The Art of Walking | Pacific Crest Trail Documentary | Full Film

I wanted to share my experience thru-hiking the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail in 2021. I witnessed a lot of beautiful things and had some amazing stories. These are just a few I collected along the way. Hope you enjoy!
Liked this film?
Go check out my 2023 Thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail:
Along the Way
• Along the Way | Contin...
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:56 Chapter 1 - Earning Your Legs
12:50 Chapter 2 - Family
24:32 Chapter 3 - Easy Livin'
46:04 Chapter 4 - NorCal Blues
01:01:48 Chapter 5 - Big Miles, Big Smiles
01:17:46 Chapter 6 - Sinking Deep
01:27:35 Chapter 7 - Trail's End
If you liked the music in this film, you can find my Spotify playlist with all the songs here:
open.spotify.com/playlist/4eJ...
Find me on Instagram : @austin.seder
Disclaimer: All drone footage featured in this film were shot in legal fly zones. Its is against federal law to fly drones in National Parks and designated Wilderness Areas. Please be respectful and always follow the rules and guidelines when flying drones in the wilderness.
Happy Trails!

[@user-xn7gr7jp9z]

Whenever this first came out, I watched it 3 times over and could not stop. It made me realize how out of touch I was with the real world, and inspired me to go and do something different. I only had the academic summer at my disposal, so I joined a conservation corps and lived in a tent while building trail in the backcountry. I found my new career path, and I'm now about to head to Washington state for my first federal job as a biologist. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@austinseder]

That’s amazing! I’m glad I could inspire you to make an awesome life change. Hearing stories like this making all the filming worth it!

[@helenhumphreys5362]

❤

[@meganspencer2593]

I watch this every time I'm sad or stressed, it was the best summer of my life. Miss you! Love, Fire Ant

[@HikingwithGus]

As a hiker and KZbin creator I certainly hope people can appreciate the effort that goes into making a film like this. Packing the additional equipment on top of your basic load out adds more weight. You may hike 15- 20 miles a day from point to point but there are extra mile you hike going back to retrieve your equipment. Then when is all said and done, the editing begins. Sorting through hours and hours of video clips and stills. GREAT JOB!

[@LifeTripped]

Absolutely correct

[@baroneblades5386]

Wow Pez’s dad here. We enjoyed this so much. Got a little, okay a lot emotional. Your filming, narrating and editing techniques are amazing. Thank you so much for doing this.

[@austinseder]

Glad you liked it. It was a blast hiking with your son! Glad I can share my experience with so many others!

[@ryanstabler3015]

@@austinseder what an epic video. It was a joy to watch your story. I will definitely be making the PCT a goal for the near future.

[@billmcdaniels9539]

I normally don’t watch any film this long. I could not stop watching. Over 65 and now I have made the trek thx to you. Filled my heart with joy. Will never forget this one. Can’t wait to see your next work.

[@MexicoAdventurer]

I hiked the AT in the mid-90's, and the PCT and the CDT were my next challenges. Then life happened. So I am hiking vicariously through you. GREAT VIDEO. Wow.

[@mttrice]

Seen this at least a dozen times, and (with Elina Osborne) I can confidently say, the best PCT documentary film I’ve seen. I’m sure I’ll watch it a dozen more times before my attempt in 2025

[@ericbeals8865]

“The BEST pct video to exist” “In a tier of its own” “Absolute gold!” “11/10”

[@joshuadare43]

This film is so underrated. Such an incredible video! I plan on hiking the PCT starting early May and this gave me so much motivation! Great Job :)

[@austinseder]

Thanks for the kind words and good luck this May!

[@apathies_therapy]

Starting May 4th myself. See you out there! ✌🏻

[@leemussell8377]

Enjoy Richard 🥾

[@brownbag111]

@@apathies_therapy Star Wars Day!! May the force be with you!! lol

[@JackTheGod100]

man id love to hear how it went

[@lemon_log]

Dude, you had to start around me, maybe only a week or so ahead of me. Peagle, Pricepoint, Honeybear, Treetrunk, Jimbo, Dirty Knucks, HOT SPRING! . Love seeing all the homies! You did a beautiful job putting this together my guy. I know how much of a pain it must of been to film all of this, but thank you for it. This puts my time on trail into a better perspective then any others on YT. Much Love Poseidon - SISYPHUS P.S. May your water carries be short & your town days filling

[@theheavyhiker]

This has definitely become one of my favorite PCT documentaries. The production value, the entertainment and the writing, all incredible. There are so many shots of places no other PCT videos have. Great job and congratulations on your journey. You made a phenomenal film.

[@stephenjensen1988]

Agreed. I've somehow got onto watching MANY PCT videos and his editing, composition, and overall quality are far and away better than all others.

[@silentomega22]

Wow. Thank you so much for giving the briefest sliver of perspective into what my dear baby sister (leathermaid) went through on this trail. Well done.

[@ash.lou613]

not me crying at the end. this was genius! do more. I would have paid for tickets to see this at an indie film fest.

[@ricky8alta]

What a remarkable way to live. Hiking is good for the soul

[@austinseder]

Can’t agree more!

[@valeriecase8675]

I think I have now watched this at least 6 times. Thank you for such a great revealing of the PCT.

[@elliotyip9844]

I just watched something incredible. Absolute masterpiece of a film and what a bittersweet journey, I cried a little inside. Your videos and narration are chef's kiss quality Austin. The friends you came across, the scenery, the happy and sad moments are to die for! Thank you for sharing this experience with the world.

[@austinseder]

Thanks for the kind words Elliot! Glad I could share my experience with you!

[@TheEwokExplorer]

i completely agree. This is so inspiring, so well done. Amazing.

[@randysmith6493]

I really appreciate how you thought about many of your shots how they would work with editing before you shot them. 78 miles,WOW. Your low snow year looks like it was a big help. Looks like quite the mental challenge if one walks alone, and one needs that running around and laid back silliness to help keep energy and joy up. Good job.

[@svalenta]

I cannot believe how good that was. Good grief. Austin, that was so enjoyable to watch. Thank you for all the time, effort and care you went through to share that with all of us. I’m so grateful.

[@stephenjensen1988]

Agree, I've stumbled upon and watched multiple PCT/AT documentaries and this is by far the best of them all, and honestly a good film for any genre!!

[@kierangibson8437]

Absolutely blown away by this film. I appreciate all the effort you made into this video. You've walked the length of the US! An incredible feat.

[@JP_Green]

I have no experience with hiking, but I really enjoyed this.

[@clairekelly4824]

Why did this make me so emotional? My eyes would just start prickling unexpectedly :’) such an incredibly inspiring and beautiful story told astonishingly well

[@JamesVanCleaf]

I'm reading this comment as I'm grabbing the tissues :')

[@brownbag111]

Agree...me too.

[@adventureswithcorrine]

Same x2

[@shadyberero6809]

What a huge pleasure watching this. Blown away not just by scope, but by the charm along the way - the friends you made, characters, places, swims. You have a rather lovely, understated charisma that shines throughout this. Thanks for sharing, hugely enjoyable to walk a tiny part of that vicariously with you.

[@austinseder]

My pleasure!

[@andreaewert7204]

Epic documentary!! ❤❤❤

[@makibun2023]

you have proven ITS REALLY IS THE JOURNEY AND NOT THE DESTINATION nice work man I cant do all the things you did in this video but thank you I somehow have glimpse of experience it was all good

[@carlmiller8274]

We hiked the PCT in 2013. It was an amazing experience that forever changed me. This film does an incredible job capturing what that experience was like...and if I'm being completely honest, makes me want to hike the PCT again. Well done Austin, and congratulations on completing the PCT! Bearclaw and Hummingbird.

[@lauram1178]

Thank you, Austin! My son has just started his PCT thru-hike journey and, sitting at my computer, I can catch a glimpse of what he may be experiencing. Thank you for this gift.

[@pinkyshanbhag07]

I’m not a person who regularly comments on youtube videos and I also have a very short attention span for videos but believe me your documentary is just next level amazing.. It literally tempted me to reach out to you and appreciate your effort.. every bit of detailing and editing is simply perfect! I guess I personally did a little dance myself or clapped for you on the moments of town days or when you all would gather as a group and dance or drink.. Thank you for sharing this beautiful experience! I’m a beginner level enthusiast and every bit of your journey I kept asking myself would I be able to do something life changing as this? looking forward to more of your experiences! Loads of best wishes to you and your group! 😃

[@austinseder]

Thanks so much! I’m glad I could share my experience with you and give a little inspiration.

[@mrdrivebytrucker]

You must experience every emotion in this 2600 miles. I think I would be so depressed at the end, knowing my time with my new friends was over. Very well done

[@LydJaGillers]

My husband and I just sat down and air played this on our TV and it was totally worth it. Great doc, great flow, and great story. Now we wanna hike the PCT.

[@crystalmolina6541]

Thank from those of us who love hiking and may never get to hike trails like the PCT. Your fulm was wonderful and beautiful.

[@chrislinn2681]

Watching this....I got very emotionally invested that I felt myself becoming very sad when they got close to the terminus and that the journey was over. I backpacked through Europe in the early 90s. Started in Britain and made our way to Amsterdam. Those last few days were bittersweet knowing I would be back in the States and back to the rat race of life to marry and end up having a family. Retirement is almost around the corner and plan on making the PCT journey at that point. Thank you for this wonderful film.

[@mayerbillig4879]

Its been almost two years since ive finished the trail, i really miss it. You did such a good job showing what its really like out there

[@alexmagrath]

Unreal effort on the film. I'm an adventure film creator too and fair props for you lugging around all your filming equipment and still having the energy to plan out your shots and videos and don't forget the charging time of your devices too. Respect man. Really enjoyed your video experience

[@NierJr]

Hoot! Pure medicine. I've been visualizing a PCT through-hike to get through a long-term recovery. Your documentary is a huge boost. Thanks for putting your heart into it.

[@AR500PlateSpallInYourChin]

Probably the most inspirational film I’ve ever watched. I am going to start hiking.

[@jakecatterill6314]

One of the best videos I’ve seen on KZbin. I love hiking and I’ve done some big trails all over the world but the PCT is my bucket list hike. This has inspired me to do it even more. I’m from the UK, but it’s my mission to be starting this in April 2024. This video just made me more determined/excited about making that happen. Thanks so much

[@josephschlichting2276]

Dang bro - this was amazeballs!!! I felt like I was hiking with you. A thank you and a thumbs up doesn’t compare to that feeling. Keep hiking and creating!!

[@terraluna888]

I’ve watched a lot of thru hikes on KZbin and this by far has been my favorite. Excellent effort on both the trail and this production. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. 🏔🥾🌈🌻🍄✨

[@saddyfrownerton]

This deserves to win a major Hollywood award. The director of this film doesn't realize just how big the sky is.

[@CezarOutdoors]

What an amazing story, adventure, film!!! Thank you! Best regards from Romania, from a small hiker with a big heart!

[@stephenrose6951]

Austin, Outstanding video. You share the essence of hiking the PCT. The beauty, relationships and physicality of the trail are all exhibited in your masterpiece. My son Jason or Wick and his trail family became acquainted with you on your journeys. May all the PCT class of 2021 forever cherish their memories of the PCT!

[@annalomonossoff640]

I haven't done the PCT (bring on 2024!) but I just finished Te Araroa, and this has brought tears to my eyes. Yes the cinematography is excellent, and yes the descriptions of the PCT were mesmerising...but the real kicker in my emotions has been the successful depiction of the feel and tone of a thruhike with the twisting emotions, strong bonds to other hikers, tiredness, and the awe. Amazing job, I have no idea where I would even start if I wanted to convey those things!

[@austinseder]

Thanks Anna! I’m glad you appreciate all the aspects of the film and all the hard work making it. Congrats on finishing the Te Araroa! Glad I could bring you along on the trip!

[@oneeasylife7253]

"Poppins" here. Great Job you guys. Wow! I loved seeing all the faces and indescribable views. I miss all of it. An experience I will never forget and you are all part of it. Thank you again for the great film.

[@chowdhuryparthapratim]

Definitely the best long distance hiking and best do it yourself hiking video I have seen. So inspiring and motivating. Hiking is fun but doing for months non stop is a big challenge and definitely you rocked. Now I feel like PCT is a must. Awesome job and very nicely presented. Yes the family you make is one I can relate to. Memories. I almost cried in the end when you touched the finishing point. So much emotions.

[@justinsavaso3601]

Killer PCT Documentary man. Thanks for taking the time to do all of this editing and most importantly, all the filming while you were out there. Doing 20-30 miles day after day is hard enough.... but to capture it in such an epic way is next level :)

[@inessahollingshead436]

This was so beautifully made. You have such talent! I hope to hike this one day. I saw someone else comment how this should be on Netflix and it definitely deserves a spot on there! Such a great job! Thank you for sharing such an inspiring documentary.

[@austinseder]

Thanks so much! It means a lot to hear people are inspired by the film!

[@thetennisnet2]

Remarkable. Thank you, Austin! Well done.

[@jenniemartin1542]

Anyone else watched this amazing documentary at least 10 times? No? Just me?

[@brucealbright4405]

You did such an outstanding job with this young man. You have a lot to be proud of and I am sure you know that! I really enjoyed watching. I have watched a couple of these now on the PCT and yours stand proudly above them all. Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us.

[@schoukri]

This is the best film on the PCT I've ever seen. Beautiful filmography and storytelling! Great job and thank you!

[@barlowwe]

This was excellent! I’ve seen so many trail documentaries and this is among the best. Great story, views, and soundtrack. Inspiring! Congrats! 🍾

[@nickjones6186]

Just watched this after becoming obsessed with thru-hiking the PCT next year. April 2024 is D-day! What an incredibly inspiring documentary full of love, laughter & memories. Thank you Austin 🔥

[@austinseder]

Glad you liked it! Good luck on your journey next year! Enjoy the process and stay in the moment!

[@iandism]

This was a stunning film Austin. Congratulations on your wonderful achievement. Being from the UK and witnessing such a beautiful country from a far, it is hard to imagine such an enormous challenge that must be extremely tough, but also magical at every turn. Once again, congratulations on a massive achievement, the walk itself, and the finished masterpiece of a hiking journey for all to share 👍

[@johnmartin5257]

That was a freaking awesome video Austin. Thank you so much for putting in the time and effort to share your adventure with us all. Very well done and congratulations!

[@daver.236]

I'll rarely spend an hour to watch anything these days, so that says something about how much I enjoyed your film. Well done young man. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@m87orion]

Best hiking film! 🔥🔥🤙

[@ambowler33]

Poseidon, this was an amazing documentary. I watched it once this morning and again tonight with my parents. So very well done. I love it. I'll be hiking this year, late March. I hope to capture my experience even just a teeny tiny bit of how you did it yours. Wow .

[@justinhitsthetrail5225]

This was amazing to watch. Great job! Congrats on the PCT, and phenomenal job putting this video together!

[@josephr9551]

That was so beautiful, Austin. Thank you.

[@16maze]

I should’ve been asleep but this was too beautiful

[@reneeraanaei8295]

Beautiful documentary 👏 just amazing footage. You literally had me in tears of joy, watching you and your hiking family experience this epic trail. Thank you for sharing your adventure. This is truly inspiring.

[@lyrichikes2723]

I've been feeling extra nostalgic about trail lately and this right here hit the spot. Brought back a lot of great memories that you only wish you could experience for the first time again. Well done, Poseidon! - Lyric 🎵:)

[@Austin_La_Flame]

New fav video on youtube I will be rewatching this until I hike this

[@casualviewer8189]

So much respect brother. My wife and I’s goal is to complete the PCT in 5 years after we quit our jobs to do life on the road and we will spend that time by practicing and training.

[@zechjohnson]

My guy! I love the dedication to making this beautiful video happen. As a PCT 2021 thru hiker I applaud you for the extra work that you took to making your art. When people ask me what the trail was like I’m sending them your way to watch this. Congrats on your thru, keep walking. -slab.

[@michel.h_cf99]

'...all this to touch a piece of frikin wood." Voice-over, story-telling, music, visuals, the laid-back mood and especially the (dry) humour: Very well done mate! You've really done it the right way. Serious hiking, but at the same time you have always taken time for side-quests, fun and TOWNDAYS. Compared to other years, the Sierras seemed much easier to cross. I highly recommend to watch "The long way home" from Titouan Le Roux, he did the PCT in 2023 (at the same time as your CDT).

[@ashley-cc4eu]

After my last breakup, I started going for really long drives. I worked at night and after work I would start going home, get on the first highway and miss my turn. Just keep driving. 10 miles, then 50. 100 miles. 150. 200 miles from home as a casual drive. I slept in the car and returned to work the next day. I just wanted to go for a really, really long walk. I wanted to get as far from my hometown as I humanly could, and still return to my responsibilities the next day. I was hemorrhaging money on gas. I quit my job. I'm unemployed and starting a new one soon. It's my first real job and pays a lot more than where I was working before. I hope I can save enough to just go for a really, really long walk. I could see myself packing and preparing all my stuff for the trail in advance and letting it sit there until someday again I need to go for a long walk. Beautiful documentary.

[@4lakesoutdoor]

Amazing! No one tells this journey as incredibly well as you do. Thanks Austin!

[@kristinstewart5556]

This is most certainly one of most favorite PCT trail stories!! Bravo! I’m not so sure why this is my special interest right now. I’m loving the scenery and human stories. Thanks for your sense of humor!

[@offroute2009]

I really enjoyed my time watching this. 50 years since I did sections of the trail. Definitely made an old man smile.

[@theadventuresamongus9072]

I just found this yesterday and am watching it for the third time. It's beautiful! Wonderful job.

[@joannehaberman8923]

One of the best PCT journey videos. Looks like you made some wonderful memories and friends. I hope to do the same this summer as I section Oregon.

[@pj595]

Absolutely epic. Incredible hike, brilliant film.

[@adventureswithcorrine]

This is my legit second watch. And, I am in tears...again. Blessings on the CDT!

[@Foxr6]

Amazing thanks for taking us along

[@mikeDJLP]

I’ve watched quite a few thru-hiking documentaries, and this has definitely vaulted to the top of my list! 🙌🍻

[@kennethdunmire2218]

The best story of the PCT ever. Thank you for sharing. I actually teared up a little bit at the end😊

[@willestep564]

I feel like I've watched this at least 50 times now. It's part of my inspiration routine. Can't wait to see your CDT trip!

[@raivuxa]

That was incredible! The filming, the scenery and the overall positivity touched my heart! Thank you!

[@kerrymetcalf9676]

Just finished watching your epic journey. Thank you for creating this documentary. I don't know if time and my job obligations will ever allow me to hike the PCT but watching videos like yours gives me a sense of what it would be like to go on such an adventure. Be proud of yourself Austin. Job well done sir. Both with the hike and the video.

[@letstryit6248]

Phenomenal. Simply phenomenal.

[@jasonweir1113]

Amazing video!!! People like you inspire me to get outdoors. Thank you

[@JimGerHikes]

Very nice, agree with so many, one of the best PCT docs I’ve seen, congrats 🍾

[@cashstramel3242]

Austin I watch an unhealthy amount of PCT videos. This is one of the best I've seen. Fantastic job.

[@vondreadhoff]

Absolutely amazing, thanks for sharing your awesome journey!

[@BaileySuttonMusic]

My pals just left on this hike a couple weeks ago so I thought I would watch this to get a grasp of what its all about. Thanks for making this film! Definitely made me feel things, like I was right along with you.

[@Teztravelz]

This is honestly next level! Tanks for taking us on the journey!

[@sdot124]

Love it. Great way of putting together all aspects of a thru hike without doing 100 individual episodes. Congrats on completing the PCT !! I hope to hike it soon 🤘🏻

[@hollyandleah]

This was just plain WONDERFUL!

[@jessicabennett4281]

This is incredible, thank you for sharing your journey

[@Saadi_Lyfe]

Loved it... very single second of it... thank you for taking us along on this amazing journey...

[@pascalbakker1864]

Very inspiring! Great joy to watch. Thank you very much.

[@nancybaccaro8390]

This was a fantastic look at the PCT, loved every minute of it! Thank you!

[@suze6083]

This was absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

[@TahoeTrailRunner23]

Incredible documentation of your journey- I can picture myself watching this one over and over. Such an inspiration to get out and hike the PCT, hoping one day I can make it happen. So stoked you enjoyed Lake Aloha so much, it is the gem of Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness! Thanks again for sharing, it is only more of a challenge to film along the journey, however you absolutely crushed the film content 🙌🏻

[@logansweet8521]

This is really well done, major props!!

[@murielle2663]

I did not want it to end! What an amazing documentary about the PCT. Sharing your journey has inspired me!

[@confused228314159]

Stunning. Thanks for sharing your miles

[@maxmicael4663]

We hiked the same year and I'm sure our paths crossed at some point. Beautiful video coupled to an experience as much the same in beauty. Cheers to the trail and what it provides

[@louisebartels1133]

This movie brought tears to my eyes! thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing. It has inspired me. One of the best PCT hiking videos out there!!!