The Mindful Hunter Podcast

Jay Nichol
  • 4.9 (100)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

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

  1. 1D AGO

    EP 290 - MTN Gear Mountain Stick 4.1 Review | The Reason I No Longer Use Trekking Poles

    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 jay@mindfulhunter.com 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. In this review, I cover: • Why my first impressions were dead wrong • How the Mountain Stick performs in real-world backcountry hunting conditions • Features like the carbide tip, pommel grip, climbing hooks, digging ability, rifle mount, and saw attachment • Pros, cons, and whether it’s worth the $300 price tag 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. ⸻ 📍 Chapters  00:00 – Why I avoided the Mountain Stick 4.1 00:31 – First assumptions vs. reality 01:08 – Build quality & durability (vs. trekking poles) 01:55 – Stability in steep terrain 02:57 – Pommel grip advantage 04:03 – Carbide tip & footing on tough slopes 05:16 – Climbing with hooks & ice axe function 06:14 – Digging, water, and camp uses 08:08 – Rifle mount & shooting stability 09:28 – Saw attachment & versatility 10:42 – Materials, specs & weight 12:39 – Downsides: grip, price, and weight 14:24 – Why it’s more than a trekking pole 14:51 – The “battle axe” factor 15:20 – Final thoughts & viewer questions   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

    18 min

  2. JAN 20

    EP 289 - GoHunt Apparel Review Update | After a Season Guiding Black Bear Hunts in BC

    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. In this video, I give you my honest, unsponsored, and unfiltered feedback on four key pieces: • Atmosphere Jacket • Blackrock Hoodie • Basin Hoodie  • Approach Hoodie No marketing hype — just real-world results from months in the field. Some pieces impressed me, others fell flat. If you’re considering GoHunt gear, this review will help you make a smarter decision before dropping your cash. 👉 Do you agree with my take, or has your experience been different? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.   ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Why This Review Matters 01:01 – Atmosphere Jacket (Sitka Ambient Comparison) 03:23 – Blackrock Hoodie (Best Grid Fleece?) 04:58 – Basin Hoodie (Merino Durability Issues) 06:33 – Approach Hoodie (Favorite Piece) 08:45 – Overall Thoughts on GoHunt Apparel 10:52 – What’s Next from GoHunt (Approach Light, Pants) 11:28 – Community, Giveaways & Closing   If you appreciate unbiased, no-BS gear reviews, support the channel at MindfulReviews.com and join a growing community of backcountry hunter👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe Card: 0:28 – First review   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

    13 min

  3. JAN 16

    EP 288 - Ollin vs. Kapture Digiscoping Adapter Review – Which One Actually Works Best in the Field?

    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. We compare:  • Price  • Build quality & installation  • MagSafe accessory compatibility  • 5x iPhone lens support  • Field usability & reliability If you’re serious about filming your hunts, digiscoping wildlife, or capturing backcountry footage with your iPhone, this review will save you money, frustration, and missed shots. 👉 Which adapter do you trust — Ollin or Kapture? Drop your thoughts in the comments. 👍 Like, Share & Subscribe for more unbiased hunting gear reviews. 00:00 – Intro & Previous Digiscoping Review 00:20 – New Player on the Market: Kapture 01:10 – 6 Weeks of Field Testing in BC 02:05 – How Ollin Works 02:44 – How Kapture Works 03:50 – Price Comparison ($175 vs. $310) 05:00 – Adapter Compatibility & Installation 05:35 – Leaving Adapters On While Glassing 06:20 – Phone Install & MagSafe Compatibility 07:21 – Portrait vs. Landscape Mode 07:45 – The 5x iPhone Lens Advantage 09:50 – User Experience Scores 10:45 – Final Category Rankings (Dead Tie) 11:10 – What Really Matters: Field Experience 13:20 – Why Convenience Beats Features 16:40 – Design Flaws with Kapture’s Adapter 20:00 – Build Quality & Stability Issues 21:00 – Everyday Use with Bino Harness & Pockets 22:10 – Why Ollin Wins for Reliability 23:05 – Wrap Up & Final Verdict 23:50 – Support Mindful Hunter Reviews   Cards: 0:07 – Digiscoiping review   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

    25 min

  4. JAN 13

    EP 287 - 2025 Durston X-Mid Tent Review – Brutally Honest Field Test in Harsh Conditions

    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) 00:38 – Initial Setup and Wind Prep Strategy 01:50 – Tent Design and Geometric Benefits 02:50 – Gear Testing and Scouting Trip Overview 03:45 – Guided Hunt Openings + Booking Info 04:14 – Tent Review Criteria Explained (11 Metrics) 05:22 – Weight, Price & Materials Deep Dive 06:05 – Weather Resistance and Rain Performance 06:54 – Condensation, Build Quality & Packability 07:58 – Setup Techniques and Pro Tips 09:18 – Small Footprint Trade-offs 10:10 – Real-World Interior Space Test 11:49 – Vestibules: One of the Tent’s Biggest Wins 13:20 – In-Field Footage 16:54 – Final Verdict & Use Case Recommendations 18:54 – Support Independent Reviews 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

    20 min

  5. JAN 9

    EP 286 - Thermarest NeoAir Xlite NXT vs. Big Agnes Zoom UL – Best Ultralight Sleeping Pad For Big Guys

    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 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

    17 min

  6. JAN 6

    EP 285 - The Truth About the New Sig Sauer Oscar 6 HDX Pro | Image Stabilizing Spotting Scope Review

    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: 0:00 – Intro 3:09 – Limitations of digiscope footage for competitive reviews 4:45 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting updates 5:38 – 3-way Digiscope Analysis 12:29 – 3-way Category Scoring 15:50 – Conclusion & Recommendations 🧠 What You’ll Learn: • Real-world pros and cons of the Oscar 6 HDX Pro • Where it excels—and where it falls short • How it compares to other high-end stabilized spotters • Who should (and shouldn’t) invest in this optic 🎯 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: Subscribe for weekly gear reviews and hunting content rooted in real-world experience and mindful critique.   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

    23 min

  7. JAN 1

    EP 284 – Piss Ant Cartridges and Devastating Results with Colton Bagnoli aka Pap Van Winkle

    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 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

    1h 48m

  8. 12/30/2025

    EP 283 - Scientifically Dissecting Blk Flg's New Supplement Revenge

    Revenge by BLK FLG claims to deliver energy, focus, mood, and pumps—but does it actually hit the clinical doses that research shows are effective? In this no-BS deep dive, I break down every key ingredient—L-citrulline, caffeine, alpha-GPC, Dynamine™, TeaCrine®, huperzine A, and more—against real peer-reviewed science. 🎁 Gear Giveaway: Win a SIG Oscar6 Image Stabilized Spotting Scope by supporting at https://www.mindfulreviews.com 🦉 Hunt with Me: Interested in booking a 2026 hunt? 📧 Email me at: jay@mindfulhunter.com 💥 December Booking Discount Ends Jan 2!   ✅ Support Independent Content: No sponsors. No hype. Just honest reviews and real-world experience. Subscribe on MindfulReviews.com  starting at $5/month.   0:00 – Intro 0:33 – Clinical Dosing 2:34 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting 4:08 – Review Framework 4:39 – Ingredients Profiles & Dosing 9:48 – Conclusion and 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

    18 min
See All (297)

4.9
out of 5
100 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Jay Nichol
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    297
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Mindful Hunter Podcast

You Might Also Like