I Tried...

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Judging by the majority of the comments, I think a lot of folks missed the point of this video. It was made to be “Tongue & Cheek” & show behind the scenes reality of shooting YT videos outside. This is nothing new from 9 years of doing this, just the first time I’m showing it. I had an insanely busy week & just simply didn’t have enough time to get a “Fully Produced” video done. It wasn’t meant to take that serious. 😅 As far as the question of “perfection” & “what matters” while making YT videos, I focus on these things for ME. It’s my craft & what I love to do. I’m not doing it because “other people will notice”. I know most won’t notice. I’m always honing my craft when it comes to videography & story telling. It’s my passion. ❤️

[@algee8228]

We probably think we don't care about the imperfections because they haven't been there! You've been taking the care to edit very well and we haven't noticed what isn't there!

[@HammerandPipe]

I understood the intent, thankfully I dont have comment section brainrot and paid attention. Appreciate the time it takes to make a quality video to a standard that doesnt look like a 90s home video. Keep up the great work.

[@LostAgainwithJim]

100%. I spend so much time on the tinniest details, things that I know most won't notice, but I want it to look or sound a certain way. It's important to me to create something I'm proud of, not just something to be posted and forgotten. I want to create art, not just content to feed the algorithm. I want to be able look back on the things I create and still be proud of the results.

[@Jaypher]

The thing is, those things are not distracting to us the viewer. We just want to watch your content and be informed. No one is worried about an airplane going by or the sunset blowing out your face.

[@Lilllingstoner]

100% this.

[@jasondalton6111]

Yeah, I agree too. YT'ers often think we viewers are as particular about content as they are. We aren't! Good vid quality is of course better, but too much production comes across differently. We watch you because you're a trail expert, not because you're a YT expert, even if you are. Cheers to you for continuing along the path!

[@dggammaruck]

Agreed also

[@Aidan-Lynch]

this may be true, but from a videographer/filmmaker’s perspective, you’re not gonna feel good about putting out that content under those conditions, even if maybe nobody would notice/care. I personally can really appreciate holding off on posting something to go back and get it perfect, shows that the creator really cares about the consistency of their content

[@aideethree3]

​@@Aidan-Lynchagree.

[@Nick_308]

A lot of people in the comment say they don’t care about the issues you were having but I think that dedication to a certain quality standard is a big part of what sets certain channels, including yours, apart from others. I want to see videos that look the way you intended them to look so this is just a long winded thank you for what ya do

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Exactly. I’m glad someone picked up on this. It’s funny that other folks are taking what I said as a negative thing. 😅

[@MatthewBowe]

Dude. I get the over analysis when this is your job, but none of us care about the airplanes or the trail noises or anything like that. We are here for you and we are here for your reality.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Matters to me. I like putting out good quality stuff. If I didn't care, no of this would be fun for me 😉

[@twestgard2]

@@DarwinOnthetrailBut how is “good quality” defined? Nobody needs a bunch of stress and aggravation, especially when the topic is a hobby that embraces rough edges in life.

[@vincentvega5686]

@@DarwinOnthetrail Perfectionist at heart! We appreciate your dedication to your craft.

[@cheri7828]

I don't think it's his hobby, more like it's his job.

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

He’s a perfectionist. Let the man cook.

[@douglaselkins952]

Thanks for the update, Darwin! Sorry to hear about your troubles. I hope your weekend has the perfect ratio of productivity, adventure, relaxation, and most of all, fun!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks, you too!

[@laribarr5936]

Lovely glimpse behind the scenes and the hard work that you put into the “effortlessly casually perfect” content. They really do take hard work!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Glad you enjoyed it & picked up what I was going for in this video 🤙

[@KenDuncan-h6k]

Nice chatting with you and your team on the Timberline Trail. Really like your videos!

[@CoasttoCoastOutdoorAdventures]

So exciting to hear of all the awesome content coming out in the near future! Can’t wait to see it!

[@ramidos007]

Dear Darwin, I have been following your channel since the beginning, and it has been a pleasure. Beyond your professionalism, what truly fills me with joy is your positivity and optimism as a person. You are always growing, progressing, seeing the good and choosing it. I wish you all the best with your upcoming projects. I will continue to follow you.

[@ShawnB321]

I love the content that you put out and have been following you for a long time. I look forward to the new content and am happy to see that you’ve got some help. Keep up the great work!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Cheers! 🤙

[@ropersix]

I hear what some of the other comments are saying. But clean audio is important, and audio in general is an under-appreciated part of the art form. When it's good, no one notices, but when it's bad, it can even--if bad enough--make a video unwatchable. So I, and I hope others, applaud your attention to good audio.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Exactly. #1 complement I've had on my videos over the years is how clear audio is & how people can understand what I'm actually saying. 😉

[@kevinbing730]

I love the idea of putting names and faces behind the people who make the outdoor industry possible

[@TheWeekendHiker]

I feel yeah, but just remember perfection is the enemy of progress.

[@HikeOregon]

Your videos are so inspiring. I love seeing everything you do and how you’ve evolved over the years.

[@HippieHikerChik]

Hey Darwin. Thanks for the update. I’m super excited about the coming content. ❤

[@slowridescott]

I totally dig everything you create. Looking forward to the new series! More bikepacking content lol! Cheers.

[@memathews]

Happy to hear you enjoyed the Timberline Trail. It's my favorite weekend getaway, just long enough to escape into the wilderness with varied terrain that makes the loop feel like a longer trip than 41 miles 😊 I waved to you at PCT Days, but you were hanging in the back of your tent and I was hustling to reach mine. I'm glad you're cranking up your channel content, your views are always good to hear.

[@DP2369PD]

I think it’s great to challenge and push yourself to be better and improve. Doing something hard is important mentally. At the end of the day though I feel what draws me to watch your videos is you come across with an honest sincerity. Not that others aren’t sincere but your manner resonates with me for whatever reason. I really look forward to this new series. Thanks for all the hard work.

[@drytool]

I love the tips and tricks! It's less about the gear and more about the skill in using it.

[@royconnell2506]

Welcome to the team JJ 👍. Look forward to the gear company series.

[@Lizinthewild]

Some of these people are so rude my gosh!! Kindness is free yall. Love your videos Darwin and I’m so glad I came across you when I started hiking a few months ago. I can’t wait for my first backpacking trip! Thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤

[@eric55406]

No big deal that it takes another week to put together the content as good as you want it to be. I'm interested in the Minnesota video since I'm from Minnesota. I'm planning to hike a section of the Superior Hiking Trail this fall.

[@LostAgainwithJim]

Timberline is still one of my favorite trails. Definitely on my "hike again" list.

[@annfoster5503]

You inspired me to get out and hike. Thanks so much for all that you do.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

❤️

[@SmuggiNOLA]

I get it. This channel is your passion. I’m in my 9th year of teaching. I try to do things preparing for my classes that almost everyone would say is unnecessary. But I spend so much of my life in that classroom and trying to move kids academically. You spend so much of your time immersed in the outdoors and trying to capture it and present to us. And you want it to be so quality! This video just got me to pay a lot more attention to your channel and your work. I hope to be able to present my world one day in such a quality way!

[@susiebennett6953]

Thank you I needed the permission to hike tomorrow! Didn’t want to clean house after a busy work week 😂 ❤

[@J0SH.0]

Been using the ranger bag all summer. Been loving it!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Nice! Glad to hear it's treating you well! ❤️

[@mikecasalotti4158]

My man on the trail, man in the field. I appreciate the care and I’m glad you’re the man sharing. Keep it up

[@ChristyHikes]

Darwin, I have to tell you that You're Awesome! I'm excited for you and the upcoming content!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thank Ya! I’m super excited to share it with you all!

[@Nynke_K]

It's been a joy to see you with your groove back and now it's a joy to see it's working out for you and tje channel too! And JJ looks nice - looking forward to seeing more of him amd all those awesome videos you've announced here 😊

[@sdgacademy]

Nice to meet you, JJ! Enjoyed the update, Darwin. 😊

[@josephbrown-ut9ty]

As always , Good to see you doing things. I had rotater cuff surgery in april and tried to do a short hike with a 10lb back in july. Didint fair to good then, now im back to work and shoulder is at about 75% so ill try that 10lb pack again soon.

[@BBombsBigAdventure]

I can relate... but the difference is you are putting out A+ stuff and I can live with C- material. ;) Keep it up!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

😂 Thanks

[@wanttogo1958]

I think that a lot of people who watch your videos don’t appreciate the quality of your videos and so state that they would be happy with something of lower quality. I think the reality is that those same people or possibly others would be the first to leave a less than complimentary comment were you to settle for posting an inferior product just to meet a timeline. I say maintain your standard and if that means you miss a week so be it. There’s no need to apologize or attempt to rationalize with your subscribers. If they are about you and your content and the effort that goes into your product then they will understand. If they are more about fulfilling some sort of personal need and are more about themselves and their personal feelings then you’ll hear from them. The problem is that you’ll not often, and never always, please that person. Keep up the good work.

[@BBombsBigAdventure]

I think some people write overly long responses when they obviously didn’t understand the comment they responded to.

[@michaelnicholson2764]

Great update. And I’m really looking forward to the Island Peak video!👍🏻⛺️🥾🏔️

[@tblackwood9]

Your material and content is already amazing and informative, in fact I’m planning two thru hikes because of your love of hiking and I feel better prepared for it because of you. I personally think it would be fun to see a Darwin bloopers video. Sorry about the fanboying but you and your channel really help us outdoors lovers.

[@Zalán-x6t]

1-2 years ago you inspired me to get my own hiking gear and start my own adventures, and after all the cinematographic masterpieces you pumped out for us, you deserve to go at your own pace!

[@leighmcdowell]

I enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes perspective, bloopers and all.

[@laotzu1111]

I'm really looking forward to those tips and tricks videos 🙏

[@1519Spring]

Welcome, JJ. I'm more interested in techniques (tips and tricks) and trips than gear. Do like the evolved supply co deep dives, tho. Camping with the scouts tomorrow night.

[@freeskier4545]

So stoked for the gear makers series!! Also... Maybe a Space Ranger update? 👀

[@VikingsNetworkAdmin]

Woo woo, look forward to seeing who you are meeting with in MN!

[@DPM-dp9on]

Darwin I can’t wait to see your footage from New England. You belong in the White Mountains. I am an older guy and still learn new tricks from your content. Best of luck with your future endeavors.

[@samdavis4221]

Along for the ride, wherever you take us!

[@love3V07]

😊 Welcome to Minnesota! Can't wait to see the MN highlights.

[@ZacchaeusNifong]

Honestly brother - we just love you. And it's that simple. Thank you for inspiring a generation of outdoors people. 💪 (Funny outtakes btw lol)

[@draydyoc857]

Darwin that channel idea would actually be really great.I would watch.Good luck.

[@SCK9-Feline]

Perfection is the enemy of progress, especially coming to the hiking. Stay inspirational!

[@jamespriest7684]

If anyone has seen enough of your work they know its worth the wait. Where here when your ready.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for the kind words! Have a great weekend 🤙

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

Summer is almost over, so it’s time for my hiking season to start. 😂🦑

[@TheTdwilson]

Chasing perfection can burn you out. Sometimes it’s OK to give yourself permission to produce content that is less than perfect. Remember the old axiom of live performance? “They’re all drunk and they don’t care.” 😂😂 Thank-you for the content (regardless of how it appears!) you provide to all of us.

[@cgnicolis]

The enemy of good is perfect.

[@mraiolyfe3502]

Dude, if you did a "How It's Made" show for backpacking gear, I would watch the crap out of that.

[@jonmorgan5725]

Everyone loves the blooper reels! It lets us see our creators be creators.

[@Bayplaces]

First tuned in like 8 years ago for a bike packing video, take it easy

[@vickhines6302]

An alternative to toothpaste and toothpaste tablets is a visene bottle with baking soda. It takes very little to do a good job and lasts 2-3 weeks. Second, a small sample bottle of hand sanitizer to use before handling food is insurance against gastrointestinal problems.

[@Nynke_K]

Looks like your app moved on to this video from last week's one before you started typing the comment 😅

[@Jackjonesis]

If you were here over the weekend of Sept. 7 2024, I hope you brought your merino wool. We had the lowest temperatures since early May. Of course, the week following the cold snap is going to be in the 80s. What's not to love about MN!!

[@sammitorn5326]

I rarely hear the planes that people talk about. I’d say just don’t worry about the planes lol.

[@tripp4130]

Embrace the suck 😉 it is your speaking style I dig about your content the rest is just a bonus for me. Thanks for all of your great content and hard work ❤

[@rnb8328]

It'd be cool if you did a thru hike of the north country scenic trail (if that's not what you're doing when going to MN)

[@GabrielVillanueva-Ortiz]

JJ seems like a cool guy!

[@X.C_]

Enjoyed the video

[@HikingWithShawn]

You know, I never really went fully into editing and trying to perfect my videos because of all the environmental conditions and changes. I do very limited edits aside from a few transitions and some words added here and there but it's my followers who enjoy what I have to post no matter what edits I've done. I think no matter what you put out, your subscribers will love it anyway! :) Great stuff, as usual. Howdy from the Shawnee National Forest!

[@arsenic9475]

Ope! My first thought when you were mentioning the aircraft overhead and such was " man, that isn't a problem in the BWCA!" So I was surprised to hear you mention you're coming to MN. SHT I imagine?

[@colbypark1311]

Any chance we get the rest of your CDT videos?! I’m for one hoping so.

[@randyharper7331]

OK when I got the notification and I saw the title, “I tried…“, My first reaction was 😮😬😭 fearing that somehow you had decided to call all of this quits 😅 Thankfully that wasn’t the case and I would concur with what others have said, I appreciate all you do and I’m sorry for the glitches, but I will look forward eagerly to the upcoming videos and continue to support you!

[@HackbotT1000Legion]

We like you being you Broh. Don't sweat that stuff..LTSG...

[@haliphax-]

There's an undercurrent in a lot of the comments on this video that implies you owe it to your subscribers to post the video anyway, and, quite frankly, that's just not true. Good on you for wanting to put something out that *you* can be proud of.

[@tompava3923]

No sweat, Chet!✌😎

[@KimberlyGreen]

Personally, I'd rather you put out content when you're *happy* with it, rather than a define schedule. Happy Darwin is more important that Clockwork Darwin.

[@vipvip5356]

Jerry Seinfeld once said something like : “I don’t care about continuity! My question is : was it funny ? Well Good “ I think this can apply to you regarding content : “Who cares about distraction and planes and cars and light ? Was it good content ? Well Good :)

[@jamesburns7604]

When you coming to the UK? Would love to show you the wild camping/hiking sights over here

[@trailtocamp]

He was here a couple of years back. He and his friends done Scotland.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Been there twice. Once to hike across Scotland from West to East, the second time I cycled from Lands End to John O' Groats 🤙

[@myphone9831]

Sir are you familiar with tiktok? We’re out here filming in our pajamas with our phones. You don’t have to overthink it we’re all vibin 😂

[@mikeabramovich8335]

A great addition to your team. But I may be a little biased.

[@debsmith7050]

Great future!!! 💙 U Nic

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thank you Deb! Hope you're doing well! ❤️

[@WolfCat8922]

Are you going to hike the Northville lake placid trail in the Adirondacks anytime? Its the time of year the leafs are turning yellow orange purble and red.

[@friarrodneyburnap8680]

Have you ever thought of hiking the American Discovery Trail....? It's 8000 miles if you hike the whole trail 1:44 ..

[@gearedupadventures]

I second this! 8,000 beautiful miles of the best road walking in America too

[@stevemullin1195]

Can you MTB that trail?

[@johngesler2191]

That looks like camp Sherman

[@HitTheTrailJack]

man aint this the truth, but I just said screw it lmao. Props to you man for taking the dedication you can really tell you put everything into your creations!

[@renenowicki]

JJ can fix it in post! Just add stock footage and narrate.

[@PermaVexed]

Video still loading and I’m assuming this will be an announcement buddy is going back on a thru-hike. Let’s see how that ages.

[@PermaVexed]

Nope, didn’t age well.

[@OldManDaniel]

Life is life 😂. Don’t over commit and stress yourself out. Take care of yourself first and foremost.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

🤙

[@duanehundley]

For me it really doesn’t matter what day you put your video out. When you have kids and work a lot, life is a blur.

[@michaelmorrissey765]

What’s going on in my state, Minnesota? BWCA by chance?

[@1972Konaboy]

I need that hat. Brand? Brother I love your videos.....

[@scottyplug]

I've wanted to say this to SOOOO many "youtubers". WE CAN HARDLY HEAR THE PLANES!!!! If you are properly mic'd up (and most of you pros are) then passing planes are literally nearly inaudible. Let it go, Louie. Just keep on keeping on. Planes are a fact of life and they do NOT detract from your content. Just move on. Keep going on with your content/commentary. It's WAY less annoying than stopping because of plane. Or clouds. Or overexposure. They do NOT all have to be perfect. We're here for the content, the info. Not for perfect production.

[@gismcieri78]

I am not sure why all the lighting stuff matters to most. You are shooting real life outside. I kind of see these kind of like video journals not really produced shows(yes I know you produce them) Also I think most don’t really care about the day released especially for an established person. When you release it shows up in our feed and we watch. I don’t even notice days and it’s actually a negative when it’s not there the day you are expecting. Keep up the awesome channel it’s one of my favorites.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Matters to me. 😉

[@gismcieri78]

@@DarwinOnthetrail that’s all that really matters right!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Also… just for context, It has nothing to do with what day people care about a video coming out. It has to do with an annoying algorithm that decides if it wants to share a video with people. Days & times matter to how a video is shown. There are plenty of videos that I put out that the majority of the audience never sees due to an algorithm not pushing it to people. Unfortunately that’s just how the system is set up.

[@TheMazkon]

It´s the universe telling you Wallmart are shorthanded.

[@alexgrothusen]

Darwin, you could just blow raspberries at the camera for ten minutes and i'd still watch. don't stress it bud.

[@coreyogles2664]

I completely understand… but irregardless I am still ferally salivating for an update on the new running vest style pack from Evolved Supply Co.

[@NextCornerByClaesTolleback]

I dont know.. I am struggling with my preferences watching hiking KZbin videos in general, I am leaning more and more to enyoying videos from less experienced "KZbinrs" due to their "being in the moment" energy rather then the perfect video shot and editing.. just my feeling.

[@TheRcdood]

Where be the space ranger 😭😭😭

[@arnoldkotlyarevsky383]

I have been a youtube watcher since college...which is too long. I have seen so many youtubers rise and burn out and then struggle to figure out how to appease the ever changing algo. I have very little advice to give. Yours is an unforgiving market. If I could suggest something - be gentle with yourself. You have cultivated a loyal audience over years by virtue of your perspective, your clarity of voice, and your honesty. The production quality obviously matters to you as a filmmaker, but the perfect neednt be the enemy of the good. Your fans were here for you when you stepped away and a lot of us stuck around for when you came back. You could absolutely phone in a stream of consciousness commentary on whatever you want in front of that wooden backdrop and I am certain a lot of people will be here for it.

[@grahamambridge2856]

Haven't watched it all yet...you obviously love film production and want to produce top notch content..but maybe, sometimes, getting back to basics is OK...aircraft noise, cloud...who cares. Just as happy with a video on a phone on a trail. Dunno. Thank you though. Your a good egg. 🙏🇬🇧

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I care. 😉

[@grahamambridge2856]

@DarwinOnthetrail I know you do mate...I know you do. Your 50% is like our 90%. Give yourself a break. Appreciate ya efforts. Truly. Its a wonderful world.🙏

[@jenniferrutherford3133]

Moab!

[@yesac42]

I don't give a cathole about the video or audio quality. We have to deal with those distractions on every trail we take anyway in person so it feels more natural to see it in videos. Quality content trumps everything else.

[@chaosjacky]

The noise is inaudible I don't get it what's the problem?

[@bitinggoat2891]

Honestly, I could care less about the lighting and noise. I’m here for the content. I get it though, we are all our own worst critic but generally people don’t care.

[@cjtaylor5917]

I'm confused. I remember a podcast where you talked about how much you hate doing regular youtube videos, hate being called Darwin.

[@talljohn66]

We don’t want Hollywood. We want normal life scenarios. Just do you and we’ll be happy.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

This is the reality of shooting YT videos outside. The beginning of this video was meant to be tongue & cheek & show the audience how annoying it can be to shoot YT videos outside sometimes. I had a lot going on this week & didn’t have the time to get everything done I wanted, so just made an update video with some behind the scenes in it. You’re reading into this video waaay too far. 😉

[@Flyingpeacock61]

Where in Minnesota?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

SHT

[@VikingsNetworkAdmin]

@@DarwinOnthetrailSHT is wonderful, but you should have waited a few weeks and hiked it in the fall colors. Truly magical!

[@nickfischer8510]

Jay-jay is a common Filipino nickname. is Jay-jay Filipino?