The Mindful Hunter Podcast

Forged In The Backcountry

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Sep 25, 2025

EP 256 – Best 15x Binoculars for Hunting: Sig Zulu 10 vs. Maven B.5 vs. Swarovski SLC

Sep 25, 2025

43 min

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

Are 15x binoculars worth adding to your hunting gear? After years of debating their value, I’ve spent the last 8 months rigorously testing the Sig Zulu 10, Maven B.5, and Swarovski SLC 15x56 binoculars to find out. These powerful optics are game-changers for spotting animals across vast landscapes, but which one is the best for your needs?

In this video, I break down my detailed field tests, compare performance, and reveal my top pick for the best 15x binoculars for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re glassing for big game or refining your backcountry gear setup, this guide will help you make the right choice.

🔍 Watch now to see how these binoculars stack up and find your ultimate hunting companion!

0:00 – Intro

2:18 – Discounted BC Black Bear Hunts

3:52 – Price

4:08 – Resale

5:02 – Weight

5:23 – Length

6:07 – Descriptive Totals

6:25 – Origin

7:43 – Warranty

8:41 – Ergonomics

10:59 – Construction Totals

11:15 – FOV at 1000 Yards

12:40 – Eye Box

14:18 – Exit Pupil

15:45 – Focusing Ability

18:04 – Prism

19:03 – Glass Quality

23:02 – Glass Coatings

24:57 – Optics Totals

25:46 – Viewing Performance

30:38 – Final Score

31:03 – Conclusion

Jay Nichol

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Sep 22, 2025

EP 255 – Can You Survive Freezing Temps in a 50° Quilt? Enlightened Equipment Enigma Review

Sep 22, 2025

21 min

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

How light is too light when it comes to backcountry gear? Many adventurers push their limits to save weight, but at what cost? In this video, I put the Enlightened Equipment Enigma 50° quilt to the ultimate test: sleeping in sub-freezing temperatures. Using an integrated systems approach, I evaluated how different pieces of gear work together to handle extreme conditions. Watch as I share the results of my field testing, discuss the risks of ultralight sleep systems, and reveal whether this quilt can truly handle the cold. Don’t miss this in-depth gear review!

📌 Chapters for Easy Navigation:

0:00 – Intro

5:39 – Black Friday Deals

7:29 – The Gear

12:13 – The Results

Links:

11:35 – Wyoming Podcast

Jay Nichol

Merch

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Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide

Sep 18, 2025

EP 254 - Kuiu Tiburon Hybrid Hoodie Review: Did Kuiu Make the Perfect Early-Season Base Layer?!?

Sep 18, 2025

17 min

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

Finding the perfect early-season base layer has always been a challenge—too thick, too thin, too stiff, or not stretchy enough. But could the Kuiu Tiburon Hybrid Hoodie finally be the answer? In this video, I put Kuiu’s innovative design to the test during real-world field use. Discover why this hoodie stands out, how it performs in varying conditions, and if it’s the best base layer for early-season hunting and outdoor adventures.

📌 Chapters for Easy Navigation:

0:00 – Intro

2:03 – Price

2:13 – Weight

2:33 – Materials

4:19 – Warmth

4:46 – Breathability

5:35 – Durability

6:56 – Fit

11:53 – Options

12:11 – Packability

12:23 – Odor

13:11 – Final Thoughts & Conclusions

Jay Nichol

Merch

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Podcast

Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide

Sep 11, 2025

EP 253 – My Honest Take on Ryan Lampers Poaching Charges, Charlie Kirk Shooting + More: Q&A Episode The MH Podcast

Sep 11, 2025

1hr 33 min

This week on the Mindful Hunter Podcast, I dive into the controversy surrounding hunting influencer Ryan Lampers and the recent wildlife violation charges filed against him.

We’ll break down:

- The details of the allegations (mule deer, mountain lion, wolf)

- What this means for hunters, conservation, and the companies who partnered with him

- Why integrity, responsibility, and transparency matter in the hunting community

⚠️ Important: These are only allegations — Ryan has not been convicted of anything. This discussion is about principles, ethics, and the bigger picture of hunting culture.

I also cover your Q&A questions on gear, elk hunting strategy, backpacks, bullet choice, and more.

👉 If you value authentic conversations about hunting — not hype — hit subscribe and join the community.

0:00 – Intro: Mountain goat hunt recap & upcoming film

1:16 – Why I’m doing a Q&A episode

1:52 – The Ryan Lammers controversy & wildlife charges

3:24 – Breaking down the charges: deer, lion & wolf

7:08 – Does Ryan owe hunters an explanation?

11:02 – What this means for hunting companies & sponsors

15:23 – Incentives, social media & the pressure on hunters

18:36 – Do past accomplishments get tainted?

22:14 – Public figures, accountability & second chances

25:11 – My personal reflections on integrity & content creation

27:15 – Transition into Q&A

28:19 – Glassing tarps: waste or worth it?

34:01 – Best states to build elk points affordably

35:26 – Training & rehab after a torn meniscus

39:08 – Crossbows: ethical or unfair advantage?

41:51 – Best backcountry solar panels

43:42 – My elk hunting & calling strategies

48:09 – Prairie mule deer tactics in featureless country

52:01 – My current weight & fitness goals

52:30 – Storm-worthy backcountry tents

55:09 – Local vs overseas gear manufacturing

59:40 – Why my goat hunt partner bailed (coming in Full Circle film)

1:00:23 – Top gear surprises of 2025 so far

1:01:27 – Backcountry bathroom etiquette

1:03:07 – How the “Shoot to Hunt” course changed my shooting confidence

1:03:58 – Mental toughness vs physical fitness in mountain hunts

1:06:15 – Why I prefer highly fragmenting bullets

1:09:17 – Updated tent vs tent thoughts

Jay Nichol

Forged In The Backcountry

Merch

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Sep 8, 2025

EP 252 - Mindful Reviews Mondays: Stone Glacier M5 Rain Jacket Review: 2 Years of Real-World Testing

Sep 8, 2025

24 min

Rain gear is one of the most crucial and expensive investments for hunters, and finding reliable testing methods can be a challenge. After 2 years of field testing, I’m excited to share my comprehensive review of the Stone Glacier M5 Rain Jacket. This video dives deep into how it performs in real-world conditions, covering water resistance, breathability, durability, and more. I wanted this review to be as accurate and reliable as possible, and I’m pleased to finally share the results.

📌 Chapters:

0:00 – Intro

1:57 – Testing Protocol

3:15 – Bow Giveaway and Mindful Hunter Outfitting

4:29 – Comparative Review

4:49 – Price

5:24 – Material

7:32 – Fit

12:31 – Water Resistance & Breathability Ratings

15:45 – Durability

16:59 – Wind Protection

18:39 – Final Thoughts & Conclusions

Join me as I break down why the Stone Glacier M5 might be the rain gear you need for your next hunt. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts!

Jay Nichol

Forged In The Backcountry

Merch

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https://www.instagram.com/durstongear/

Sep 4, 2025

EP 251 – Ultralight Innovation & The Future of Gear – with Dan Durston

Sep 4, 2025

1hr 20 min

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Durston, founder and lead designer of Durston Gear, to dive deep into the world of ultralight shelters, backcountry design, and the future of small gear companies taking on the giants.

We talk about Dan’s journey from long-distance thru-hikes like the Pacific Crest Trail and Great Divide Trail, to daydreaming gear ideas in the wilderness, to accidentally founding one of the most respected ultralight gear brands today.

This conversation goes beyond shelters—it’s about innovation, passion-driven design, and how democratized manufacturing has opened the door for boutique companies to challenge industry leaders. If you’re into hunting, backpacking, or just geeking out on gear design, this one’s for you.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction & guest background

02:00 – Discovering ultralight backpacking

05:00 – Pacific Crest Trail planning, logistics & lessons learned

08:00 – Gear philosophy: weight efficiency vs. pure ultralight

12:00 – “Death of the Giants” & rise of boutique gear brands

16:00 – Daydreaming gear ideas on long hikes

20:00 – The birth of Durston shelters

25:00 – Fly-first pitch design & real-world use

28:00 – Business journey: partnerships, contracts & independence

32:00 – Why SilPoly changed the shelter game

36:00 – Material battles: SilNylon vs. SilPoly

40:00 – The evolution of Dyneema and shelter construction

45:00 – Ultra fabrics, durability, and real-world tradeoffs

50:00 – Lessons from building a grassroots gear company

55:00 – The future of ultralight innovation

Durston Gear

https://durstongear.com/

Jay Nichol

Forged In The Backcountry

Merch

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https://www.motionheat.ca/

Sep 1, 2025

EP 250 - Mindful Reviews Mondays: The Best Solution to Keep Your Feet Warm Late Season Whitetail Hunting!

Sep 1, 2025

16 min

Late season whitetail hunting in sub-zero temperatures can be tough, especially when it comes to keeping your feet warm. After testing multiple solutions, I found these heated insoles to be the best option for staying comfortable during long hunts. In this video, I break down the benefits of these insoles, how they compare to other market options, and why they’re my go-to for late-season hunting.

0:00 – Intro

1:39 – Other Options Available

4:24 – Testing Protocol

5:57 – Bow Giveaway

6:21 – Benefits Of Heated Insoles

8:33 – How The System Works

11:51 – Pros & Cons

Jay Nichol

Forged In The Backcountry

Merch

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Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide

Aug 28, 2025

EP 249 – Field Judging Mastery: Inside the Horn Score App with Jay Scott & Blake Cannon

Aug 28, 2025

1hr 13 min

This episode is a deep dive into field judging, DIY hunting adventures in Mexico, and the development of the Horn Score app with veteran outfitter Jay Scott and Blake Cannon.

We cover:

What makes Coues deer hunting in Mexico such a unique adventure
The logistics of crossing the border and hunting DIY ranches
Why field judging is such a challenge for both new and experienced hunters
The evolution of the Horn Score app: from proven scoring methods to building a massive public database of measurements, photos, and scores
How the app helps hunters sharpen their skills, make quick shoot/no-shoot decisions, and set realistic expectations in any unit
The future of field judging and the role of AI in hunting technology

Whether you’re a seasoned guide, a DIY backcountry hunter, or just getting started, this conversation is packed with insight on how to hunt smarter, field judge more accurately, and enjoy the process along the way.

👉 Learn more about the Horn Score app: https://hornscore.com/

Jay Scott Outdoors

https://jayscottoutdoorspodcast.com/

Jay Nichol

Forged In The Backcountry

Merch

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Podcast

Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide