The Mindful Hunter Podcast

Since publishing my in-depth review of rangefinding binoculars last year, Sig Sauer has introduced a major update to their KILO10K line. In this video, I take a closer look at the changes and share insights from recent field testing to assess whether these updates represent a meaningful improvement over the first generation—or if they’re simply the result of marketing spin.

0:00 – Intro
3:38 – Major Outfitting News
7:38 – Upgrades to Gen 2
8:34 – Explanation for Blue Tint on Gen 1
10:57 – Pricing
11:16 – Origin
11:44 – Warranty
12:47 – Weather Resistance
13:24 – Glass Quality & Coatings
14:26 – User Interface & Integration
15:59 – Laser Quality
18:36 – Swarovski ATX 85mm Giveaway
19:32 – Conclusion
 
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
 
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Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide
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Is the MSR Access 1 really a 4-season tent worthy of your late-season hunts? In this in-depth field review, I take the Access 1 into real winter conditions to see how it performs under snow, wind, and solo backcountry use. From packability and setup to structural stability and breathability, this review breaks down what works—and what doesn’t—for hunters who demand reliable gear in unforgiving terrain.

Along the way, I cover the full spec sheet (weight, materials, cost), test it in true mountain conditions, and offer insight on whether this tent belongs in your winter hunting kit. Plus, I announce two gear giveaways—the Swarovski ATX 85mm and Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x binos—so stick around for details on how to enter.

🎯 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💥 Plus, I’m giving away a Swarovski TAX 85mm! 

0:00 – Intro
1:27 – In-Field Review
8:28 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting
9:03 – Price
9:42 – Weight
10:01 – Materials
12:57 – Setup
13:15 – Packability
14:49 – Structural Stability
16:55 – Swarovski ATX 85mm Giveaway
18:06 – Breathability & Condensation
20:53 – Livability
23:57 – Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x Bino Giveaway
25:02 – Conclusion
 
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

Is it possible to get top-tier performance from a spotting scope without breaking the bank? In this video, I put an unexpected contender to the test, breaking down every detail—from glass quality to weather resistance—to see if this budget-friendly scope can hang with the big names.

0:00 – Intro
3:18 – Swarovski TAX 85mm Giveaway
4:11 – Price
4:36 – Resale
5:44 – Weight
7:00 – Origin
8:07 – Warranty
8:44 – Weather Resistance
9:25 – Mounting
9:56 – Construction Totals
10:08 – FOV
10:57 – Magnification
12:58 – Exit Pupil
14:38 – Glass Quality
15:42 – Optics Totals
15:51 – Viewing Performance 
24:35 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting
26:32 – Final Scores
 
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

Boot reviews suck—and I’ve said it before. But that doesn’t mean I won’t do my best to give you the most honest, no-BS breakdown of the Meindl Air Revolution Alpine Pro 200 after 5 months of real-world testing.
I put these boots through 25-30 training hikes (each 90 minutes with a 50lb pack) and a late-season mule deer hunt in freezing temps with deep snow. My goal? Find a late-season boot that’s not as stiff as my La Sportiva Nepal GTX but still tough enough for serious mountain hunting.
Do they live up to the hype? Are they worth your money? And most importantly—should you trust another boot review? Let’s find out.

🎯 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

Chapters:

0:00 – Intro
1:16 – Testing Protocol
2:30 – Spring Bear Discount!
3:32 – Tech Specs
6:17 – Swarovski ATX 85mm Giveaway
7:41 – What I like about the boots
10:43 – What I don’t like about the boots
14:54 – Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x Bino Giveaway
15:44 – Final Thoughts

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

🔎 Affordable Spotting Scope & Binoculars – Sirui Review 🔎
Are budget-friendly optics worth your money, or do you always “get what you pay for”? I put the new Sirui spotting scope and binoculars to the test to see if they break the mold. Are these the best low-cost optics for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts? Watch to find out!

💥 PLUS: SIG SAUER Zulu 10 15x Binoculars Giveaway! Stay tuned for details.

📌 Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro
1:49 – BC Spring Bear Hunts
2:17 – Categories
2:29 – Price 💰
3:33 – Weight ⚖️
3:55 – Size 📏
4:31 – Origin 🌍
5:10 – Warranty 🛠️
5:52 – Weather Resistance ☔
6:12 – Ergonomics 👐
9:12 – Field of View 🌄
10:15 – Glass Quality & Optical Performance 🔍
12:41 – GIVEAWAY: Sig Sauer Zulu 10 15x Binoculars 🎁
13:07 – Conclusion

🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth gear reviews!
Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Forged In The Backcountry (clothing) https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/
📩 Join My Newsletter: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact
👕 Get Mindful Hunter Merch: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop
🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast
📖 Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
👉 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/

A reliable phone scope adapter is essential for capturing high-quality footage of your hunting adventures. With so many new options on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this video, I put 5 of the top adapters—Full Frame, MagView, Mountain Mag, Ollin, and On Glass—through rigorous testing to see which one truly stands out.

🔎 What You’ll Learn:
✔️ Price & Compatibility Breakdown
✔️ Optic & Phone Installation Process
✔️ MagSafe & Multi-Lens Support
✔️ Ease of Use & Overall Performance
✔️ My #1 Recommendation for 2025

💥 PLUS: SIG SAUER Zulu 10 15x Bino Giveaway! Stay tuned for details.

📌 Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro
0:33 – Brands Tested
0:54 – Scoring System
1:59 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting
2:48 – Price
3:27 – Adapter Compatibility
6:33 – Optic Installation
9:41 – Leave On Adapter
12:39 – Phone Installation
15:51 – Magsafe Compatibility
19:38 – Ease of Use
22:21 – Portrait/Landscape Use
31:19 – Final Scores & Best Pick

🔔 Subscribe for More In-Depth Gear Reviews
Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/
📩 Join My Newsletter: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact
👕 Get Mindful Hunter Merch: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop
🎧 Listen to the Podcast: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast
Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
👉 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/

I put snowshoes to the ultimate test—breaking two pairs on my last three winter hunts. After finally finding a reliable pair with the Atlas Montane 35, I couldn’t help but wonder: is there something even better? Enter the Atlas MTN Range 35. In this video, I run both snowshoes through a head-to-head comparison to see which one can handle extreme conditions. Can the Atlas MTN Range replace my trusted Montane? Watch now to find out which snowshoe reigns supreme for winter hunting and backcountry adventures. 📌 Chapters for Easy Navigation: 0:00 – Intro 4:05 – Overview 6:11 – Scoring System 6:52 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 8:19 - Price 8:30 - Weight 9:23 - Materials 9:35 – Bindings 14:29 – Traction 15:42 – Flotation 15:55 – Durability 20:52 – Features 21:40 – Mindful Reviews Giveaway 23:25 – Conclusion 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 https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

In this episode of the Mindful Hunter Podcast, I break down the full story behind “Full Circle” — my year-long mountain goat saga filmed over six separate hunts in British Columbia. I share the raw behind-the-scenes truth of the final hunt: when my hunting partner bailed mid-trip and a grizzly charged me as I tried to recover my goat. From the emotional highs of the Full Circle premiere to the reality of solo backcountry hunting, this is one of the most intense stories I have ever told.

🎥 Watch the film: https://youtu.be/WoDa9wpmQgc

👕 Limited Edition Shirt Drop + Poster Giveaway: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/products/full-circle-limited-edition-heavyweight-tee

🕒 Chapter Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & “Full Circle” film premiere

02:00 – Limited edition t-shirt, posters & 10% off code

05:00 – The five-year mountain goat saga begins

08:00 – Six hunts in 13 months across British Columbia

09:30 – Partner bails early on the first hunt

13:00 – Lessons in partnership, quitting, and persistence

20:00 – Back to the mountains – scouting, planning, and preparation

25:00 – Opening day: the massive Billy and a perfect shot

27:00 – Partner bails again — Jay goes solo

34:00 – Fog, grizzlies, and a stolen goat carcass

41:00 – The grizzly charge

48:00 – Calling the CO & realizing the hunt is over

52:00 – What the whole Full Circle journey meant

56:00 – Lessons learned, gratitude, and next year’s goal

 

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

 

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Podcast

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Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

 

A bipod is one of the most versatile stabilizing devices for long-range shooting. In the last few years there have been a number of new products hit the market. In this video I specifically look at the Gunwerks Elevate 2.0, Sparan Javelin Pro and the MTNGear Mountain Bipod.

***Update*** There is a way to micro-adjust the tightness of the pic rail attachment. I missed it. My fault.

0:00 – Intro
2:11 – Price
2:26 – Weight
3:08 – Length
3:15 – Descriptive Class Totals
3:31 – Notes On Scoring System
5:23 – Origin
5:52 – Warranty
7:03 – Weather Resistance
9:04 – Construction Class Totals
9:29 – Adjustability
14:24 – Feet
15:36 – Pivot & Cant
18:38 - Attachment
25:00 – Leg Deployment
26:00 – Stability
28:42 – Function Totals
30:32 – Final Score & Recommendations

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
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

Last minute hunt opportunities:

Archery mule deer in AB Oct 12th

Late season goat in BC Oct 20

Any weapon mule deer in BC Nov 23

email - jay@mindfulhunter.com

 

Curious about the Sig Zulu 6 HDX PRO Binoculars and their performance in the field? In this video, I share my experience after months of extensive use, including multiple hunts. Are these image stabilizing binoculars truly a game-changer for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts?

🔍 Key Points Covered:

• Image stabilization technology
• Performance during hunts
• Comparison to 15x binoculars
• How They Stack Up Against Previous Models
• Weather resistance

👀 Why Watch This Review?

I provide a detailed and honest assessment of the Sig Zulu 6 HDX Pro Binoculars, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses based on real-world usage. Find out if these binoculars live up to the hype and are worth adding to your gear.

🎯 Ideal For:

• Hunters
• Bird watchers
• Outdoor enthusiasts
• Nature photographers

📈 Benefits of Watching:

• In-depth product review
• Practical insights from field experience
• Balanced analysis of pros and cons

🔗 Related Videos:

• Best Binoculars for Bird Watching
• Top Hunting Gear for 2024
• Outdoor Essentials: Must-Have Gear

🔔 Subscribe for More Reviews: If you found this review helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more gear reviews and outdoor tips.

💬 Join the Discussion: Have questions or comments about the Sig Zulu 6 Binoculars? Drop them below, and I'll be happy to respond.

 

0:00 – Intro

0:45 – The Science of Image Stabilization

2:22 – HDX vs. HDX PRO

11:40 – Discounted Bear Hunts

12:38 – HDX PRO vs. 15X Binos

26:16 – HDX PRO vs. 10X Binos

27:56 – Final Thoughts & Recommendations

 

 

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