Claim OwnershipThe Outdoor Evolution Podcast
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Nic "Darwin" Rakestraw is joined by rotating co-hosts on a podcast that seeks to go beyond the usual conversations in the outdoor community. As more people turn to hiking, cycling, van-life and the outdoors - making use of public lands and Mother Nature - the questions we ask ourselves as a community need to move beyond the surface level. The Outdoor Evolution Podcast is all about the current, difficult and important discussions in the outdoor community.
38 Episodes
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In this episode, Darwin announces his BIG Adventure Plans for 2026! A return to The Continental Divide 5 years later? YEP, but this time around he's doing it totally different! This Episode Sponsored By: onX Backcountry Get 60% off my favorite Backcountry Navigation App by following This Link Get early access to episodes, other podcasts, and exclusive content, by joining & supporting me on Patreon. Go to Darwinonthetrail.com to keep up to date with all of my new films,...
In this episode, Darwin tackles a current Hot Topic about the recent defunding of our Public Land agencies. What can we do as a community to make sure these lands are protected & maintained during the recent National Park & Forest employee layoffs? How can we help the future of these wild places? This Episode Sponsored By: Highlander Come Hike, Camp, & Learn with ME at Highlander Big Bear 2025. Get 20% Off your registration by following This Link or using code DARWIN20! Si...
In this episode, Darwin is BACK to discuss what happened to Outdoor Evolution over the past year and what's next for The Podcast & Darwin Onthetrail! This Episode Sponsored By: onX Backcountry Get 20% Off of an onX Backcountry Subscription by following This Link or using code DARWIN20! Get early access to episodes, other podcasts, and exclusive content, by joining & supporting me on Patreon. Go to Darwinonthetrail.com to keep up to date with all of my new films, videos, and ...
In this episode, Darwin is joined by YouTube creator Dan Becker to discuss the dreaded BURN OUT that we all face from time to time. Can you really get Burnt Out from Backpacking? What about burn out from doing what you love for a living? How do you "come back" from falling out of love with your favorite thing? This Episode Sponsored By: Sawyer Products and Zpacks Use Code OE10 at Zpacks.com to get 10% Off Your Order! Subscribe To Dan on YouTube - @DanBecker Get early access t...
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Mateo Favero from Zpacks to discuss how the Backpacking Gear Industry REALLY works. They also share the TRUTH about a controversial story from 2020 that people have been speculating about for years. Should you trust what gear companies are telling you? What the heck is vague booking? Find out in this episode! Follow Mateo on Instagram - @Call_Me_Mateo Check Out Zpacks - Zpacks.com To get early access to episodes, bonus media, and exclusive merch, j...
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Dr. Morgan “Blaze” Brosnihan, PT to discuss a better way to train for a Thru-Hike or even a long weekend Backpacking Trip. Does “just get out and hike” actually cut it when it comes to getting in physical shape? What are hikers really overlooking when it comes to preparing for their big adventure? How do you find the “Perfect” hiking shoe? This Episode Sponsored By: Sawyer.com Check Out Morgan's Website - BlazePhysio.com Follow Morgan on Instagram ...
In this episode, Darwin is joined by fellow YouTuber and Photographer Nick Page to discuss the pressures of running a successful YouTube channel. Being known for a particular style and wanting to pivot doesn't always get the results you hope for when following your creative passions. How can something as meaningless as a comment on social media wreak havoc on your mental health, and how do you avoid the inevitable burn-out that faces all creatives? Check Out Nick's YouTube Channel - Nick P...
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Marek Bowers of Rawlogy to discuss why self-care is so vital to the success of an adventure. Whether a Thru-Hike, Weekend Backpacking Trip, Bikepacking Odyssey, or World Travel Excursion, focusing on your physical and mental ailments in the field can make or break your trip. Marek also shares his tips on achieving healthier Muscles, Minds, and Skin while in the backcountry. This Episode Sponsored By: Sawyer.com Check Out Rawlogy's Website - Rawlogy.com S...
On this very impromptu episode, Darwin is joined by friend and creative partner, Chris Carter (aka RAD), to discuss the root of why we hunger for travel. What is it about experiencing different cultures around the world, that is so humbling to the soul. They also share some information about an upcoming Travel Series that is in the works. To get early access to episodes, bonus media, and exclusive merch, join The Outdoor Evolution by supporting us on Patreon. Go to www.theoutdoorevolut...
On this episode, Darwin is joined by his partner in crime, Matt Evans, to announce their New Gear Company, Evolved Supply Co. They geek out on Gear Design, Tech Fabrics, & everything else about their first product, The Ranger. They also chat about how Evolved came to be, manufacturing in the US, & what products they have planned for the future. To get early access to episodes, bonus media, and exclusive merch, join The Outdoor Evolution by supporting us on Patreon. Go to www.th...
On this episode, Darwin is joined by Benny Braden of Responsible Stewardship to announce our 2023 #GiveAShit Adventure Sponsorship & to discuss what ever happened to the Public Land Film Series we were working on. They also chat about the amazing non-profit organization Benny recently started & share how you can become a responsible steward of your local public lands. To get early access to episodes, bonus media, and exclusive merch, join The Outdoor Evolution by supporting us ...
On this episode, Darwin is joined once again by Emory to chat about doing a Mt. Everest Basecamp Trek and the powerful impact that the recent trip had on Darwin - including his realization of the unhealthy nature of trying to "Stay Relevant" in the outdoor community on social media. Listen along while Darwin and Emory discuss the long term impacts of social media, influencer culture, and how it can wreak havoc on your mental health. To get early access to episodes, bonus media, and exclusive...
Back from a long hiatus, Darwin is joined once again by Emory to chat about their summer travels, rant about the outdoor community, & just plain catch up on some Big Ol' projects OE has been working on/what you can look forward for the rest of this year! To get early access to episodes, bonus media, and exclusive merch, join The Outdoor Evolution by supporting us on Patreon. Go to www.theoutdoorevolution.com to keep up to date with all of our new articles, films, products, and more...
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Executive Director of the Arizona Trail Association, Matt Nelson, to discuss the overcrowding issues that are starting to plague long-distance trails like the AT, PCT, & the AZT. What does it take to run a trail association & manage the impact on the environment? Is Education, Permits, or Funding the answer to this growing problem? Is there such a thing as "too many hikers" on the trail? To get early access to episodes, bonus media, and exclusive ...
In this episode, Darwin is joined by world traveler, Christy Teglo to discuss taking your adventures abroad. The experiences, logistics, costs, & more. What lessons has Christy learned on her many journeys all over the world? They also chat about her experience & challenges of traveling/adventuring as a solo female both internationally and domestically. To get early access to episodes, bonus media, and exclusive merch, join The Outdoor Evolution by supporting us on Patreon. Go ...
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Travis Avery from Sawyer Products to chat about giving back on a global scale & what Sawyer is doing to save lives all around the world. Can someone like a Thru-Hiker or Bikepacker actually make a difference by doing something as simple as buying a piece of gear? Can other companies in the outdoor industry really change the world? Darwin also shares how his upcoming trip to Fiji & the film he's shooting there will contribute to giving back globally...
In this episode, Darwin is joined by a whole round-table of Co-Hosts! Jessica (his wife), along with friends Jen & Greg Seymour all chime in to discuss the ups & downs of adventuring as a couple. Is it easy to get along when you spend every day together on something like a thru-hike? What sort of issues should couples anticipate dealing with when traveling full-time together? What kind of strain can a long adventure put on a relationship when one person is gone for months, leaving the...
In this episode, Darwin is joined once again by co-host, Einstein, to have a different conversation about mental health in the thru-hiking community. There have been plenty of great conversations about the positive effects that thru-hiking can have on an individual's mental health, but what about some of the negative consequences it can lead to? What mental health issues can be exacerbated by a lifestyle built entirely around thru-hiking and nothing else? This conversation is difficult, but o...
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Film Maker/Thru-Hiker Nick Greene to discuss what we "should" expect of the Outdoor Industry when it comes to stepping up for our Public Lands. Does a company that's in the Outdoor Industry owe anything to Public Lands? Why are we, as a community, not expecting this of the industry more? How can we, as consumers, change the landscape of where our money goes? These two filmmakers discuss their thoughts on all this and more. Watch Darwin's Film "Through The...
In this episode, Darwin is joined by Einstein to discuss a growing issue in the Thru-Hiking and overall Outdoor Communities... Wildfires! Last year we saw the PCT completely shut down in early September, and watched as nearly every Southbound hiker who set off on the journey from Canada to Mexico had to end their hike early. This was just the most recent extreme consequence of the growing trend of wildfires, particularly in the Western US, and how they are affecting people's outdoor adventure...
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Great information and dialogue!
Thanks for your transparency and willingness to share on the topics you covered.
I find it astounding that people have the audacity to pass judgment on the way someone hikes. I hike for the joy of hiking, period. If someone thinks less of me because I hike too quickly or too slowly, they can F-off. I hike for my enjoyment, not theirs.
it seems that geotagging a beautiful location results in an unintended death sentence for that area.
Good discussion. Life is and should be multidimensional. Thank you, Darwin and God bless your good wife.
Enjoying the conversation. Honestly, it's nice to hear that you aren't one-dm.😂
do you have any suggestions on how to find brands that are ethical? I would love to support them, but it challenging to figure out who is taking advantage of people.
#trashbag
Hey, this is great stuff...no matter who I think you are 😆