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 P...
Dec 31, 2024•18 min•Ep. 222
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 Backco...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 221
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: ...
Dec 24, 2024•27 min•Ep. 220
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/...
Dec 21, 2024•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 219
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 – ...
Dec 17, 2024•17 min•Ep. 218
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...
Dec 13, 2024•20 min•Ep. 217
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.c...
Dec 10, 2024•42 min•Ep. 216
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://argalioutdoo...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 215
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: Detaile...
Dec 03, 2024•26 min•Ep. 214
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 an...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 213
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 bui...
Nov 26, 2024•29 min•Ep. 212
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/ M...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 211
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 – Materi...
Nov 19, 2024•41 min•Ep. 210
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://forgedinthebackcoun...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 209
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://...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 208
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 ou...
Oct 25, 2024•25 min•Ep. 207
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 ...
Oct 18, 2024•34 min•Ep. 206
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 http...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 205
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...
Oct 04, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 204
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, s...
Sep 27, 2024•22 min•Ep. 203
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://w...
Sep 20, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 202
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 Newsle...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 201
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...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 200
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/10747...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 199
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 tack...
Aug 26, 2024•16 min•Ep. 198
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/p...
Aug 23, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 197
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/m...
Aug 16, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 196
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 – Wei...
Aug 09, 2024•24 min•Ep. 195
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 ...
Aug 02, 2024•21 min•Ep. 194
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...
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 193
