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A deep dive into a mindful perspective on the discipline of hunting.
Episodes
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
After seven straight weeks of guiding spring black bears in British Columbia, Jay sits down with Mindful Hunter Outfitting guide Dimitri to wrap up the season. It was a grind of a year — 18 clients, endless rain, and some truly brutal pack-outs — but the final tally tells the story: 11 bears killed, 3 wounded, and 6 missed.
In this episode, Jay and Dimitri break down the week-by-week action, from tracking down a 20-year-old toothless boar to packing out triple-digit loads in the dark. But the most important takeaway from the season is a harsh reality check on hunter marksmanship. They discuss why a 50% hit rate is probably the industry average, the importance of practicing off-hand and uncomfortable shots, and the controversial fact that every single miss in camp this year came from a hunter using a chassis rifle. The bottom line? Stop worrying about upgrading your gear and start putting in the reps.
🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: Only three weeks left! Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry earns you one entry to win a fully custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting — BC Black Bear or Mule Deer, Alberta Archery Mule Deer, or Rifle Coues Deer in Mexico.
🏕️ OUTFITTING: Mindful Hunter Outfitting South is now live — fully guided rifle Coues deer hunts on private ranches in Old Mexico during the rut. Just get yourself to Tucson and we handle everything else. Email jay@mindfulhunter.com for details.
🏕️ 2026 BC OPENINGS: Jay just opened four new spots — Archery Mule Deer, Early Season Alpine Mule Deer, Alpine Black Bear, and a late September Float Bear hunt. Email j@mindfulhunter.com to book.
0:00:00 Intro, Mexico Coues Hunts & Giveaway Updates
0:01:23 Meet Dimitri: From Fish Guiding to Bear Camp
0:03:29 Growing Up Hunting the Traditional BC Way
0:12:00 The Transition to Hunting Guide & The Client Experience
0:44:51 The Reality of Wounded Bears & Missed Shots
0:47:12 Spiking Out & Daryl's Monster Cutblock Bear
0:52:32 Tom's Bear & The Brutal Midnight Pack-Out
1:01:35 Week 5: Freezing Rain, Slide Alder & Peter's Heart Shot
1:07:31 Quinlan's Close Calls & The 115-Yard Miss
1:12:47 Week 6: Why Unprepared Hunters Miss Easy Shots
1:15:49 Week 7: Bo's 20-Year-Old Toothless Bear
1:20:24 Scott's First Bear & Why Trophy Size Doesn't Matter
1:23:37 The Final Stats: 11 Dead, 9 Missed or Wounded
1:25:14 Why Every Single Miss Came From a Chassis Rifle
1:28:13 The Mental Grind of Guiding 7 Weeks Straight
1:32:24 Stop Buying New Gear & Learn to Shoot
1:34:08 Outro & Final Hunt Openings
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
Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes
No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. 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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026
3 days ago
3 days ago
The Outdoor Vitals Vantage Puffy Jacket steps into the ring against the well-established Stone Glacier Grumman. In this in-depth review, I compare warmth, weight, durability, and overall field performance after over 40 days of real-world use across a full hunting season. Whether you’re building a lightweight system or looking for a late-season insulation upgrade, this video breaks down which jacket makes sense — and when.
🧠 Mindful Reviews are always unsponsored and field-tested. For more, visit mindful-reviews.com
🎁 THE ULTIMATE GUIDED HUNT GIVEAWAY: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry (including the new camo Forged Base Boxers) earns one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting. You pick the hunt: BC Black Bear or Mule Deer, Alberta Archery Mule Deer, or Rifle Coues Deer in Mexico. 👉 https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/
📌 Chapters
00:00 - Intro: The Next Piece in the Mountain Pursuit Series
00:37 - Specs & Build Quality
02:11 - Why the Grumman is the Benchmark
02:36 - Weight, Warmth & Packability Comparison
03:29 - Wind Resistance and Warmth Difference
03:41 - Price Comparison
04:00 - Sizing and Fit
06:47 - Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
08:19 - Who Should Consider the Vantage
🦉 Hunt with Me:
Interested in booking a 2026 hunt?
📧 Email me at: jay@mindfulhunter.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
No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. 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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026
Thursday Jun 25, 2026
Thursday Jun 25, 2026
Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this episode, Jay sits down with Zach from Montana Wild — a guy who has been a fixture in hunting media for over a decade and played a massive role in the early creative direction of Stone Glacier.
In the first half, Jay and Zach dive deep into the history of hunting media, from the early days of YouTube to the "golden era" of founder-led, design-centric companies like Stone Glacier, First Lite, and Sitka. They have a candid conversation about what happens when Private Equity buys out these beloved brands, why the culture always changes, and why companies like Exo Mountain Gear are some of the last ones doing it right.
In the second half, the conversation shifts to rifles, marksmanship, and the current state of long-range hunting. They pull no punches on the marketing BS behind "1,000-yard out-of-the-box" rifles, why ultralight rifles are a terrible choice for most hunters, and why the biggest reason hunters miss isn't their gear — it's their ego. Jay also shares the brutal statistics from his recent bear guiding season: a 50% effective lethality rate on shot opportunities, and what he's doing to fix it next year.
🎁 GIVEAWAY — 3 WEEKS LEFT: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry earns one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting — BC Black Bear or Mule Deer, Alberta Archery Mule Deer, or Rifle Coues Deer in Mexico.
🇲🇽 MINDFUL HUNTER OUTFITTING SOUTH: Now booking fully guided Coues Deer hunts on private ranches in Old Mexico. Fly into Tucson and we handle everything else. Email j@mindfulhunter.com.
🏕️ 2026 BC OPENINGS: Jay just opened four new spots — Archery Mule Deer, Early Season Alpine Mule Deer, Alpine Black Bear, and a late September Float Bear hunt. Email j@mindfulhunter.com to book.
0:00:00 Intro, Mexico Coues Hunts & Giveaway Updates
0:01:20 Zach's Background: From Ski Bum to Montana Wild
0:06:47 The Early Days of YouTube Hunting Media
0:10:24 Working at Stone Glacier & The Sitka Gear Era
0:11:50 Did We Miss the Heyday of Founder-Led Hunting Brands?
0:16:43 How Private Equity Changes Hunting Companies
0:27:01 Leaving Corporate Hunting & Returning to Montana Wild
0:30:30 Archery vs. Rifle: Why Zach Prefers Shooting Guns
0:37:39 Rifle Philosophy: Why You Shouldn't Shoot Past 400 Yards
0:38:05 The Problem with Ultralight Hunting Rifles
0:40:51 The Brutal Truth: 50% of Hunters Miss or Wound Animals
0:44:46 Why Ego is the Biggest Reason Hunters Miss
0:51:46 The Marketing Lie of the "1,000-Yard Out-of-the-Box" Rifle
0:55:17 How to Get Better at Shooting: NRL Hunter Matches Explained
1:01:03 Caliber Selection: Why the 6.5 PRC is the Sweet Spot
1:03:10 Bullet Selection: Match Bullets vs. Hunting Bullets
1:11:10 Wind Calls & Long-Range Hit Rates: What Actually Matters
1:16:05 The Ethics of Long-Range Hunting & Accepting Risk
1:21:43 Outro & Final Thoughts
Zack Boughton
https://www.instagram.com/zackboughton/
https://www.instagram.com/montanawild/
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
Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes
No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. 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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026
Tuesday Jun 23, 2026
Tuesday Jun 23, 2026
Are the Outdoor Vitals Altura Pants the ultimate lightweight hunting pants — or do they fall short in critical areas? After 40+ days of hunting and guiding in a range of conditions, I put these pants through a brutal real-world test. In this review, I cover fit, durability, field performance, and how they stack up against industry staples like the Sitka Ascent and Stone Glacier De Havilland Lite.
This is part 1 of a 3-part series covering the new Outdoor Vitals Mountain Pursuit apparel line.
👀 What you’ll get in this video:
• Deep dive into the Altura pant’s features and flaws
• Honest thoughts on durability and wear issues (like pilling)
• Why knee pads and real hip vents matter
• Side-by-side fit examples (36 vs 38)
• Final grade and who these are really for
📦 Product Info:
Outdoor Vitals Altura Pants
✔ 175g/m² double-weave 4-way stretch nylon
✔ 14 oz weight (36x32)
✔ Built-in belt, mesh hip vents, cargo + rear pockets
✔ MSRP: $135 USD
🦉 Hunt with Me:
Interested in booking a 2026 hunt?
📧 Email me at: jay@mindfulhunter.com
💥 December Booking Discount Ends Jan 2!
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 - Intro: OV x Exo Collab and Expectations
01:09 - 40 Days of Field Testing
01:41 - Quick Sale Announcement (Guiding Discount)
02:45 - Materials & Specs Breakdown
03:32 - Pocket Design Thoughts
04:06 - Why Knee Pads Matter
04:35 - Hip Vents: A Missed Opportunity
05:25 - Fit, Sizing & Stretch (36 vs 38 Comparison)
09:43 - Sizing Limitations for Tall Guys
09:59 - Durability & Pilling Discussion
11:25 - Long-Term Durability Caveats
11:35 - Sitka Ascent vs Altura vs SG De Havilland Lite
13:26 - SIG Oscar Giveaway Info
14:34 - Final Verdict & Grade (B+ to A−)
16:07 - What’s Next in the Review Series
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
Thursday Jun 18, 2026
Thursday Jun 18, 2026
Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this episode, Jay is in the basement with returning guest Bo Campbell, fresh off his first-ever bear hunt in British Columbia with Mindful Hunter Outfitting. They debrief the trip, talk through the realities of a 49-day guiding season, and make a big announcement: the launch of Mindful Hunter Outfitting South — guided Coues deer hunts in Mexico.
Jay gets radically honest about the 2026 spring bear season. While the season was a massive success overall (11 bears across 18 clients), he breaks down the frustrating reality of a 55% lethality rate on shot opportunities — and explains why he's implementing mandatory pre-hunt shooting drills and what he expects from clients moving forward. They also get into the fascinating "heart shot phenomenon" where perfectly shot bears take off on a mindless, adrenaline-fueled dead sprint.
In the second half, Jay and Bo officially announce their new guided Mexico Coues deer hunts. Jay explains exactly why the DIY Mexico hunting model is flawed, why it often costs just as much as a guided hunt for a subpar experience, and how they've secured three premier ranches for the 2027 season. If you want to hunt the rut in January/February with incredible food, dialed logistics, and giant deer — this is the hunt for you.
🎁 GIVEAWAY: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry earns one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting (valued at $10,000).
🏕️ 2026 BC OPENINGS: Jay just opened four new spots — Archery Mule Deer, Early Season Alpine Mule Deer, Alpine Black Bear, and a late September Float Bear hunt. Email j@mindfulhunter.com to book.
0:00:00 Intro & Catching Up with Bo Campbell
0:02:28 Bo's First BC Bear Hunt: Expectations vs. Reality
0:05:55 The 49-Day Bear Season Wrap-Up
0:08:44 Why Jay is Implementing Mandatory Pre-Hunt Shooting Drills
0:13:36 Bo's Bear Hunt Story: Spotting from Camp
0:16:43 Sizing Up Bears & The 20-Year-Old Toothless Sow
0:19:52 The Brutal Pack Out & Why Bear Hunting is So Physical
0:26:00 Jay's Client Hunt: The Bear Spotted from the Road
0:28:47 The Heart Shot Phenomenon: Why Dead Bears Sprint
0:32:48 The Brutal Truth About Client Marksmanship & Missed Shots
0:38:23 How to Build a Better Shooting Position Under Pressure
0:44:46 Why You Need to Stay in the Scope After the Shot
0:48:46 The Big Announcement: Mindful Hunter Outfitting South (Mexico)
0:51:09 Why DIY Mexico Hunts Are Overrated & Overpriced
0:54:55 The Details: What a Guided Mexico Coues Hunt Looks Like
0:56:46 The Reality of Glassing for Coues Deer (The Hardest Animal in North America)
1:02:38 Giveaway Details & 2026 BC Hunt Openings
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
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact
IG
https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/
Podcast
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast
Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide
Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes
No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. 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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026
Tuesday Jun 16, 2026
Tuesday Jun 16, 2026
This is my updated base gear list heading into the 2026 hunting season. In this video, I go through everything I’m running—packs, shelters, optics, insulation, boots, rifles, water filtration, and more. This isn’t sponsored hype—just real-world gear that works.
🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: For every $5 you spend at Forged in the Backcountry you'll receive one entry to win a custom guided hunt from Mindful Hunter Outfitting. I will personally work with the winner to build the hunt of their dreams — Black Bear or Mule Deer in British Columbia, Archery Mule Deer in Alberta, or Coues Deer in the rut in Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you.
📥 Download my full 2026 gear spreadsheet at: https://www.mindfulreviews.com
🎯 Everything here has been tested across multiple seasons. I also cover what’s getting replaced, what gear disappointed, and what I’m still evaluating. If you want the raw truth about what’s worth your money, this video is for you.
👇 CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro & Spotting Scope Giveaway
00:13 - Backpacks (XO K4, Initial Ascent, Kifaru)
00:58 - Rain Covers & Pack Rain Strategy
01:30 - Shelter Options (X-Dome, TP, Zpacks)
02:23 - Sleeping Pads (Big Agnes Zoom vs Therm-a-Rest Xlite NXT)
03:45 - Sleeping Bags & Quilts (EE Enigma, Outdoor Vitals)
05:02 - Ground Sheets, Pillow, Base Layers
06:20 - Hunting Pants Overview (Stone Glacier, Outdoor Vitals)
08:13 - Boots (Hanwag, Meindl, Scarpa)
09:21 - Hat, Socks (new project announcement)
10:01 - Trekking Poles, Gaiters, Watch (Bridger Rec)
11:01 - Knife (Benchmade Mini TaggedOut)
11:16 - Active & Static Insulation (Outdoor Vitals, Stone Glacier)
12:31 - Rain Gear (Sitka Dew Point)
12:55 - Puffy Pants, Gloves, Beanie
14:35 - Crocs
14:44 - Spotting Scopes (Kowa TSN-88A, Maven S.1.2)
15:36 - Binoculars & Harness (SIG Zulu, Maven B.5, Stone Glacier Sentinel)
17:13 - Rangefinders (SIG Kilo, Gen 2 pending)
17:24 - Tripods & Pan Heads (Asiack, Wiser Nighthawk)
18:11 - Digiscoping (Mountain Mag vs All-In)
18:40 - Rifle System (Tikka 6.5 PRC + Upcoming Core Ax Rifle)
20:04 - Sling, Shooting Bags, Tracer Bipod
21:00 - Water Purification Systems (BeFree, SteriPen, Pump Filters)
22:11 - One-Offs: Glassing Pads, Knives, Game Bags, Messenger, Batteries
24:52 - Cooking Stove Update (Rough Ridge)
27:04 - Headlamps (Fenix, Petzl, Peaks)
27:51 - Final Thoughts + How to Win the SIG Oscar6
🧠 Get More Reviews & Deep Dives:
Subscribe to the channel and explore gear, mindset, and performance from a critical, mindful perspective.
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 May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. 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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026
Thursday Jun 11, 2026
Thursday Jun 11, 2026
🎯 This is your no-BS guide to supplements that actually improve performance, recovery, and focus for serious hunters. Whether you’re training hard in the offseason or heading deep into the backcountry, these are the only supplements I personally use — with product examples and clinical dosing recommendations.
👊 Focused on real-world benefits like strength, hydration, joint support, and endurance — no fluff, no marketing hype.
📦 Supplements Covered:
• Whey Protein Isolate
• Creatine Monohydrate
• Electrolytes
• Fish Oil (Omega-3s)
• EAAs (Essential Amino Acids)
• Pre-Workout (Optional)
🎯 All backed by research and years of personal experience in training, backpack hunting, and bodybuilding.
🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: For every $5 you spend at Forged in the Backcountry you'll receive one entry to win a custom guided hunt from Mindful Hunter Outfitting. I will personally work with the winner to build the hunt of their dreams — Black Bear or Mule Deer in British Columbia, Archery Mule Deer in Alberta, or Coues Deer in the rut in Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you.
👉 Shop the Forged Base Series Socks: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/collections/forged-base-series
🕒 Chapters (Timestamps)
0:00 - Intro & why I don’t do BS supplement reviews
1:06 - The criteria for this list (what actually works)
2:04 - Why protein is #1 for hunters
5:38 - Why creatine is tied for #1
9:19 - Electrolytes: the most underrated supplement
12:44 - Fish oil: joint support + inflammation
15:09 - EAAs vs BCAAs — why BCAAs are trash
20:00 - Optional: Pre-workouts (and what to look for)
22:51 - Final thoughts + giveaway info
🎁 GEAR GIVEAWAY + OUTFITTING DISCOUNT
👉 Join https://www.mindful-reviews.com and you will be automatically entered to win a Sig Sauer Oscar6 Spotting Scope.
For the month of December all Mindful Hunter Outfitting bear and deer hunts are discounted by $500 and an additional $250 if two people book together. Email jay@mindfulhunter.com for more info.
🧠 Get More Reviews & Deep Dives:
Subscribe to the channel and explore gear, mindset, and performance from a critical, mindful perspective.
#SupplementsForHunters #HuntingFitness #BackcountryHunting #ProteinForHunters #Creatine #Electrolytes #FishOil #EAAvsBCAA #MindfulHunter
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
Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes
No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. 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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026
Monday Jun 08, 2026
Monday Jun 08, 2026
Are the Meindl Glockner GTX boots the perfect choice for alpine hunters — or just too much boot for most terrain? After 100+ days in the field, I put these boots through their paces across goat hunts, creek crossings, and even a glacier with fully automatic crampons. This is a real-world, no-BS review for serious hunters who want gear that performs when it matters.
🟫 Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & Spotting Scope Giveaway
00:22 – Why Boot Reviews Are Personal
01:00 – First Impressions & Fit
02:00 – Toe Box, Heel Lock & Sole Width
03:00 – Fit vs. Scarpa & Schnees
03:45 – Weight, Build & Durability
04:30 – Stiffness Rating (3 of 4) Explained
05:00 – Use Cases: Mountain vs. Moderate Terrain
05:35 – High-Cut Ankle Support
06:00 – Full Leather Performance & Fit Molding
06:30 – Crampon Compatibility (DIY Mod)
08:30 – Guided Hunt Sale
09:30 – Pros & Cons Rundown
11:05 – Who This Boot Is (and Isn’t) For
12:35 – How to Win the SIG Oscar 6 Spotter
13:01 – Final Thoughts on Fit, Terrain & Boot Choice
🧰 Gear Mods:
I modified these boots to accept fully automatic crampons using a Dremel. It’s a niche trick, but if you’re chasing goats in steep glacial terrain, it might be a game-changer.
🎯 Who Should Watch:
• Mountain hunters chasing sheep, goats, mule deer
• Hunters comparing Meindl vs. Lowa, Scarpa, or Kenetrek
• Anyone debating stiff vs. more flexible mountain boots
🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: For every $5 you spend at Forged in the Backcountry you'll receive one entry to win a custom guided hunt from Mindful Hunter Outfitting. I will personally work with the winner to build the hunt of their dreams — Black Bear or Mule Deer in British Columbia, Archery Mule Deer in Alberta, or Coues Deer in the rut in Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you.
🇺🇸 US CUSTOMERS: We now have drop shipping set up in the United States — no duties, no customs fees, and faster shipping. If you've been holding off, now's the time.
📌 Affiliate Disclaimer: No sponsorships. No affiliate links. Just real gear reviews based on hard field use.
#MeindlGlockner #HuntingBootReview #MountainHuntingGear #MindfulHunter #GoatHuntingBoots #AlpineHunting #FullLeatherBoots #BootReview #BackcountryHunting
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
Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes
No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. 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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026
Monday Jun 01, 2026
Monday Jun 01, 2026
In this video, I break down the most important lessons I learned during my first full year as an outfitter across Alberta and British Columbia. From scaling my business to guiding 12 clients across three different territories, this year taught me more than I ever expected—about hunting, decision-making, pressure, and staying focused under stress.
Whether you’re a new guide, an aspiring outfitter, or just a dedicated hunter looking to level up, this video offers real-world insight, hard-earned advice, and a deep dive into the psychology behind better hunting decisions.
🔎 What You’ll Learn:
• The importance of hunting the same ground repeatedly
• Why “don’t leave animals to find animals” is a golden rule
• How pressure and system one thinking can sabotage success
• Cognitive biases that hurt decision-making in the field
• How to plan hunts to reduce mental fatigue and improve outcomes
📍 Chapters:
00:00 – Intro & Background: My First Year Outfitting
00:43 – How I Got Started (Alberta & BC Concessions)
02:35 – 2026 Hunts & Booking Info
04:42 – Lesson 1: Know Your Ground
07:17 – Lesson 2: Don’t Leave Animals to Find More Animals
09:48 – Lesson 3: Just Go to Work
10:23 – System 1 vs System 2 Explained
13:13 – Heuristics & Hunting Biases
15:22 – Choice Fatigue in the Field
17:06 – Pressure vs Performance: Managing the Mental Game
18:18 – Final Thoughts & Thank You
19:07 – SIG Oscar6 Spotting Scope Giveaway
20:00 – Subscribe & Support Mindful Reviews
🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: For every $5 you spend at Forged in the Backcountry you'll receive one entry to win a custom guided hunt from Mindful Hunter Outfitting. I will personally work with the winner to build the hunt of their dreams — Black Bear or Mule Deer in British Columbia, Archery Mule Deer in Alberta, or Coues Deer in the rut in Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you.
🇺🇸 US CUSTOMERS: We now have drop shipping set up in the United States — no duties, no customs fees, and faster shipping. If you've been holding off, now's the time.
👉 Shop the Forged Base Series Socks: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/collections/forged-base-series
🦉 Hunt with Me:
Interested in booking a 2026 hunt?
📧 Email me at: jay@mindfulhunter.com
💥 December Booking Discount Ends Jan 2!
✅ Support Independent Content:
No sponsors. No hype. Just honest reviews and real-world experience.
Subscribe on MindfulReviews.com starting at $5/month.
🔔 Like / Comment / Subscribe
If this content brings you value, hit like, leave a comment, and subscribe to the channel. It helps me keep producing videos with zero sponsor bias.
#Outfitting #HuntingLessons #MindfulHunter #Guiding #System1Thinking #BackcountryHunting #BCHunting #AlbertaHunting #SpotAndStalk #DecisionFatigue #HeuristicsInHunting
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
Thursday May 28, 2026
Thursday May 28, 2026
After testing half a dozen knives this season, the North Arm Knives Lynx rose to the top. With its wide sweeping belly, full-size G10 handle, and tough Magnacut blade, this fixed blade knife proved itself in the field during multiple big game breakdowns.
In this review, I walk through what makes this knife exceptional, what it’s not ideal for, and why it’s earned a spot in my kill kit. Whether you’re a backpack hunter or a guided client looking for reliable gear, this review cuts through the noise and delivers real-world insight.
🎁 GEAR GIVEAWAY + OUTFITTING DISCOUNT
👉 Join https://www.mindful-reviews.com and you will be automatically entered to win a Sig Sauer Oscar6 Spotting Scope.
For the month of December all Mindful Hunter Outfitting bear and deer hunts are discounted by $500 and an additional $250 if two people book together. Email jay@mindfulhunter.com for more info.
🗒️ GEAR SPECS COVERED:
• Blade: CPM Magnacut
• Handle: G10
• Knife Weight: 4.8 oz
• Sheath Weight: 1.6 oz (no belt loop)
• Application: Skinning & quartering large game
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 - Intro & Field Testing Recap
01:12 - Why This Knife Stood Out
02:38 - Blade Design & Ergonomics
04:50 - Strengths, Weaknesses & Ideal Use
07:18 - Final Verdict & Who It’s For
08:36 - Giveaways, Outfitting Deals & Community
👍 Found this helpful?
Like, comment, or subscribe to support honest gear reviews with zero sponsorship bias. Your engagement helps hunting content rise in the algorithm — and I appreciate it.
#NorthArmKnives #LynxKnifeReview #MagnacutBlade #HuntingKnifeReview #MindfulHunter #FieldTestedGear #BackcountryHunting #HuntingGear2025
🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: For every $5 you spend at Forged in the Backcountry you'll receive one entry to win a custom guided hunt from Mindful Hunter Outfitting. I will personally work with the winner to build the hunt of their dreams — Black Bear or Mule Deer in British Columbia, Archery Mule Deer in Alberta, or Coues Deer in the rut in Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you.
👉 Shop the Forged Base Series Socks: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/collections/forged-base-series
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
Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes
No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. 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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026