The Mindful Hunter Podcast
A deep dive into a mindful perspective on the discipline of hunting.
Episodes
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...
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
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/
Forged In The Backcountry
https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/
Merch
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop
Newsletter
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 ...
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 fu...
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 –...
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 Nepa...
🔎 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 – Int...
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 Inst...
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 w...
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, t...
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 – Leng...
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?
...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 guid...
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 animal...
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 ...
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 ...
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
⚠️ I...
EP 252 - Mindful Reviews Mondays: Stone Glacier M5 Rain Jacket Review: 2 Years of Real-World Testing
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 ...
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 ultral...
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...
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