The Mindful Hunter Podcast

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/

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

This 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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

This 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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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/

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 [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

This week 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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

This week I share my gear list for my upcoming sheep hunt and dive into gear related listener questions. Jay Nichol [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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

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 [email protected] 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