DOWNLOAD THE FREE 4-MONTH TRAINING PLAN PDF: 👉 https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools 🎁 THE ULTIMATE GUIDED HUNT GIVEAWAY: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry (including the new camo Forged Base Boxers) earns one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting. You pick the hunt: BC Black Bear or Mule Deer, Alberta Archery Mule Deer, or Rifle Coues Deer in Mexico. 👉 https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ The truth about backcountry hunting fitness. If you are doing CrossFit, high-intensity intervals, or heavy lifting to get ready for the mountains, you might actually be hurting your performance. In this video, I break down the 10 core principles of mountain endurance, heavily inspired by the groundbreaking book Training for the Uphill Athlete.   Learn why cardiovascular capacity isn't the real goal, why you need to build a fat-burning aerobic engine, and why "Zone 2" is the secret to endless energy in the backcountry. Whether you're training for an elk hunt, a sheep hunt, or just want to carry a heavy pack without gassing out, this is the exact system I use to spend 140 days a year in the field at 47 years old. What we cover in this video:   Why "Metcon" workouts create Aerobic Deficiency Syndrome The 80/20 rule for Zone 2 training How to build Muscular Endurance (ME) with heavy rucking Why having too much muscle mass hurts mountain performance A complete 16-week periodized training plan The best cardio machines if you live in a flat or urban area If you want to arrive at the trailhead fresh, durable, and capable without paying for a monthly fitness subscription—this video is for you.   Chapters:   00:00 - Why Most Hunting Fitness Programs Are Flawed 01:01 - The Book That Changed My Endurance Training 02:40 - Principle 1: Endurance is a Metabolic Problem 06:50 - Principle 2: Zone 2 is the Foundation 09:01 - Principle 3: Specificity is King (The SAID Principle) 10:25 - Principle 4: Muscular Endurance is the Secret Weapon 11:44 - Principle 5: Continuity and Gradualness 12:33 - Principle 6: Periodize Your Training Year 13:30 - Principle 7: Separate Aerobic and Anaerobic Work 16:01 - Principle 8: Respect Global Fatigue Cost 17:25 - Principle 9: Avoid the Gym Bro Trap 19:11 - Principle 10: Train to Hunt, Don't Hunt to Train 21:15 - How Fatigue Destroys Your Marksmanship Accuracy 23:15 - Free 4-Month Backcountry Training Plan Breakdown 26:33 - No Mountains? The Best Cardio Machines for Hunters   Reels 5:00 – condense video and frustrated with other programs   Jake Downs https://www.instagram.com/jake_d_downs/   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   No purchase required.  Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.  There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required.  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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes.  No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026

This week Jay sits down with Jaden from West Elk Precision to nerd out on all things custom rifles, precision shooting, and long-range hunting. Jaden shares his journey from a Colorado kid hunting with a factory Remington 700 to attending gunsmithing school and launching his own custom rifle shop focused on the rapidly growing pre-fit barrel market.They dive deep into the philosophy of building the perfect hybrid hunting/competition rifle, the rise of the 25 Creedmoor, and why negative comb stocks are going to change the way hunters shoot. Jay also shares his controversial take on why you should never buy a mid-tier spotting scope, and they discuss how shooting NRL Hunter matches with heavy gear can actually make you more lethal in the backcountry.Whether you're looking to upgrade your factory Tikka with a pre-fit barrel, trying to figure out barrel break-in procedures, or just want to know how to build a better shooting position using a tripod as a rear rest, this episode is packed with actionable advice for the precision-minded hunter.🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: Only three weeks left! Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry earns you one entry to win a fully custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting — BC Black Bear or Mule Deer, Alberta Archery Mule Deer, or Rifle Coues Deer in Mexico.🏕️ OUTFITTING: Mindful Hunter Outfitting South is now live — fully guided rifle Coues deer hunts on private ranches in Old Mexico during the rut. Just get yourself to Tucson and we handle everything else. Email [email protected] for details. 🏕️ 2026 BC OPENINGS: Jay just opened four new spots — Archery Mule Deer, Early Season Alpine Mule Deer, Alpine Black Bear, and a late September Float Bear hunt. Email [email protected] to book. Timed Chapters0:00:00 Intro & The Final Week of the Giveaway0:01:11 Meet Jaden: Colorado Mule Deer & Gunsmithing School0:15:21 What Does "Blueprinting an Action" Actually Mean?0:23:28 Launching West Elk Precision & The Pre-Fit Barrel Market0:30:29 The New "Hybrid" Guided Hunter0:33:29 Why You Should Never Buy a Mid-Tier Spotting Scope0:40:15 Top Scope Recommendations for 600-Yard Hunting0:47:44 Rifle Barrels: Contours, Carbon Fiber vs. Steel, and Weight0:55:07 Why You Need to Spot Your Own Shots (Recoil Management)0:58:11 The Future of Rifle Stocks: Negative Comb Explained1:00:52 Building a Hybrid Rifle for NRL Hunter Matches1:11:00 Using a Tripod as a Rear Rest (Modified Prone)1:12:42 Why You Should Carry a 1-Pound Shooting Bag on a Hunt1:16:08 How to Build a Shooting Position Correctly1:20:06 Caliber Talk: Is the 25 Creedmoor the Sweet Spot?1:31:20 Barrel Break-In & Cleaning Philosophy1:34:25 Outro & Where to Find West Elk PrecisionJay Nichol Jaden Millerhttps://www.instagram.com/west_elk_precision/https://westelkprecision.com/ [email protected]://www.mindful-reviews.com/https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountryhttps://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ Merchhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Newsletterhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IGhttps://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcasthttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast Free Backcountry Nutrition GuideFree Training Guide For Mountain Huntinghttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt SweepstakesNo purchase required.  Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.  There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required.  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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes.  No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-c

There is only two weeks left in The Ultimate Custom Guided Hunt giveaway from Forged In The Backcountry. Head on over to https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ and for every $5 you spend, you will get one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting In this final instalment of the Outdoor Vitals Mountain Pursuit series, I review the Hybrid Pursuit Fleece, a dynamic insulation piece designed for all-season use. How does it stack up against the Sitka Ambient—my long-time favourite? I dig deep into warmth, layering performance, sizing tips, and long-term durability. If you’re serious about technical layering for backcountry hunts, you won’t want to miss this. 🧠 Honest. Unbiased. Field-tested.🧢 Visit: https://mindful-reviews.com for in-depth gear analysis & support the channel. ⏱️ Chapters00:00 - Intro & Review Series Recap  00:20 - Hybrid Pursuit vs Sitka Ambient  00:45 - Specs & Materials Breakdown  01:49 - Price & Athletic Fit Overview  02:04 - Body-Mapped Fabric Design  03:21 - Real-World Performance  04:13 - Moisture Management & Layering  05:04 - Warmth Comparison to Sitka Ambient  06:00 - Durability & Early Signs of Pilling  06:45 - Fit Tips & Sizing Walkthrough  09:01 - Why Fit Impacts Performance  10:15 - Final Thoughts & Long-Term Use  11:06 - Support & Outro   Jay [email protected]://www.mindful-reviews.com/https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountryhttps://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ Merchhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Newsletterhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IGhttps://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcasthttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast Free Backcountry Nutrition Guidehttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

After seven straight weeks of guiding spring black bears in British Columbia, Jay sits down with Mindful Hunter Outfitting guide Dimitri to wrap up the season. It was a grind of a year — 18 clients, endless rain, and some truly brutal pack-outs — but the final tally tells the story: 11 bears killed, 3 wounded, and 6 missed. In this episode, Jay and Dimitri break down the week-by-week action, from tracking down a 20-year-old toothless boar to packing out triple-digit loads in the dark. But the most important takeaway from the season is a harsh reality check on hunter marksmanship. They discuss why a 50% hit rate is probably the industry average, the importance of practicing off-hand and uncomfortable shots, and the controversial fact that every single miss in camp this year came from a hunter using a chassis rifle. The bottom line? Stop worrying about upgrading your gear and start putting in the reps. 🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: Only three weeks left! Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry earns you one entry to win a fully custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting — BC Black Bear or Mule Deer, Alberta Archery Mule Deer, or Rifle Coues Deer in Mexico. 🏕️ OUTFITTING: Mindful Hunter Outfitting South is now live — fully guided rifle Coues deer hunts on private ranches in Old Mexico during the rut. Just get yourself to Tucson and we handle everything else. Email [email protected] for details. 🏕️ 2026 BC OPENINGS: Jay just opened four new spots — Archery Mule Deer, Early Season Alpine Mule Deer, Alpine Black Bear, and a late September Float Bear hunt. Email [email protected] to book. 0:00:00 Intro, Mexico Coues Hunts & Giveaway Updates0:01:23 Meet Dimitri: From Fish Guiding to Bear Camp0:03:29 Growing Up Hunting the Traditional BC Way0:12:00 The Transition to Hunting Guide & The Client Experience0:44:51 The Reality of Wounded Bears & Missed Shots0:47:12 Spiking Out & Daryl's Monster Cutblock Bear0:52:32 Tom's Bear & The Brutal Midnight Pack-Out1:01:35 Week 5: Freezing Rain, Slide Alder & Peter's Heart Shot1:07:31 Quinlan's Close Calls & The 115-Yard Miss1:12:47 Week 6: Why Unprepared Hunters Miss Easy Shots1:15:49 Week 7: Bo's 20-Year-Old Toothless Bear1:20:24 Scott's First Bear & Why Trophy Size Doesn't Matter1:23:37 The Final Stats: 11 Dead, 9 Missed or Wounded1:25:14 Why Every Single Miss Came From a Chassis Rifle1:28:13 The Mental Grind of Guiding 7 Weeks Straight1:32:24 Stop Buying New Gear & Learn to Shoot1:34:08 Outro & Final Hunt OpeningsJay [email protected]://www.mindful-reviews.com/https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountryhttps://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ Merchhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Newsletterhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IGhttps://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcasthttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast Free Backcountry Nutrition GuideFree Training Guide For Mountain Huntinghttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt SweepstakesNo purchase required.  Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.  There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required.  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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes.  No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026

The Outdoor Vitals Vantage Puffy Jacket steps into the ring against the well-established Stone Glacier Grumman. In this in-depth review, I compare warmth, weight, durability, and overall field performance after over 40 days of real-world use across a full hunting season. Whether you’re building a lightweight system or looking for a late-season insulation upgrade, this video breaks down which jacket makes sense — and when. 🧠 Mindful Reviews are always unsponsored and field-tested. For more, visit mindful-reviews.com  🎁 THE ULTIMATE GUIDED HUNT GIVEAWAY: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry (including the new camo Forged Base Boxers) earns one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting. You pick the hunt: BC Black Bear or Mule Deer, Alberta Archery Mule Deer, or Rifle Coues Deer in Mexico. 👉 https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ 📌 Chapters00:00 - Intro: The Next Piece in the Mountain Pursuit Series00:37 - Specs & Build Quality02:11 - Why the Grumman is the Benchmark02:36 - Weight, Warmth & Packability Comparison03:29 - Wind Resistance and Warmth Difference03:41 - Price Comparison04:00 - Sizing and Fit06:47 - Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?08:19 - Who Should Consider the Vantage 🦉 Hunt with Me:Interested in booking a 2026 hunt?📧 Email me at: [email protected] Jay [email protected]://www.mindful-reviews.com/https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountryhttps://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ Merchhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Newsletterhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IGhttps://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcasthttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast Free Backcountry Nutrition Guidehttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools No purchase required.  Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.  There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required.  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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes.  No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026

Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this episode, Jay sits down with Zach from Montana Wild — a guy who has been a fixture in hunting media for over a decade and played a massive role in the early creative direction of Stone Glacier.In the first half, Jay and Zach dive deep into the history of hunting media, from the early days of YouTube to the "golden era" of founder-led, design-centric companies like Stone Glacier, First Lite, and Sitka. They have a candid conversation about what happens when Private Equity buys out these beloved brands, why the culture always changes, and why companies like Exo Mountain Gear are some of the last ones doing it right.In the second half, the conversation shifts to rifles, marksmanship, and the current state of long-range hunting. They pull no punches on the marketing BS behind "1,000-yard out-of-the-box" rifles, why ultralight rifles are a terrible choice for most hunters, and why the biggest reason hunters miss isn't their gear — it's their ego. Jay also shares the brutal statistics from his recent bear guiding season: a 50% effective lethality rate on shot opportunities, and what he's doing to fix it next year. 🎁 GIVEAWAY — 3 WEEKS LEFT: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry earns one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting — BC Black Bear or Mule Deer, Alberta Archery Mule Deer, or Rifle Coues Deer in Mexico. 🇲🇽 MINDFUL HUNTER OUTFITTING SOUTH: Now booking fully guided Coues Deer hunts on private ranches in Old Mexico. Fly into Tucson and we handle everything else. Email [email protected]. 🏕️ 2026 BC OPENINGS: Jay just opened four new spots — Archery Mule Deer, Early Season Alpine Mule Deer, Alpine Black Bear, and a late September Float Bear hunt. Email [email protected] to book. 0:00:00 Intro, Mexico Coues Hunts & Giveaway Updates0:01:20 Zach's Background: From Ski Bum to Montana Wild0:06:47 The Early Days of YouTube Hunting Media0:10:24 Working at Stone Glacier & The Sitka Gear Era0:11:50 Did We Miss the Heyday of Founder-Led Hunting Brands?0:16:43 How Private Equity Changes Hunting Companies0:27:01 Leaving Corporate Hunting & Returning to Montana Wild0:30:30 Archery vs. Rifle: Why Zach Prefers Shooting Guns0:37:39 Rifle Philosophy: Why You Shouldn't Shoot Past 400 Yards0:38:05 The Problem with Ultralight Hunting Rifles0:40:51 The Brutal Truth: 50% of Hunters Miss or Wound Animals0:44:46 Why Ego is the Biggest Reason Hunters Miss0:51:46 The Marketing Lie of the "1,000-Yard Out-of-the-Box" Rifle0:55:17 How to Get Better at Shooting: NRL Hunter Matches Explained1:01:03 Caliber Selection: Why the 6.5 PRC is the Sweet Spot1:03:10 Bullet Selection: Match Bullets vs. Hunting Bullets1:11:10 Wind Calls & Long-Range Hit Rates: What Actually Matters1:16:05 The Ethics of Long-Range Hunting & Accepting Risk1:21:43 Outro & Final Thoughts Zack Boughtonhttps://www.instagram.com/zackboughton/https://www.instagram.com/montanawild/ Jay [email protected]://www.mindful-reviews.com/https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountryhttps://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ Merchhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Newsletterhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IGhttps://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcasthttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast Free Backcountry Nutrition GuideFree Training Guide For Mountain Huntinghttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt SweepstakesNo purchase required.  Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.  There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required.  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. Odds of winning depend

Are the Outdoor Vitals Altura Pants the ultimate lightweight hunting pants — or do they fall short in critical areas? After 40+ days of hunting and guiding in a range of conditions, I put these pants through a brutal real-world test. In this review, I cover fit, durability, field performance, and how they stack up against industry staples like the Sitka Ascent and Stone Glacier De Havilland Lite. This is part 1 of a 3-part series covering the new Outdoor Vitals Mountain Pursuit apparel line. 👀 What you’ll get in this video:• Deep dive into the Altura pant’s features and flaws• Honest thoughts on durability and wear issues (like pilling)• Why knee pads and real hip vents matter• Side-by-side fit examples (36 vs 38)• Final grade and who these are really for 📦 Product Info:Outdoor Vitals Altura Pants✔ 175g/m² double-weave 4-way stretch nylon✔ 14 oz weight (36x32)✔ Built-in belt, mesh hip vents, cargo + rear pockets✔ MSRP: $135 USD 🦉 Hunt with Me:Interested in booking a 2026 hunt?📧 Email me at: [email protected]💥 December Booking Discount Ends Jan 2! ⏱️ Chapters00:00 - Intro: OV x Exo Collab and Expectations01:09 - 40 Days of Field Testing01:41 - Quick Sale Announcement (Guiding Discount)02:45 - Materials & Specs Breakdown03:32 - Pocket Design Thoughts04:06 - Why Knee Pads Matter04:35 - Hip Vents: A Missed Opportunity05:25 - Fit, Sizing & Stretch (36 vs 38 Comparison)09:43 - Sizing Limitations for Tall Guys09:59 - Durability & Pilling Discussion11:25 - Long-Term Durability Caveats11:35 - Sitka Ascent vs Altura vs SG De Havilland Lite13:26 - SIG Oscar Giveaway Info14:34 - Final Verdict & Grade (B+ to A−)16:07 - What’s Next in the Review Series  Jay [email protected]://www.mindful-reviews.com/https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountryhttps://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ Merchhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Newsletterhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IGhttps://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcasthttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast Free Backcountry Nutrition Guidehttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this episode, Jay is in the basement with returning guest Bo Campbell, fresh off his first-ever bear hunt in British Columbia with Mindful Hunter Outfitting. They debrief the trip, talk through the realities of a 49-day guiding season, and make a big announcement: the launch of Mindful Hunter Outfitting South — guided Coues deer hunts in Mexico. Jay gets radically honest about the 2026 spring bear season. While the season was a massive success overall (11 bears across 18 clients), he breaks down the frustrating reality of a 55% lethality rate on shot opportunities — and explains why he's implementing mandatory pre-hunt shooting drills and what he expects from clients moving forward. They also get into the fascinating "heart shot phenomenon" where perfectly shot bears take off on a mindless, adrenaline-fueled dead sprint. In the second half, Jay and Bo officially announce their new guided Mexico Coues deer hunts. Jay explains exactly why the DIY Mexico hunting model is flawed, why it often costs just as much as a guided hunt for a subpar experience, and how they've secured three premier ranches for the 2027 season. If you want to hunt the rut in January/February with incredible food, dialed logistics, and giant deer — this is the hunt for you. 🎁 GIVEAWAY: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry earns one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting (valued at $10,000). 🏕️ 2026 BC OPENINGS: Jay just opened four new spots — Archery Mule Deer, Early Season Alpine Mule Deer, Alpine Black Bear, and a late September Float Bear hunt. Email [email protected] to book. 0:00:00 Intro & Catching Up with Bo Campbell 0:02:28 Bo's First BC Bear Hunt: Expectations vs. Reality 0:05:55 The 49-Day Bear Season Wrap-Up 0:08:44 Why Jay is Implementing Mandatory Pre-Hunt Shooting Drills 0:13:36 Bo's Bear Hunt Story: Spotting from Camp 0:16:43 Sizing Up Bears & The 20-Year-Old Toothless Sow 0:19:52 The Brutal Pack Out & Why Bear Hunting is So Physical 0:26:00 Jay's Client Hunt: The Bear Spotted from the Road 0:28:47 The Heart Shot Phenomenon: Why Dead Bears Sprint 0:32:48 The Brutal Truth About Client Marksmanship & Missed Shots 0:38:23 How to Build a Better Shooting Position Under Pressure 0:44:46 Why You Need to Stay in the Scope After the Shot 0:48:46 The Big Announcement: Mindful Hunter Outfitting South (Mexico) 0:51:09 Why DIY Mexico Hunts Are Overrated & Overpriced 0:54:55 The Details: What a Guided Mexico Coues Hunt Looks Like 0:56:46 The Reality of Glassing for Coues Deer (The Hardest Animal in North America) 1:02:38 Giveaway Details & 2026 BC Hunt Openings 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 Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools   Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes No purchase required.  Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.  There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required.  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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes.  No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026

This is my updated base gear list heading into the 2026 hunting season. In this video, I go through everything I’m running—packs, shelters, optics, insulation, boots, rifles, water filtration, and more. This isn’t sponsored hype—just real-world gear that works. 🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: For every $5 you spend at Forged in the Backcountry you'll receive one entry to win a custom guided hunt from Mindful Hunter Outfitting. I will personally work with the winner to build the hunt of their dreams — Black Bear or Mule Deer in British Columbia, Archery Mule Deer in Alberta, or Coues Deer in the rut in Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you. 📥 Download my full 2026 gear spreadsheet at: https://www.mindfulreviews.com  🎯 Everything here has been tested across multiple seasons. I also cover what’s getting replaced, what gear disappointed, and what I’m still evaluating. If you want the raw truth about what’s worth your money, this video is for you. 👇 CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro & Spotting Scope Giveaway00:13 - Backpacks (XO K4, Initial Ascent, Kifaru)00:58 - Rain Covers & Pack Rain Strategy01:30 - Shelter Options (X-Dome, TP, Zpacks)02:23 - Sleeping Pads (Big Agnes Zoom vs Therm-a-Rest Xlite NXT)03:45 - Sleeping Bags & Quilts (EE Enigma, Outdoor Vitals)05:02 - Ground Sheets, Pillow, Base Layers06:20 - Hunting Pants Overview (Stone Glacier, Outdoor Vitals)08:13 - Boots (Hanwag, Meindl, Scarpa)09:21 - Hat, Socks (new project announcement)10:01 - Trekking Poles, Gaiters, Watch (Bridger Rec)11:01 - Knife (Benchmade Mini TaggedOut)11:16 - Active & Static Insulation (Outdoor Vitals, Stone Glacier)12:31 - Rain Gear (Sitka Dew Point)12:55 - Puffy Pants, Gloves, Beanie14:35 - Crocs14:44 - Spotting Scopes (Kowa TSN-88A, Maven S.1.2)15:36 - Binoculars & Harness (SIG Zulu, Maven B.5, Stone Glacier Sentinel)17:13 - Rangefinders (SIG Kilo, Gen 2 pending)17:24 - Tripods & Pan Heads (Asiack, Wiser Nighthawk)18:11 - Digiscoping (Mountain Mag vs All-In)18:40 - Rifle System (Tikka 6.5 PRC + Upcoming Core Ax Rifle)20:04 - Sling, Shooting Bags, Tracer Bipod21:00 - Water Purification Systems (BeFree, SteriPen, Pump Filters)22:11 - One-Offs: Glassing Pads, Knives, Game Bags, Messenger, Batteries24:52 - Cooking Stove Update (Rough Ridge)27:04 - Headlamps (Fenix, Petzl, Peaks)27:51 - Final Thoughts + How to Win the SIG Oscar6 🧠 Get More Reviews & Deep Dives:Subscribe to the channel and explore gear, mindset, and performance from a critical, mindful perspective. Jay [email protected]://www.mindful-reviews.com/https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountryhttps://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ Merchhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Newsletterhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IGhttps://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcasthttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast Free Backcountry Nutrition Guidehttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools No purchase required.  Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.  There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required.  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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes.  No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026

🎯 This is your no-BS guide to supplements that actually improve performance, recovery, and focus for serious hunters. Whether you’re training hard in the offseason or heading deep into the backcountry, these are the only supplements I personally use — with product examples and clinical dosing recommendations. 👊 Focused on real-world benefits like strength, hydration, joint support, and endurance — no fluff, no marketing hype. 📦 Supplements Covered:• Whey Protein Isolate• Creatine Monohydrate• Electrolytes• Fish Oil (Omega-3s)• EAAs (Essential Amino Acids)• Pre-Workout (Optional) 🎯 All backed by research and years of personal experience in training, backpack hunting, and bodybuilding.   🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: For every $5 you spend at Forged in the Backcountry you'll receive one entry to win a custom guided hunt from Mindful Hunter Outfitting. I will personally work with the winner to build the hunt of their dreams — Black Bear or Mule Deer in British Columbia, Archery Mule Deer in Alberta, or Coues Deer in the rut in Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you. 👉 Shop the Forged Base Series Socks: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/collections/forged-base-series  🕒 Chapters (Timestamps)0:00 - Intro & why I don’t do BS supplement reviews1:06 - The criteria for this list (what actually works)2:04 - Why protein is #1 for hunters5:38 - Why creatine is tied for #19:19 - Electrolytes: the most underrated supplement12:44 - Fish oil: joint support + inflammation15:09 - EAAs vs BCAAs — why BCAAs are trash20:00 - Optional: Pre-workouts (and what to look for)22:51 - Final thoughts + giveaway info 🎁 GEAR GIVEAWAY + OUTFITTING DISCOUNT👉 Join https://www.mindful-reviews.com and you will be automatically entered to win a Sig Sauer Oscar6 Spotting Scope. For the month of December all Mindful Hunter Outfitting bear and deer hunts are discounted by $500 and an additional $250 if two people book together. Email [email protected] for more info. 🧠 Get More Reviews & Deep Dives:Subscribe to the channel and explore gear, mindset, and performance from a critical, mindful perspective. #SupplementsForHunters #HuntingFitness #BackcountryHunting #ProteinForHunters #Creatine #Electrolytes #FishOil #EAAvsBCAA #MindfulHunter  Jay [email protected]://www.mindful-reviews.com/https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountryhttps://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ Merchhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Newsletterhttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IGhttps://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcasthttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast Free Backcountry Nutrition Guidehttps://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools   Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt SweepstakesNo purchase required.  Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.  There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required.  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. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes.  No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026