In this episode, I sit down with Robby Denning for a raw and honest conversation about storytelling, hunting, and what really matters.

We dive deep into how hunting stories shaped us growing up — from books and campfire tales to modern films and YouTube. Are we telling better stories today? Or have we lost something in the shift toward short-form content and constant cameras?

We talk about:

This isn’t a gear episode. It’s a conversation about identity, legacy, and why storytelling might be the most important thing hunters can do right now — especially as ballot initiatives and public perception continue to shape the future of our lifestyle.

Robbie Denning

https://www.instagram.com/robbydenning/

Jay Nichol

[email protected]

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 King’s Camo the best bang for your buck in hunting apparel right now? In this video, I put the Elevation Quarter Zip Hoodie and Ridge Pants through real backcountry testing—scouting trips, goat hunts, and long training hikes.

🔍 What you’ll learn in this review:

If you’re a value-minded hunter, new to backcountry hunting, or just tired of paying top-dollar for gear, this review will help you decide if King’s Camo deserves a place in your kit.

👉 Drop your questions or budget gear recommendations in the comments below—I’m working on a budget backcountry gear list and your input will help shape it.

Please like, comment, share, and subscribe if you find this review helpful. It really helps push this content further in the algorithm. Thanks for watching and stay tuned for more gear deep dives. 

Chapters:

Forged In The Backcountry

Adam Grenda is known for killing giant moose and flying Super Cubs into wild places — but that’s only half the story.

In this episode, we go deep.

We talk about:

This isn’t just a hunting conversation.

It’s about risk. Ownership. Growth. And building a life most people are too scared to chase.

Adam lives an incredible life — but not an easy one. And that’s the point.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure of comparison, dealt with criticism, or wondered what it really takes to build something meaningful… this one’s for you.

Adam Grenda

https://www.instagram.com/grenda89/

Jay Nichol

[email protected]

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

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 [email protected]

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.

• Why my first impressions were dead wrong

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.

Forged In The Backcountry

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.

Card:

Forged In The Backcountry

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.

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)

Jay Nichol

Forged In The Backcountry

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

[email protected]

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 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:

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

🎯 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:

Forged In The Backcountry

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

https://www.instagram.com/papwinkle/

Jay Nichol

[email protected]

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