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A deep dive into a mindful perspective on the discipline of hunting.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
This week, I sat down with the founders of Oryx Outdoors, a new apparel company focused on designing durable, technical training gear for hunters.
We dive into their personal hunting stories, what pushed them to start an apparel company in a saturated market, and the real challenges of designing clothing that works when it matters most.
Oryx Outdoors
https://www.instagram.com/oryxoutdoors_official/
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
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Friday Mar 21, 2025
Time for another Q&A episode. This week I answer questions about both my archery and rifle setups for 2025.
🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT! Every $5 you spend on merch at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ gets you 1 entry to win a Swarovski 85mm Spotting Scope.
No purchase required. Contest begins on February 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) 1 previously owned Swarovski ATX 85mm Spotting Scope (approximate retail value $5,900.00 CAD). Skill testing question required. This Contest is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland, who are legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence (19 in AL and NE, 21 in MS, and 18 in all remaining U.S. states, The District of Columbia and Canada, 16 in United Kingdom, 20 in New Zealand, 16 in Finland, 15 in France, and 18 in Switzerland), who are age of majority in their province or territory of residence at time of entry. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No entry limit. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/swarovski-atx-85mm-spotting-scope-giveaway
Jay Nichol
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
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Time for another Q&A episode. This week I answer questions about sleep systems, archery setups, new packs and much more!
🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT! Every $5 you spend on merch at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ gets you 1 entry to win a Swarovski 85mm Spotting Scope.
No purchase required. Contest begins on February 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) 1 previously owned Swarovski ATX 85mm Spotting Scope (approximate retail value $5,900.00 CAD). Skill testing question required. This Contest is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland, who are legal age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence (19 in AL and NE, 21 in MS, and 18 in all remaining U.S. states, The District of Columbia and Canada, 16 in United Kingdom, 20 in New Zealand, 16 in Finland, 15 in France, and 18 in Switzerland), who are age of majority in their province or territory of residence at time of entry. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No entry limit. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/swarovski-atx-85mm-spotting-scope-giveaway
Jay Nichol
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
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
The Wild Sheep Society of BC asked me to speak at their Sheep Hunter University again this year at the Mountain Hunter Expo in Penticton. I absolutely love this event. It’s the only true conference solely focused on mountain hunters here in BC and is growing every year. I spoke about how to have an integrated approach to gear systems and more specifically how that applies to a couple of sleep systems I have put together lately.
WSSBC
https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/
Jay Nichol
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
Saturday Mar 01, 2025
Saturday Mar 01, 2025
In this episode, we sit down with Hunter McWaters—host of a popular hunting show on the Sportsman Channel, podcast creator, and a man deeply rooted in faith. Hunter shares his journey from the outdoors to the screen, discussing how his passion for hunting, storytelling, and personal growth has shaped his career. We dive into the highs and lows of producing a hunting show, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how his faith keeps him grounded in an industry that’s always evolving.
Hunter McWaters
https://www.thehuntersquest.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thehuntersquest/
https://www.youtube.com/@thehuntersquest
Jay Nichol
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
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
If you want something done right, sometimes you have to do it yourself—and that’s exactly why I created the Forged Base Series. A complete redesign from the ground up, this next-to-skin base layer system was built for unmatched comfort, durability, and performance in the backcountry.
🔥 Why I Built It:
For years, we searched for the perfect pair of base layers—especially boxers—that could withstand the grind of multi-day hunts. After brands cut corners and changed fabrics, I decided to create my own.
⚡ What Makes It Different?
✅ Premium Fabric Blend – We tested multiple materials before landing on a Modal & Spandex blend:
• Modal: Bio-based, ultra-soft, breathable, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial
• Spandex: Just the right amount of stretch for all-day mobility
• Durability: Resists pilling, shrinkage, and holds its shape over time
✅ Dialed-In Fit
• Mid-thigh length for a secure fit
• Supportive waistband without discomfort
• Legs that stay in place without restriction
✅ Built for Performance
• Top-access fly for convenience with a pack hip belt
• Strategic mesh panels for breathability in high-heat zones
• No chafing, no hot spots, no compromises
This is base layer apparel designed for the modern backcountry hunter—because when the foundation is strong, performance follows.
🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT! Every $5 you spend on merch at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ gets you 1 entry to win a Swarovski 85mm Spotting Scope.
No purchase required. Contest begins on February 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) 1 previously owned Swarovski ATX 85mm Spotting Scope (approximate retail value $5,900.00 CAD). Skill testing question required. Open to legal residents of Canada, excluding Quebec, who are age of majority in their province or territory of residence at time of entry. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No entry limit. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/swarovski-atx-85mm-spotting-scope-giveaway
👉 Watch now & check out the full breakdown!
0:00 – Intro
2:07 – Design Process
3:09 – Feel/Fabric
5:26 – Fit
7:51 – Function
12:07 – Bear Hunts
12:40 – Sizing
14:47 – Forged Base Hat
16:28 – Forged Obsession Tees
17:32 – Swarovski ATX 85mm Giveaway
18:25 – Zulu 10 15X Binocular Giveaway
#ForgedBaseSeries #TechnicalHuntingGear #BackcountryHunting #HuntingBaseLayers #PerformanceApparel #HuntingBoxers #BuiltToEndure #StayForged
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Aziak Equipment has been making waves in the hunting industry with their innovative, lightweight designs that are built for hardcore backcountry hunters. Rydell’s approach to gear isn’t just about cutting weight—it’s about maximizing efficiency without sacrificing durability. Today, we’ll get into the story behind Aziak Equipment, the challenges of designing high-performance hunting gear, and what’s next for the brand. Plus, we’ll pick Rydell’s brain on his own hunting experiences and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Aziak Equipment
https://www.aziakequipment.com/
https://www.instagram.com/aziakequipment/
Jay Nichol
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
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Timmy has spent years guiding hunters through some of the most extreme conditions Alaska has to offer—chasing giant moose, Dall sheep, and brown bear in remote backcountry that few ever get to experience. We’ll talk about what it takes to be a successful Alaskan outfitter, the toughest hunts he’s been on, and what hunters need to know before stepping into the last frontier. Plus, we’ll get into my archery brown bear hunt planned for spring of 2026 and the mindset, gear, and preparation required to make an Alaskan hunt a success.
Timmy Winslow
https://www.instagram.com/timmy.winslow/
https://arizonatrophyoutfitters.com/
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
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
It’s no secret I am a big fan of small innovative companies that produce great products and MTN Gear is definitely one of those. Matt made a big splash with his ultralight bipods a few years ago and has continued to improve their design until recently selling the rights to MDT. We had a great chat covering ground from his humble beginnings to what he plans to do with the new found funding from the sale of the bipod.
MTN Gear
https://www.instagram.com/mtngear.nz/
Nick
https://www.instagram.com/b1isters/
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
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Winter goat hunting isn’t for the faint of heart, and this trip proved why. From 60mm of freezing rain to failed sleep systems and broken snowshoes, this hunt was a brutal test of both gear and grit. As miserable as it was, I learned a ton and put some new gear through its paces—some of it held up, and some didn’t. In this episode, I break down the highs and lows of the trip, share what worked (and what didn’t), and offer tips for planning your own winter hunt. Tune in for hard-earned insights and a look at what it takes to chase goats in the harshest conditions.
Jay Nichol
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