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.

📌 Chapters:

0:00 – Intro

1:57 – Testing Protocol

3:15 – Bow Giveaway and Mindful Hunter Outfitting

4:29 – Comparative Review

4:49 – Price

5:24 – Material

7:32 – Fit

12:31 – Water Resistance & Breathability Ratings

15:45 – Durability

16:59 – Wind Protection

18:39 – Final Thoughts & Conclusions

Join me as I break down why the Stone Glacier M5 might be the rain gear you need for your next hunt. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts!

Jay Nichol

jay@mindfulhunter.com

https://www.mindful-reviews.com/

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Forged In The Backcountry

https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/

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https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop

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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 about innovation, passion-driven design, and how democratized manufacturing has opened the door for boutique companies to challenge industry leaders. If you’re into hunting, backpacking, or just geeking out on gear design, this one’s for you.

00:00 – Introduction & guest background

02:00 – Discovering ultralight backpacking

05:00 – Pacific Crest Trail planning, logistics & lessons learned

08:00 – Gear philosophy: weight efficiency vs. pure ultralight

12:00 – “Death of the Giants” & rise of boutique gear brands

16:00 – Daydreaming gear ideas on long hikes

20:00 – The birth of Durston shelters

25:00 – Fly-first pitch design & real-world use

28:00 – Business journey: partnerships, contracts & independence

32:00 – Why SilPoly changed the shelter game

36:00 – Material battles: SilNylon vs. SilPoly

40:00 – The evolution of Dyneema and shelter construction

45:00 – Ultra fabrics, durability, and real-world tradeoffs

50:00 – Lessons from building a grassroots gear company

55:00 – The future of ultralight innovation

Durston Gear

https://www.instagram.com/durstongear/

https://durstongear.com/

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

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 – Benefits Of Heated Insoles

8:33 – How The System Works

11:51 – Pros & Cons

https://www.motionheat.ca/

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