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Monday Feb 16, 2026

EP 290 - MTN Gear Mountain Stick 4.1 Review | The Reason I No Longer Use Trekking Poles

Monday Feb 16, 2026

I've got three spots left open for spring black bear hunts in BC and two spots left for archery mule deer in Alberta. For any outfitting info, email me jay@mindfulhunter.com

I avoided the Mountain Stick 4.1 from MTN Gear for years because I assumed it was just a trekking pole with an ice axe head. I was wrong. After putting it through the ultimate test on a mountain goat hunt in brutal terrain, I can confidently say this tool is in a league of its own.
In this review, I cover:

• Why my first impressions were dead wrong
• How the Mountain Stick performs in real-world backcountry hunting conditions
• Features like the carbide tip, pommel grip, climbing hooks, digging ability, rifle mount, and saw attachment
• Pros, cons, and whether it’s worth the $300 price tag

If you’re a mountain hunter, backcountry hiker, or gear junkie wondering if the Mountain Stick 4.1 is hype or a legit game changer, this deep dive is for you.

👉 What do you use instead of trekking poles in the mountains? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

🔔 Subscribe for more no-BS gear reviews, optics tests, and backcountry hunting insights.
⸻
📍 Chapters
00:00 – Why I avoided the Mountain Stick 4.1
00:31 – First assumptions vs. reality
01:08 – Build quality & durability (vs. trekking poles)
01:55 – Stability in steep terrain
02:57 – Pommel grip advantage
04:03 – Carbide tip & footing on tough slopes
05:16 – Climbing with hooks & ice axe function
06:14 – Digging, water, and camp uses
08:08 – Rifle mount & shooting stability
09:28 – Saw attachment & versatility
10:42 – Materials, specs & weight
12:39 – Downsides: grip, price, and weight
14:24 – Why it’s more than a trekking pole
14:51 – The “battle axe” factor
15:20 – Final thoughts & viewer questions

Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

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Monday Jan 19, 2026

EP 289 - GoHunt Apparel Review Update | After a Season Guiding Black Bear Hunts in BC

Monday Jan 19, 2026

Four months ago, I gave my first impressions of the new GoHunt apparel lineup. Now, after a full season of guiding black bear hunts in British Columbia, attending a shooting course, and weeks of scouting, I’ve put these pieces through serious abuse.
In this video, I give you my honest, unsponsored, and unfiltered feedback on four key pieces:
• Atmosphere Jacket
• Blackrock Hoodie
• Basin Hoodie
• Approach Hoodie
No marketing hype — just real-world results from months in the field. Some pieces impressed me, others fell flat. If you’re considering GoHunt gear, this review will help you make a smarter decision before dropping your cash.
👉 Do you agree with my take, or has your experience been different? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Intro & Why This Review Matters
01:01 – Atmosphere Jacket (Sitka Ambient Comparison)
03:23 – Blackrock Hoodie (Best Grid Fleece?)
04:58 – Basin Hoodie (Merino Durability Issues)
06:33 – Approach Hoodie (Favorite Piece)
08:45 – Overall Thoughts on GoHunt Apparel
10:52 – What’s Next from GoHunt (Approach Light, Pants)
11:28 – Community, Giveaways & Closing

If you appreciate unbiased, no-BS gear reviews, support the channel at MindfulReviews.com and join a growing community of backcountry hunter👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe

Card:
0:28 – First review

Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Thursday Jan 15, 2026

EP 288 - Ollin vs. Kapture Digiscoping Adapter Review – Which One Actually Works Best in the Field?

Thursday Jan 15, 2026

Looking for the best digiscoping adapter for your spotting scope? In this video, I put the Kapture Digiscoping Adapter head-to-head against the industry leader, the Ollin adapter. After six weeks of guiding bear hunts in British Columbia, I tested both products in real hunting conditions to see which one holds up when it matters most.
We compare:
• Price
• Build quality & installation
• MagSafe accessory compatibility
• 5x iPhone lens support
• Field usability & reliability
If you’re serious about filming your hunts, digiscoping wildlife, or capturing backcountry footage with your iPhone, this review will save you money, frustration, and missed shots.
👉 Which adapter do you trust — Ollin or Kapture? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
👍 Like, Share & Subscribe for more unbiased hunting gear reviews.

00:00 – Intro & Previous Digiscoping Review
00:20 – New Player on the Market: Kapture
01:10 – 6 Weeks of Field Testing in BC
02:05 – How Ollin Works
02:44 – How Kapture Works
03:50 – Price Comparison ($175 vs. $310)
05:00 – Adapter Compatibility & Installation
05:35 – Leaving Adapters On While Glassing
06:20 – Phone Install & MagSafe Compatibility
07:21 – Portrait vs. Landscape Mode
07:45 – The 5x iPhone Lens Advantage
09:50 – User Experience Scores
10:45 – Final Category Rankings (Dead Tie)
11:10 – What Really Matters: Field Experience
13:20 – Why Convenience Beats Features
16:40 – Design Flaws with Kapture’s Adapter
20:00 – Build Quality & Stability Issues
21:00 – Everyday Use with Bino Harness & Pockets
22:10 – Why Ollin Wins for Reliability
23:05 – Wrap Up & Final Verdict
23:50 – Support Mindful Hunter Reviews

Cards:
0:07 – Digiscoiping review

Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Monday Jan 12, 2026

EP 287 - 2025 Durston X-Mid Tent Review – Brutally Honest Field Test in Harsh Conditions

Monday Jan 12, 2026

In this in-depth review of the 2025 Durston X-Mid 2 Solid, I take this ultralight trekking pole shelter into true mountain hunting terrain to find out whether it can handle real-world backcountry abuse. Wind, rain, poor ground conditions—you name it. No sponsor bias, no marketing fluff—just hard-earned experience and honest feedback.

We cover everything from specs, setup, and weather resistance to real-time in-field performance and packability. I also break down whether this tent belongs in your hunting toolkit—or if it’s better left for more casual trips.

🔔 If you’re tired of gear reviews that feel like commercials, hit subscribe. This is the Mindful Hunter way: practical, honest, no-BS reviews to help you make smarter gear choices.

📌 Join the Community: https://www.mindfulreviews.com

⸻

🕒 Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 – Intro from the Field (Hawaii Update)
00:38 – Initial Setup and Wind Prep Strategy
01:50 – Tent Design and Geometric Benefits
02:50 – Gear Testing and Scouting Trip Overview
03:45 – Guided Hunt Openings + Booking Info
04:14 – Tent Review Criteria Explained (11 Metrics)
05:22 – Weight, Price & Materials Deep Dive
06:05 – Weather Resistance and Rain Performance
06:54 – Condensation, Build Quality & Packability
07:58 – Setup Techniques and Pro Tips
09:18 – Small Footprint Trade-offs
10:10 – Real-World Interior Space Test
11:49 – Vestibules: One of the Tent’s Biggest Wins
13:20 – In-Field Footage
16:54 – Final Verdict & Use Case Recommendations
18:54 – Support Independent Reviews

Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Thursday Jan 08, 2026

EP 286 - Thermarest NeoAir Xlite NXT vs. Big Agnes Zoom UL – Best Ultralight Sleeping Pad For Big Guys

Thursday Jan 08, 2026

Are you a bigger guy looking for the best ultralight sleeping pad that won’t bottom out on rocky ground or cold nights? In this in-depth comparison, I put the Thermarest NeoAir Xlite NXT and the Big Agnes Zoom UL head-to-head to find out which one truly delivers for tall and heavy hunters and backpackers.

This review goes beyond marketing fluff. I field-tested both pads in real backcountry conditions, evaluated their warmth, comfort, durability, and packability, and broke down the specs in a way that actually matters when you’re over 6 feet tall and 200+ pounds.

If you’re tired of vague reviews and want real answers from a mindful, no-BS perspective—this one’s for you.

0:00 – Intro

2:28 – Testing Protocol

3:17 – Spec Comparison Table

8:03 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting

8:51 – In-field Testing Footage

13:15 – Final Thoughts & Recommendations

Jay Nichol

Forged In The Backcountry

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Monday Jan 05, 2026

EP 285 - The Truth About the New Sig Sauer Oscar 6 HDX Pro | Image Stabilizing Spotting Scope Review

Monday Jan 05, 2026

Is the Sig Sauer Oscar 6 HDX Pro worth the hype? In this no-nonsense review, I take a deep dive into Sig’s latest image-stabilized spotting scope and stack it up against the competition in real-world hunting and glassing conditions.

📌 Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
3:09 – Limitations of digiscope footage for competitive reviews
4:45 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting updates
5:38 – 3-way Digiscope Analysis
12:29 – 3-way Category Scoring
15:50 – Conclusion & Recommendations

🧠 What You’ll Learn:
• Real-world pros and cons of the Oscar 6 HDX Pro
• Where it excels—and where it falls short
• How it compares to other high-end stabilized spotters
• Who should (and shouldn’t) invest in this optic

🎯 Whether you’re a backcountry hunter, long-range shooter, or glassing geek, this breakdown delivers the insights you need—no marketing fluff, just honest field-tested results.

📈 Support the Channel:
Subscribe for weekly gear reviews and hunting content rooted in real-world experience and mindful critique.

Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Wednesday Dec 31, 2025

EP 284 – Piss Ant Cartridges and Devastating Results with Colton Bagnoli aka Pap Van Winkle

Wednesday Dec 31, 2025

I sat down this week with my good friend Colton Bagnoli to discuss his personal experience with the recent trend of smaller cartridges for use on big game. We closed out with a good chat on some reloading basics as well.

Colton Bagnoli

Jay Nichol

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Monday Dec 29, 2025

EP 283 - Scientifically Dissecting Blk Flg's New Supplement Revenge

Monday Dec 29, 2025

Revenge by BLK FLG claims to deliver energy, focus, mood, and pumps—but does it actually hit the clinical doses that research shows are effective? In this no-BS deep dive, I break down every key ingredient—L-citrulline, caffeine, alpha-GPC, Dynamine™, TeaCrine®, huperzine A, and more—against real peer-reviewed science.

🎁 Gear Giveaway:

Win a SIG Oscar6 Image Stabilized Spotting Scope by supporting at https://www.mindfulreviews.com

🦉 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.

0:00 – Intro

0:33 – Clinical Dosing

2:34 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting

4:08 – Review Framework

4:39 – Ingredients Profiles & Dosing

9:48 – Conclusion and Recommendations

Jay Nichol

Forged In The Backcountry

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Thursday Dec 25, 2025

EP 282 – What It Really Took To Kill A 200” Mule Deer Buck in The Dark Timber of BC

Thursday Dec 25, 2025

When I saw Aquila's giant muley show up on my IG feed, I knew I had to sit down with him and hear the story of how he killed this buck. As usual, there were no secrets or gimmicks just a whiole lot of persistence and hard work.

Aquila Broewn

Jay Nichol

Forged In The Backcountry

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