PCT 2018 Thru-Hike: Episode 1

[@gpk7683]

Oh man, just loved your first video. Instagram says your hurt and resting at Big Bear. Hope all is well with you

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks! I’ve been off trail for 8 days in Wrightwood (not Big Bear). I Strained an Ligament in my lower leg & had to rest up so it healed. Hitting the Trail again tomorrow morning though. The Adventure Continues!!! Hike On, Darwin

[@richarrant3252]

Thanks for the honorable mention Darwin. It was a great pleasure to meet you and talk for a bit. Enjoy the hike. Rich

[@Savedcitytitan7118]

You sir are the real hero

[@BeckyMarshallDesign]

god bless the bacon fairy!!!

[@maxh6454]

Youre a hero!

[@MaDmanex100]

Love Rich, thats a person id like to be one day. To help people on their journey and listening to their stories. Id lke to travel on my own aswell but its kind of inspiring to see people to go out on their way to help hikers and backpackers.

[@kenhubbard1747]

Keep up the videos man. Nothing better after a long day at work, than watching someone doing what you'd rather be doing. Awesome

[@dukemaggiola6036]

Thank you, I am in awe, at 66, not an excuse, but as an armchair hiker I may never get to see those views up close and personal, I appreciate the effort you take to share your experiences, thanks for all the gear help too, all I can add is, breathe and enjoy, time is precious, take that time to grasp the what and where, safe hiking !

[@theberminator6180]

Try to do what you can to make what you see on screen a reality for you!!! Look for nearby trails and do some hiking! Emma gatewood did a full thru-hike on the AT at 67 and 77! There is a good book on it called: grandma gatewoods walk

[@staind620]

This is by far the best produced hiker video that I have seen. There was no point where I wanted to speed up the video.

[@joma4452]

Carmen's was awesome, she really makes every single hiker feel uniquely welcomed.

[@ChicaandSunsets]

Darwin! Watching these again as we are hiking the PCT next year! So fun to think this was just one year after we did our ‘17 AT hike, I remember following you. Thx for these vids!! - Chica

[@hanskloss1331]

going N. or S. ?

[@ChicaandSunsets]

Nobo.

[@hanskloss1331]

maybe we will cross paths I'm hans from Chattanooga ✌️

[@FrankBergdoll]

Hooray! I’ve been waiting for this day :) As you thank the Trail Angels, I also want to thank YOU! Taking us along on your journey is really a great way for us to “get out for a hike” while we make our own plans for the summer. Personally, I can do 4-7 day trips, but not a full 4 months - so it’s nice to hitch a ride with you. Safe journeys- enjoy the views.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks Frank! Glad to bring you along! Hike On, Darwin

[@TheWarder500]

It’s incredible to see people help hikers like that.stashing water making people food... it’s so beautiful 😭

[@Jkonwins]

Awesome cinematography! Thank you for sharing with those of us who still have snow on the ground. For 15 minutes, I was living the trail life👣

[@Plantlady70]

At 67 I probably will never thru hike the PCT. But you have certainly given me the itch. Always get pizza whenever you can. Love your bouncy gait.

[@misfitstudios3100]

Shout out to Rich! It is comforting to know there is people like him out there. I was in Iraq on my second tour when you uploaded this! hope to go on this trail as soon as this travel restriction is lifted.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Darwin and all of the PCT hikers, you inspire me to no end! Thank you for posting this incredible journey.

[@bluemozes6570]

What a wholesome bunch of people. It makes my soul happy to see such kind and generous people still exist. Shout out to Rich.

[@jules1sd]

It's really cool to see you hiking all of the trails we hike in our SD county backyard! Glad you're enjoying it. Feel better, and let tomorrow be another rad day.

[@lawsonone6015]

Outstanding video! Thank you for taking us along! What a lot of great people out there! Those caches from the Trail Angels and the folks that cooked for you all! WoW!

[@onodacops]

Love the new format of this video. 2-4 minutes on each day. Very concise and full of info !

[@gregharbin3531]

A great start to a great adventure. Awesome to see a trail angel like Rich looking out for the hikers out west. Looking forward to your next episode...thanks for taking us along.

[@PiersEllisonofficial]

Dude! This is such a great edit! I was super happy to see Rich - I knew that guy down by Boulder Oaks when I hiked in 2016. Such an incredible guy. Have a great trail man!

[@jeffhayward9544]

Thanks for taking us along with you, Darwin...the views are incredible so far! Heard you were down for a few days - hope you’re back in business soon and ready to crush miles again! Keep on keepin’ on...cheers from 🇨🇦 🙂👍

[@thousandsuns]

This is so awesome! I've met a few people who are down there on the trail right now! Planning to take on this monster of a trail in a few years. Thank you so much for providing great information and content!

[@calebfleckenstein4825]

I’ve been waiting so long for this series Darwin!! I’m so excited for you. Enjoy every step of the journey. I’ve been volunteering for the PCTA this spring to help prepare the trail for all of the hikers!! I can’t wait to get out there and join you guys in the next couple years. Congratulations. Keep the amazing content coming!!

[@sbz666_]

I've been watching this series for the past 3 years. I'm finally about to start my first section hike of the PCT this month :) Getting prepared was a lot easier thanks to your videos

[@mediumrick7667]

Wow! Huge kudos to the folks who spend time and money supplying those caches.

[@linzyweber7247]

Watching all your updates via Instagram and KZbin. The trail is beautiful, thank you for sharing! In 2020 I plan to be where you are now. Stay safe!

[@nicoleashleymct]

Yessss! You and Dixie both posted your videos, best day ever!

[@ddjwebb]

Too bad they wont meet.

[@juliefrechette7562]

Yessss! My favorite hiker's first PCT video...thank you so much for taking us along with you and inspiring us to go hike. Great video and beautiful music! Wishing you a safe return on the trail tomorrow. Already can't wait for your next video 😊

[@billmcginnis5939]

Hard to watch because I'm here and you're there. Looks absolutely awesome!

[@brewcider]

just did the PCT around Mt Laguna yesterday, saw the canada 2600 mile sign (5:28) and the pioneer mail route (5:35), so cool to retrace your steps!

[@garybolenable]

A short 12 mile hike into town. Love it!

[@quickscopedmofo]

My 70 yr old grandpa just completed the Appalachia trail. Such a lovely community.

[@Jefferson196]

Darwin, I appreciate your videos. I cant do these trips myself but so glad you can and are willing to share the experience. Thank You.

[@bellyfullofbadberries502]

I love how Darwin just gets to the point and hikes. Definitely one of the better dudes making this years KZbin hiking collectives.

[@Joe-ys8nm]

I really like that you provide links to the camera & backpacking gear you use in the comment sections. Thank you!

[@ariitkin7520]

Best video yet. Love the edit, and the casual nature of the video(feels like we're there). Great work and hope more videos like this are yet to come.

[@brettallenthomas]

Day 2.. Mount Laguna.. lived up there for many years in a small cabin just off the Trail. Spent many a days running up and down it on that section....

[@martinyardy3213]

Been watching your video's for a while from the U.K. Finally I get why you do what you do, absolutely stunning scenery...

[@stevedonathan9619]

Dude! So glad to see your post. This has got to be more fun than doing Q&A vids. Well produced video. Looking forward to following your journey. You are my go-to PCT thru hiker this season. Also watching 'Dixie' go for the 'Triple Crown' on the CDT and several 'Class of 2018' AT thru hikers headed NOBO. Kick it man. Looking forward to following along. You got this. Be safe.

[@here4thamuzic]

Been waiting for this day for what seems like ages! Stoked to see your 1st PCT video on the eve of my Shenandoah section hike of the AT! Good luck brother and hope your leg is healed up and stays that way. Hike on!

[@jacobm1001]

Glad you are on trail. Sending positivity your way from Albuquerque. Enjoy the freedom. Happy trails Darwin .

[@bobbyboombeck]

SO good to "have you back" if even only for one video. Hope your foot is healing well. Go get it!

[@TheWayOutdoors]

I am very excited to check out the rest of your videos. This seems like a compelling adventure, and channels like yours are what have inspired me to create backpacking videos myself. Safe trails Darwin!

[@thiagowaldhelm]

it's so nice to finally get more footage from you, sir. that being said, may your leg continues to heal as well as possible now that you're getting back on trail! I'm sure we all love to watch your videos and see your progress through the wilderness, but your health is paramount. so be safe and hike on! 🍻

[@mtadams2009]

Nice video and enjoy the hike, I am happy to hear you healed up and are back at it. The trail looks nice.

[@mrdavecee7248]

What a great guy Rich was! I love people like him.

[@LostAussieOnTheTrail]

Wow man, I've watched your whole series. Every episode. I go back to them occasionally to look for something, to compare. Brilliant work. Bring on 2020.

[@lopezexplora]

I’m hooked , I’ll be watching all your PCT videos. Thank you for sharing 🥾🥾

[@traviswebb5350]

You inspire me! Thank you for that! Was recently out in southern Cali and did alot of short day hikes. Mt. Baldy, Red Rock Canyon, Devil's Chair, part of Mt Whitney till the snow got too deep, and several others. I miss it. Keep it up. You now have another loyal follower on here!

[@debsmith7050]

Hope you are healthy and back on the trail. Sending positive thoughts your way. Great video. This is going to be fun !!! Hike on

[@randylonto117]

Highly inspirational! Thank you for posting. If I can't walk the PCT right now, I can live vicariously through you. Praying that you maintain good health and much trail magic.

[@jeffhallman676]

Your videos really are a joy to watch. As always you seem happy with where you are. It’s inspiring to me to do more of these types of things. Keep on keepin on!!

[@stevemutton406]

hi darwin, my first comment on here. been watching your videos for a little while now. really great first episode on the PCT. keep it up. Dartmouth, United Kingdom

[@edwardmartin587]

And I thought I loved all your previous posts. This is totally inspiring.

[@MrPrivateer1967]

Thanks for sharing your journey. This is something I have always wanted to do, but life has intervened and I have not been able to do things like this yet. So I appreciate this tag along you are providing.

[@KallyJones]

I'm so glad I just found your channel. I've been getting ready for some serious hiking this summer but don't yet have the time to hike the PCT . Thanks.

[@midwestoutdoors3286]

Was so excited to see your first PCT video today. Hope the injury is doing better. Hike on!

[@cjsoutdoors4412]

Class of 2018 PCT! Good luck Darwin, great video shots and documentary on your adventure. I've just discovered there's an incredible amount of vloggers ahead of you on the PCT documenting there trip on KZbin.. so much content to watch, so little time! Cheers!🇺🇸

[@keysersoze9946]

Love the pacing of your videos. 15 minutes for a week on the trail feels just right to me.Great Job! I hope it is as magical as you dreamed it would be...

[@themathineer1699]

I've been following your channel for a while. Great to see you get your PCT hike started! Thanks for taking the time to video your experience! mathineer

[@ericam74]

Awesome video Darwin. Just started following you before you starting the PCT and I have to say you have great insight on what to use and why. I hope you have a great time and your shin is getting better! God Bless

[@maximilianlorentz3288]

Holy crap this is awesome!!!!! If this doesn’t make you want to get off your couch I don’t know what does

[@tipstoes1079]

So I had my channel turned of for a min but I watched all your pct videos so I have go back and hit that like button so far I’ve enjoyed watching like usual!

[@garypetty9687]

Looking forward to following you on your hike!! Thanks for taking us along with you!

[@ZyneXx]

Hi Darwin, Im new to your video's. And I love them! Im going on my first big hike in my life next week. Im flying out to La Palma near the African coast to hike the entire island. It has one of the darkest starry skies on this side of the planet. I live in the Netherlands, and we barely have any nature here and a lot of light polution. It's a flat, crowded country. Not exactly a hiker's dream. This trip is going to make my dream come true! After that Im going to try to do this at least once a year and discover new places. thank you for all the tips. I already learned a lot, and I feel prepared!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

I am so happy to see you're using the Canon G7X II. I just bought one for my 2019 PCT thru-hike and wasn't sure how well it would look for vlogging out there on the PCT but it looks great. So much back and forth trying to decide and it seems like it has better color (warmer), sound for vlogging on the trail (rich and full vs crisp), video stabilization, ergonomic, and battery life is better than many - and probably lots of other useful functions I will need to learn how to use other than "auto", haha. I feel much better about my purchase. LOVE your videos and appreciate all the work you put in to them...and us :)

[@kellirustin7944]

So happy for you to see our beautiful San Diego backcountry. It really is spectacular! Ya’ll got nice weather for your first week too. Anxiously awaiting the next video and if you summit big San Jacinto.

[@HammockerSam]

Yes! I caught the start of your new PCT run early enough that I can follow along from the beginning

[@myhikingadventures6777]

Awesome first video. Perfectly blended and edited. Love the different angles you use to shoot along with your narration of your journey. Most of the videos out there are shaky selfie videos of a POV of the trail and the persons face. Looking forward to following you along your journey. Stay safe and hoping all goes well. Thanks for sharing.

[@peaksandpaws]

Loved this! Thank you... I am also glad that you're back on the trail now after your injury and I can't wait for the next episode of your adventures! Hike on, Darwin!!

[@elifenn476]

Loved the video. Just a tip for everyone though. Threading a blister like that runs the risk of introducing lots of bacteria/foreign bodies from the string, which you can’t effectively sterilize on the trail. Popping it with a needle is a good idea though.

[@Hendrikjandespeelman]

Training for a walk across Scotland (east to west), enjoying your videos for inspiration. About a tenth of your distance. Happy hiking, mate.

[@trailcat71]

Great vid! I find I really like the scenery out there as opposed to the eastern seaboard. You look super happy and that’s great to see! Happy trails!

[@poppawolf26]

I had a hard time getting sarted watching you thru hike. I had planned to start in March, but a bad hip has forced me to delay my trip and plan for right hip replacement surgery instead. Before I could do that, my gall bladder gave out and I had emergency hip replacement surgery. so, now I'm home recovering from that surgery with hip replacement to follow. I'm hoping to hike the PCT next year depending on my recovery process. I will follow your hike and wish for your success. Thanks for posting your vids, they are one of the best out there.

[@surferxblood]

We got a ton of rain this year...so lots of green throughout your trip!

[@k84t96]

Excited to follow along your PCT journey with you. Happy trails, stay safe, and most of all have a blast!

[@robertgail5324]

Go, Man, Go! Give a big Hello to the Sierra (and Lone Pine for me, my home, Darwin). If I only had my feet of my yesteryear! How cool!

[@cgriggsiv]

Totally awesome that you are now on the PCT first video is awesome I'm glad that you have an old friend for the first day

[@atlantaguy762]

Fantastic video and the next best thing to being there.. Thank you for taking us on the journey with you.

[@markwilliford7471]

Thanks for the post Darwin. Great job - I know the extra time and steps involved in getting "walk-away" shots can be taxing when you want to just knock down some miles. Best wishes as you continue and hope to see you in Bend. Mark

[@easykc1]

Bad-ass man! Found your channel a few days ago and am just beginning my backpacking adventures myself. Thanks for the motivation!! Keep on truckin....

[@theapetrass2253]

Dude stepping it up in the footage! That was a brilliant video, such great shots for us to enjoy! Keep it up when your feeling strong again. Thanks for sharing and inspiring us with your journey :D

[@amelialea4353]

I’m so happy to travel with you.really enjoy all your stories

[@advapp]

Just watched your PCT videos... Really liked it a lot you did a fantastic job of making me feel like I was there. Thanks!

[@zumoo1]

WoooHoooo! Great to see you on the trail. Happy and Safe Hiking!!

[@LenserX]

Been following along on the Insta but so great to finally see the vids rolling out. Looking forward to the next one. Hike on!

[@snaponjohn100]

Great video Darwin. Thank you for sharing it with us. I’m recovering from foot surgery so it’s nice to be able to pretend like I’m hiking. God bless you. John

[@outdoorjohnny4794]

Again, Darwin has inspired me to get out there and work toward a goal. I even started my own KZbin channel to chronicle my journey.

[@wildofftrail4610]

Darwin... Good luck brother. Stop for nothing. Be proud of yourself. Thanks for taking us along.

[@thomasbroadbent619]

wow that looks awesome enjoy ever mile out there.Thank you for the all the videos.You are my biggest inspiration for going hiking.Never been other then day hikes but i leave in 8 days for my multi day hike in Florida.Some road hiking then some of the Florida Trail and then back to road hiking all the way to my house.Cant wait to baptized into the hiker trash world

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Why a wonderful Episode 1. Thanks. By the way I ordered and receive my Trexology Pillow tried it out the other night and really like it.

[@adlacz7691]

Your journey's begun! Goodluck out there. I will try to follow as many footages as possible until you finish the course. Wish you could get some night footage and more sights/views. Great job!

[@Hefmier]

I live only about 20 miles from the PCT, and I did at least 6 miles of it, a few days ago. It is a great trail, and I hope that you will finish it.

[@shawnnn3]

Darwin you lost.. WE are excitedly waiting for your next update. Thanks. Keep smiling!

[@thefitclubnetwork]

Right on man. That's my neighborhood. We hike along the PCT with the Scout Troop a lot.

[@mama2agn301]

I really enjoy your videos, thanks for taking the time to put these together on the trail. Wishing you the best on your journey!

[@Biggwoody]

Dude. You are king of the B-roll. Love your vids. Good luck.

[@christoamato]

Off to a great start, man. Nice production work as well. Really looking forward to the whole dang thing!

[@jaffcat]

So good to see the love you guys have and get from the trail angel's... Can't wait to see the next video my friend 👍

[@williamshirola4543]

Just wanted to let you know that your channel spreads happiness. Thank you ❤️