The Mindful Hunter Podcast

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

Forged In The Backcountry

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.

🎯 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

Jay Nichol

Forged In The Backcountry

Merch

IG

Podcast

🔎 Affordable Spotting Scope & Binoculars – Sirui Review 🔎

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

📌 Timestamps:

🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth gear reviews!

Forged In The Backcountry (clothing) https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/

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:

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

📌 Timestamps:

🔔 Subscribe for More In-Depth Gear Reviews

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

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 [email protected] 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

[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

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

Merch

IG

Podcast

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 - [email protected]

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:

👀 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:

📈 Benefits of Watching:

🔗 Related Videos:

🔔 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

[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

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 - [email protected]

Don’t let your leather hunting boots suffer in the offseason! With hunting season coming to a close, it’s the perfect time to clean, condition, waterproof, and properly store your boots to keep them in top condition for next year.

In this video, I share my step-by-step guide to:

✅ Cleaning leather hiking boots

✅ Applying a waterproofing system

✅ Storing boots to prevent damage

Many of you have asked for tips on maintaining leather boots, and I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a hunter, hiker, or outdoor enthusiast, these tips will extend the life of your boots and keep them performing like new.

🔧 Watch now and make sure your boots are ready to tackle your next adventure!

🔍 Chapters:

0:00 – Intro

1:29 – 3-Step Process

2:39 – Step 1: Cleaning

14:36 – Step 2: Conditioning

20:45 – Step 3: Treating

Prime video 32:14

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

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 - [email protected]

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

[email protected]

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