We Need To Talk... The Future of Darwin on the Trail

The future of my KZbin channel depends on all of this....
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** Gear Used to Shoot this Video! **
- Camera -
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- Sound -
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DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that
if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra
cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make
videos like this. Thank you for your support!
Contact information:
Website: www.darwinonthetrail.com
Instagram: Darwin_Onthetrail
facebook: darwinonthetrail
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MB01XY6ZLG6VU9D

[@deborahfraser9325]

Get a sponsor, get a Patreon account, get an editor. Do what you need to do to bring content to your channel. This is a business venture and that is what is needed to do well. I really like this channel. Love the trips, the gear reviews, and anything else you present. I'm a fan!

[@sweepingdenver]

Agreed. Absolutely nothing wrong with having sponsors. It’s not incompatible with having unbiased reviews. We support you!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for the support! Also… I’ve had a Patreon account for the past 7 years 😉

[@zhukov43]

I honestly don’t care if you have sponsored content, you’ve got bills to pay and hikes/climbing to fund, you’re one of a few creators that definitely aren’t shilling. Keep on kicking on.

[@dustenmccammond5689]

i have gotten into hiking at an older age. Some of my favorite talks you have done have been on keeping in shape and avoiding injury. Anything along those lines would be great.

[@nathansprowls4735]

The deep dive in the gear companies would be fun to watch and know more about each company and the people behind the scenes! Welcome back and keep up the good work!

[@Michael_Rega]

What you’re doing for the channel and yourself is amazing. I could care less if you had a sponsor editor or any other things discussed, I just appreciate your openness, transparency, and honesty with us. This is something that we do not see all in all too often this day. Also, the information and inspiration to become more active in the outdoors, helped me to started backpacking back in 2019 and now getting into longer trips with bike packing. Your support for public lands is something that is admirable, and I wish more people had as well and further gave me the inspiration to take a career to help protect and assist in the management of these lands for the public. I do not have enough thank yous for you.

[@seanmanear9860]

You know what would be a great video? A "What to do when specific things go wrong on trail". Like, what happens if your backpack strap breaks, or what if you go to filter water and nothing comes out of your water filter, or what happens if you get to a campsite late in a day and every single available spot is taken. What do I do if I wake up on my second day and my calves hurt so bad I can barely extend my feet. Just some reference guides that could help prepare someone who was planning a trip to fall back on if something did go wrong.

[@erinharvanek143]

Love this!

[@CoasttoCoastOutdoorAdventures]

You do whatever is needed to “Evolve” your channel. Looking forward to whatever content you create.

[@survivewithout]

I would like to see a video on any exercises or stretching routines you do or recommend for feet and calves or a good packrafting adventure. A little hiking and packrafting mixed together 😊. By the way I think your making a fantastic move hiring an editor. The fact is we only have so much time in a day. Keep up the great work.

[@PapaBoiOutdoors]

How gear is made sounds very compelling to me. I don't see how anyone has a right to say anything about you being sponsored???? I watch these videos for free and I can even fast forward past adds most of the time! If it keeps you going and we get what we look forward to, it is a win/win in my book. Thanks Darwin and keep the videos coming!

[@ethanprice6780]

The most anxiety-inducing sentence, “we need to talk.”

[@timshields8720]

Get a life

[@deborahfraser9325]

Ain't that the truth!

[@musingwithreba9667]

Riiiiight!? 😂

[@alanh4753]

Keep doing you Darwin. Thanks for the update.

[@pyronymph-868]

I love seeing videos focused on the trips you have taken. Even if they are shorter installments of the same trip, I would watch; scenery changes. I won't be able to afford international trips, so watching those is great for me.

[@mjeh1]

Personally, I'm most likely to actually watch trip videos.

[@mrwhirly0358]

Agreed!

[@Floki1624]

@@mrwhirly0358 Double Agree.

[@TXMEDRGR]

triple agree

[@jessesychterz8012]

Quadruple agree.

[@MstRNate21]

I actually love that your channel is already a mix of everything. Its not only the ins and outs of backpacking but also getting to see your story unfold along the way.❤

[@travaden]

I like the concept of visiting brands, seeing the workshops, and hearing their stories. Additionally, it would be cool to go hike a local trail with those makers, using/highlighting their products in the field, so they can explain why they designed the product the way they did.

[@ChuckDowe]

I love the idea of seeing more of how our outdoor gear gets made. Especially the ones that are or started as a post-trip inspired need/want from their experience.

[@isaacruthen9313]

Trip videos and longer form documentary type videos are definitely what I am interested in. Excited to see what’s next!

[@jeremylince9307]

I'm here for the trip videos. While I used to appreciate gear reviews, I've adventures enough that my gear is dialed in exactly for me and the types of trips I go on. Any new purchase would either be a replacement of something that malfunctioned or an insignificant upgrade. I'm eager to hike vicariously through your videos to places that my family commitments just don't allow me to.

[@chase-mode]

Stoked to see what you can do with a team, considering what you’ve built on your own. I wanna see more on trail vlogging. It’s such a fun escape.

[@philipvass]

Love all your content and understand that sponsors are a way to make quality content on a regular basis and not be broke. Keep doing you.

[@sindex]

When this started up, I hoped the "future of the channel" was that you were hiring an editor. Glad to know sponsorships are allowing that and that you're busy enough with ideas to keep things moving. Looking forward to the future of the channel!

[@ajmeijer6854]

I just love how much you care about people. I co-hosted and co-produced a podcast for almost 10 years and we didn’t want to bring people on board without paying them…and in the world of content creation, that typically means needing some kind of sponsorship. Keep up the great work! As far as video ideas… You’ve done something like this before, but it has probably changed a lot - *especially* with new adventures like mountaineering. But I was thinking seeing your preparation for your adventures. Similar to what Cody Townsend was doing for The Fifty videos. You don’t necessarily need to do avy prep and predictions…but what *do* you do to prep for your adventures. Thanks as always, good sir!

[@jeffogden5058]

Your content helps to inspire me to do as much hiking as my busy life allows. Thank you for your years of hard work and dedication.

[@ricardojorge5886]

Been watching you for years now Darwin. You've both taught and inspired me. My hikes have been more varied as of late and I would like to hear your insight on what to consider when setting up camp in different environments (beach, above treeline, snow, jungle, etc...). Thanks again for the years of videos. Do what you gotta do to keep the channel going the way you want it to.

[@johnc5450]

As to the sponsorship, you do you! I love the honest gear reviews so I appreciate that you’re planning to keep it that way! As far as ideas, maybe shorter hike ideas for those who can’t afford months on a trail. Maybe 3 days to a week hiking opportunities in different parts of the country (US). Thanks for being real!

[@owlimp2603]

Love the update! Maybe a series where you go on a trip with first time backpacker and give tips/ show where beginners may need help

[@jaredhathaway2562]

Darwin, I’m a fan of your channel mostly because of your down to earth personality. I like trip videos perhaps most, but will likely watch whatever you put out. I do like the “where gear comes from” idea. Glad you are getting the help you need to be able to balance life. You don’t owe us anything, but I appreciate all the work you’ve put in to entertaining and helping us all these years!

[@ahoward8590]

Hike your own hike, run your own channel. However you do it, I am just glad you are doing it. My favorite content would include both the actual trip videos, and the trip prep/logistic planning videos. Just wanted to say thank you for creating this content. Yours was the first backpacking channel I was introduced to, and thanks to the information and inspiration I have gotten here, I will be doing my first ever section hike of the AZT (SOBO) starting this Saturday!

[@ms7fam433]

You are a business owner that is providing for his family. Keep making the best decisions for you. We like the trip videos best, and will continue watching other content that interests us. Thanks for all the great content you have produced. ..

[@patrickhogan2800]

Hey Darwin, I’m 59 years old and took up backpacking in Michigan about 5 or 6 years ago. You have been an invaluable source of information & inspiration, and I am now about to do my first thru hike this August (John Muir Trail). I don’t have any great ideas for videos as you seem to touch on most everything I’m interested in. Possibly some “how to” videos such as fording a river, or other back country safety stuff. Thanks for what you do!

[@tim9324]

Like a few already mentioned here, I’ve reconnected to backpacking at an older age from when I was a boyscout and my daughter now joins me. I’ve finally fitted out our gear list after renting for the past two years. Love the trip videos. Keep them coming.

[@zachglickmann8525]

Sounds like you’re at the point of becoming a people manager or burn out on your endeavor. I hope you can make the transition, I really enjoy your content and find it educational as well. Good luck!

[@michaelb1761]

The 3rd backpacking trip of my life was the JMT in 2015 at the age of 46. I fell in love with the Sierra on that trip, and I hope you do as well.

[@barbarab7702]

Darwin, I’ve loved watching all your hiking trips the most, and gear reviews a far second. Looking forward to continuing to follow your incredible adventures in the outdoors!

[@RandyBrown162]

I'm a newer follower. I don't see a problem with the ads as long as we know who is sponsoring. The experience you can share is very valuable for people like me trying to pass this on to a bunch of kids.

[@iviewthetube]

I'm sure that your viewers come from a variety of backgrounds and interests. Mine is camping out of a kayak. Most anyone who I talk to about outdoor gear knows who Darwin is.

[@leonardobertinelli7121]

I’d love to see a little more of mountaineering content and definitely the series about how gear comes to life. Thank you!

[@knotfinley]

Glad to see you back. Maybe a video on the down and dirty of trip planning. Hike selection and mapping the trail, where do you look for information. Do you replan exit routes, etc.

[@Misterion25]

I think your plan sounds excellent. I appreciate your openness and I have no issues with it. Looking forward to the behind the scenes gear production videos.

[@DanielOutdoors]

No quitting again!! You're a great inspiration and I love that you started a company. I just want to see Darwin :) There is nothing wrong woth sponsorship, its only "Dixie" who apparently hate it. But every true adventurer had sponsorship for centuries. Even you have sponsors, you can allways stop the sponsorship. Even with an outdoor app. I would love to win your Evolve Supply pot.

[@snapman218]

Downvoted for the clickbait and unsubscribed

[@wussie7766]

I've always loved your content. I don't think I'll ever be able to do one of these long through hikes, but being able to live vicariously through you is awesome. Keep showing us your travels! Show me places I'll never be able to go myself!

[@erindewhirst2044]

I’ve always just loved your trail diaries! Your style always “takes me there” and I appreciate your editing. When you get an editor I hope they stay true to your style!

[@RichardShortland-Neal]

It’s great to see you back and producing more excellent content and I’m not bothered that the videos are sponsored as long as the sponsors are relevant to the videos you make. I for one would love to see videos for people on a limited budget or are just starting out thru hiking. Not all of us can afford the latest DCF tent but being able to lighten our packs with good quality gear that won’t break the bank would be a godsend.

[@marilynboyd2175]

Your channel is my favorite. I love the idea of seeing the gear companies and how gear is made! That would be so fun!

[@adventuresofbink]

You can’t make all the people happy all of the time, do what you need to in order to keep your joy alive. Great idea to give some in depth visits to cottage companies, I love hearing about the way they started, where they got their ideas and what they’re dreams are! Your platform is a great way to share that and support other entrepreneurs and small companies.

[@tonyamos2476]

Welcome back! Glad you are fired up about making content. Would love to see more of the 'where gear comes from' series!

[@erick6715]

I don’t need a cook pot ….. You’re a GREAT hiking guy with GREAT outdoor VIBES and ETHICS…. Which ever way Life takes you you’ll always remain.. that down to earth Hiker … I’m with you!!! 🍺

[@nuthatch127]

I love the trip videos, especially longer length videos that really spotlight your videographer skills. Those have always been some of my favorite videos of yours because the scenery that you present has been captured so beautifully.

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

When you put your heart and mind into what you enjoy, I’m sure it will be worth the wait and be great to watch and enjoy. Always a pleasure watching your content, short and long video content is a great resource for our community. Thanks for what you do! Standing by for what ever your heart and mind compel you to do. 🤙🏽

[@thadhufflife]

I appreciate your genuine input on products you like and the little issues you find through experience. You are an expert voice with tons of miles under your belt and so your wise counsel is helpful when considering future hikes, products, or issues we might experience while on trail.

[@chrisnielsen76]

Love your videos! I think is a good thing you got sponsorships instead of having to quit! I would love more tripvideos but also gear-reviews!

[@MrKraans]

Nice to see that you still be active on KZbin and wish you the best, have a nice day!

[@silverturtle1105]

I'm here for your personality, insight, and showing me new things. You've inspired me to challenge myself creatively and I'll watch your videos whatever direction you take them.

[@kjardavid]

I'm not a regular hiker (however a camping enthusiast), but love your channel. I really appreciate your attention to detail while at the same time giving your content relevant (and relatable) perspective. I'm happy to hear that you are continuing to cultivate balance in your life. That is inspirational. I encourage you to talk about how you maintain balance with your loved ones and the other things you love to do. Thank you and I wish you all the best!

[@Jcs1aughter]

Hiking trip videos are always nice to watch and live vicariously through you.

[@jeffwest195]

I am happy you have a chance to partner with quality products. I have trusted your stuff for so long now. Keep up the amazing travel videos. My daughter and I bonded over your PCT series. Your old budget gear videos were interesting and helpful to get me options. Thanks again!

[@IMDNME]

Great having you back and looking forward to the new content. You deserve all the best for putting it all out there.

[@moscaman559]

Glad you’re happy doing what you love! Really enjoy the behind the scenes at some of the gear companies!

[@christophernixon8088]

I would never have been inspired to start backpacking if it wasn't stumbling on one of your "How I pack..." videos years ago. I'm happy with all the updates, and wish you the absolute best of luck.

[@wolfeadventures]

Very happy for how transparent you have been. I see zero issue at all having a sponsor. If you believe in the product that’s all that matters. I am trying OnX based on your recommendation. I’d love to see how gear is made and get an inside perspective of each company like Zpacks, Tarptent etc. maybe some interviews with the owners, designers and employees also. I watch all of your videos and really enjoy the variety.

[@domo3552]

Thanks for the update Darwin. Looking forward to some travel videos.. the spirit of the journey etc..

[@danielragnar]

The ”behind the curtians” series would be great! I think that seeing the work that is being put in into the equipment we use would make us appreciate it even more. I would love to see that!

[@karstoutdoors1606]

The one thing that I think would make a good topic for videos is to show what it takes to build and maintain the trails that we love and use. I've seen so many outdoor channels showing everyone using the trails, but I can't say that I've seen any videos showing those people that work behind the scenes that make the trails a reality.

[@meghanleeming8224]

Happy to hear the channel continuing and opening my eyes to ON x backcountry. The gear reviews are always a plus and helping me decide on different pieces of gear for my upcoming AT thru hike.

[@sharonszolomayer536]

Appreciate the honesty and transparency about the work behind the process. And glad you came back to YT after the hiatus!

[@keliblum6591]

I’m thrilled to see your channel grow! I'm super happy for you and can't wait to see what comes next. Thank you!

[@sallyfinch540]

You do it, I’ll watch it. Hikes, bike trips, gear review, all good. Getting extra help with producing videos is a great idea.

[@finnalexander7780]

Love the new impulses for the channel! Viewing behind the curtains is a great idea - I would love to know more about some big brands, but also your own company... I am excited to see where you are going to take us!

[@minimalisa]

I would love to see behind the scenes of many of the cottage and small businesses that are innovating in the outdoor spaces, including your company! Thank you for the many miles of inspiration.

[@abrar4662]

I appreciate your authenticity Darwin. You represent outdoor recreation in such a beautiful and thoughtful way. I would love to see more of your company and more of your personal adventures, and absolutely more of the backstory of other outdoor companies that we know and love. Your videos are greatly helpful to all of us that aspire to be more like you. Keep doing your thing and inspiring people to get out there and make incredible memories in our beautiful backcountry!

[@davidcooper8390]

Thanks for inspiring all of us to get out and explore. I love to see the collaborations/crossovers with other you tube personalities. Good luck on the next phase of your channel.

[@kasai1575]

I'm definitely interested in seeing more videos about where gear comes from in the outdoor space! It would also be cool to see your opinion on the best hikes you've done, e.g. your favorite 1 night, 1 week, 1 month, and multi-month trips.

[@NicoleHikesalot]

Great to hear you talk about the future of your awesome channel, been watching for years and years. I enjoy your hiking videos just as much as the gear reviews, so keep them all coming. It's all good.

[@richardjaques4452]

Thank you for being a window into a world I did not now existed. I have watched your videos for many years. For the last three years I have been section hiking local trails. Something I had never thought of doing before. I may never thru-hike either domestically or abroad, but appreciate being included in your journeys.

[@juliefrechette7562]

Darwin, I have been a fan since 2017!!! You have inspired me to start backpacking even if I felt I was old and out of shape. I have loved the evolution of your channel, so this is just the next step, I'm glad you will get help. I love the trip videos, also how to prepare for a trip and anything behind the scenes! I also love learning about activities I'm not familiar with like bikepacking and mountaineering. Can't to see what's next! 🤩

[@ColeFritcher-ri5jf]

Thanks for the inspiration Darwin! Few years back I hurt my back and was flat on the floor for a week. I binge watched your videos and caught the bug for distance hiking. My girlfriend and I bought your new backpack and did the Oregon PCT together for a slow 2 month, 500 miles. California TO Washington. We had a blast! Thank you. I would like to see a video about add-ons or custom additions to your gear, if that is possible? Your packs held up so well, no weak points or anything. Incredible! Cheers!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I watch all your stuff, whether it is trip videos, tip videos, or reviews of products. You are one of the reasons I got into this. So, whatever you want to put out there...I'll be watching it. Thanks for your content and channel. Crow

[@TheWarder500]

I’m glad you are taking sponsors now, it helps support the content we all love, I have no problems with it. I love seeing how products are made, I’d be interested In those types of videos.

[@WhoKnewCrew]

One of the most genuine people out there, on video and in person! Keep doing you Darwin! 👍

[@joshjuckett8671]

Love the idea of you doing the behind the scenes videos of some of these backpacking companies. Your recent stuff with Dan Becker and the big KZbinr meetup in Utah recently has made me aware of how much I enjoy the collab-type stuff among the community. Would be cool to see you do some stuff with some of those people if it's in your wheelhouse. Trip videos are always a plus. I appreciate all the hard work that goes into your content and look forward to the projects coming up!

[@coleanderson9748]

So stoked you are getting into climbing, can’t wait to see where it takes you!

[@sisque6622]

I just want to say thanks for the content over all the years and I continue to look forward to your next adventures.

[@user-ko9ov3qu1k]

So nice to see you coping with your stuff and being a huge contributor to the community!!

[@marcusnewey8287]

Good luck with the change of direction, hope it all works out well. I'd love to see some more of your bikepacking content

[@rick_peterson]

I really look forward to seeing what you are able to produce with editing help. Definitely want to see more trip videos (even short overnighters), with more detail on planning, logistics, food, new gear taken, new gear used, and overall trip thoughts, etc., on each of these trips. Good luck with the editor search and thanks for all the great content!

[@jackhollenbach]

Hey Darwin! I've always appreciated just how genuine and sensible you and your approach to this channel seems to be. I've enjoyed many of your videos over the years, whether they were trips or gear reviews. I can't imagine how much work it is simply editing all the raw footage you must take into the smooth, entertaining content we find here. Good luck on everything!

[@treysturgeon1089]

I love all content whether it be backpacking, bike packing, or mountain climbing. Just keep doing what you want to do and I will continue to watch!

[@NorthWoodsWalks]

I would LOVE a video concerning a forgotten aspect of hiking: fixing a flat! I just had a major blowout this very morning on my way to a super-remote mountain trail here in Northern Maine where the ground cannot be trusted. Tips, hints & stories from you would be critical!!

[@jaredkirk2500]

I love this channel! I don't have any new ideas for videos or series that you haven't done, but I'm here for what you put out in the future.

[@ryanschwatken4121]

Love the idea of seeing how the gear is made and knowing more about the companies that make the gear. Keep up the awesome work!

[@jaquessiemasz8650]

Dude! Very excited about the update! You've always made superior quality vids and i'm sure whoever you take on will continue the excellence. I just wish I was good enough to apply myself! Would love to see more international hikes too!

[@sk-wx1cf]

I've been watching your videos for some years. You're one of the first KZbin hikers that I subscribed to. I've learned a lot from your gear reviews and travels. Thanks!

[@carterchristianson4361]

I'm a new subscriber. I Just got into backpacking in the last two(ish) years. It was overwhelming and honestly, hard to decide on what gear to purchase. I am a full-time student in Indiana and work hard to fund the backpacking-oriented lifestyle I hope to live. Your channel is a different angle from the "average" backpacker KZbin channels. I like it. In the past two years, I have learned a lot. My first solo trip was to Isle Royale National Park and was a cold, sleepless trip. It taught me a lot. Since then, I have backpacked, hiked, and found that my favorite aspect of backpacking is the long-distance hiking. You, as a thru-hiker, really opened my eyes to the idea of long-distance backpacking. I thank you for that, I hope to thru-hike the Ice Age Trail sometime in 2026. You may have already put out a video on thru-hiking and I will have to check, though, if you have not I would love to see what your first steps were as you were planning a thru-hike. Peace and Love. Carter.

[@ajevans8814]

I have always loved your gear breakdown and evaluation videos. Your channel is one of the ones I go to get my gear fix.

[@AndyObusek]

Honestly love that you're finally embracing sponsorships because I think it will make YT more sustainable for you, which means more videos, which is win/win for us.

[@RFS-bs7ot]

Thank you! A few weeks ago I started preparing for my first hike. Luckily I came across your posts and they helped me a lot in choosing the right gear for me. I like gear comparison videos. Especially if they inform me about the pros and cons of used materials and design. And it helps if the comparison is NOT of products that are to much alike. I know it sounds strange but comparing two totally different products is more interesting because they can both be best for a certain purpose. Maybe compare Ospreys backpack with Kuiu backpack? Sun hoody or Sun Hat? Interview material manufacturers, designers, rescue workers, guides, professional users?

[@aozame5479]

This is the right direction for you and your followers. This channel deserves support both financially and professionally. During your most recent live stream, it was obvious how dialed in you are with your gear selection. Pease continue with gear “wins” and “fails.” Especially gear that you travel with from airport to airport.

[@mikaelholmberg9557]

I love when you share your experience in hiking videos, but also gear reviews and tips and tricks for us less experienced hikers.

[@onthetrailwmac6071]

Video series idea: I would love to see a deep down look at all the pain and pride in creating a gear company, such as what you went through creating Evolved Supply Co.

[@epdaddy]

Six year subscriber, first time commenting. Upon reflection, the allure of the channel is content which informs and inspires. Continue doing both and I’ll continue watching. Cheers!

[@theresatmntspears9949]

Congratulations! I’m glad you gave us this update on you and your goals. I can wait to hear more about your gear company!

[@Glenoutdoor247]

If getting sponsored helps to keep the content flowing, you got my support. Thanks for keeping your content.