PODCAST

The Mindful Hunter Podcast

Jay Nichol

A deep dive into a mindful perspective on the discipline of hunting.

sports wilderness

All Episodes

21:10

EP 267 - Marketing Hype or Significant Upgrade?!? Sig...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/11/04

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 –

26:40

EP 266 - The Truth About the MSR Access 1 for The...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/10/31

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

31:09

EP 265 - Is This the Best Value Spotting Scope on the...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/10/28

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 –

16:52

EP 264 - Meindl Air Revolution Alpine Pro 200 Review...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/10/24

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

14:51

EP 263 - NEW Budget Spotting Scope & Binoculars from...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/10/21

🔎 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

38:23

EP 262 - Best Phone Scope Adapter 2025

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/10/17

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

26:25

EP 261 - Atlas MTN Range vs. Montane Snowshoes: Which...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/10/14

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

61:15

EP 260 – The Full Circle Story: My Hunting Partner...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/10/10

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

36:21

EP 259 - Bipod Review: Gunwerks vs. Spartan vs. MTNGear

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/10/07

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

44:29

EP 258 – Sig Sauer Zulu6 HDX PRO – Complete Guide to...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/10/03

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

36:15

EP 257 – Leather Hiking Boot Care: Clean, Waterproof,...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/09/30

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 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

43:08

EP 256 – Best 15x Binoculars for Hunting: Sig Zulu 10...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/09/26

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

21:10

EP 255 – Can You Survive Freezing Temps in a 50°...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/09/23

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

17:51

EP 254 - Kuiu Tiburon Hybrid Hoodie Review: Did Kuiu...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/09/19

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

93:58

EP 253 – My Honest Take on Ryan Lampers Poaching...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/09/12

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

24:23

EP 252 - Mindful Reviews Mondays: Stone Glacier M5...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/09/09

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.📌

80:21

EP 251 – Ultralight Innovation & The Future of Gear –...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/09/05

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

16:41

EP 250 - Mindful Reviews Mondays: The Best Solution...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/09/02

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 –

73:55

EP 249 – Field Judging Mastery: Inside the Horn Score...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/08/29

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

45:06

EP 248 - Mindful Reviews Mondays: Compact Spotting...

The Mindful Hunter Podcast ·

2025/08/26

Looking for the best compact spotting scope? This comprehensive comparison of the Swarovski, Kowa, and Vortex compact spotters will help you make the smartest purchase decision. Over the last month, I’ve rigorously tested all three models to assess their performance, build quality, and value for money. From price and brand reputation to weight, glass quality, and weather resistance, I provide detailed, unbiased insights and my personal opinion to help you choose the right scope for your hunting

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The Mindful Hunter Podcast

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