2024

I have been asked many times to do a range-finding binocular review so when I was finally able to do one, I wanted to do it right. In this review, I compare the Vortex Fury 500AB, Sig Kilo 3K, Leica Geovid 3200.com, Revic Acura, Sig Kilo 10K ABS, and Zeiss Victory RF. This was hands down the most complicated review I have ever done, and I have been working on it for the last two months. If you have any additional questions please drop them in the comments section below. I am raffling off a brand-new pair of Revic Acura BLR10b Binoculars. Tickets are $25 USD each and there are only 150 available. Head on over to https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ to buy tickets. 0:00 – Intro 7:21 – Price 9:31 – Weight 9:55 – Length 12:03 – Descriptive Class Totals 12:59 – Origin of Manufacture 17:20 – Warranty 19:46 – Weather Resistance 24:13 – Frame Material 24:56 – Ergonomics 27:57 – Construction Totals 28:58 – Field of View 30:21 – Glass Quality 32:54 – Glass Coatings 36:12 – Optics Totals 38:40 – User Interface 39:50 – Integration 43:07 – Responsiveness 44:55 – Accuracy 46:31 – Maximum Range 49:59 – Ballistic Performance 56:04 – Final Rankings and 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

Feb 6, 2024

I’d like to welcome you to a new series on the podcast. I’ve teamed up with Pap Van Winkle to bring you a regular podcast focused on hunting gun-related topics. I think one of the reasons for my success over the years has been the self-awareness to stay in my own lane. I am not a gun expert and a lot of you out there have a ton of gun-related questions, so I teamed up with one of the only other unbiased non-sponsored guys I know of who also happens to be an absolute genius when it comes to hunting guns and ammunition in addition to several other hunting related topics. This will primarily be a Q&A-focused series, but we also have some great interviews lined up that I am very excited to share with you all. Please share your feedback and let us know what you liked and what you didn’t. Pap Van Winkle https://www.instagram.com/papwinkle/ 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

Feb 2, 2024

I have looked up to James for quite some time. I heard him talk about a dual broadhead setup he was running years ago on another podcast and the depth of analysis and preparation he displayed really resonated with me. In addition to that James is one of the most legit killers out there today when it comes to bid mature mule deer. James Yates https://www.instagram.com/yates_in_the_backcountry/ 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

Jan 30, 2024

Jill is a dedicated BC hunter who grew up in a hunting family and has come back to finding her peace in the mountains. I think she is a great example for all hunters and especially young women coming up in the discipline. She has integrity, hunts for the right reasons and loves to push herself in the mountains. We dove into her background growing up hunting in BC and then she told the story of how she took her best deer yet which she also did while solo. Jill https://www.instagram.com/nomadlifebc/ 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

Jan 26, 2024

Mark has been hunting in the backcountry a long time and originally made a name for himself with his obsessive approach towards escouting. Mark has also long been a proponent of making your own meals for the backcountry. First with a dehydrator and now with a freeze drier. We had a great chat about out application strategies this year given all the changes that the western states have gone through and some healthy strategies for nutrition in the backcountry. Mark Livesay https://www.instagram.com/treeline_pursuits/ https://www.treelineacademy.net/ 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

Jan 19, 2024

I just got back from 10 days of archery hunting mule deer in the desert of southern New Mexico. I did not kill a deer but I learned a ton. In this podcast, I go over what worked, and what didn't, and I answer listeners' questions. 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

Jan 12, 2024

Well after several months of testing I am finally able to share the results of my bino harness battle where I pit the Catamount and Kuiu harnesses head to head. As usual I dove into a ton of detail and did my best to give you an unbiased appraisal of the highlights and lowlights of each product. Catamount discount code Mindful10 0:00 – Intro 0:26 – Win These Bino Harnesses 2:53 – Context 6:03 – Catamount Discount Code 7:11 – Scoring System 7:34 – Pricing 8:04 – Weight 8:18 – Colours 8:34 – Sizing 10:45 – Harness System 13:11 – Accessories 25:06 – Noise 25:35 – Access/Lids 30:37 – Hardware 32:48 – Storage 35:55 – Final Score 36:44 – My Experience and 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

Jan 5, 2024

I have had a ton of requests to review the Zeiss SFL 10x40 binoculars as they sit in a very interesting place in the market. Price-wise they sit right in-between most company’s alpha and mid-range options. That made me very curious to see how they stacked up regarding performance. As usual, I tried to offer a good blend of technical data and my unbiased subjective perspective. I hope this review is helpful. 0:00 – Intro 2:12 – Mindful Reviews 4:26 – Context 5:56 – Price 6:51 – Weight 7:34 – Length 8:02 – Origin 9:22 – FOV 10:31 – Glass Quality 12:35 – Light Transmission 14:11 – Breakdown 20:37 – Recommendations Robby Denning SFL 10x40 Review https://www.rokslide.com/zeiss-sfl-10x40-vs-sf-10x32-binocular-review/ Other Zeiss SFL Reviews https://youtu.be/-v1bn-AcfUw?si=TlnZxtlUB1z3miiD https://youtu.be/K6cBnfDIi_w?si=0DuZ1oJDfwFTEXe5 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

Dec 29, 2023

Well folks it’s time to swing for the fences. After building Mindful Hunter and Mindful Reviews off the side of my desk for over 7 years it’s time to give it all my attention. In this podcast I dive into all the details about what it took to get to this point and what my plans are moving forward. 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

Dec 22, 2023

Ryan Lampers is a hunter that you just can’t help but look up to. His success in killing mature examples across a variety of species speaks for itself but more impressive than that is the quiet demeanour with which he holds himself. I think there is a lot more to learn from Ryan than just how to kill big animals. Ryan Lampers https://www.instagram.com/sthealthyhunter/ https://westernhuntingsummit.com/ https://www.treelineacademy.net/western-bear-tour-page https://sthealthyhunter.com/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 https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

Dec 15, 2023

Ever since I stumbled across Adam on Instagram, I’ve wanted to have a conversation with him. He is truly a fascinating guy. Bush pilot, father to a schwack of kids, hilarious and an absolute killer in the mountains. This was a great conversation, and I am already looking forward to round 2. Adam Grenda https://www.instagram.com/grenda89/ 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

Dec 8, 2023

EP 147 – Hunting and Outfitting with Cliff Gray Cliff is a very well-known outfitter who made a name for himself in The Flat Tops of Colorado and has now transitioned into a content creator with a thriving YouTube channel. Cliff is one of those guys with a very analytical mind and it was a pleasure to get into the details of his outfitting background and get some of his insights on the challenges of hunting. Cliff Gray https://www.youtube.com/@CliffGray https://www.instagram.com/cliffgry/ https://pursuitwithcliff.com/ 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

Dec 1, 2023

Alright folks, I had the pleasure of hunting whitetails in Saskatchewan with my bow, and as usual, it was an eventful experience. I seem to be incapable of having a regular old boring hunt. I go over my thoughts on guided hunts, how my bow blew up in a ground blind, blood trailing a deer for almost a mile, the new raffle that just went live where you can win the bow of your dreams, and much more! 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

Nov 25, 2023

After many requests, I figured it was time for a trekking pole head-to-head review. In this video, I compared the Argali Guide X against the Black Diamond Alpine Ero Cork. Both of these poles have some great features but they also have some stark differences worth discussing. Let me know in the comments section below which poles you’d like to see next. 0:00 – Intro 4:23 – Pricing 4:58 – Weight 5:10 – Materials 11:00 – Grips 16:00 – Adjustability 17:13 – Vibration 18:58 – Weight Capacity 21:28 – Build Quality 22:03 – Locking Mechanisms 27:11 – Extras 29:40 – Packability 30:51 – Final Results and Thoughts 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

Nov 17, 2023

Both the Sitka Ascent Pants and the Stone Glacier De Havilland Lite pants are great products that provide an excellent option for early-season pants. However, while they both do a good job they do so in different ways. During this field-tested review, I do my best to highlight what those differences are and share what circumstances I think each of these pieces would thrive in. Part 1 – Core Lightweight vs Avro Synthetic https://youtu.be/VRmLGj4WR9Y Part 2 – Cirque Lite vs. Ambient Hoody https://youtu.be/QDeBKNA4HBo 0:00 – Intro 3:25 – Pricing 3:27 – Weight 4:09 – Materials 5:21 – Warmth 5:35 – Breathability 5:43 - Durability 7:05 – Fit 12:28 – Construction 13:21 – Features 18:34 – Options 19:09 – Packability 19:20 – Odor Resistance 19:57 – Raffle Details 21:18 – Final Results & Thoughts 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

Nov 10, 2023

During my drive home from Colorado, I told the story of my successful hunt and also answered a bunch of questions off of IG. 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

Oct 31, 2023

Both the Sitka Ascent Pants and the Stone Glacier De Havilland Lite pants are great products that provide an excellent option for early-season pants. However, while they both do a good job they do so in different ways. During this field-tested review, I do my best to highlight what those differences are and share what circumstances I think each of these pieces would thrive in. Part 1 – Core Lightweight vs Avro Synthetic https://youtu.be/VRmLGj4WR9Y Part 2 – Cirque Lite vs. Ambient Hoody https://youtu.be/QDeBKNA4HBo Raffle is sold out. 0:00 – Intro 3:25 – Pricing 3:27 – Weight 4:09 – Materials 5:21 – Warmth 5:35 – Breathability 5:43 - Durability 7:05 – Fit 12:28 – Construction 13:21 – Features 18:34 – Options 19:09 – Packability 19:20 – Odor Resistance 19:57 – Raffle Details 21:18 – Final Results & Thoughts 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

Oct 27, 2023

After multiple requests, I decided it was time for a 65mm spotting scope review. 65mm spotting scopes are arguably the most versatile size of spotter available. They are big enough to reach out a fair distance while still being light enough for most people's backcountry kit. In this review, I looked at the Maven CS.1A, Swarovski ATS, Leica Televid, Kowa Prominar, and Tract Toric. I analyzed all 5 spotting scopes across 25 different categories to do my best to derive a quantifiable winner based on as much evidence and as little opinion as possible. As always, this review is not sponsored and is as unbiased as possible. If you want to support this style of review please consider joining Mindful Reviews. The raffle is live. Please go to https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ for all the details. 0:00 – Intro 3:38 – Price 4:46 – Weight 7:06 – Length 7:57 – Angled & Straight 9:36 – Origin 10:30 – Descriptive Totals 10:56 – Warranty 12:58 – Hardware 14:49 – Build Quality 15:47 – Weather Resistance 17:55 – Frame Material 18:51 – Internal Purging 20:29 – Construction Totals 20:55 – Magnification 22:33 – Field of View at 1000 yards 25:20 – Glass Quality 29:44 – Glass Coatings 31:55 – Eye Relief 34:03 – Optics Totals 34:41 – Performance Class 36:25 – Operation Class 43:05 – Final Results 45:15 – Raffle Details 46:33 – Final Thoughts & Recommendations Links 85mm – 2:11 Good reel – 33:11 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

Oct 17, 2023

This review marks the second of four videos in my Sitka vs. Stone Glacier apparel series. Both the Sitka Ambient Hoody and the Stone Glacier Cirque Lite Jacket are great products that provide excellent dynamic insulation. However, while they both do a good job they do so in different ways. During this field-tested review, I do my best to highlight what those differences are and share what circumstances I think each of these pieces would thrive in. Part 1 – Core Lightweight vs Avro Synthetic https://youtu.be/VRmLGj4WR9Y Raffle is still live: Please go to the link below to enter. https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ 0:00 – Intro 1:12 – Raffle Details 2:51 – Dynamic Insulation 4:17 – Review Categories 5:23 – Pricing 5:55 – Weight 8:13 – Materials 11:37 – Warmth 12:59 – Breathability 13:57 – Durability 15:49 – Fit 18:41 – Construction 20:16 – Features 23:00 – Options 23:21 – Packability 24:29 – Odor Resistance 25:08 – Final Results & 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

Oct 13, 2023

Robby Denning is an absolute legend in the hunting world for his tenacity and focus when it comes to hunting big, mature, mule deer bucks. On top of that, Robby is probably one of the nicest guys you are ever going to meet. His values are grounded in his faith and his family, and it shows in his character. We had a great conversation and he was extremely generous with his knowledge and wisdom. Robby Denning https://www.instagram.com/robbydenning/ https://www.rokslide.com/ Join The Mule Deer Foundation https://muledeer.org/ 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

Oct 10, 2023

This review kicks off the first of four videos in my Sitka vs. Stone Glacier apparel series. Both the Sitka Core Lightweight Hoody and the Stone Glacier Avro Hoody are great products that try to solve the issues your next-to-skin top base layer needs to solve. However, while they both do a good job delivering solutions to those problems they do so in different ways. During this field-tested review, I do my best to highlight what those differences are and share what circumstances I think each of these pieces would thrive in. In addition, I am raffling off a complete 4-piece apparel kit from eight Sitka or Stone Glacier. Raffle is still live: Please go to the link below to enter. https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ 0:00 – Intro 1:13 – 4 part series 2:03 – Raffle Details 5:02 – Disclaimer 6:23 – Review Categories 8:58 – Price 9:40 – Weight 10:16 – Materials 12:25 – Warmth 12:57 – Breathability 14:06 - Durability 15:34 – Fit & Feel 25:11 – Construction 28:40 - Features 29:15 – Options 32:25 – Packability 32:58 – Odor 34:19 – Final Results 34:43 – Final Thoughts 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

Oct 6, 2023

Alright folks, I threw up a Q&A on IG during the drive home and got a ton of great questions about my successful archery elk hunt. I finally had some time to sit down and answer them all. I hope you enjoy! Apparel Raffle Details https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ UNBROKEN - Becoming A Consistent Archery Elk Hunter (2023 archery elk hunting film) https://youtu.be/r_Vokkil748 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

Sep 29, 2023

When I first started hunting all I wanted was to be able to kill a decent animal occasionally. Now that I have been doing it for a while the real goal is consistent and reliable success. Cody has done a ton of work looking into how to transition from a 101 hunter into a 201 hunter. Another way to say this is he’s looked at how to develop systems so that you can reliably kill stuff year after year and stop relying on luck alone. This may be one of my favourite conversations I’ve had on the podcast yet. Cody Rich https://www.instagram.com/therichoutdoors https://backcountryfuelbox.com/ https://community.richideaslab.com/ 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

Sep 22, 2023

I figured it was time to upload a video sharing the updates I have made to my backcountry meal prep system for 2023. Nutrition and prep for the backcountry does not have to be complicated and I give example meal plans and share some simple hacks to increase the caloric density of your meals without unduly increasing the weight in your pack. 0:00 – Intro 0:24 – Mindful Reviews raffle updates 2:23 – Macro math 6:56 – 2023 Meal Plan 9:58 – Breakfast 12:12 – Lunch 13:05 – Dinner 16:01 – Snack 1 18:48 – Snack 2 20:15 – Snack 3 21:26 – Snack 4 22:03 – Added fats 26:10 – Wrap-up Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools 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

Sep 15, 2023

Most of my gear lists are focused on backcountry hunts so this one was a change of pace. This year for elk I am staying as mobile as possible and will be sleeping in the back of my truck most nights. I also had to bring bivy gear just in case. This results in two mini gear lists. This is exactly the style of hunting I bought my truck and quad for. Let me know if you have any questions. 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

Sep 8, 2023

Typically I have John on to do deep dives on gear setup and discuss backcountry mission planning. This week, however, we went in hard on the elk talk. John is a very blue-collar elk hunter and sometimes I think those are the best guys to learn from. Tons of useful info in this week’s episode. John Barklow https://knowledgefromstorms.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jbarklow/ 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/

Sep 1, 2023

Joel has been a good friend ever since I took his Shot IQ controlled process online program 4-5 years ago. I have always been intrigued by Joel’s somewhat unconventional approach to elk calling and finally sat down with him to pick his brain about it. As a previous world champion caller and absolute killer in the elk woods, Jeol brought a ton of experience and unique opinions on strategy to this conversation. Joel Turner https://www.shotiq.com/home https://www.instagram.com/joelturner_shotiq/ 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

Aug 25, 2023

This week I got the chance to sit down with a guy I have admired for many years. Dirk Durham aka The Bigler has made a name for himself not only as a competitive elk caller but also as one hell of an elk hunter. We got into his upbringing as a hunter and then spent a lot of time on various tactics and specifically covered some useful techniques for the thick brush and low elk densities found in the Pacific Northwest Dirk Durham https://www.instagram.com/thebugler/ https://www.youtube.com/@THEBUGLERBRAND https://www.phelpsgamecalls.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Aug 18, 2023

This week I go back over my gear list from my recent sheep hunt and get into all the details about what worked and didn’t work for me. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jul 28, 2023

When I posted my headlamp battle 3 months ago and ended up recommending the Peax Backcountry Duo I was immediately flooded with DM’s that there was some controversy indication the Peax was really just a rebranded cheap overseas headlamp. I felt obligated to buy the other headlamp immediately and find a way to see if there was a significant difference between the two. Here are my results. Original Headlamp video - https://youtu.be/xYAa2icqCvY The spreadsheet showing all my data and testing results is available to download for Mindful Reviews members. Peax Backcountry Duo https://www.peaxequipment.com/products/backcountry-duo Sofirn D25LR https://www.sofirnlight.com/products/d25lr-rechargeable-headlamp-with-white-and-dr-660-nm-red-led Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast 0:00 – Intro 0:25 – Mindful Reviews 1:25 – Background 4:06 – Testing Protocol 9:47 – Categories Assessed 10:11 – Price 10:32 – Weight 10:58 – Size 11:07 – Durability 11:34 – Comfort 11:38 – User Interface 13:17 – Weather Resistance 16:41 – Battery Life 18:59 – Recharge Time 21:11 – Temperature 24:56 – Brightness 30:01 – Conclusion

Jul 21, 2023

This week’s podcast is a Q&A with questions from the Mindful Reviews platform and Instagram. I answer questions such as: Why don’t hunters use heavier, more accurate rifles? Best way to dry out a water bladder, my preferred broadhead, and many more. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jul 14, 2023

With sheep season quickly approaching I thought it would be a great time to go over what is in my first aid kit for solo hunts. Please jump in the comments section below if you’ve got any tips to add! Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jul 7, 2023

In this updated binocular review for 2023 I compare 6 different 10x42 binoculars; Swarovski NL Pure, Leica Noctivid, Leica Trinovid, Zeiss Conquest, Tract Toric and Athlon Cronus G2. I analyzed and tested 21 different categories across 5 classes: Descriptive, Construction, Optics, Performance & Operation. At the conclusion of the review, I give 3 recommendations for binoculars within premium, mid-range and low-range budget constraints. I am raffling off the winning pair of binoculars. Please go to https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ for all the details. Once you are a member you will have access to the link to purchase tickets. Once the raffle is sold out I will update this section to indicate tickets are no longer available. 0:00 – Intro 0:55 – Raffle Info 1:19 – Structure of Review 2:36 – Why I Chose These 6 Binos 3:12 – The Maven Story 6:42 – The Tract Story 10:41 – Emotional Marketing Disclaimer 11:40 – Scoring System 12:55 – Price 14:46 – Weight 16:19 – Length 17:32 – Origin 19:27 – Descriptive Totals 20:32 – Warranty 23:53 – Durability 25:26 – Weather Resistance 29:21 – Frame Material 30:08 – Gas Purging 31:49 – Construction Totals 32:07 – Prism Type 35:22 – Field of View 42:02 – Glass Quality 47:16 – Glass Coatings 49:24 – Eye Relief 51:32 – Close Focus Distance 52:03 – Light Transmission 55:11 – Interpupillary Distance 57:02 – Optics Totals 57:47 – Performance & Operation (Field Testing) 1:00:00 – Aziak Bino Clamp Giveaway 1:01:00 – Performance Testing Scores 1:03:29 – Operation Testing Scores 1:06:29 – Field Notes From Testing 1:13:56 – Final Scores and Ranking 1:14:39 – My recommendations and Caveats 1:19:23 – The Binos That Are Getting Raffled Off Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jun 30, 2023

This week’s podcast is a deep dive into a mapping application called Top Notch Navigator with founder Mason. More than that though it is a super thorough discussion on how to better utilize mapping apps to help us plan and execute more successful hunts. As a thank you to the audience Mason gave us the code MINDFULHUNTER for 20% off which is good until July 31st, 2023. To be clear I get no kickback from this Mason just wanted to show his appreciation. Top Notch Navigator https://www.topnotchnav.com/ https://www.instagram.com/topnotchnav/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jun 23, 2023

This week’s guest needs no introduction. You have seen his photos and videos for years. I sat down with Steven Drake, and we discussed his early exposure to hunting, a pivotal moment that changed the way he saw hunting, his approach to content creation and much more. Steven Drake https://www.youtube.com/user/stevendrakemt https://www.instagram.com/stevendrakephoto Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jun 16, 2023

Coming back with another Q&A episode. Tons of great questions this week such as my favourite piece of gear under $100, is upper body strength necessary, or should we just focus on legs and cardio, my archery setup this year, and much much more. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jun 9, 2023

I decided to take a bit of a left turn with the podcast this week. Competing in the Toronto Pro Qualifier bodybuilding competition last weekend left me with a ton of insights that I felt the need to share. This episode is truly a blend of my business and hunting backgrounds. I dove into Michael Porter’s definition of competitive advantage and share a couple of frameworks from Jim Collins that can be helpful when trying to plan new ventures. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jun 2, 2023

Well folks this one took a hard left turn. I have been running these headlamps since September of last year. I put the Fenix HM65R-T, Peax Backcountry Duo and Nitecore HC68 through the wringer in a major way. After testing and collecting data for 9 months I never foresaw the actual outcome that occurred. You need to watch this one to find out. 0:00 – Intro 0:14 – Mindful Reviews 1:50 – Nitecore HC68 (chop a reel from this part) 10:40 – Fenix HM65RT 12:55 – Peax Backcountry Duo Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

May 26, 2023

For the next installment of The Founders Series, I sat down with Jim Graham of Marsupial Gear. It is incredibly impressive what Jim has been able to build since 2015 and what is even more helpful is Jim’s level of awareness about the challenges he faced and the tactics he used to overcome them. I learned a ton from this conversation, and I am sure you will too! Marsupial Gear https://www.instagram.com/marsupialgear/ https://www.marsupialgear.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

May 19, 2023

This week I share my gear list for my upcoming sheep hunt and dive into gear related listener questions. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

May 12, 2023

After years of testing, I firmly believe that quilts are a superior choice for backcountry hunting over sleeping bags. In this video, I give my top 5 reasons why and I also detail my entire deep winter and 3-season sleep systems. Deep winter setup: Exped Ultra 7R Long Wide Enlightened Equipment Enigma Synthetic 20* Quilt Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Sleeping Bag Liner Puffy Layers 3-Season setup Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Enlightened Equipment Enigma Synthetic 20* Quilt Or Enlightened Equipment Enigma Down 20* Quilt 0:00 – Intro 0:41 – Mindful Reviews 1:28 – Tent Raffle 2:03 – Origin of Quilts 3:22 – Quilt Physics 4:47 – 5 Reasons Quilts are Superior 4:58 – Weight & Size 6:23 – Price 6:53 – Temperature Management 7:48 – Versatility 9:08 – Comfort 12:18 – My Deep Winter Sleep System 17:51 – Weight of Winter Sleep System 19:56 – My 3-Season Sleep System 23:05 – Weight of 3-Season System 25:01 – How I Set Up My Quilt 32:15 – Wrap Up Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

May 5, 2023

To enter the raffle join https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ This review has been over 2 years in the making. I have put these two 4 season shelters from Hilleberg and Stone Glacier through the wringer spending more than 20 nights in each of them in temps down to -25c, -10f with upwards of 12”-16” snowfall on some nights. Both the Sky Solus and the Soulo are premium tents but they also both have their flaws. Watch this video to learn what worked for me and what didn’t with these two tents. 0:00 – Intro 0:55 – Raffle details 2:03 – A note on specialized shelters 4:20 – My personal experience with both tents 5:36 – Categories of comparison 7:45 – In the field footage 15:11 – Sleeping pad size comparisons 27:36 – Price 27:59 – Advertised dimensions 32:57 – Practical vestibule space 33:05 – Practical space inside the tent 34:15 – Tent fabrics 36:30 – Doors 37:23 – Weight & Weight honesty 40:59 – Tent pegs 41:17 – Ease of setup 42:11 – Build quality 42:35 – Pole quality 44:26 – Weather resistance 45:10 – Breathability/Condensation 46:10 – Heat retention 47:05 – Personal X factor 52:53 – Instagram Q&A 56:44 – Final scores Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Apr 28, 2023

This was the biggest Q&A I’ve ever had on the channel. I want to thank every single person that submitted a question. I did my best to answer them as thoroughly as possible. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Apr 21, 2023

Well ladies and gentlemen this is either the podcast you’ve been waiting for or the one you’re gonna want to skip. If you’ve ever wondered why I am the way I am and how I do the things I do this podcast will give you those answers. I did my best to share my story through addiction and recovery as honestly and transparently as I could. Please keep an open mind. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Apr 19, 2023

Well folks apparently last week, when I thought I posted this review I actually double-posted the first review. So here's a bonus episode to fix my screwup. Regularly scheduled new episode tomorrow as always. Battery Banks For Backpacking Review I picked up 5 battery banks that are marketed at people who spend time in the backcountry and tried my best to figure out which one was best across a number of different categories. 5 banks tested are the Goal Zero Venture 75, Anker 525, Anker 325, Nitecore Carbo 2000, and Biolite 80 PD My apologies for constantly referring to the Nitecore as Nightforce. Also here’s another video I did explaining my entire backcountry power setup. Complete Battery System For The Back Country https://youtu.be/Wl4GKTNJp_M 0:00 – Intro 3:13 – Mindful Reviews 4:09 – Objectivity 4:40 – There is no “best” 5:14 – Categories assessed 5:49 – Notes about power packs 9:03 – Price 10:42 – Weight 11:08 – Size 12:41 – Ports 16:25 – Cables 17:16 – Weather resistance 23:33 – Charging capacity 38:53 – Final scores Mindful Reviews https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Apr 14, 2023

I'm down in AZ with the fam for some R&R so I am throwing up some recent reviews by request. Hope you enjoy and we'll be back to regularly scheduled programming next week. Sitka Ambient vs. Heavyweight Hoody – Field-Tested Review After running both the Sitka Ambient Hoody and the Core Heavyweight Hoody back to back for the last year I put my final thoughts together in this field-tested review. Let me know if you have any additional questions. 0:00 – Intro 0:40 – Mindful Reviews 2:06 – Objectivity in reviews 3:20 – Purpose of this layer 8:04 – Categories for this review 8:49 – Price 10:07 – Weight 10:38 – Fabrics 11:06 – Overview 20:29 – How they fit on me at 6’1” 240lbs 27:16 – Final thoughts Battery Banks For Backpacking Review I picked up 5 battery banks that are marketed at people who spend time in the backcountry and tried my best to figure out which one was best across a number of different categories. 5 banks tested are the Goal Zero Venture 75, Anker 525, Anker 325, Nitecore Carbo 2000, and Biolite 80 PD My apologies for constantly referring to the Nitecore as Nightforce. Also here’s another video I did explaining my entire backcountry power setup. Complete Battery System For The Back Country https://youtu.be/Wl4GKTNJp_M 0:00 – Intro 3:13 – Mindful Reviews 4:09 – Objectivity 4:40 – There is no “best” 5:14 – Categories assessed 5:49 – Notes about power packs 9:03 – Price 10:42 – Weight 11:08 – Size 12:41 – Ports 16:25 – Cables 17:16 – Weather resistance 23:33 – Charging capacity 38:53 – Final scores Mindful Reviews https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Apr 7, 2023

Pap has been one of my most requested guests and we finally got the chance to sit down and chat. First, we dove into Pap’s background growing up as a guide in AZ and then moved on to a Q&A. I apologize in advance if we did not get to your question, we crushed a two-hour podcast and just ran out of time. Pap has promised to come back on though and catch us up on his hunting adventures and answer another round of questions in the near future. Pap on IG https://www.instagram.com/papwinkle/ Mindful Reviews https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 31, 2023

Ryan is one of my best internet friends and I’ve been meaning to get him on the podcast for a while. He’s got a super cool job as the captain of a sportfishing boat off the coast of southern California. He also gets after it and smokes good deer every year mostly in CA and AZ but branched out to ID this year. I really enjoyed this chat. Mindful Reviews https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 24, 2023

Dove into some listener questions this week answering things like, the best early-season hiking boots, what bow release I use, book recommendations for entrepreneurs, and much more. Mindful Reviews https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 16, 2023

Before we dive into this week’s episode I want to mention that the Frontiersmen Gear film Through Our Eyes is premiering on March 18th at 6 pm PDT on YouTube. There will be a giveaway live during the premiere. Go follow Tanner on IG for more details. https://www.instagram.com/frontiersmengear/ In this review I compare the two ultralight tripod pan heads; Tricer LP and Wiser PH-170 Nighthawk. While at first glance these pan heads seem incredibly similar there are definitely some important differences to note and depending on what your individual priorities are as a hunter one of these is going to be clearly better for you. 0:00 – Intro 0:40 – Lightweight vs Ultralight pan heads 10:18 – Price 10:47 - Weight 11:56 – Warranty 13:53 – Origin 15:38 – Mounting Options 18:16 – Manufacturing quality and hand feel 21:49 – Accessories 25:32 – Additional observations 28:01 – Wrap-up conclusions Mindful Reviews https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 11, 2023

Welcome to my most ambitious review yet. I compare 6 popular 85mm spotting scopes: Swarovski ATX 85mm, Kowa TSN Prominar 88, Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85mm, Maven S.1A 80mm, and Zeiss Victory Harpia 85mm to give you a better understanding about what makes them different, and which one may be best for you. 100% unbiased, highly technical, and overly detailed, as always! The raffle for the winning spotting scope is now live. You can join and buy tickets at https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ Original YouTube Video https://youtu.be/4fBi-ucLTpM 0:00 – Intro 1:47 – Mindful Reviews and the spotting scope raffle 3:36 – Tribalism and psychological marketing 5:04 – Objectivity and financial incentives 7:59 – No such thing as a “perfect” spotter 9:07 – Review methodology and categories 13:20 – Scoring system 18:27 – Pricing 21:53 – Weight & Weight Honesty 26:25 – Length 27:57 – Angled & Straight options 29:33 – Origin of manufacture 35:44 – Descriptive Class Rankings 36:26 – Warranty 44:12 – Durability 49:16 – Hardware 53:19 – Build Quality 53:57 – Weather Resistance 58:24 – Frame Material 1:00:11 – Internal Gas Purged 1:02:49 – Construction Class Rankings 1:05:16 - Magnification 1:06:54 – Objective Lens Size 1:07:13 – Field of View 1:10:37 – Glass Quality 1:20:24 – Glass Coatings 1:22:53 – Eye Relief 1:24:52 – Close Focus Distance 1:26:30 – Optics Class Ranking 1:28:28 – Performance Class 1:35:51 – Final Rankings Mindful Reviews https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 3, 2023

I’m back from my third winter goat hunt and while I did not kill a Billy I had a phenomenal hunt. 0:00 – Intro 2:16 – The hunt 7:50 – The difference between -10 and -20 13:40 – Limits of cannister stoves in very cold temps 16:30 – My daily routine 18:07 – My updated strategy 19:55 – Insulated booties 21:40 – Glassing strategies 26:10 – First goat of the trip 29:10 – Three Billy’s 34:40 – The little things that help 42:00 – The day 4 “Billy” 50:18 – Decisions Mindful Reviews https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Feb 24, 2023

Seeing as I am heading back in for another goat hunt I figured I'd post another review instead of skipping a week so here you go! After doing my initial 2-person 3-season category review of 9 tents I took my number one choice the Sea To Summit Telos TR2 on a sheep hunt. Unfortunately, I was met with unexpected and considerable water in the tent. Well, it has taken 6 months and a new tent being shipped out but after extensive testing, I can finally share my findings. Original Review: https://youtu.be/lCijxES4wmw Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Feb 10, 2023

This week I do my best to answer all the questions I received regarding my solo winter mountain goat hunt. 0:00 – Intro 1:02 – Sea To Summit Telos TR2 Review 1:50 – Mindful Review updates 3:00 – Rokslide updates 4:15 – Influencer Economics 101 16:38 – Snowshoes vs. Skis 19:26 – Atlas vs MSR Snowshoes 22:55 – How would you escout differently in the future? 26:18 – Will you apply for the same LEH? 26:30 – Extra clothing? 32:31 – MSR Warranty 33:42 – Hot Tent 38:42 – Opinion on Exo K4 42:18 – Campsite selection in winter 44:18 – ATV use 46:18 – Boot Selection 47:00 – Drying your gear 48:36 – Crampon selection 49:19 – More drying tips 50:54 – How I picked my unit 53:28 – Temps 53:32 – Avalanche training and gear 54:25 – Plans for the rest of the season Mindful Reviews https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Feb 3, 2023

Well, the title kind of says it all, if you want to hear the story check out the podcast. I also go through a bunch of house cleaning and had a few rants on various topics lol. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jan 20, 2023

Alright folks I failed to kill a goat, but I successfully made it back in one piece. In this week’s episode, I walk through every piece of gear I brought and discuss how it performed! Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jan 13, 2023

I’m still out of town goat hunting so I put the audio of two of my YouTube reviews from December up as an interim episode. See links below for YouTube videos. FINAL REVIEW: Fierce CT Rival 300 PRC Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 https://youtu.be/ahHCjx5uFY0 Seek Outside 12 Man Tipi with XL Stove Review https://youtu.be/v3zJNeq-lVw Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jan 6, 2023

I’ve put both these binocular harnesses through the paces on multiple hunts over the last two years. I rank each one across 21 different categories and break down exactly why I prefer one of these for my particular hunting style. 0:00 – Intro 6:02 – 21 Categories 6:34 – Scoring System 7:14 – AGC Kodiak Cub Max 10:08 – Marsupial Bino Harness 11:34 – Price 12:03 – Colour Options 12:41 – Sizes 13:05 – Weight 14:23 – Purchase Experience 17:00 – American Bonus 18:25 – Canadian Bonus 19:36 – Capacity 25:10 – Materials 27:33 – Construction 28:41 – Harness Systems 30:23 – Fitting 31:43 – Accessories 33:10 – Noise 34:32 – Lid Functionality 36:10 – Optic Fit 46:25 – Durability 48:08 – Impact Protection 49:22 – Water Resistance 51:15 – Hardware 52:07 – Archery 53:19 – Final Ranking 55:31 – How To Win The Marsupial Harness Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Dec 30, 2022

Kevin is the co-host of The Focus Hunting Podcast and has been a good friend for a while and someone I look up to for his hunting skill and the way he conducts his life both on and offline. I wanted to get Kevin on over the holidays to catch up and see how his year went and what his plans are for 2023. Kevin is the type of hunter we should all try to be a little more like and I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with him. Kevin Toye https://www.instagram.com/kevin__toye/ https://www.instagram.com/focus_hunting/ https://focushunting.ca/podcast Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Dec 23, 2022

Bradley Brooks is the founder and CEO of Argali Outdoors, a company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of ultralight hunting gear. Brad was also kind enough to give us an exclusive insight into their new trekking poles that are launching on Jan 5th. As always, with the founder’s series, I am trying to uncover the challenges entrepreneurs faced while growing their companies in the outdoors space. I was incredibly impressed with Brad’s thoughtful approach to design and business growth. In addition, he is a badass hunter and climber himself with lots of cool stories to share. Argali https://argalioutdoors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/argali_official/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Dec 16, 2022

Ben and I have been Instagram friends for quite a while, and I finally had the chance to get him on the podcast. Ben is one of the guys I rely on for feedback and advice on my gear choices. He is insanely analytical and has run more gear than most of us will get a chance to see in our lives. We barely scratched the surface in this one, so we are already planning part 2 for when I am back from my goat hunt. Ben Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/b_reynolds_ak/ Down Synthetic Layering Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backpacking-light-podcast/id1363370570?i=1000586310696 Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Dec 9, 2022

Well, folks in 3 weeks I will be trudging up the side of some god-awful mountain trying to kill a big old billy so might as well go over the gear list. Also, tons of great questions in the second half this week. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Dec 2, 2022

Kurt Racicot is the next guest in The Founders Series. Through these podcasts, I will explore the roots of some of the most popular outdoor brands and how their founders built them. Kurt is the founder and lead designer for Stone Glacier. We dove into his history as a hunter, where his entrepreneurial drive came from, some of the challenges he faced founding both these companies, and much much more. Kurt Racicot https://www.stoneglacier.com/ https://www.instagram.com/stoneglacier Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Nov 25, 2022

Steve Speck is the first guest in The Founders Series. Through these podcasts, I will explore the roots of some of the most popular outdoor brands and how their founders built them. Steve is the owner of Exo Mtn Gear and S&S Archery. We dove into his history as a hunter, where his entrepreneurial drive came from, some of the challenges he faced founding both these companies, and much much more. Steve Speck https://www.instagram.com/steve.j.speck/ https://www.instagram.com/huntbackcountry/ https://www.instagram.com/sandsarchery/ https://exomtngear.com/ https://sandsarchery.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Nov 19, 2022

Tried to answer as many questions as I could from IG this week. I got into things like is TRT worth it, Dealing with knee pain, best base layers and many more. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Nov 11, 2022

I recorded this podcast while driving home from Northern Alberta. I spent a week sitting in treestands at -20c trying to kill a buck with my bow. I wasn’t successful but I learned a ton and I go over my takeaways from the hunt and my thoughts about all the gear I used. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Nov 1, 2022

The battle of the ultralight backpack titans! Here is my analysis of the Seek Outside Goshawk 6300 vs the Stone Glacier Terminus 7000. If you want to enter to win either of these bags head over to Mindful Reviews. Comparing these two ultralight packs was a blast. These backpacks both go about trying to solve the same problems in very unique ways. https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ 0:00 – Intro 1:23 – Mindful Reviews community launch 5:44 – Tribalism in marketing 6:51 – Premium gear 7:39 – Individual pack preference 8:35 – 24 elements reviewed 9:49 – Scoring system 10:18 – Ultra vs. Cordura 16:29 – Marketing copy for Terminus 18:26 – Marketing copy for Goshawk 23:50 – Price 25:12 – Weight honesty 29:16 – Volume/weight 30:45 – Purchase experience 36:23 – Local bonus 40:28 – Lids 43:13 – Compression 53:31 – Fitting 1:04:15 – Construction 1:14:45 – Lumbar pads 1:15:18 – Load lifter angle 1:16:10 – Meat shelf 1:20:50 – Day pack mode 1:22:35 – Accessories 1:28:40 – Training mode 1:29:40 – Durability 1:31:48 – Water resistance 1:40:09 – Functional volume 1:42:01 – Hardware 1:42:23 – Load ratings 1:52:09 – Conclusion Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Oct 28, 2022

I had a great chat with John Barklow who is not only the Big Game Product Manager for Sitka but is a very accomplished bowhunter and has a fantastic newsletter full of insights and tactics for hunters of all experience levels. John Barklow https://www.instagram.com/jbarklow/ https://knowledgefromstorms.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Oct 21, 2022

This week I broke down my entire archery setup including bow, arrow build, broadhead, speed, everything. After that, I dove into an archery-focused Q&A. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Oct 14, 2022

Well my friends I was finally able to break the curse. In this podcast, I go over my history with elk in B.C. and then break down my latest hunt where I was lucky enough to arrow a great bull while hunting solo. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Sep 30, 2022

I just spent 9 days hunting elk with my old man and brother in northern BC. While we didn’t kill an elk it was our first hunt all together and it was great to spend time together. I thought I’d do a gear breakdown and share some of my takeaways from the hunt. Also, I’m headed back out solo for elk on Sunday and dove into my plan for that as well. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Sep 9, 2022

Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois is a MeatEater culinary contributor, an expert on all things Cajun, and an all-around badass with an infectious love of cooking, the outdoors, and intense pride in his home state of Louisiana. He just debuted season 2 of his feature cooking and hunting show Duck Camp Dinners last week on the MeatEater YouTube channel. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting down with Jean-Paul and was part history lesson, part cooking lesson, and part waterfowl hunting lesson. Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois https://www.instagram.com/chefjean_paul/ https://chef-jean-paul.myshopify.com/ Duck Camp Dinners https://youtu.be/JI41RNYDix0 Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Sep 2, 2022

To wrap up the three-podcast series on my sheep hunt I did a massive Q & A covering the hunt itself, the filming process, and the gear I used. I answered things like the best and worst piece of gear I brought, my e-scouting process, how the new tent held up, and much more. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Aug 26, 2022

I felt as though there was some value in digging a little deeper into my decision-making process during this hunt and going over some of my mistakes might be useful to some people. It also gave me a chance to reflect on the journey and see where I could improve next year. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Aug 19, 2022

Okay, I’m back from my sheep hunt. I didn’t kill a sheep, but I certainly got to put some gear through its paces and learned lots that I’ve got to share. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jul 26, 2022

Up next in the Mindful Review series is a comparative analysis of 9, 2-person 3-season tents including the Big Agnes Copper Spur, Sea To Summit Telos, Hilleberg Niak, MSR Hubba Hubba, Nemo Dragonfly, Stone Glacier Skyscraper 2P, Kuiu Mountain Star, Hilleberg Helags, and the Slingfin Portal. I looked at 30 different elements including price, build quality, practical space, pole construction, and many more. I am also raffling off 4 of the tents and if you head to the link below you can buy tickets if they are still available. Please let me know which category of hunting gear you would like to see reviewed next? Rain Gear? Electronics? YouTube Version https://youtu.be/lCijxES4wmw Raffle Tickets https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast 0:00 – Intro 0:26 – List of Tents 2:18 – The Raffle 6:36 – Consumer Psychology 8:41 – Personal Opinion 11:15 – 30 categories tested and 20 scored 13:31 – Practical Space 13:52 – In-tent Height and Length Footage 29:33 – 2-pad Test 33:14 – Price 34:42 – Weight & Weight Honesty 37:24 – Tent Pegs 39:32 – Ease of Setup 44:09 – Build Quality 47:58 – Pole Quality 51:23 – Rain Test 58:10 – Practical Vestibule Space 1:00:00 – Breathability vs Warmth and the Effect on Condensation 1:02:18 – Zippers 1:02:37 – Practical Fabric Quality 1:03:24 – Fabric Specs 1:11:11 – Freestanding 1:11:21 – Number of Doors 1:11:38 – Ease of Getting In and Out 1:12:35 – Final Rankings

Jul 15, 2022

Going through the process of prepping for a bodybuilding contest is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and I’ve been lucky enough to do some pretty hard things in my life. I learned a lot about who I am and what it takes to be successful. I thought it would be interesting to see how I could apply those lessons to becoming a better hunter. Here’s what I came up with. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jul 8, 2022

Okay, folks so I have put together my nutritional plan for my 2022 solo sheep hunt. I have included macros, micros, electrolytes, and all my supplements. In addition to that, I am reposting my Backcountry Meal Planning Guide for free (link below) and have also teamed up with Wilderness Athlete to give away over $200 worth of supplements. Giveaway Instructions: Go to my Instagram page and look for the latest post with the photo of the supplements being given away https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Make sure you are following me and Wilderness Athlete. Every person you tag will get you one entry. Share the post to your story for 5 bonus entries Leave a rating and review on my podcast for 5 bonus entries The giveaway is open for 1 week until July 15th https://www.instagram.com/wilderness_athlete/ https://wildernessathlete.com/ Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.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

Jul 1, 2022

This week I had the opportunity to sit down with someone I have looked up to for a long time. Trail Kreitzer is a legitimate backcountry hunter in the truest sense of the words. Not only is he insanely dedicated he is also extremely analytical about his process and his gear. The pack dump videos he does for GoHunt are some of the finest on YouTube. We talked about all kinds of things from the psychology of mentally breaking in the mountains to a deep dive on all sorts of cool gear topics. This may be my favourite episode I’ve recorded to date. Trail Kreitzer https://www.instagram.com/trailk11/ https://www.gohunt.com/author/trail-kreitzer Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jun 24, 2022

This week I break down my backpacking camera gear for hunting. I dive into it from both a photography and videography perspective and cover cameras, lenses, power management etc. I also give three different gear lists for three different budgets. Let me know your thoughts. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jun 17, 2022

Time for another solo Q&A episode. This week I answered questions about how to get fit for hunting in the backcountry. I personally believe this is a lot simpler than most people make it out. I discussed everything from training splits to injury recovery and a whole lot in-between. Let me know your thoughts! Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jun 10, 2022

This week I sat down with my good friend Big Ron Partlow. Ron owns West Coast Iron, the gym I train at, hosts the podcast It’s Just Bodybuilding, is sponsored by the supplement company Mutant, and is a retired IFBB professional bodybuilder. We had a great conversation and covered things like how Ron started training, bodybuilding in the 90’sand how to build a life doing what you love. Ron Partlow https://www.instagram.com/rep300/ It’s Just Bodybuilding Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/think-big-bodybuilding/id1561623662 https://open.spotify.com/show/0RZgpBPeXPcRLmhG5rDr2X?si=61f14b2ba1484697 West Coast Iron https://www.westcoastirononline.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jun 3, 2022

Here are the final results for the most ambitious review I’ve ever attempted. In addition to multiple smaller elements, I looked at load shelf capability and tested 80lbs and 120lbs loads. The results surprised even me. I’d love to hear your comments and feedback and requests for future comparative reviews you’d like to see. I hope you enjoy it. I reviewed the Kifaru Fulcrum with Duplex Lite Frame Stone Glacier Sky Guide 7900 with X-Curve Frame Mystery Ranch Marshall Exo K3 6400 Kuiu 7800 Pro 0:16 – Introduction 5:46 – Exo YouTube marketing clarification 6:42 – Kifaru shipping weight clarification 9:48 – Phase 2 testing results 10:35 – Load shelves 18:52 – Colour options 20:42 – Accessories/Customizability 24:50 – Training conversion 27:03 – Warranty 30:04 – Durability 33:05 – Water retention 34:31 – IG Feedback 35:30 – Functional volume 37:41 – Hardware 39:40 – 80lbs comfort rating 44:31 – 120lbs comfort rating 48:09 – Final thoughts Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

May 27, 2022

This week I sat down and answered questions off IG. I covered things like tips for new bowhunters, my favourite kind of bear hunting, the software I use to edit videos, how I prefer to butcher meat, and a whole lot more. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

May 20, 2022

Well, here it is! Part 1 of my attempt at the most comprehensive 10-day + hunting backpack review ever done. In this first part, I do an overview of each bag, test out 40lbs loads and look at 14 different individual characteristics of the bags. In part 2 I will continue to add more elements and run 80lbs and 120lbs tests. The results surprised even me. I’d love to hear your comments and feedback and requests for other elements you’d like to see in part 2. I hope you enjoy it. I reviewed the Kifaru Fulcrum with Duplex Lite Frame Stone Glacier Sky Guide 7900 with X-Curve Frame Mystery Ranch Marshall Exo K3 6400 Kuiu 7800 Pro 0:00 – Intro 1:45 – Tribalism and marketing 5:15 – Different tools for different jobs 8:05 – Methodology and 5 bags we’re testing 11:05 – Overview of the bags 15:05 – Kuiu Pro 7800 24:42 – Stone Glacier Sky Guide 7900 29:03 – Exo K3 6400 32:15 – Mystery Ranch Marshall 35:36 – Kifaru Fulcrum 38:33 – Price 39:44 – Weight 41:10 – Weight Honesty 45:15 – Volume per pound capacity 46:09 – Shipping Speed 46:55 – Purchase Experience 47:53 – Canadian Bonus 48:47 – Lids 49:58 – Fitting 51:20 – 40lbs Comfort Rating 54:54 – Lateral Stability 56:41 – Vertical Stability 57:40 – Lumbar Pads 1:01:09 – Load Lifter Angle 1:01:38 – The Final Rankings for Part 1 Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

May 13, 2022

Nick Marchiando is one of my favourite backcountry filmmakers right now. I wanted to sit down with him and pick his brain and hear his story. Nick has a very unique perspective on production and storytelling and we had a great chat. Nick Marchiando https://www.instagram.com/nmarchiando/ https://www.instagram.com/backcountrybcandbeyond/ https://www.nickmarchiando.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

May 6, 2022

Ray is one of the best Taxidermists I know. I have been taking him my bears for the last 5 years. After getting a ton of questions on how to properly prepare trophies in the field for taxidermy I thought I should just have him on so he could share some of his knowledge and wisdom. I hope we all get a chance this season to utilize some of the techniques Ray shared in this episode. If you like looking at beautiful mounts, I highly recommend following Ray on IG. Ray Wiens Taxidermy https://rwtaxidermy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ray_wiens/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Apr 29, 2022

I’ve recently re-prioritized what I want to do with the podcast and what type of content I want to create. One of the things that I have always loved and drove the creation of the podcast in the first place was nerding out on gear. With that in mind here’s my gear list for my 2022 solo Stone’s Sheep hunt. You can download it at the link below. https://www.dropbox.com/s/elijr79tko7krcx/2022%20Sheep%20Hunt_Upload.xlsx?dl=0 Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Apr 15, 2022

I had the boys behind Filter Studios over to discuss the release of a very important documentary titled Transmission. There is a pandemic happening amongst wild sheep. The infectious bacteria known as mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (movi) is a deadly bacteria that is passed from domestic sheep to wild sheep. Enter Dr. Helen Schwantje, the lead wildlife veterinarian for the Government of BC and a sheep farmer. Helen is at the forefront of the battle against Movi. Working with a handful of other passionate scientists and volunteers they’re doing what they can to try and stop the spread of this killer. There is no shortage of struggles though… a lack of resources, a lack of public awareness, a lack of proven science, and the biggest foe of all… a lack of time. http://www.movifree.org/ https://www.instagram.com/movifree/ Main Funding Provided by Wild Sheep Society of BC Habitat Conservation Trust Fund Additional Funding Provided by Wild Sheep Foundation Wild Sheep Foundation - Midwest Wild Sheep Foundation - Alberta Wild Sheep Foundation - Yukon Jurassic Classic / Abbotsford Fish and Game Club Cabelas’ Canada Outdoor Fund Grant Filter Studios https://filterstudios.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/filterstudios/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Apr 12, 2022

Simon and I shoot the shit and answer some questions on this week’s live stream. Simon Friesen https://www.instagram.com/backcountrybloodline/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Apr 8, 2022

I was lucky enough to drive down to The Bow Rack this week to buy myself a new bow and before I headed down, I hit up Kellen from @inside_out_precision to see if he’d be down for a podcast. We talked about his background in hunting, his history in competitive and scholastic archery and then we nerded out on archery in general. This is a great podcast for anyone looking to dive a little deeper into this sport we love. Kellen https://www.instagram.com/inside_out_precision/ https://www.youtube.com/c/InsideOutPrecision https://insideoutprecision.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Apr 5, 2022

Greg and I shoot the shit and answer some questions on this week’s live stream. Greg Johnston https://www.instagram.com/johnston_outdoors/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Apr 1, 2022

Cody Rich started one of the original hunting podcasts @therichoutdoors 7 years ago. Since then, the podcast has grown and evolved, and he also started up a second outdoors-based business – @backcountryfuelbox I wanted to talk with Cody to see what his original motivations were with entrepreneurship and how he was able to craft a lifestyle that let him hunt as much as possible. The conversation did not disappoint. Cody has now started a new project – The Rich Ideas Lab, to help other outdoors enthusiasts start their own entrepreneurial journeys and you can find out more at the links below. Cody Rich https://www.instagram.com/therichoutdoors/ https://backcountryfuelbox.com/ https://community.richideaslab.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 29, 2022

I spend some time sharing how I use various applications to plan backcountry routes when there are no trails available. This episode is best viewed on YouTube https://youtu.be/sxmKrW5LGW0 Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 25, 2022

This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Greg Rensmaag. Greg is a true BC hunter in the best way possible. He grew up hunting with his dad and now spends most of his time in the outdoors raising his kids the same way. In the age of social media and technology, it was refreshing to talk with a man whose primary motivations when hunting are stronger connections with his family. Greg Rensmaag https://www.instagram.com/grensmaag/?hl=en Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 22, 2022

I’m solo for this week’s live stream so I hit up a bunch of Q&A. Wild Sheep Society Act Now! https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/actnow/ Howl Campaign https://www.howlforwildlife.org/bcpeace BC Gov’t Site https://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ahte/content/close-peace-caribou-hunts-and-reduce-peace-moose-hunts-region-wide Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 18, 2022

Due to our opposition of the proposed changes to regulations in region 7B we all decided to get together and do one massive podcast. It was my first time meeting some of these guys. It was great to get together with like-minded individuals and discuss things that matter to us all. See the links below to take action! Wild Sheep Society Act Now! https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/actnow/ Howl Campaign https://www.howlforwildlife.org/bcpeace BC Gov’t Site https://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ahte/content/close-peace-caribou-hunts-and-reduce-peace-moose-hunts-region-wide Google the podcast names below for further info about each of them. Beyond The Kill Come Out Heavy Silvercore Talk is Sheep Eat Wild Focus Hunting Wilderness Locals Hunt Hard Talk Free Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 15, 2022

On this week’s live podcast, I sat down with my buddy Dylan and we had a great chat. Got a little philosophical on this one. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 11, 2022

Sean lives on Maui but makes travelling on adventure hunts a priority. I’ve been wanting to have this conversation for a while. I love following along on Sean’s IG stories when he goes on hunts. We had a great chat where we covered some technical archery info and Sean told a couple badass hunting stories as well. Sean Curran https://www.instagram.com/missions_hawaii/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 8, 2022

Monday Night Live Q&A EP 05 On this week’s live podcast, I discussed a warranty issue I’m going through with Zeiss, my thoughts on the latest goat hunting film from Kifaru, an update detailing progress towards my bodybuilding show, quilts vs. sleeping bags, and a whole lot more! Tune into YouTube every Monday at 8:30 pm PST for the live show. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 4, 2022

Jeff is one of my best friends and likely the most impactful mentor I have had during my hunting journey. It all started with my first archery hunt for black bear up at his camp. So, I could not think of a better topic to invite Jeff on to talk about than how to kill big, mature boars. He certainly did not disappoint. Jeff Lander http://www.primitive-outfitting.com/ https://www.instagram.com/primitve/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mar 1, 2022

A weekly hunting-focused live stream where I answer listener questions. This week we're joined by Greg Johnston @johnston_outdoors

Feb 25, 2022

This week Dan Staton aka @elkshape joins us on the podcast. Dan is someone I have followed for a long time and one of the things that I respect about him is the consistency of his message. He has been saying the same things for years and with good reason. They’re true. I also admire that Dan doesn’t offer to sell a quick fix. In his own words – Dan sells hard work. We had a great chat covering things like exercise physiology, the mental challenges of solo hunting, and how to have a long career in the mountains. Dan Staton https://elkshape.com/ https://www.instagram.com/elkshape/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Feb 22, 2022

On this week’s live podcast, I give some updates about changes in my diet and the results you can get when you’re extremely disciplined. After that, I dove straight into the Q&A addressing the following questions. Why did I enter a bodybuilding show? What to do when you’re hunting in Grizzly bear country? Do I use zip-off base layers? How should I stalk Black Bears? Do I wear ear pro when hunting with my rifle? What battery packs am I going to use on my sheep hunt? Tune into YouTube every Monday at 8:30 pm PST for the live show. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Feb 18, 2022

Simon joins us for his second appearance on the podcast. We get into the story of how Simon shot his first archery buck this fall. In addition to that, we cover a variety of topics including why we love the backcountry, is a nose button worth it and what Simon’s archery practice regime is. Simon https://www.instagram.com/backcountrybloodline/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Feb 15, 2022

On this week’s live podcast, I cover the potentially controversial changes to the moose and caribou regulations in the northeast. I also answer some listener questions including, best beginner bow, tips on archery practice, which scope I’m putting on my 300 PRC, and some bino and shelter recommendations. Tune into YouTube every Monday at 8:30 pm PST for the live show. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Feb 11, 2022

Greg is well known for both his illustrious career in adventure racing and his popular hunting show Greg McHale’s Wild Yukon. Greg has a wealth of experience in the backcountry and has really dedicated himself to achieving excellence for not only himself but for everyone around him. I really enjoyed this conversation and found Greg to be a smart, self-aware, and humble guy. Greg McHale https://www.instagram.com/gregmchaleswildyukon/ https://www.gregmchaleswildyukon.com/ Greg’s DIY Sncaks https://www.kuiu.com/blogs/hunting-tips/nutrition-for-mountain-hunting-eating-on-the-go Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Feb 8, 2022

Weekly Q&A focused on hunting, fitness, videography, cooking, and a variety of other topics. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Feb 4, 2022

The last time Jordan was on we focused the discussion solely on elk. This time we flipped the focus to mule deer. Jordan has taken some very impressive bucks out of some very challenging country, and he shared a wealth of his experience and favourite tactics. If you are even remotely interested in hunting mule deer then I highly recommend you give this episode a listen. Jordan https://www.instagram.com/bcbackcountry Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jan 28, 2022

This week I sat down with Hap from Nano Hone to really nerd out on sharpening and the science of abrasive surfaces. Hap is deeply passionate about his work and has built a business specializing in innovative abrasive surfaces used to sharpen various types of steel. Not only was Hap full of knowledge but he was able to communicate it in a very digestible way. I highly recommend taking a look at some of his products the next time you’re in need of some sharpening tools. Hap Stanley https://www.instagram.com/nanohone/ https://nanohone.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jan 21, 2022

This week I sat down with Tanner Dannish, the founder of Frontiersman gear which is a local BC custom knife and leather goods shop. Tanner is not only a skilled craftsman but an accomplished hunter as well. His unique take on custom knives was quite refreshing to hear in an era when we are surrounded by disposable products. We covered a variety of topics including blade selection, aspects of different metals, sharpening techniques, and much more. Tanner Dannish https://www.instagram.com/frontiersmengear/ https://frontiersmengear.ca/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jan 14, 2022

I had the opportunity to sit down with Rachel Ahtila this week. Rachel has been guiding mountain hunting for over 10 years and has a wealth of experience across all areas of hunting. She has recently taken joint management of a fantastic bear area in Saskatchewan and was down in Reno when we spoke to help support conservation efforts and set up a booth for Bear Pro Safaris. It was a pleasure to talk with Rachel, I highly recommend giving her a follow if you don’t already and if a giant Saskatchewan bear is on your hit list shoot her a message. Rachel Ahtila https://www.instagram.com/rachelahtila/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC67yOXGIYLLK2xtUvohSA6A Bear Pro Safaris https://www.instagram.com/bearprosafaris/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jan 7, 2022

Well, it’s that time of year again to layout the calendar and start booking some time off work. In this podcast, I go over my hunt plans for 2022 and get into why I decided to cancel my goat hunt for this winter. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Dec 31, 2021

I’ve been wanting to have Nolan on the podcast for a while and the conversation we had didn’t disappoint. Nolan was the first guy I called when I first started planning my winter goat hunt and considering we had never met he was extremely generous with his time and experience. Nolan is also the co-host of the Beyond The Kill podcast and is a sound voice for hunters across BC. I’m grateful for the insights he shared on this episode and I think there is something in here for everyone. Nolan Osborne https://www.instagram.com/nmo/ Journal of Mountain Hunting & Beyond The Kill Podcast https://journalofmountainhunting.com/category/podcast/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Dec 24, 2021

I’m down in Mexico with the family on vacation so I snuck away for an hour and recorded a solocast breaking down my recent whitetail hunt. I go over the gear I used, the lessons I learned, and the outcome of the hunt. I hope everyone is having a great holiday season. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Dec 17, 2021

I just got back from my late-season archery whitetail hunt and while I was in camp I had the good fortune to sit down with my buddy Bob Stecher. Bob is a hockey coach who dove back into hunting about 5 years ago and is about as obsessed as I am. We had a great chat and Bob shared an awesome story about recently getting his first whitetail. Bob Stecher https://www.instagram.com/hankmoody5 Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Dec 10, 2021

This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Jeff Agostinho. Jeff has made a name for himself in B.C. for being not only a legitimate backcountry hunter but also a stalwart conservationist. We got into Jeff’s background, some gear recommendations, and a deep dive on social media and the role it plays in our hunting culture. Jeff is an intelligent guy with some very interesting perspectives, if you don’t follow him already I highly recommend it. Jeff Agostinho https://www.instagram.com/jeffagostinho/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Dec 3, 2021

Cooking was a big reason why I started Mindful Hunter. I love cooking for my friends and family and there’s no better way to expose people to wild game than a phenomenally cooked creative dish. My friend Garth epitomizes this value and is an absolute master with the Traeger pellet grill. Even if you don’t consider yourself a serious cook, you’re going to get something from this episode. Go give Garth a follow, he’s always posting great ideas and recipes. Black Friday sale is on. Use code BLACK20 for 20% off all merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Garth Tolmie https://www.instagram.com/ garthsoutdoors Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Nov 26, 2021

I’m back with another solocast this week. This one was a quickie but a goodie. I give my thoughts on sleep systems and what choices I’d make under a variety of different conditions. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Nov 18, 2021

I’m back with another solocast this week. As always, I touch on diet, training, and some cool gear info but the big topic this week is shelters. I get into all the details about what types of factors affect which shelter you should use and give you some recommendations around which shelters I would start with and then how I approach adding to the collection. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Nov 12, 2021

This week I got to sit down with John Barklow. John is well known in the hunting industry for his vast knowledge of technical apparel, alpinism, and the time he spent in the Navy at the Special Warfare Center teaching Navy Seals how to survive in the cold. While the two main topics we dove into were risk mitigation and winter mountain goat hunting the conversation diverged across several interesting subjects. You might need to listen to this one twice to catch all the info. If you don’t already follow John on IG I highly recommend you start immediately as the quality of information he puts out for free on a regular basis is impressive. Also, John’s new website, Knowledge From Storms is a great place to find a wealth of backcountry guidance for free. John Barklow IG https://www.instagram.com/jbarklow/ Website https://knowledgefromstorms.com/ Apparel https://www.sitkagear.com/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Nov 5, 2021

This week I got to sit down with Tannis and discuss her successful 2021 BC Goat hunt. We also discussed how she hiked in 50kms with her husband for her ram and how having brothers focused on hockey she was able to nudge her Dad to first get her into hunting. Tannis is a great example of a thoughtful, driven hunter and I had a great time talking with her. Tannis IG https://www.instagram.com/tannisrae Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Oct 29, 2021

Spencer is back from wrangling for the season, and I got him down to the studio for a catch-up. We go over our last sheep hunt, his experiences up north this year, and the mule deer hunt that we’re heading out on. Spencer Miller IG https://www.instagram.com/spencergordonmiller Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Oct 22, 2021

I’m heading out on Sunday morning with Spencer to chase Mule Deer for a week in the alpine. It’s a new area for both of us and the weather is looking terrible. The perfect recipe for a great hunt. In this episode, I go through my entire gear list and get into the rationale for most of my decisions. I’m going to be trying out the new Aerolite sleep system from Sitka on this hunt along with some other new gear so it should make for some good reviews when I get back. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Oct 15, 2021

Mike Glover is the founder and CEO of Fieldcraft Survival. He spent 18 years in the military and served as a SGM in the special forces and worked for an OGA. I have wanted to get Mike on since I started this podcast as I believe his philosophies on mindset and preparedness can be extremely useful for hunters. It was a pleasure and an honour to have this conversation. Mike Glover https://www.instagram.com/mike.a.glover/ https://www.instagram.com/fieldcraftsurvival/ https://fieldcraftsurvival.com/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intros 1:15 – Mike’s recent mule deer hunt 7:49 – The journey of creating Fieldcraft Survival 18:12 – Acclimating to the real world after combat 20:14 – Learning resources and mentors 23:25 – The business of building community 34:45 – Maintaining commitment in the face of adversity 42:10 – Lessons in discipline from the tomb of the unknowns 47:07 – Self-awareness during fight, flight or freeze 1:02:00 – Where to start with preparedness 1:07:08 – How to bring the family into preparedness 1:11:36 – Mike’s reading list 1:14:46 – Bare essential med kit for hunting 1:16:55 – Strategic planning for hunters Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Oct 8, 2021

Well, I decided to take a hard left turn this week and discuss crypto currencies. If you’re curious how I tie this back into hunting then have a listen. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Oct 1, 2021

I had the pleasure to sit down with Nathan and really dig into his background, how his outlook on hunting has changed over the years, his deep technical knowledge of aging sheep and a variety of other topics. Nathan has a great ability to be objective about his own development over the years and I learned a lot from this conversation. Nathan French IG https://www.instagram.com/nathanfrench7/ Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Sep 24, 2021

This has been one of the most widely requested topics to date. I get into a deep dive focused primarily on TRT but also giving some context by discussing other compounds in the steroid family tree and the role HGH plays in longevity and physical performance. I am not a doctor, and this is not medical advice. I am not giving recommendations of any kind and I am only sharing my own experience and research. Always consult a medical doctor before considering any of the therapies discussed on this podcast. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 2:10 – Training and diet update 5:45 – weBoost Drive Reach signal booster review 7:32 – Disclaimer 9:11 – Ancillary supplementation 11:25 – TRT Overview 26:45 – Aromatase Inhibitors 32:00 – UGL vs. Pharma 36:32 – The Steroid Family Tree 47:32 – Growth Hormone 57:20 – Recap Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Sep 17, 2021

This was one of my favourite podcasts to date. I’ve been wanting to chat with these guys ever since I started following them on IG over 5 years ago. To me, Jordan and Ryan epitomize what it means to be a true BC hunter. They go into some of the toughest spots in BC and regularly come out with respectable elk. That is one of my own goals that I have yet to achieve so I was personally very interested in this conversation. If you ever have plans of elk hunting in BC then this podcast is a must listen. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 2:08 – Jordan and Ryan’s background 12:28 – Applying traditional strategies to BC terrain and dense undergrowth 19:06 – Challenges with the 6-point limit 25:25 – Ideal scope magnification 27:38 – Underage sheep and how to approach killing the right animals 35:56 – Camping and hiking strategies 50:30 – Calling strategies 1:04:40 – The strategy for the @bcbackcountry IG page 1:11:11 – Jordon’s opinion on trophy hunting 1:13:00 – Who’s the better hunter? 😊 1:14:40 – Identifying new hunt areas 1:16:51 – Bino recommendations Jordan and Ryan on IG @bcbackcountry Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Sep 10, 2021

Back with another bi-weekly solocast. This week I dive into the difference between Myofibrillar and Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy and get into a handful of listener questions. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 0:22 – Sheep Hunt film update 3:06 – Myofibrillar vs Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy 11:07 – My current training split 19:32 – My current diet 21:25 – New gear highlight: MSR Dromlite 6L 23:25 – Cost of a sheep hunt 30:28 – My thoughts on trail cameras 35:02 – Vitamin suggestions 42:25 – Biggest challenge when hunting solo 45:17 – Limited to bodyweight training 48:49 – Kelvin active jacket vs Kelvin active hoody 52:02 – Best way to hunt cougars without dogs 53:26 – Pack weight for a 5 day late season alpine mule deer hunt Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Sep 2, 2021

This week I got to sit down with my good friend Adam Janke. Adam is not only a dedicated life-long hunter, but he also founded the Journal of Mountain Hunting online magazine and the Beyond the Kill podcast. Both of which are staples of the BC hunting community. We had a great chat about how he got both those projects off the ground, some of the challenges he faced, and we even dove into his most recent sheep hunt. If you don’t follow the Journal or BTK already I highly recommend both. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intros 5:42 – Adam’s hunting background 16:25 – The founding of the Journal 46:25 – The founding of the BTK podcast 54:30 – Sheep hunt updates Adam Janke https://journalofmountainhunting.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/journal_mtn_hunting Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Aug 27, 2021

It’s time to get back to my roots. Just me, a mic, and you folks. After the sheep hunt, I wanted to take the time to share my plans for the channel and where I see things going from here. I also get into my own fitness and nutrition plans and give a high-level breakdown of how the sheep hunt went. Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Aug 6, 2021

In this episode, I sit down with my sheep hunting partners Tristan and Spencer. With only 48 hours until we leave on our Stone’s hunt in the Northern Rockies, we thought it would be fun to answer some questions and talk about our final preparations. Podcast will be taking a two-week break following this episode while I’m in the mountains. Tristan Bucchiotti @tristan_bucchiotti Spencer Miller @spencergordonmiller Jay Nichol @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com

Jul 29, 2021

In this episode, I sit down with my vegetarian wife Noa, @vitadaily.ca Over the years I’ve been asked what it’s like to be a hunter who is married to a vegetarian. I figured it would be more interesting to ask the vegetarian what it’s like to be married to a hunter. My wife is a very intelligent, thoughtful woman and we had a great conversation. Noa Nichol @vitadaily.ca Jay Nichol @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 1:30 – How we met 7:00 – When and why Noa became a vegetarian 9:00 – Noa’s opinion on hunting before we met 11:10 – Noa’s reaction when I started hunting 23:29 – Our kid eating meat 26:07 – Our kid and hunting 27:45 – How we negotiate time away and finances 32:50 – Being present before and after hunts 38:00 – Restarting Mindful Hunter 43:09 – Making space for each other 45:10 – Has meat hunting changed the perspective of hunting? 49:25 – How can a vegetarian be married to a hunter? 51:10 – How do you manage cooking in your household? 55:48 – Taxidermy in the house

Jul 22, 2021

In this episode, I sit down with the owner of Arcadia Outfitting Ben Stourac. Ben’s entire base camo was recently destroyed in the McKay fire that swept through a large section of country north of Lillooet. We had a great chat about Ben’s history, what it took to build Arcadia in the first place and what Ben’s plans are to rebuild after the devastation of the fire. If you’d like to support you can go to Arcadia’s IG page and hit the GoFundMe link in the bio. Ben Stourac @arcadiaoutfitting Jay Nichol @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 2:45 – Impact of Covid on Outfitters 8:00 – The devastating force of a forest fire 11:46 – Ben’s background 15:38 – How much is an outfitting concession worth? 20:54 – Movi, covid and fire 24:30 – The species that Arcadia hunts 26:45 – The impact of Movi on sheep populations 33:15 – Ben’s personal hunting intersts 44:09 – Ben’s tips for sheep hunters 54:00 – Insuring a remote camp 59:20 – Challenges with relocating and rebuilding Arcadia 1:20:00 – Ben’s closing thoughts

Jul 15, 2021

In this episode, I sit down with my good buddy Dylan Drego. We’ve known each other for a few years now and have been fortunate to chase some elk together. We got into a great chat about what hunting means to us and even share a couple good stories. Dylan Drego @dylan.drego @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 2:00 – Intro 2:53 – Common connection – Joel Turner 9:13 – Dylan’s hunting history 15:40 – Practical steps to start hunting 22:47 – New game cam laws in AZ 30:25 – More practical insights 51:14 – The role hunting plays in Dylan’s life now 1:03:49 – Our elk hunt together 1:26:11 – Dylan’s hunt plans this year

Jul 8, 2021

In this episode, I sit down with Lyndsey Kotrla. I have followed Lyndsey on social media for quite a while and I have always been impressed with her work ethic and the way she carries herself as a woman in the hunting space. We get into her family’s background in farming and hunting, her views on women and hunting on social media, and a variety of other interesting topics. If you do not already follow her, I highly recommend it. Lyndsey Kotrla @lyndseykotrla @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 0:42 – Jay's Texas story 6:20 – Lyndsey’s background and the importance of work ethic 14:34 – History of hunting in the Kotrla family 25:10 – Whitetail and yearly hunting plans 32:00 – Hunting on Molokai 41:45 – Discussing women in hunting

Jul 1, 2021

Welcome back to another semi-live hunt podcast. For those unfamiliar with this style of podcast, I bring an audio recorder with me on my hunt and do my best to break it out a few times a day and tell the story of the hunt in audio format as things unfold in real-time. On this particular episode I find myself up north in the Prince George region hunting bears and I can say I definitely saw my fair share of action. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro day 1 2:28 – I love the drive 6:31 – The impact of language in hunting 28:40 – Wrap up of day 1 37:20 – Day 2 42:28 – Thoughts on logging roads 48:07 – Wrap up of day 2 59:30 – Day 3 1:03:50 – Wrap up day 3 1:09:06 – Day 4 1:15:01 – Day 5 telling the story of the doubleheader 1:26:26 – Thoughts on the drive home

Jun 24, 2021

In this episode, I sat down with Petra Hilleberg, the CEO and daughter of the founders of Hilleberg Tents. We had a great discussion covering topics like what it was like to grow up a Hilleberg, how Petra brought Hilleberg tents to North America and the technical differences between their product offerings. Petra is an incredibly intelligent and thoughtful leader, and it was a pleasure to talk with her. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com @hilleberg_hunting https://hilleberg.com/ 0:00 – Intro 2:14 – What it was like growing up a Hilleberg 5:15 – Petra’s passion for the outdoors 7:18 – The growth of Hilleberg 9:00 – The importance of quality 14:50 – Petra’s career path 16:25 – Bringing Hilleberg to North America 21:45 – Problems with Canadian distribution 25:00 – Petra’s transition to CEO and thoughts on leadership 28:30 – Goals for the next 10 years 31:20 – Covid’s impact on the outdoors industry 34:20 – Hilleberg supporting hunting 37:20 – The 4 different tent labels: Blue, Black, Red, Yellow 49:20 – Pick a tent game 56:00 – Repair times 58:43 – Surprises

Jun 17, 2021

In this episode, I sat down with my hunting partners for my upcoming sheep hunt Tristan and Spencer. We did a deep dive into our gear lists and figured out what we’re still missing and what we may leave behind. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 2:50 – Packs 8:57 – Camp and sleeping gear 13:30 – Worn clothing and gear 23:16 – Packed clothing and gear 31:50 – Optics 39:10 – Weapon and camera gear 45:42 – Miscellaneous gear 53:37 – Cook kit 58:26 – Safety gear 1:03:00 – Food 1:15:00 – Training updates

Jun 10, 2021

In this episode, I sat down with Kevin Guillen from Wilderness Athlete, and we had a great conversation about nutrition and supplementation for the hunting athlete. Regardless of what products you choose to use there are tons of nuggets in this podcast highlighting ways you can increase your performance and recovery for both training and backcountry hunting. Kevin Guillen @wildathlete @wildernessathlete www.wildernessathlete.com @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 1:54 – Kevin’s introduction to the outdoors 4:50 – The evolution of Wilderness Athlete 7:11 – WA’s approach to marketing and brand identity 17:10 – The importance of the non-hunting outdoor enthusiast 27:56 – Training protocols 35:20 – Training supplementation 43:10 – The importance of hydration 51:50 – Backcountry supplementation 1:03:05 – New products and nootropics

Jun 6, 2021

In this episode, I sat down with Nick Trehearne. Nick is a very intelligent guy with some unique perspectives on hunting and photography. I was really impressed with his focus and clarity of vision for what he creates and how he builds relationships. If you don’t already follow Nick his info is listed down below. Nick Trehearne @nicktrehearne www.nicktrehearne.com @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 3:00 – Nick’s background 9:58 – The resources to follow your passion 12:50 – Nick’s start in photography 15:45 – Nick’s philosophy on photography 19:30 – Nick’s camera setup 20:30 – Advice on gear for a beginner 23:50 – Why Nick shoots Nikon 27:20 – Nick’s workflow 31:20 – Recommendations on how to build a reputation 39:04 – Gear chat 46:35 – IG Q&A

May 27, 2021

In this episode, I sat down with Aron Snyder from Kifaru International. In addition to being an absolute killer, Aron does a lot for the hunting community through his Q&A’s, the Kifarucast, and general availability and engagement. We covered a wide range of topics including Aron’s upbringing and how that shaped him into the man he is today, a deep dive into some sheep hunting gear and a sneak peek at some products Kifaru will be releasing shortly. Aron Snyder @aron_snyder www.kifaru.net @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 0:48 – New Kifaru dealer in Canada 4:15 – Aron’s upbringing and how it molded him 8:42 – How Aron become confident 15:02 – It’s important to be a dick sometimes 17:19 – Mental toughness 19:13 – Aron’s unintentional path to where he is now 21:57 – Why Kifaru felt right 24:10 – Aron’s insane availability as a marketing tool 29:21 – Reasonable expectations of customer service 37:00 – Goals for Aron and Kifaru 39:26 – Feedback on some sheep gear 53:00 – Zoleo review 55:49 – Hiking in the dark 58:15 – How quick bears show up at kill sites 59:00 – Favourite animal to hunt in BC 59:20 – Favourite game meat 1:02:15 – 2021 hunt plans

May 21, 2021

In this episode, I sat down with renowned outdoors photographer and bowhunter Adam Foss. I have wanted to chat with Adam for some time because he embodies the intriguing combination of a hardcore back hunter and the sensitive aesthetic of an artist. This is one of my favourite chats I’ve had the opportunity to have on this podcast. We got a little deep and talked philosophy, gave some technical gear tips, and lots in between. If you do not already, go give Adam a follow. Adam Foss @fossman8 @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 2:00 – How Adam grew up hunting 7:40 – Where Adam’s drive and discipline came from 11:17 – Reflections in the mountains 14:31 – How Adam thinks about photography 22:06 – Approach to storytelling on different hunts 26:07 – Adam’s current photography setup 34:32 – Adam’s preferred lenses 42:33 – Principles of gear prep 52:03 – Testing the Sitka Dewpoint rain system

May 13, 2021

In this episode, I sat down with my buddy Tim Winslow who is an Alaskan hunting guide and outfitter. He is also the owner of Arizona Trophy Outfitters where they specialize in archery Mule Deer and Coues hunting in Southern AZ. We had a great chat covering topics from OTC deer opportunities in AZ to a deep dive on gear selection for sheep hunting in AK. Tim Winslow @aztrophyoutfitters_dch @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 3:40 – Guiding system in AZ 5:25 – How I met Tim and what an ATO hunt camp is like 14:51 – OTC opportunities in AZ 21:45 – Drop camp hunting service 23:20 – Guiding in Alaska 26:34 – Tim’s advice for Jay’s sheep hunt 33:28 – Gear discussion 42:35 – Sheep behaviour and the daily routine 46:00 – Glassing techniques 47:53 – Common mistakes 50”15 – Training advice 52:00 – Footcare and moisture management 57:30 – Unexpected gear tips 1:05:45 – Ageing tips 1:11:45 – How to find Tim

May 6, 2021

In this episode, I sat down with my buddy Adam who is a great representation of a skilled, humble BC hunter. We talked about our backgrounds, told a couple of good hunting stories, and even got into some gear and LEH tips. Great listen. You can follow Ada on IG at the link below. Adam @4pointoutdoors @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 2:10 – Adam’s background 8:34 – Adam’s first sheep 19:23 – Blacktail chat 28:40 – Processing tips 32:44 – Gear discussion 51:05 – Goat chat and LEH discussion

Apr 29, 2021

In this episode, Jay sits down with Clay Lancaster. Clay is one of the most widely regarded sheep outfitters in North America and is considered to be an expert in field ageing mature rams. Although the purpose of the podcast was to focus on field ageing Clay and Jay dive into several different aspects of sheep hunting. You can find out more about Clay and book a hunt with him at the links below. Clay Lancaster IG: claylancaster_300 Outfitting https://lancasterfamilyhunting.com/ @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 3:27 – Call with Clay 8:18 – Going after the right sheep 11:23 – The willingness to walk away 14:36 – 90% of the sheep are killed by 10% of the hunters 15:53 – Crown method of aging 19:35 – Decipher false annuli 23:05 – Importance of a Roman nose 25:07 – Benefits of phone scoping 27:43 – Behavioural indicators of mature rams 31:34 – Full curl complications 33:27 – Double checking broomed rams 40:02 – Ideal optics setup 42:33 – Lowering your pack weight on the way in 45:14 – If solo be prepared to pack 125lbs on the way out 48:40 – Tent condensation 49:56 – Fire tips for winter hunts 50:43 – Three most important pieces of gear for a sheep hunt 55:40 – Outfitting plans this year 58:20 – Clay’s closing thoughts

Apr 22, 2021

In this episode, Jay shares his thoughts about getting prepared for his first sheep hunt. He also discusses a recent minor tear in his calf and his thoughts on IIFYM. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 7:00 – Torn calf 15:46 – If It Fits Your Macros (IIFYM) revelations: science vs results 24:36 – Thoughts on my upcoming sheep hunt

Apr 15, 2021

In this episode, Jay spends the entire episode digging into audience questions. We’re going to make this a regular occurrence so feel free to email questions for future episodes anytime. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com

Apr 2, 2021

In this episode, Jay hangs out with Simon aka @backcountrybloodline and they talk about Simon’s background then get into some great bear hunting stories. @backcountrybloodline @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 3:23 – Simon’s background 6:17 – Archery community in BC 10:55 – Simon’s first bear hunt 22:54 – Hunting with your kids 26:40 – Simon’s second bear hunt 36:18 – Simon’s third bear: shit gets western 49:06 – Spring bear hunting tips

Mar 25, 2021

In this episode, Jay dives into the second half of his thorough post-hunt review of the gear he used on his recent solo mountain goat hunt in northern B.C. Gear Covered: Sitka Blizzard GTX Gloves Sitka Stormfront GTX Gloves Zeiss Optics AGC Bino Harness La Sportiva Nepal GTX Boots WHOOP Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles Kifaru Gunbearer Thermarest z-lite foam pad MSR Reactor Black Diamond Revolt and New Revolt 350 Dyneema Cord MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 01:26 – Training and diet update: discussion on periodization 11:08 – Sitka down clarification 12:08 – Sitka Blizzard GTX and Stormfront GTX 19:04 – Optics and AGC Bino Harness 23:10 – La Sportiva Nepal GTX Boots 24:39 – WHOOP 26:28 – Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles 28:46 – Kifaru Gunbearer 30:27 – Thermarest z-lite foam pad 34:00 – MSR Reactor 35:23 – Black Diamond Revolt and New Revolt 350 37:37 – Dyneema Cord 40:20 – MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes 43:37 - Food

Mar 18, 2021

In this episode, Jay dives into a thorough post-hunt review of the gear he used on his recent solo mountain goat hunt in northern B.C. In part 1 Jay goes over his pack, shelter, sleep system and all the clothes he took. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 08:20 – Training and diet update 16:43 – Content creator of the week Connor Gabbot – IG: taluscreative 20:00 – Kifaru Fulcrum 22:51 – Rain cover 24:00 – Shelter and sleep system 41:06 – Clothing system

Mar 4, 2021

In this episode, Jay experiments with a new kind of podcast. He took a field recorder with him on his latest adventure and tried to record a live hunt podcast as best he could. Tune in to hear the results. Whoop code https://join.whoop.com/#/2B3CD1 https://ogfoods.ca/ code Mindful15 @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com

Feb 19, 2021

In this episode, Jay shares his opinion on what the best rifle for under $1000 is. He also dives into his strategy for prepping the last week before the hunt and gives some tips on how to load a backpack for an extended backcountry trip. Whoop code https://join.whoop.com/#/2B3CD1 https://ogfoods.ca/ code Mindful15 @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 1:09 – Training & diet 5:02 – Gear corner: Blue kitchen sponge 7:03 – Prep tips the last week before a hunt 17:18 – Backpack loading tips 22:31 – Best rifle under $1000

Feb 12, 2021

In this episode, Jay discusses the importance of safety while solo hunting. Some of the topics covered include bear safety, water purification, land nav, and communication tips. Creator of the week IG: @stevendrakephoto Whoop code https://join.whoop.com/#/2B3CD1 https://ogfoods.ca/ code Mindful15 @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 1:03 – Training & diet – send in your goals! 2:39 – Gear corner: Cotton carrier camera mount 5:48 – Meateater purchases yet another company 10:15 – Creator of the week: Steven Drake 12:33 – Safety while solo hunting 12:56 – Why would anyone go hunting by themselves? 15:48 – Bear safety 26:38 – Sow and cubs story 33:53 – First-aid kits 37:25 – Communication 39:14 – Apps to have on your phone 44:45 – Mapping and land nav 47:10 – Walking in the woods 52:26 – Clothes and gear 56:06 – Water purification 57:01 – Planning your first trip and safety plans 1:05:06 – Game processing solo 1:07:48 – Sleeping solo in the mountains 1:09:10 – The solo hunting mindset

Feb 4, 2021

In this episode, Jay discusses why the little things matter too. Most pack dump videos focus on the big-ticket items; shelters, clothing, boots etc. Jay wanted to take some time and discuss all the little things you take on a hunt as well. In addition, he covers his camera accessory bag and few other items of note. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 1:37 – Update on the last podcast 9:38 – Training and diet update 15:57 – Possibles and accessories discussion 18:45 – OR insulated Nalgene holster 21:05 – Backpack rain fly 23:04 – Kill kit 29:27 – Camera accessories 42:24 – Possibles pouch

Jan 29, 2021

In this episode, Jay dives into a boot review comparing the Schnee's Baertooh versus the Lathrop & Sons Mountain Hunter. Having logged well over 200 miles in each of these boots across several different mountain hunts Jay is able to dig into the details that separate these two footwear options. In addition, this week Jay discusses how he has adapted his diet and training protocols now that the goat hunt is less than a month away. In this week's gear corner Jay gives his thoughts on an innovative new lav mic from Tentacle, the Track E. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 1:08 – New training protocol for the goat hunt 3:21 – Supplements and diet update 10:46 – Diet and training recap 12:17 – Gear Corner: Tentacle Track E Lav Mic 18:51 – My history with boots 21:27 – Morton’s Neuroma 25:50 – Boot sizing 29:53 – Boots I’ve owned 30:48 – Why I prefer leather boots 33:31 – Boots 101 42:45 – After market insoles 44:31 – Waterproofing leather boots 45:35 – Lathrop & Sons Mountain Hunter 55:26 – Schnee’s Beartooth 0g’s

Jan 22, 2021

In this episode, Jay compares the Hilleberg Akto and Soulto tents. In less than 4 weeks Jay leaves on a solo backcountry hung and both these tents provide a different value proposition. While the akto is lighter the soulo has more headroom. After countless hours reading online reviews Jay decided the only sensible option was to buy both, set them up, and decide for himself. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 6:29 – Thoughts after setting up both tents 10:29 – Inside the akto 15:37 – Inside the soulo 21:23 – Final decision

Jan 15, 2021

In this episode, Jay discusses how to successfully design and build your own custom arrows. He lists all the necessary tools and equipment and also lays out a clear design strategy followed up with simple construction instructions. Jay also dives into his use of the peptide BPC-157 to try and solve a nagging pinched nerve issue and gives a brief update on his draw application strategy for AZ, WY, and MT @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 1:11 – Pinched nerve and the use of BPC-157 10:03 – Diet update and carb manipulation for mass gain 13:06 – New A-CPAP purchase 19:10 – Draw application updates for AZ, WY and MT 23:18 – Arrow building 101 24:15 – Best archery supply store 27:43 – Tools and equipment required 42:29 – Custom arrow design 49:08 – Building your arrow 58:28 – Q&A

Jan 8, 2021

In this episode, Jay spends the entire episode digging into audience questions. We’re going to make this a regular occurrence and likely every 8th episode will be Q&A. Feel free to email questions for future episodes anytime. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 2:10 – Budget rain gear or premium jacket and save for pants 3:00 – How to wash technical gear 4:00 – Quietest rain gear 6:00 – Clothing layering strategy when wearing rain gear 9:21 – Most waterproof jacket 10:31 – Realistic poncho option – Hilleberg Bivanorak 12:41 – Tactics for different species 28:57 – Can Americans hunt DIY in Canada 30:35 – Arrow setup, spine, weight, components 41:31 – E-scouting 47:00 – Bodybuilding and hiking 50:04 – Choosing an elk hunting area in BC 54:10 – If you could only bring one lens for your camera what would it be 55:44 – Workout supplements 60:00 – Stalking tips 62:03 – Wall tents 63:24 – Meat care while solo hunting 68:44 – Premium unit mule deer hunting

Jan 1, 2021

EP 07 – The rain gear episode In this episode, Jay does his best to present a technical dissection of rain gear. Instead of just making brand related recommendations, Jay tries to break down the actual elements of construction in various pieces with the goal of educating the audience so they are more capable of making appropriate gear selection decisions. As usual, Jay digs into some training and diet tips and goes over his new purchase of a whoop and how he plans to use it on an upcoming hunt. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 0:55 – Deloading and recovery 8:08 – Diet and new weight PR’s 13:05 – Gear update: Whoop 19:18 – Early sheep draw 20:20 – Thoughts on the Olympia 22:08 – Rain gear 24:44 – Limitations of rain gear 28:11 – Technical construction details 37:41 – Styles of garments currently available 43:14 – The three different rain situations

Dec 25, 2020

EP 06 – Gear breakdown: Solo backcountry goat hunt February 2021 In this episode, Jay gives a complete breakdown of all the gear he is taking with him on his late-season solo backcountry goat hunt in February 2021. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 2:34 – Training mindset 8:12 – Diet over the holidays 9:53 – The Tim Tam (percussive massagers) 11:34 – Solo hunting mindset 20:48 – Gear list start 23:27 – Kifaru fulcrum with tactical frame 27:19 – Sleep system 36:14 – Clothing worn 42:00 – Clothing packed 46:05 – Snowshoes 47:00 – Crampons 47:50 – Booties 49:12 – Optics 52:56 – Weapon 56:00 – Camera gear 57:56 – Misc gear 61:01 – Cook kit 64:00 – Food 70:47 – Q&A

Dec 18, 2020

EP 05 – A deep dive into optics: Swarovski, Zeiss, Outdoorsmans In this episode, Jay explores the complicated topic of optics. After giving a breakdown of what he has owned, sold, and continues to use. Jay then provides several recommendations for a variety of budgets. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 3:17 – High volume for legs 9:06 – Why I need a coach 14:01 – MSR Reactor 18:41 – Optics 22:41 – What I have owned, sold, and still use 24:13 – Alaska Guide Creations bino harness 26:03 – Cost vs. Quality 27:54 – Edge to edge clarity 31:57 – Chromatic aberration 33:51 – Light transmission 36:50 – Tripods 38:11 - Outdoorsmans system 43:15 – Different recommendations for different budgets 55:24 – 42mm vs. 50mm objective 57:21 - Cost vs. Quality 58:09 – Do you need a spotting scope 59:18 – 65mm vs. 85mm spotting scope 59:47 – Rifle scope questions 62:03 – Key features to look for when buying optics 63:36 – Budget-friendly spotting scope

Dec 11, 2020

EP 04 – How to build points and hunt in the US for Canadians: Part 2 In this episode, Jay completes a multi-part series diving into the complexities of building points for big game hunting in the western United States. Topics covered in this episode include the individual differences between the states as well as comprehensive overall application strategies. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 1:30 – Why I no longer publish on the Beyond The Kill Podcast stream 5:49 – Spartan precision javelin pro hunt bipod 10:50 – The myth of the perfect piece of gear 12:26 – Buy super high quality gear 13:16 – How to build points and hung in the US for Canadians: part 2 16:00 – Premium units vs. shit units 18:12 – Wyoming 36:16 – Montana 44:45 – Utah 50:03 – Arizona 57:46 – Nevada 62:27 – Honourable mentions: Colorado, Idaho, Texas, Hawaii and New Mexico 67:03 – Overall application strategies

Dec 7, 2020

EP03 – How to build points and hunt in the US for Canadians: Part 1 In this episode, Jay begins a multi-part series diving into the complexities of building points for big game hunting in the western United States. Topics covered in this episode include how to get your gun over the border, the differences between how each state handles bonus points, and an overall approach to developing a successful application strategy. Next week, Jay will do a detailed breakdown state by state and species by species, highlighting recommended opportunities and application strategies that have been successful for him in the past. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 2:30 – What to do when you bump a buck 4:44 – Bear hunting story 13:25 – Training around injuries 16:45 – Why bodybuilders eat the same foods every day 18:48 – Outdoor research crocodile gaiters 20:50 – How small is too small? 23:05 – What does trophy hunting mean to you? 26:08 – How to build points and hunt in the US for Canadians 28:02 – My experience hunting in the US 30:09 – The states where I build points 32:14 – Definition of a non-resident 33:42 – How to get your rifle into the states ATF 6NIA 39:26 – How to get your meat home 40:12 – Important info about skulls and antlers 42:09 – What about your bow? 42:20 – Why I fly after I cross the border 43:31 – gohunt and onx 45:40 – State details and overall plan 57:51 – Tag management consultants

Dec 2, 2020

In this episode, Jay does a deep dive into the training principles of progressive overload and time under tension and how these principles can be applied to make you a more effective hunter. This week we feature a new section called the Gear Shootout Series. This series will pit two pieces of similar gear head to head in an in-depth field-tested review. Up first we compare the First Lite Obsidian pants against Sitka’s Apex pants. Closing out, Jay gets into his hunt plans for 2021 and shares some tips on how you can get away for more hunts and spend more time in the outdoors pursuing your passion. @mindful_hunter jay@mindfulhunter.com www.mindfulhunter.com