The Mindful Hunter Podcast

Is the Fenix HM62-T the new king of backcountry headlamps? In this in-depth review, I compare two of the most popular headlamps for hunters and mountain athletes — the Fenix HM62-T and the PEAX Backcountry Duo — across 10 real-world categories: brightness, battery life, red light performance, fit, band quality, construction, waterproofing, weight, price, and brand transparency. I’ve used the PEAX Duo for years, but after extensive testing in true backcountry conditions, I put it head-to-head with the Fenix HM62-T to find out which one truly deserves a spot in your pack. 🔍 Categories Compared:• Brightness & Lumens• Red Light Levels• Battery Life (18650 runtimes)• Fit & Headband Design (Boa vs standard)• Weather Resistance (IPX6 vs IP68)• Build Quality & Durability• Weight (Fully loaded comparison)• Price Point• Brand Transparency• USB-C Compatibility & Real-World Charging 00:00 - Intro & What to Expect  01:04 - Brightness: 1200 vs 1000 Lumens  02:36 - Red Light Functionality  03:08 - Light Modes & Level Options  03:41 - Battery Life & Charging Frequency  05:04 - Fit & Headband Design  05:56 - Construction & Build Quality  07:17 - Weight Comparison  08:19 - Waterproofing & IP Ratings  10:11 - USB-C & Charging Port Design  10:47 - Price Comparison  11:06 - Brand Transparency & Tech Specs  17:52 - Final Verdict & Scorecard Recap  18:41 - Giveaway Details & Closing   🎁 GIVEAWAY: Win a SIG image-stabilized spotting scope!To enter, visit https://mindfulreviews.com and become a member. Every new sign-up in December is automatically entered! 🧭 Subscribe for brutally honest, no-BS gear reviews built for hunters and backcountry adventurers. #FenixHM62T #PEAXHeadlamp #BackcountryGearReview #MindfulHunter #HuntingHeadlamp #OutdoorGearTest #FenixReview #PEAXBackcountryDuo  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 sits down with Robbie and Lindsay Clunes, the husband-and-wife team behind the new platform Let's Go Guided. We dive deep into their personal hunting journeys, from Lindsay’s transition into hunting for self-sustaining meat to their ambitious plans for chasing big game across North America.The conversation quickly turns to some of the most debated topics in the hunting world. Are combo hunts actually worth your time and money, or are they just a way for outfitters to cash in? Jay also challenges the gear-obsessed hunting culture, explaining why spending $1,500 on new binoculars won't make you a better hunter—and what you should be doing instead. We also tackle the stigma surrounding guided hunts, the difference between "canned" hunting and true backcountry experiences, and why the DIY public land movement might be making hunters miss out on the value of fellowship in hunting camps.Robbie and Lindsay also share the inspiration behind Let's Go Guided, a platform designed to help hunters connect with outfitters on a personal level before booking their dream hunts. Whether you're a seasoned DIY hunter or looking to book your first guided experience, this episode is packed with unfiltered opinions and actionable advice.Timed Chapters00:00:00 - Intro & Catching Up: Goat Hunting Prep & Spreadsheets00:03:23 - Lindsay's Hunting Journey: From Non-Hunter to Bear & Sheep Goals00:09:41 - The 6.5 Creedmoor Debate: Why It's Still the Best Starter Cartridge00:15:47 - The Emotional Reality of Your First Kill: Expectations vs. Reality00:19:02 - Robbie's Hunting Background: Reconnecting with the Backcountry00:23:34 - The Birth of "Let's Go Guided": Fixing the Outfitter Booking Problem00:26:09 - The Truth About Guided Hunts: Do Outfitters Actually Teach You Anything?00:31:15 - Why Outfitters Need to Stop Relying on Trade Shows & Start Using Social Media00:35:59 - The Stigma of Guided Hunts vs. The DIY Public Land Movement00:40:07 - Missing Out on Fellowship: The Hidden Value of Guided Hunting Camps00:46:17 - Robbie & Lindsay's 2026 Hunting Calendar: Spring Bear, Hogs, and Stones00:51:24 - Why You Should Stop Buying Gear and Spend That Money on Scouting00:53:28 - The Curse of BC Hunting: Why You Shouldn't Try to Hunt Everything at Once00:54:56 - Why Combo Hunts Are a Terrible Idea (And Maybe a Cash Grab)00:56:15 - Outro & Where to Find Let's Go Guided Let’s Go Guidedhttps://www.instagram.com/letsgoguided_/https://letsgoguided.com/ 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

If you’ve ever frozen your ass off while glassing, hiking, or sitting in a stand — this video is for you. I break down 10 real-world tactics that will help you stay warm while hunting in brutal cold, without relying on overpriced gear. These strategies are based on years of field experience and are designed to keep you warm using what you already have. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro: Why More Gear Isn’t the Answer00:46 – 1. Layer in the Proper Order02:13 – 2. Manage Moisture from Sweat03:32 – 3. Don’t Stop for Too Long05:01 – 4. Fuel the Furnace06:09 – 5. Block Wind Ruthlessly07:16 – 6. Insulate from the Ground (and Air)08:45 – 7. Use Body Heat to Dry Clothes09:53 – 8. Use Chemical Warmers the Right Way10:49 – 9. Hot Nalgene12:09 – 10. Isometric Muscle Contractions13:03 – BONUS: Carry a Firestarter You Trust14:18 – Final Thoughts & How to Support the Channel Gear doesn’t always solve the problem — knowledge does.Want to support the channel?Join the Mindful Hunter community: https://www.mindfulreviews.com  Email Jay for Spring Bear Hunts:📧 [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

Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this solo Q&A episode, I dive into a massive backlog of listener questions, covering everything from controversial gear opinions to advanced backcountry tactics. We tackle some heated topics right out of the gate: Do you actually learn anything on a guided hunt, or are outfitters just there to punch your tag? Jay also shares his unfiltered, controversial thoughts on the new 7mm Backcountry cartridge and explains why ecosystem support is the only thing that keeps a new cartridge alive. We also get into the nitty-gritty of meat care, including Jay's counter-intuitive method for packing out and transporting meat for days without using a single cube of ice. Other topics include navigating treacherous alpine terrain, whether you can truly trust other hunters in the field, and how to stay calm and make good decisions when the pressure is on. Plus, get the latest updates on Mindful Munitions, the upcoming technical apparel launch, and some exclusive outfitting opportunities. Whether you're looking for gear reviews, scouting strategies, or just some honest, unfiltered hunting talk, this Q&A is packed with actionable advice to help you level up this season. Chapters 00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping (Apparel Blowout, Outfitting Spots, Mindful Munitions) 00:03:23 - What’s the typical process for setting up a meat pack-out service? 00:06:03 - Have you done any testing with the SIG rangefinders fog mode? Does it actually help? 00:10:12 - How much benefit is there in hiring a guide when first starting out hunting? 00:15:57 - What kind of parameters did you have when deciding on pre-season scouting while still working a 9 to 5? 00:18:58 - When applying across the West, do you look at harvest success as a valuable metric? 00:23:00 - What winter shelter are you running this year? 00:24:03 - Take us through the process of purchasing a custom rifle build and bringing it back to BC. 00:25:17 - Any initial thoughts on the Outdoor Vitals quilt vs. Katabatic? 00:29:48 - Sitka down puffy review request. 00:30:15 - Navigable routes in the alpine: What are you looking for and/or avoiding? 00:41:00 - How do you stay present in high-pressure moments instead of rushing decisions? 00:46:12 - 7mm Backcountry: Yay or nay? Will we see a steel case revolution? 00:50:13 - TRT: How or where to start? 00:50:34 - Tips for black bear and mule deer hunting in a 12-ish year old burn. 00:54:29 - Any plans to do a late-season whitetail gear comparison of Sitka vs. Kuiu? 00:55:50 - Cooler size/selection and what does your meat care look like for multiple days? 00:59:14 - Funny that Kuiu got bought out by the same people that are elitist and against public land. 00:59:32 - Bone-in versus deboning after a kill (specifically mule deer and elk). 01:00:50 - Do you trust other hunters? 01:04:00 - Gear made by a non-hunting company that hunters use that a hunting company should redo? 01:04:30 - What’s your personal hunting goal for 2026 outside of guiding? 01:06:21 - Makes sense to carry 12x50s, SIG Zulu 6s, and a mini spotter for deer? 01:07:58 - Dry area southern Alberta mountains or foothills for spring bear strategy 01:09:21 - Outro & Final Thoughts.   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  

In this video, I walk you through my complete Tikka T3x rifle build — designed not for the range or for show, but for real-world lethality and reliability in the field. Chambered in 6.5 PRC and built with practical upgrades, this rifle hits that sweet spot between cost and performance, coming in just over $3,000 fully scoped.Whether you’re building a backcountry rifle from scratch or upgrading a stock Tikka over time, this platform gives you the best of both worlds: rock-solid performance and full custom potential — without the custom price tag. 📌 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:• Why 6.5 PRC is ideal for long-range hunting• Pros & cons of stock, hybrid, and full custom rifle options• The real value behind the Tikka T3x platform• Honest field-tested gear reviews (Rokstok, Maven RS.1.2, SRS Brake & more)• Upgrade path for building a custom-grade rifle on a reasonable budget 🔧 FULL RIFLE BUILD LIST:• Base Rifle: Tikka T3x Stainless Lite (6.5 PRC, 24” barrel) – $879• Stock: Rokstok (from Shoot2Hunt) – $650• Scope: Maven RS.1.2 2.5–15x44 FFP – $1,400• Rings: Unknown Munitions Tikka Rings – $130• Level: Unknown Munitions Tikka Level – $50• Muzzle Brake: SRS (Salmon River Solutions) 4-Port Stainless Brake – $135• Bolt Handle: Unknown Munitions Round Bolt Knob – $46Total Rifle Build (no scope): $1,890Full Build with Scope: $3,290Final Weight (Scoped): 9.2 lbs 🕒 CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Why I Built This Rifle00:54 – Budget vs. Value: Where $2,000 Hits the Sweet Spot01:56 – Why I Chose 6.5 PRC03:35 – Choosing a Rifle Platform: Stock vs. Hybrid vs. Custom05:38 – Why I Chose the Tikka T3x06:04 – Optimal Rifle Weight for Hunting07:08 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting: Spring Bear Plug07:21 – Tikka T3x Action & Barrel Reliability09:12 – Tikka’s Upgrade Potential + Value09:37 – Weak Points: Stock & Bottom Metal10:05 – Rokstock Deep Dive (Negative Comb, Ergonomics, Flat Base)13:06 – SRS Muzzle Brake Overview14:03 – Bolt Handle Upgrade & Trigger Settings15:14 – Rings + Bubble Level from Unknown Munitions15:40 – Maven RS.1.2 Scope Review17:15 – Why Durability (Drop Test) Matters17:42 – Scope Weight, Reticle, and Magnification Choice20:35 – Full Cost Breakdown21:12 – Final Weight & Wrap-Up21:48 – Budget Path for Building Over Time22:19 – Future-Proofing with Magnum Bolt Face22:42 – Join the Mindful Reviews Community22:52 – Hunt Black Bears in BC with Me23:00 – Final Thoughts + How to Support the Channel 🧠 Want More Practical Gear Reviews & Deep Dives?Join the community at mindful-reviews.com  — no fluff, no hype, just honest reviews and member-only content to help you make smarter gear choices.📩 For Spring Bear Hunts in British Columbia:Email [email protected] to book a guided hunt.👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe to support authentic hunting content on YouTube. It makes a huge difference — and I appreciate every bit of support. #TikkaT3x #RifleBuild #6.5PRC #BackcountryHunting #MavenOptics #Rokstock #MindfulHunter #BudgetRifleBuild #HuntingRifleSetup #PrecisionHunting  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