The trail has taught me to go from heavy to ultralight to comfortably light

My kids have learned resilience, we have been section hiking the Bibbulmun track in Western Australia, on one of our hikes we had a absolutely horrible day, torrential rain, gale force winds, and we had to climb a hill and traverse a saddle before descending and making our way to camp. At the top of the second hill, my 11 year old was really struggling, so I told her to give me her pack, she all but shouted at me ...No! You’re carrying too much already and marches strongly off into the rain and wind. One of my proudest moments as a dad.

I learned to not worry about who else is around you. Hike your own hike. Hike your own speed. If you need to stop 20 times on a climb and hold a tree up do it. You will make it up to the top eventually. And also. Stop. Stop and look around. Stop and take a break and make sure you are eating and drinking enough. Just take your time.

Backpacking has taught me there is a whole other level of exhaustion that I never knew existed. 🏕

I've learned that no matter how many groups of kids laugh at the mosquito net around my head, I'm better off.

I am a vet and deal with depression. The trail has helped me to smile and laugh at my moody self.

Since I started hiking 40 years ago the most important (to me) is to slow down. I used to hike to the next campsite just to get there. Now I go a lot slower and enjoy the HIKE not just the camp. I see a lot more and enjoy the HIKE. As an older hiker I have had to slow down. I should have done that years ago. This year I plan to start the AZT, and will attempt to establish a SKT. (slowest know time)!

I have learned that “the trail provides”. This can be experiences, relationships, or assistance when needed. Like you said, stay open. Also, stop and look behind you. Sometimes the best vista you have spent all day climbing for will be manifest by just turning around..Hike On!

Such a good, straight to the point, honest, active channel, write a book Darwin

The trail has taught me that to move forward on whatever journey I'm on, I need to always put one foot in front of the other.

Well said man! I always tell myself and surely what the trail has taught me, is "to live in the moment". Cause you never know when ur time will come that u may have to leave the hike or camp, or just a outing. Always live in the moment and let the reason you are out there sink in. Thank u man for the years and the adventures u have shared with us! Stay safe and good adventures!🏃✌

I'm still a young man with only one year of mountaineering and hiking experience but I have learned this: respect the mountain, at first you are all fun and games but as you progress and almost get into accidents and as you hear that someone you knew from a climb died in a climbing accident you start understanding the mountain more and more. I'm still at ground zero and I have a LOT to learn but this is what my first year taught me.

Nicely said Darwin. I like your comment about the trail teaching you to be creative. It will open people up and break them down to let the creative side out. I’ve been a creative ( professionally) for 38 years. I love getting out on a trail to just unwind and recharge. Then the ideas flow! Keep doing what you are doing man.

planning my first thru hike and this was just spot on what I need to hear. thanks!

I’m a newbie and I find your videos so valuable to me. Your experience and expertise gives me a chance to choice my gear with confidence. I watch every video I can find to teach and show me what my options are Thanks Darwin

I have just started recording my hikes as an elderly friend of mine who used to be a photographer advised it. He said it helps him to remember what he did not he is no longer able, guess vlogging is just the modern equivalent, keep up the good work.

Darwin, you're simply one of my favorite hiker vloggers. You're so informative and natural during your vlogging episodes. Always helpful. Thanks, brother.

Hiking has taught me that no matter what in life is scary if we just take the first step we can see its not that bad. Keep up the good work.

Thanks for your suggestion that folks get involved in trail maintenance. I’m the maintainer coordinator for the AT in CT and we’re always looking for new maintainers. I’ve been doing trail maintenance for 33 years and find it immensely rewarding. Great video, thanks.

Thank you for inspiring me. I too have dealt with similar depression in my life. I love your passion and thoughtfulness in all of your videos. Thanks to you, the trail is my spirit animal now and brings me great joy everyday. You the man Darwin! 👍

Nice video, as usual! Thanks. One thing that I learned through my hikes is that happiness lies in simple things. No need for a lot of money or complex activities. Getting up, walking, eating, sleeping, and sharing experiences with great people is all you need

Thank you Darwin,really enjoy your videos! I learn a little something every time.

Awesome video Darwin!! Your enthusiasm and passion is palpable!! So inspiring! 🙏🏻 you’ve sure turned me into an obsessed hiker over the last few years!

The darn trail got me married !!!!! But rooms got cheaper LoL 😅😂😃

Great video. I binge watched backpacking videos on KZfaq when I had the flu in January. You and other KZfaqrs inspired me to do my first solo backpacking trip in October. The trail is a special place. Thank you for continuing to put out great content.

So well put! I completed the JMT as my first long hike this last summer and did not incorporate any of these principles during the first week. It made it tough but I didn't really start to enjoy the experience until I accepted the sucky days, the community, and beauty around me. I will pass this way again when I do the PCT in 2021 and will take more time out to capture the memories instead of rushing through miles. Keep Inspiring!

Thanks for these videos Darwin, they gave me enough knowledge, that translated into the confidence, to pursue my pie in the sky dream to hike the PCT earlier this year. Without these videos i don't think I would have stayed engage enough to get where I needed to be to start. Oh and thanks for the free beer!

I started car camping this past year and this is helping with my backpack camping research. Thank you!

Awesome video, Darwin! Thanks for sharing. What you said about PTD is on point. Staying connected somehow and volunteering helps. The trail has taught me gratitude and that has changed my life. Maybe life is throwing challenges our way, but there's always something simple to be grateful for: clean running water, abundant food, and a bed to sleep in to name just a few! The trail has also taught me about how beautiful, loving, and supportive humans can be to one another (trail angels! Woo!).

Thanks, bud. I've hiked a few Caminos (Spain) but never really got excited about American trails. You've helped get me amped about the PCT. So thanks.

It is very definitely important to create something from a long hike, which for most people, is truly the experience of a lifetime. Can't wait to have that opportunity when I thru hike the AT in 2021!! Thank you, Darwin for sharing with all of us and inspiring people to get out there and get after the next adventure!

So true the "listen to the trail"... hiking the Sierra section this summer and staying open to what it has to tell me helped me enjoy every single day and meet the right people. It also showed me that I'm more than just a brain, and that my legs can carry me pretty far. Your channel has been an inspiration for me in the last years, thans you for that :)

I absolutely agree with listening to the trail. That is almost a bigger adventure than hiking an individual trail, because it doesn't end. - I did a hike this summer that kicked. my. ass. It was a whole lot of suck that had me questioning my sanity, but then in the middle of it was a location and experience so incredible I knew I would never be the same. Now I'm in the process of selling off everything to live mobile, and I have several thru hikes planned for the future. - But I wouldn't have even gone on that hike had I not subscribed to this (and one other) channel dedicated to the mind-trail experience. So thanks for that Darwin.

Hey Darwin! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Always great to see/ hear your perspective. I’ve taken a lot of advice from your experiences from gear (a personal favorite) to insight. I’ve often wanted to do a lengthy thru hike, but I gotta stay content with shorter trips. Either way, my mind is always on the trail when my feet can’t be! Keep up the great work! Chris H.

Darwin, kudos to you for living the life. Also, thanks for being articulate and concise.

Wonderful homily! Listen to the trail; absolutely!

#6: Listen to your body/gut. Love your video, Darwin. Keep up the awesome work inspiring others!

So refreshing to see you still replying to comments and listening to your viewers. Thanks for all your videos :)

Darwin, I really love your videos and the clarity of your thoughts and how you express them and I keep learning a lot from you, thank you very much. Though we have quite different conditions here in Europe, the essence what you say also applies here. THX

Thanks a million for your genuine advice. I really enjoy it. Good luck

Best video you’ve made... content wise. I’ve done the trail of Saint James in Spain twice and not being around that specific community is soul crushing for me. You checked all the boxes Darwin!

Growing up, my family hiked in the Adirondacks High Peaks. The trail taught me the value of hard work with the reward of the view from the top. It taught me about the beauty and power of nature. And I always thought the nicest people I ever met we're when I was hiking. Cheers y'all!

I have quoted you many times, "Embrace the Suck". I always receive great compliments when wearing the shirt. Have yet to do a major through hike, but have spent lots of time on the trail. There are always plenty of suck moments but I've been blessed with more awesome trail experiences. Love your vids.

Thank you for sharing the lessons learned acquired by years of experience. You have been an inspiration to me to reconnect with nature. Keep inspiring my friend.

Great views and advice. Strong believer in 'listen to the trail'!

God I needed to hear this! Thanks for the awesomeness. I will freely admit that I struggle the most with lesson #1. In fact, I have thought to myself that I need to hike a long trail to break out of my rigidity with plans. Thanks again for the great lessons & sharing your world.

You and your journey has inspired me so much. Because of you I started making my own videos (which aren’t the best but I have enjoyed doing). You have inspired me to get back into a healthy shape and to pursue dreams I didn’t know I had. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with all of us and helping us realize our dreams. I hope to get out more often and to continue to grow in my creativity.

Another great video with sensible advice. I would add don’t overestimate your ability- too many long days- can lead to mistakes- but maybe that is covered by listening to the trail. Great channel

Embrace the suck! Thank you for the reminder, just got back from a killer physiotherapist workout. I know why I am working hard to get healthy muscles, tendons and bones. And I just love the energy on trail, the people, being so connected with nature and my husband and the chance to get to hike. Reloading and rebalancing to be able to function in this stressed-out world. Thank you for sharing your creations!

So you mentioned to listen to the trail. I havent hiked it yet. I start on February 7th 2020. I have been watching tons of videos, yours mostly, and have introduced lots of AT things into my life. But i feel a different pull from the trail. Beyond all the things i bring into my life that involves the trail like videos and books etc. Im finding the closer i get to my depart date im seeing all kinds of AT related things. People talking about it around me that dont know of my plans. Or noticing a hat or a t shirt that's AT related in a store. The more i prepare the more i notice other things about the trail. Like its calling me telling me its time. The energy is there.

Very good VLOG Darwin especially the lesson on plans as a section hiker I have a downfall of setting grandiose plans and I will say due to age and physical shape I fall short. Recently I have decided to plan 1-2 night outings and not 100 mile treks. Thanks Again for all you do for the hiking community. God Bless

My stomping grounds are the Adirondack Mountains, and especially since finding this channel, I just keep wanting to do more and more and longer and longer! Keep up the good work Darwin! Love your informational yet entertaining videos! :)

Wise lessons. Always a pleasure to see your vids. A great beginning of my day (and, incidentally, of a 2-day hike on the Pieterpad 😁).

I am a section hiker; mostly on the AT and Florida Trail. Hearing you talk about "Embracing the Suck" has me realizing that over the years I have learned to do just that. It's so easy when section hiking to just get off trail and end the hike when things get tough. In fact the first time I had to deal with hiking in the rain I decided to get off trail the next day instead of hiking in wet boots. (BTW, I don't hike in boots anymore.) Recently, a friend and I did a section of the AT in NC. We got rained on one day and the next day was more rain and freezing cold. We simply altered our plans but stayed on the trail. If we had gotten off we would have missed out on hiking our last day in beautiful weather. The "sucky" part of the hike just added to the adventure.

I'm proud of you,,,your a good soul and very positive,that's extremely important in life, Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge, I do appreciate it...

Thanks Darwin for sharing your thoughts and all these beautiful videos.

I learned alot on my attempt this year I am not a thru hiker I'm a section hiker can't wait to get back out there next season I love your videos Darwin you motovated me to get out there and I fell in love with the Appalachian trail happy hiking ✌❤

Great words of advice there fella! Love your work, keep it comin. 👍🏼

I backpacked in the early 70's. Things sure have changed a lot. Now the only way I can enjoy the high country is on horseback. I practice "leave no trace" through BCHA. I really enjoy your videos and those from others. I have learned a lot about all the high quality equipment that is now available. Thank you for making videos. Travel Blessings!

Another great video. Kudos for mentioning “The Trek.” I keep hoping Zach will invite you to be a guest on “Backpacker Radio!”

Succinct, energetic, charismatic, yet deep, inspiring & insightful; just what we've all come to know and love about Darwin&Co. Thanks for keeping it real as always! My personal things learned from "walking in the woods" might be slightly different from "hiking/hiking community" [since having a 'home base' you "patrol" from is a different thing], but... I'd say some of the value is definitely similar in trying to eliminate as much 3rd party as you can between yourself and that which sustains you (nature/community). So surrounding yourself with nature, doing activities from a natural human evolutionary way of life. As long as you're "getting out there" for some amount of time, walking, running, biking, farmers' markets, gardening, barter/customized-consuming... whatever it is that takes you somewhat out of modernity, backwards a few thousand years, should have a positive effect on your psyche. As to how much modernity you should avoid/reject and how often... that's up to each person; I wouldn't advocate for a drastic, absolute, all-or-nothing approach to really anything, but knowing evolutionary history makes me think humans all, without exception, need SOME way to stay connected with both raw nature, and other people. Probably it's preaching to the choir in a channel like this, but it surely seems like this message should be spread more these days.

I am so thankful that you exist. I'm a total city girl, can't stand bugs, dirt, etc. But that's a limitation and I challenge myself to grown beyond my limitations. You've and a few others have inspired me and helped me understand what I need to get out and try this thing. I may hate it. But I *will* embrace the suck, push through and see if there's gold on the other side. May your trail always guide you to the best possible life.

Outstanding video, advice and everything else. God bless you.

Well put! Great comments. Thank you for enlightening the rest of us.

Embrace the suck is so true in all things. We often have plans in life and then they go sideways. It took me longer than it should have so except that but its just how it is. Its funny some of my worst time outdoors have also been my most memorable. Nice video and thanks for sharing your experiences. Take care

Hey Darwin you are always the happiest guy on KZfaq thanks for all your hard work glad you beat the depression you had going on two thumbs up.

Cool Lessons , wow 5 years ! Congratulations!! Wishing you many more years and perhaps more “lessons” ! 😀✌️

thank you for the reminders why we love the outdoors.

I did the Way to Saint James in May, the short version in Galicia. My first thru-hike. Thanks to you Darwin I was prepared and able to Enjoy the Suck. Walked one morning under small hail. I had several rainy and windy days. I mistakenly woke up too earlier on my last day and started trekking in the dark, with a headlamp. I realized like 30 mins later it was only 315am and the sun would rise at 8am. It didn't stop me, it was the most memorable stage I had. All my senses where extremely keen and I was able to enjoy nature very differently.

Rock on D$. Keep the good lessons and great videos coming!

I have never done a thru hike in my life and I never will but god do I enjoy your videos. Thank you for advice that I can take in other life choices.

Thanks for this, and all your videos. Actually, these are all pretty good lessons for life in general. I will probably never do any real long distance hikes now (I'm older than dirt - 79) but I still hike a lot and I've done about half of the AZ Trail in small chunks. (I talked to you briefly at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff a while back). Anyway: Keep it up! I enjoy long hikes mostly vicariously now.

I don’t through hike (yet) but what the many many trails I have day hiked have taught me is that my body is capable of more then I ever knew. There are easy situations and tough situations and I can get through it both physically and mentally. I can also be an influence for others along with me. That toughness can then translate into “real world” life. Thanks for the inspiring information. “May the Forest be With You!”

Lesson 5 is a big one for me. It's winter 7 months of the year here in Saskatchewan and by snowshoeing in winter it allows me to stay connected to the trail making the long winters more bearable. In winter I also buy new gear and replace old gear which also helps me stay connected to the trail. This winter I'm planning some weekend overnighters for spring and summer where I will use only cheap survival gear from Amazon to camp with to see how it all stacks up if it were ever put to the test in a real survival situation and the planning has been so much I hope the overnighters aren't a let down when the time comes to get out there and test these products. LOL That's a couple of the ways I stay connected to the trail and to nature in general when there's a -40c windchill outside and I've got cabin fever.

I’m Glad You have Found what makes you Happy. As always TC

This is probably my favorite backpacking vid of the year! Well done...

Listen to the trail was my favorite. Good job.

I always enjoy your videos and find myself always taking something away. Capturing memories is my number one reason I’m vlogging my AT2020 Hike. I hope to meet you at trail days✌️

Excellent video! Very good insight. I learned on the AT that no matter what happens on or off the trail: I'll figure it out.

Stay open. Embrace the suck. Create something. Listen to the trail. Stay connected. I’m about to retire and I realize that these lessons apply to life as a whole ... not just hiking. Darwin, what a great teacher you are.

I've only been following you since late 2020, but I think this is the first I think I've heard about listening to The Trail. Definitely want to hear more on that.

Man ! i really enjoyed this video. if you aint learn'in you aint live'in. good stuff.

Thank you Darwin. Thanks for the video's. You do a good job. I would like to see you write guide books. One for each trail, or one big book with separate sections detailing how to,,,and places to stay...gear lists... Extreme details. Ive watched quite a few of your videos and I'm certain you can do a good job with a guide book.

Thanks Darwin. Very thoughtful and helpful!

Probably your best video yet. Nice job.

Best motivational 10 minute video! it could apply to everything in life. Thanks

Hi Darwin and all! What a great topic. Hmm. 🤔 Yes there is expectation and then surprises happen. Embracing the suck and pushing through teaches what we're made of and builds confidence. I thought I'd simply enjoy being in nature but, surprise; an old gal can learn new tricks! For one, on my return home I experienced long lasting fitness. I'd done a bunch of long ocean swims and wow after getting back I felt like I was planing! The core becomes strong and that surprised me. After relying on grit, wits and collaboration with trail friends, I felt stronger mentally as well. In fact some of my relationships at home changed because I felt changed and was less easy to push around. I'm more sure footed! A small thing is that I'm more tidy. Everything is not only simplified but when every piece of gear counts, I became far more careful about my things and became more organized in general. I've developed some life long friends of all ages. I also learned about pace. I like to walk quickly and thought maybe I'm missing out but there is for me a wind in my hair feeling of keeping moving where the views seem to move through me in an ambient way.... if that makes sense. I've lived much of my life in a monastery and when it comes to the exceptional views I love the feeling of accessing, getting swept up in uplifting these experiences. Maybe its easier when the whole body is engaged in sweat, movement, and when there is enough challenge in trail finding, minding ones step, etc., all other daily worries having long since fallen away way back on the trail then the beauty seems to really shine. As far as creativity, I love macro photography and playing with words. Thank you for your insights!

Appreciate you being “real”. Great lessons to share. Thanks

This video is just... WOW! ... thank you for being honest and taking the time to make it.

Hi Darwin. I agree with you. Hiking and trekking are spiritual. After all we're traveling in His garden. And, if we listen we can learn so many things from Him about ourselves, others, His creations. And, we can feel appreciation for the wonderful beautiful garden He created for us, His children, to enjoy, to learn from, and to feel His love. Aloha, from the Slowwalker

Good points. I don't have near as many miles as you, but one of the biggest takeaways for me is minimalism. I learned that in "real life", I also don't need a ton of possessions to make me happy. Just some great experiences and enough "gear" to do the job.

This is my favorite video of yours yet. Seriously! I’ve hiked the PCT twice and all five of these lessons resonates with me. Another lesson I’d like to add is no matter how hard things might get, it’s just one foot in front of the other. You always gotta get on truckin! 🤘

Oh no, this moved me. I need a thru-hike. Thanks for the motivation.

Very wise words indeed,you sir are an ambassador for the hiking community👍👍always pick up a pearl of wisdom from your vids,stay safe mr Darwin

Love this video. 👍. And listening to the trail, and being spiritual about it, is not weird. It is a practical and a full expression of our ‘humanness’ . It’s all good. 👍😊

Embrace The Suck is a good thing. I makes us who we are and defines us. How we cope, how we respond, and how we grow into the person.....Or hiker we are today. It makes us who we are.

Creating something from my experience on the trail is so very important to me. I write a blog devoted to mental health and the outdoors plus I usually bring my journal with me. I also started making yearly scrapbooks on Shutterfly. I finally finished 2018 a few months ago and have 2019 in the works.

Hiking on the trails weather if it’s a Day hike, Section hike or Through hike nature has gotten me through some really dark places in my life. Hiking got me through a divorce after 20 years of marriage and my wife telling me she never loved me. That will screw a person up really bad. I was in a really dark place for awhile and being out in nature helped me greatly. It’s as if I could hear her telling me I was going to be ok. It’s been four years now and I’m doing better and still Hiking pretty much every weekend unless I have something planned for a few days in the mountains. I’m also a trail runner so I love running in mountains and desert. I’ve learned a lot about myself being in nature and she has showed me things. Thank You for this video Darwin, Theo

7,000 miles is intense. Good stuff to hear. Thanks for staying on point.

Wisdom. Thank you for being transparent and honest. Happy trails to you wherever the trail takes you ;)