The Mindful Hunter Podcast

🎯 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

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

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

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

 

Is this the ultimate tripod head for hunters? The Wiser Precision Ridge Warden might be the most practical hybrid tripod head on the market — lightweight, strong, and uniquely capable of both glassing and shooting with its pan, tilt, and cant functionality. In this in-depth review, I test it with a Kowa 88 spotter and my rifle setup to see if it really replaces the need for separate glassing and shooting heads. We break down what works, what doesn’t, and who this product is really for.

👉 Wiser Ridge Warden: Full specs, features, and practical insights
🔭 Kowa 88 Testing – How the head handles big glass
🎯 Tripod Shooting Demo – Using cant in real-world scenarios
💬 Join the conversation: How are YOU setting up your tripod for shooting?
🎁 SIG Spotter Giveaway details inside

Chapters
00:00 – Intro: The Problem with Most Tripod Heads
00:23 – What Makes the Ridge Warden Unique
00:49 – About Wiser Precision & the Nighthawk Legacy
01:08 – Ridge Warden Specs: Weight, Price, and Features
01:25 – Pan, Tilt, and Cant Explained
02:03 – Long-Term Durability Test
02:27 – Quick Note: Mindful Hunter Hunt Discount
03:03 – What I Like: Weight, Size, Handle Storage
03:36 – Glassing Performance with Kowa 88
04:30 – Shooting Setup & Canting Demo
05:03 – Quick Plug: Forged in the Backcountry Boxers
05:28 – What I Don’t Like: Lever Placement
05:52 – Mounting Issues: Small Base + Threading Problems
06:45 – Lack of Independent Pan/Tilt Locks
07:47 – Binocular Glassing Advantages
08:19 – Who It's For (and Not For)
09:13 – My Tripod Setup: Ridge Warden vs Nighthawk
10:01 – Final Thoughts: Precision vs Practicality
10:26 – SIG Spotting Scope Giveaway Info
11:07 – Outro: Join the Discussion & Support the Channel

🎁 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

 

 

Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this episode, Jay gives a raw update from the middle of a wild spring bear guiding season — six bears down, two clients still in the field, and some honest reflection on wounding and misses that's worth hearing if you're planning a guided hunt. Then we get into the real reason this episode exists: the official launch of the Forged Base Series Socks.

Jay breaks down exactly why he spent a year designing a backcountry hunting sock from scratch — and why, after nearly a decade of using merino-based socks, he came to the conclusion that merino fails in more ways than it succeeds. The three core problems: it doesn't evacuate moisture fast enough, it isn't durable enough for hard daily use, and it loses its shape within a couple of days of a backcountry hunt. He also calls out the lifetime warranty model used by most hunting sock companies, explaining why it's a business strategy built on the assumption that most customers are too lazy to actually claim it — and why he chose to put every dollar into the design instead.

You'll get a full breakdown of the six-fabric construction — CoolMax, Reprieve XS cross-sectional polyester, a wool/acrylic blend, polyamide, and spandex — and why each one was placed exactly where it is. Plus, Jay shares the story of iteration number six, the one that was almost perfect before a single seam flaw sent him back to the drawing board days after placing the final production order.

🇺🇸 US CUSTOMERS: Drop shipping is now live through Unknown Munitions in Idaho — no duties, shipping is about 30% cheaper, and you'll get your order faster.

🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry between May 17th and July 17th earns you one entry to win a fully custom, all-expenses-paid guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting — valued at roughly $10,000. Jay will personally work with the winner to build their dream hunt: Coues deer in Mexico, Black Bear or Mule Deer in BC, Archery Mule Deer in Alberta, or something completely custom.

Forged In The Backcountry
https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/

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

 

Final clearance sale of all lifestyle apparel at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ ovber 50% off! Last 2 weeks any of these items will be available.

After spending three months hunting out of the Kimbo truck camper, I’ve got strong opinions—not just about the unit itself, but about whether campers make sense for serious hunters. In this deep dive, I cover loading and unloading, road performance, fuel economy, interior layout, and real-world pros and cons.

🔍 Truck Setup: 2022 GMC Sierra AT4, 6’4” bed
🎯 Testing Locations: Montana & British Columbia
📦 Key Use Cases: Solo hunting, family trips, late-season conditions, road-based hunts
 
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Is a Camper Worth It for Hunters?
01:06 – My Hunting Setup & Truck Details
02:27 – Loading the Kimbo on a Full-Size Truck
04:28 – How It Drives (Fuel Mileage, Handling, Noise)
08:56 – Exterior Features & Build Quality
11:43 – Inside the Kimbo: Layout & Gear Storage
14:03 – Bed Setup: Good for Couples, Not for Two Hunters
16:00 – Heating System: The Thermostat Problem
18:11 – Space Issues for Gear & Daily Use
20:30 – Who the Kimbo is Not For
23:00 – Who the Kimbo Is For (Trailhead Hunters, Couples, Parents + Kids)
26:09 – Final Thoughts & What to Review Next
28:36 – Win a SIG Oscar 6 Spotting Scope!
29:30 – Like, Subscribe & Thanks for Watching
 
🔔 Subscribe for more real-world gear reviews:
I don’t take sponsors. I don’t hype gear. I test what I use and tell you the truth—so you can spend your money wisely and hunt harder.

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

Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this episode, Jay wraps up the massive backlog of listener questions from our recent Q&A, covering everything from backcountry bear hunting stories to controversial reloading opinions.

We kick things off with a recap of Jay's first guided bear hunt of the season, detailing a successful 400-yard shot and a massive 6-foot+ boar. Then, we dive into the Q&A, tackling some heated topics. Is extreme spread (ES) and standard deviation (SD) actually important for hunting, or is it just a distraction? Jay shares his unfiltered thoughts on why speed for speed's sake is useless and how to reverse-engineer your bullet velocity for maximum terminal performance.

Jay also answers questions about the best books to improve your hunting (spoiler: you should probably just spend more time in the field), the single biggest mistake he made when he first started hunting, and why using a floorless shelter in the high country is a recipe for disaster. Plus, get the details on a massive $10,000+ giveaway, the upcoming technical apparel launch, and some exclusive outfitting opportunities.

Whether you're looking for reloading advice, scouting strategies, or just some honest, unfiltered hunting talk, this Q&A is packed with actionable advice to help you level up this season.

Timed Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping (Apparel Launch & Massive $10k Giveaway)
00:00:15 - Bear Camp Recap: A 400-Yard Shot on a 6-Foot+ Boar
00:11:35 - Field Processing a Bear: Meat Care & Packing Out
00:15:52 - Remaining Guided Bear Hunt Openings for 2025/2026
00:17:22 - Match Bullets for Hunting: Reverse-Engineering Velocity for Terminal Performance
00:21:01 - The Truth About Extreme Spread (ES) & Standard Deviation (SD)
00:25:47 - The Best Books to Help You Improve as a Hunter
00:28:38 - Plans for a BC Whitetail Hunt & Unfinished Sheep Business
00:32:35 - Advice for Someone Struggling to Get Their First BC Mule Deer
00:35:44 - Heated Gloves, Telson Optics, & Winter Kit Swaps
00:36:59 - Goat Redemption Plans for 2026 & Hiring a Full-Time Filmer
00:38:26 - Spotting Scope Recommendations: Kowa 88 vs. Swarovski ATX 85
00:38:53 - How Often Do You Eat Wild Game for a Healthy Physique?
00:39:34 - Argali Clothing Review: Pants & Grid Fleece
00:40:46 - The Best Rifle Cleaning Products & Process (Modern Day Sniper Method)
00:43:20 - Upgrading from Cheap Binos: Are the SIG Zulu 6s Worth It?
00:43:49 - Is a Vacuum Sealer Worth It for Backcountry Food?
00:44:13 - The Two Biggest Mistakes I Made When I First Started Hunting
00:48:27 - Kootenay CWD Tags, Born Primitive Gear, & Podcast Guests
00:52:12 - MDT Carbon Stock vs. Rok Stock vs. XLR Element 4.0
00:54:34 - 6mm Creedmoor for BC Mule Deer, Blacktail, and Elk?
00:54:55 - Canadian-Made EDC Pocket Knives & Island Blacktail Tactics
00:58:59 - Floorless Shelters in the High Country: Why You Shouldn't Do It
00:59:53 - Outro & Final Giveaway Details

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

 

 

Is the Fenix HM62-T the new king of backcountry headlamps? In this in-depth review, I compare two of the most popular headlamps for hunters and mountain athletes — the Fenix HM62-T and the PEAX Backcountry Duo — across 10 real-world categories: brightness, battery life, red light performance, fit, band quality, construction, waterproofing, weight, price, and brand transparency.

I’ve used the PEAX Duo for years, but after extensive testing in true backcountry conditions, I put it head-to-head with the Fenix HM62-T to find out which one truly deserves a spot in your pack.

🔍 Categories Compared:
• Brightness & Lumens
• Red Light Levels
• Battery Life (18650 runtimes)
• Fit & Headband Design (Boa vs standard)
• Weather Resistance (IPX6 vs IP68)
• Build Quality & Durability
• Weight (Fully loaded comparison)
• Price Point
• Brand Transparency
• USB-C Compatibility & Real-World Charging

00:00 - Intro & What to Expect  
01:04 - Brightness: 1200 vs 1000 Lumens  
02:36 - Red Light Functionality  
03:08 - Light Modes & Level Options  
03:41 - Battery Life & Charging Frequency  
05:04 - Fit & Headband Design  
05:56 - Construction & Build Quality  
07:17 - Weight Comparison  
08:19 - Waterproofing & IP Ratings  
10:11 - USB-C & Charging Port Design  
10:47 - Price Comparison  
11:06 - Brand Transparency & Tech Specs  
17:52 - Final Verdict & Scorecard Recap  
18:41 - Giveaway Details & Closing  
 
🎁 GIVEAWAY: Win a SIG image-stabilized spotting scope!
To enter, visit https://mindfulreviews.com and become a member. Every new sign-up in December is automatically entered!

🧭 Subscribe for brutally honest, no-BS gear reviews built for hunters and backcountry adventurers.

#FenixHM62T #PEAXHeadlamp #BackcountryGearReview #MindfulHunter #HuntingHeadlamp #OutdoorGearTest #FenixReview #PEAXBackcountryDuo 

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

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Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this episode, Jay sits down with Robbie and Lindsay Clunes, the husband-and-wife team behind the new platform Let's Go Guided. We dive deep into their personal hunting journeys, from Lindsay’s transition into hunting for self-sustaining meat to their ambitious plans for chasing big game across North America.
The conversation quickly turns to some of the most debated topics in the hunting world. Are combo hunts actually worth your time and money, or are they just a way for outfitters to cash in? Jay also challenges the gear-obsessed hunting culture, explaining why spending $1,500 on new binoculars won't make you a better hunter—and what you should be doing instead. We also tackle the stigma surrounding guided hunts, the difference between "canned" hunting and true backcountry experiences, and why the DIY public land movement might be making hunters miss out on the value of fellowship in hunting camps.
Robbie and Lindsay also share the inspiration behind Let's Go Guided, a platform designed to help hunters connect with outfitters on a personal level before booking their dream hunts. Whether you're a seasoned DIY hunter or looking to book your first guided experience, this episode is packed with unfiltered opinions and actionable advice.
Timed Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro & Catching Up: Goat Hunting Prep & Spreadsheets
00:03:23 - Lindsay's Hunting Journey: From Non-Hunter to Bear & Sheep Goals
00:09:41 - The 6.5 Creedmoor Debate: Why It's Still the Best Starter Cartridge
00:15:47 - The Emotional Reality of Your First Kill: Expectations vs. Reality
00:19:02 - Robbie's Hunting Background: Reconnecting with the Backcountry
00:23:34 - The Birth of "Let's Go Guided": Fixing the Outfitter Booking Problem
00:26:09 - The Truth About Guided Hunts: Do Outfitters Actually Teach You Anything?
00:31:15 - Why Outfitters Need to Stop Relying on Trade Shows & Start Using Social Media
00:35:59 - The Stigma of Guided Hunts vs. The DIY Public Land Movement
00:40:07 - Missing Out on Fellowship: The Hidden Value of Guided Hunting Camps
00:46:17 - Robbie & Lindsay's 2026 Hunting Calendar: Spring Bear, Hogs, and Stones
00:51:24 - Why You Should Stop Buying Gear and Spend That Money on Scouting
00:53:28 - The Curse of BC Hunting: Why You Shouldn't Try to Hunt Everything at Once
00:54:56 - Why Combo Hunts Are a Terrible Idea (And Maybe a Cash Grab)
00:56:15 - Outro & Where to Find Let's Go Guided

Let’s Go Guided
https://www.instagram.com/letsgoguided_/
https://letsgoguided.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
Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools