The hidden truth about Darwin on the Trail

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Darwin onthetrail. Podcast.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for coming to hang out in AZ & get some miles in with me! Let's do it again soon, brother! 🤙

[@DanBecker]

💯

[@ryanriddell8376]

Welcome back Darwin! No idea why anyone would be upset that you’ve come back.

[@Feribrat99]

You need a better picture on your Evolved site of the Ranger pack showing how it closes at the top, that part is not real clear other than it rolls down. Is it a clip like a dry sack or what, Need a bit more, it looks awesome and the add on are not a fortune either, good job. First place I ever saw snow was in Phoenix AZ when I was 4 years old, on our way to San Diego.

[@PeterFLB]

You definitely need to take Dan out on the AZT.

[@michelstronguin6974]

I can already see the headline in the not so distant future: DarwinOnthetrail first man to throughhike on another planet! Elon Musk will make the train to Mars, you just gotta be on it baby!

[@PatRiot-le7rd]

No matter how disappointed people may have been by Darwin's hiatus, the man doesn't owe anybody their vicarious hiking experiences. He's graciously shared his content covering hiking and cycling content for years, but he was never obliged and never had to prove anything to general public. Thanks for interviewing him.

[@10bighikes58]

that's the reality of it. He owes nobody anything. Great interview Dan.

[@elioraimmanuel]

Exactly!

[@wanderlust62]

Thank you for pointing that out... I was thinking the same... many people need to get a life... thanks Nic and Dan for this sit down conversation, it was great insight to your passions and reality of needing to know when it is time to walk away, for however long.

[@darodes]

You put it much more eloquently than I was attempting to… you’re spot on.

[@zenkathikes]

Yes!💯

[@mikerobinson6606]

Way to stand him up Dan! Good to see creators supporting each other. Too easy to throw people under the bus on Social media.

[@MrsStevenBrown]

When he left I had been watching him for 5 of those 7 years, I felt he needed space and time to find the love in the hike again, to recharge and hoped in a few years he could come back and share insights, or show us new things again. Everyone needs a time out, I took 3 years off my favourite hobby and came back to to it with love and gratitude for it…I’m sure if he only posted once a month I’d still watch and appreciate his voice in this experience we call hiking. ❤

[@andreasritter5955]

Just awesome to see the dudes I watch since years having a casual conversation about hiking, backpacking, through-hiking, gear and future trips! Thank you!

[@silvermediastudio]

I wish they didn't say "like" more than a 14 year old valley girl.

[@ericschwartz9982]

Thanks for the interview. When I was getting back into backpacking a few years ago, I found Darwin's channel and it helped me a lot. I'm glad he's back and thanks again Dan for the interview.

[@laplena1727]

I've been following Darwin On The Trail since September of 2018, and Dan I just discovered about 2 months ago. I was bummed to see Darwin (Nic) leave KZbin, but super pumped to see him come back (Let's see that Ecuador video!). I always wondered if these dudes actually knew each other, and today was a treat to see this pop up on my notifications. Good health to both of you, and wishing you an amazing 2024! Definitely a fan of these two fine gentlemen.

[@wayofthehike]

Gosh I loved this conversation so much. Two of my favorites here and just so enjoy seeing the support and respect they have for each other. Incredible.

[@adamclark1843]

I really like this format Dan! Would love to see you do more of these sitdown podcast style shows. There's so many cool and interesting people in this community.

[@joshjuckett8671]

The conversation i didn't know i needed. Loved this video. Appreciate both of you guys!

[@douglasdoucette7352]

Love to hear that Darwin is back! Also love his talk about learning, researching & having fun with testing new things - stove, pack, jackets, cook system, tents, mountaineering, etc. Keep working the mind & body to stay young...even if your knees hurt when you wake up!

[@longjohnson4641]

For me, watching Darwin was what got me into backpacking. 4 & 1/2 years ago I stumbled across his PCT videos after & I had decided to get back into hiking like I did when I was young. I was 290 lbs & way out of shape, but all thanks to Darwin, I am now 48 years old, 200lbs & I am in the best shape of my life. I feel like I got to know him & I honestly missed him when he was on hiatus. Also, because of Darwin, I was introduced to Dixie, Dan Becker, & Eric Hansen & a wonderful new online community!

[@ms7fam433]

It's great to see two hikers we've watched for years that come from different perspectives collaborate on a video. We've learned a great deal from both of you. We hope to see you on some hikes together. Thanks for the years of great work.

[@JMATTY33]

Absolutely pumped to watch this! Glad the 2 of you were able to put some content out together!

[@livnright8662]

Thanks to the both of you for what you do. I’m a back country hunter that’s when I do a lot of my backpacking and hiking, but also in the off-season I try to get out and do some scouting. Most of the new equipment that I used today comes from watching you guys so again thanks for what you do. Darwin, I’m waiting on the cook pot, and backpack water bottle sleeve, and my shoulder pocket, so y un and for that. Keep Liv’n right guys. 👍🏽

[@elirobillard3451]

Great conversation, good format, thanks to both of you for all the work through the years to show us what you're interested in, and keep it fun! Stop when it isn't! (And one quick note about the format - that 48 minutes would have made an amazing 35 minutes). Thanks again.

[@pboone1231]

Very fun interview to watch. Appreciate both of you and your channels. Thank you for doing this.

[@SamClarkPhoto]

Awesome interview guys! Darwin, you were the first channel to inspire and educate me. Great to have you back!

[@jerbear_everywhere6504]

Hope you had a good break Dan, glad to watch your new video. You and Darwin are two of my top dogs I started watching in 2020 - both of you inspired me to get more into backpacking!

[@WanderingMonkHikes]

Dan, as you know - people are fickle. Perhaps some want to live others lives for them. Darwin has given so much of himself to the hiking world. Only content creators understand the work that goes into making videos while we push our bodies on these trails. So, if Darwin wants to make content or not let's give him that freedom. I appreciate him. I just wish I could break the secret for growing a KZbin channel like you.😂

[@clintonlindsey4391]

This. Too many YT creators burn out because of the constant demand for content from the masses. Darwin has provided so much informative and inspiring content over the years already. He doesn't owe anyone a thing.

[@PACKMAN608]

Big fan of both channels and this interview by both of you was excellent! Keep doing what you love! You both inspire a lot of people! 525 people in the whole world are triple crowns! 👑 Darwin

[@anthonysmith7280]

Cool rundown Dan, thanks for doing this. I watched a ton of Darwin's stuff - he really helped me out on my AT thru-hike in 2021. Keep on hammering brother and be well!

[@habituallinestepper8839]

Definitely not a thru hiker or ultra light backpacker but I always enjoyed Darwin on the Trail (Nick’s) videos. I enjoyed this interview. Happy Holidays

[@Dmorris556]

I love these colabs. You guys inspire me to get back out there.

[@billheckman5937]

I have been watching Darwin for years. Really enjoyed seeing this side of Nick, and yes I did know his real first & Surname. Who better to design backpacking gear... I am 69 and wish I was closer to the age of you two. It would be awesome to hear how you guys "Evolved" into that aching old arthritic backpacker and how you keep plugging away. I think I know what Darwin will say in 25-30 years about backpacking as a Sr Citizen...."Embrace the Suck, It is humbling to step out of your comfort zone, and do the things that move you". Thank you both for this video, it is guys like you that prevent me from getting old. I will never buy a rocking chair. Merry Christmas.

[@DF4Trap]

It was sad to see him go, and great to see him come back. Always enjoy his content.

[@azcolby40]

I have enjoyed watching and getting to know Nic for several years now, I know he never stopped being really busy. Good to see him back , best wishes Darwin , your friend Tim

[@captainobvious1721]

I have never had any fantasies about through hiking but Nick's videos over the years on the different trails captivated me. It reignited my desire to get back out in the outdoors again. Keep up the good work! You both are a valuable asset to the outdoor community.

[@karensmith5116]

Thank you both for this collaboration, which was very enjoyable! I wish you both success in any and all endeavors and will be here enjoying you each living your best lives!

[@karenlajonna7229]

I started to reply and then saw that I already had, wait, what?!! LOL! I am Karen Smith, too. Anyway, I do want to say that I enjoyed Darwin's videos and always found him to be super helpful!!

[@karensmith5116]

@@karenlajonna7229 Karen Smith's unite! That is too funny! I agree that I enjoy Darwin and I understand what he explained in the video with Dan. These guys are people with feelings and they have the right to live their lives and channel their outdoor creativity and knowledge as they see fit! I just benefit and enjoy what they each share graciously with us all!

[@kenzo111]

I did the Annapurna Circuit in Oct 2019 and it was Nic who inspired me to do it at age 50. Thank you. It changed my life. And thank you Dan for just being awesome as ever

[@mparker_astro]

Yes! I’m here because after a failed AT thru hike in 2023 and spending the last 7 months working in wilderness therapy,@Darwinonthetrail is right…there are thru hikers and there are back packers. I yes I want to finish the AT and at some point a triple crown, but it’s the journey and the experiences. I’m giving serious thought to the EBC before finishing the AT! But that time on the AT and work have prepared me mentally to make that decision.

[@paddle_hike]

Both of you guys are amazing hikers and KZbinrs and I'm glad Darwin's back and that you're still there Dan lol... Hiking, backpacking, and making videos are also what I love to do. I'm so far from you guys but you are pushing me to keep doing it and do it better & better. Thanks for the amazing videos. Take care.

[@SummitProStore]

Love it! Can't wait to finish this video! Glad to see you post!

[@outcast3397]

This was one of my favorate vids i've ever watched. Thankyou for touching on the deapth of the soul of being out there in the greatest place to be. love you both🙌

[@Harry-Giles]

Dan. Fantastic video. Rick's a great guy. Enjoyed the rapport you two had and it was good to get his take on YT, his life, etc.

[@markshea7151]

Snowbowl in Flagstaff, AZ. Good place dude. Thanks for this video guys. Good content. Appreciate it. Happy New Year all the best!

[@365survivalist]

Darwin's a great Guy. So missed when he went, but now he's back it's great news. Gives such honest reviews on his gear and he truly tests his gear. A huge welcome back Darwin.🤜🏻🤛🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@wannabeaway]

Love the discussion about through-hiking vs backpacking. Well put!

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Dan, you are such a class act! As is your interviewee😊. Thanks for this dude!

[@jfifield20]

Nice video and interview Dan. I too have enjoyed watching Darwin for years. Looking forward to his' new content. So I'm also curious what did Darwin think of your Durston X-Mid tent? I've been quite curious what his' opinion is of it.

[@ellenlangford2303]

Y'all are both so lovely. I've gotten so much from your videos over the time you've both been producing.

[@hjr2693]

Thank you for sharing this conversation. Darwin was one of the first KZbinrs I followed and I am glad he is back. Also, I vote yes on Dan and Darwin climbing a 20k foot peak! Safely!

[@eric55406]

I'd be interested in seeing you guys doing what you love. For Dan Becker, if that means skipping the mountains that's cool; show us your favorite places instead. For DarwinOntheTrail, I'd love to see your content around hiking a mountain. I think that inspiration component so important. For me, the inspiration is where I start; without the inspiration I don't even plan a backpacking trip. I'm sure it's important for your creative content to be inspired and show us, your audience, what you love.

[@shaynehix7711]

Great interview! It is awesome to see Darwin back on the trail and on KZbin.

[@NSaaf]

Hey Dan! Thank you for your impressive dedication! I would classify myself as a weekend warrior/ hiker, so nothing too serious. But I use a lot of sea to summit equipment (baring in mind I’m based in Europe and and some of the more exotic us gear is unobtainable). My question is; is there any s2s gear you would actually recommend?

[@silvermediastudio]

Nic is the man. Been supporting his channel since the beginning. His content inspired me to get back out and into the trail life again around 2015, haven't looked back since.

[@justinmarlin9905]

Really cool to see you both talking I follow both or you and think you both do a good job helping other learn about hiking and gear was really surprised to this in a glad way was super exciting to see it pop up in my notifications and watch good talk👍👍

[@GrumpyForester]

Wonderful interview, Dan and "Darwin". Loved it 💗

[@jannamozdzer4100]

I remember his I Quit video and felt so bad but am glad he felt he could come back, thanks for chatting with him!

[@jeffarcher69]

Great interview. Darwin has a real knack of considering several perspectives simultaneously which, IMO, is why he stays humble. you do you brother.

[@Axe_North]

SUCH A GOOD EPISODE ! Can't wait that you officialy start your podcast !!!! ( please do it )

[@hoser7706]

THANK YOU! For these You Tuber cross videos but slso for this specific interview. You are both great guys, creators and have helped so many of us over the years. From gear to entertainment, it is all appreciated!!!❤

[@laidbacktraveler2580]

Great interview! I was definitely bummed out when Darwin announced "the end "of his KZbin channel. But no one is owed anything by him or any other creative. Enjoy what they do and have done, and support those who channels and content you enjoy. IF that isn't enough, then start your own channel/content and run it up the flagpole and see who salutes - and what it really takes for yourself.

[@DDuMond1]

Great interview Dan, I felt like I got to know Darwin better on your vlog better than I ever did on his channel!

[@jasonjackson7293]

Really enjoyed the video. What a great conversation. My favorite of all your videos.

[@edcorkran7845]

Really enjoyed seeing two of my favorite guys. Welcome back Nic.

[@livinlarge1247]

My buddies the Rakestraws live right down the road, Tom's step son Justin I met in preschool. Saw Nick at the outdoor store in Flagstaff circa 2014. Awesome fellow! Great work!

[@scottyplug]

Wow. 2 of my maybe 5 favorite backpackers together in my old stomping grounds of AZ. Wonderful.

[@pdr0603]

Dan and Darwin - loved the interview; glad you guys are doing ok. Just an idea - I'd love to see an interview with Darwin and Jupiter - how has Boy Scouts impacted their lives, best story, etc... Could be inspirational for the next generation. Dan, you have kids getting in that age range.

[@nicksam5518]

Content creation is DRAINING. Being outside, hiking, is a BREAK from our normal lives for most of us. Those who hike a long distance trail, plan it for years. (time away from family, money, no job for 4 months ect.) I totally get pausing his videos and the daily grind of youtube.

[@hyoh-wu]

Darwin videos are what inspired me to start hiking and start capturing my own memories. Glad he's back and doesn't get burnt out.

[@gogerwi]

I've invested a lot of time watching you two. Enjoyed the interview with Nic.

[@capturelifenikkibrockman3552]

Welcome to AZ. Great seeing Darwin on your channel. Stoked he’s back.

[@user-kd1du1yp4g]

Nice to see Buff and Merino Hoody having a podcast together 😃

[@AdventuressAli]

If you do decide to do a thru hike again, Canada has a truly wild one extending from the Great Divide up to ours. But ooof, looking into it - doing supply drops or even town resupplies is more than a challenge. Whatever you do, I think it's cool to change up what you share if you still like youtube creating.

[@RustyOutdoors101]

Love to see you guys just hang around camp having fun

[@skyblue-lb9kr]

Big fun! Great conversation......thanks Dan and Nic! Would like to see you interview Dave Pearson, Fun in the Woods :)

[@ashleysierra2501]

Want to see more of you guys together. Was so fun to meet Darwin at PCT days and got to see Dan, next time I want to meet Dan.

[@dianemcgowan2289]

Nepal is wonderful but primitive which isn't necessarily bad. I went to Nepal in 1986 to climb the Annapurna Sanctuary trail and going to Annapurna base camp. That's at like 12500 ft. That's as high as I have been other than snow skiing years ago. I was 29 when I went to Nepal. Now I live in Prescott Valley AZ at 5500 ft but copd has limited my climbing. So now I camp. Thanks for the video

[@stby_outdoors]

The whole vintage thing is one of my favorite things about Evolved Supply Co. Eveything I love is vintage and when I first started I kept wanting to go UL but thought all the gear looked to modern for my personal tastes and I carried some heavy crap for a long time just for the old school vibe 😂

[@Dreoilin]

What a great vid Dan! So glad you got to make and share this.

[@SophisticatedDogCat]

It’s about time! Been waiting to see these two in the same room.

[@randyholloway920]

Great interview, Gents! Yes to seeing youse guyz on a 20K+ peak.

[@natehoover5266]

I haven't had that "spark" or "passion" for years and years. It might try to come back for a few days but it's always fleeting. Backpacking trips help.

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Thanks Dan & Nic (Darwin) for a great video. The best to you two both in 2024.

[@DocPicklez]

People dont like when their shows are canceled. They can be angry at the production studio and leave the actors as the Hero in their mind. When you are the actor and the studio, you are both the hero and villain. When you come back... you are still the hero and villain. People are fickle

[@danjustthinking]

Im glad Darwin took a break :) and glad he was willing to have this conversation about why he took the break.

[@MrEbeet]

i played a drinking game watching this and took a shot every time Nic/Darwin said, "Scratch my itch" and i was hammered in 10 minutes!

[@bretrogers4201]

Loved the hiker mashup! Hope to see more collaborations!

[@Feribrat99]

Just got the titanium cook cup he made, it has all the improvements on it that quite a few other hikers were talking about would be a great improvement to it. Just before you started talking about it, that is funny. The bail going down on the other side is awesome so you can get it out of the way to drink out of it, other cups it is always in the way.

[@ironpig701]

Love him and his channel. And I can imagine the amount of time and effort it takes to thru hike and post content.

[@geauxherd762]

Thank you BOTH for what you both do.

[@buxtond]

Love this video. What a great combo to post a vid. Keep up the fun work.

[@outidenine7611]

Ive been waiting for a vid for so long, missed you, hope you are having a great Christmas!

[@DanBecker]

Just taking a well needed break :-) I’ll be back in full force in January

[@outidenine7611]

Awesome I cant' wait! Have a great break and merry Christmas! @@DanBecker

[@tiger2too18]

Great to see both of you bouncing ideas off each other. Dan, take Eric with you to go with Darwin to Nepal. Try the Jordan trail - incl Petra plus a bikepacking trail.

[@millerhoo]

I would like to see more gear content from Durston too. Of course I love hearing him talk about his stuff, but I am interested to see what other gear Dan uses.

[@AnimalExtractor]

Two of my favorite KZbin personalities under one roof. How awesome.

[@sarahjarrett2155]

Great conversation! I'm super excited to see your products.

[@Davebone87]

Excellent interview Dan. Big thanks to ya!

[@seanbowen9891]

Your both great...ty both for your insight and efforts... ❤

[@CoasttoCoastOutdoorAdventures]

Loved this video! And YES, get Dan on a 20K foot peak in Nepal! And take me with you!

[@russelljackman1413]

GREAT video, with two GREAT Souls! God bless you both!

[@misstbikini]

You guys and dixie my favs, oh how i wish Nic make the hip belt longer for plussiizers 🙏 true the trails are so crowded in the US, i get the desire for mountaineering

[@michaelsorrentino3346]

Darwin is the best! I always loved his voice and calmed vibes. OG hiker KZbinr. Looking forward to trying out his gear

[@ThenaturalmedicAdventures]

Great to see you both together!

[@shokot3546]

Yay for Darwin!! ❤ he can create whatever the hell he wants on his channel! YoLo!

[@xavierstutz860]

Looking forward to seeing Dan climb some mountains in Nepal!

[@STinGa157]

Excellent video! I was a little sad when Darwin stepped away from KZbin, but I completely understood his reasoning. Am I glad to see him back … absolutely. Weekly, biweekly, or monthly, I will keep an eye peeled out for any new content from him … and you too, since the YT algorithm dropped you into by feed. 😂

[@SacredDirt]

My childhood hero, MacGyver, more than that, Richard Dean Anderson, made his audience feel loved. Millions were sad when it was over. The remakes sucked. He said, "thank you for Seven great years." Same thing mostly with Burn Notice, Seven Years (many subtle and not-so-subtle references to MacGyver in BN). Then Darwin, Seven years. It's odd, but Your heroes kinda become your friends. Darwin, if you read this, know that you are indeed a friend to millions! You've improved the lives and journeys of SO many!

[@76FastEddie]

Love this! Do an interview with Homemade Wonderlust.