REI Presents: Trail Angel

Рет қаралды 356,965

8 жыл бұрын

Many people look to the outdoors to find peace of mind. For Paul Stiffler, better known as Ponytail Paul, the Appalachian Trail and its thru-hikers have been the therapeutic force needed to turn his life around. Paul has taken on a role as “Trail Angel” to help thru-hikers on their 2,186-mile journey and help himself find a new sense of purpose in the process.
This is one of a series of three short films featuring the stories of people connected to three trails: The Appalachian Trail, Arizona Trail and Bay Area Ridge Trail. Learn more about how Every Trail Connects at www.rei.com/trails

Пікірлер: 153

@8RedBear5 8 жыл бұрын

REI Do more video's like this.

@rjmlakota 8 жыл бұрын

+8RedBear5 - DEFINITELY!!! I enjoyed watching this!

@KickassDesigns503 8 жыл бұрын

I agree

@elizabethlittleton6378 7 жыл бұрын

JRedBear

@cindymaag4212 8 жыл бұрын

Wow! Amazing! Keep up the good work Ponytail Paul! I am proud of you.

@EmericaCT 6 жыл бұрын

Caught a ride into Monson from this guy today, great fella and still at it

@mystuffcamp32133 7 жыл бұрын

Any video that starts with "Its hard to find hope when your world is in Fire" and leaves you with the feeling I have right now.... Amazing. I believe this video is the meaning of all of our lives... Purpose- and purpose in helping people and the healing nature in that act. Thank you Sir.

@cynthiacarlson9099 8 жыл бұрын

Pony Tail Paul! So awesome, you're a very special person with a big huge heart! Thank you for sharing!

@coryjohnson6817 8 жыл бұрын

wonderful. showing that there is not just evil in the world. there is good but you just have to work harder for it .

@SaadouneZinji 8 жыл бұрын

Ponytail Paul is an angel indeed! Please make more videos like this one. I know that there are numerous stories like this one waiting to be told. The world is made of stories and not of atoms!

@DiminutiveFlower 2 жыл бұрын

Both :)

@Aumness08 5 жыл бұрын

I hope this wonderful human soul has found his peace.

@ThisandThatVideo 8 жыл бұрын

If Paul wrote a book, I'd buy it. Love to read more about his journey

@kriskemp 8 жыл бұрын

Awesome guy, so kind and generous to do this. He looks like Bradley Cooper.

@mycatlovestool7225 8 жыл бұрын

Absolutely AMAZING story. Thank you sooo much for sharing this. The AT or any trail for that matter is healing in so many different ways, All we have to do is simply "go there". Once again, Thanks for the very inspiring story & the help you give to the hiker community! God Bless you Sir! peace to you & yours!

@angry.8 8 жыл бұрын

I love this guy! Truly a trail angel!

@tomlyden5414 8 жыл бұрын

Thank You Paul. The woods, forests, trails and wilderness really do heal us and it is great to meet the fellow humans we find there. Thanks for all that you do. Hope to see you on the trail.

@SMGleader 8 жыл бұрын

I love working for this company, everyday.

@davishunt6938 8 жыл бұрын

This is why the REI Co-op is so amazing! Real people, real stories, real adventures 🌲 #optoutside

@MatanuskaHIGH 8 жыл бұрын

i only wish they would carry more american made cottage companies and stop carrying these corporate own chinese made overpriced garbage..but thats just me..

@KickassDesigns503 8 жыл бұрын

totally agree.

@junkim7244 5 жыл бұрын

Really, I want meet Trail Angel, Ponytail Paul, on the Appalachian Trail someday. Peace of mind...

@bikeface3660 6 жыл бұрын

I've watched lots of these brilliant REI coop films but this one I had to comment on. What a beautiful guy doing a wonderful thing. Good luck to him and good health.

@ReptarHikes 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you Paul! The world needs more people like you.

@Agenamigo 3 жыл бұрын

What a great man. My respect. 🙏. Hey.. I stopped by REI Co Op store this morning. A great place, very nice people too. 👍. Same price as Amazon and other online retailers. Spread the word. Buy local. 😀

@chinseng3056 5 жыл бұрын

Love this video with all my heart. Angels live forever

@vincentmiceli2554 8 жыл бұрын

What a tremendous story. God Bless that man, we all certainly need to try and emulate his spirit.

@fespo276 8 жыл бұрын

Inspiring Paul. Thank you.

@Sheety33 8 жыл бұрын

Beautiful - there are a lot of good people like this in the world.

@justgivemethetruth 8 жыл бұрын

+Sheety33 Not enough, and certainly not in the boardrooms and capitols of the country ... just saw "Where Should We Invade Next" and what is going on in other countries is really amazing. What a great video.

@LastDays2024 4 жыл бұрын

Thank God for Trail Angels! Thank you for your Support on the trail! 2020 NOBO! Looking forward to hiking the full Trail!

@stevehenderson3954 6 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video showing how healing the outdoors are and how kind people can be .

@itsmattchase 8 жыл бұрын

Incredible story told in an incredible way!

@StephanieMcGraw1313 8 жыл бұрын

absolutely love this. been going into the wilderness to heal my mind for years...

@mountaintruth1deeds533 3 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful demise, mine was quick, harsh and still remains. Your sad story is but a dream to me.

@sindyseal5411 6 жыл бұрын

The trail provides! What a beautiful story.

@joannekwalker 5 жыл бұрын

My husband and I are enjoying your vision. Thank you.

@MaxLent 6 жыл бұрын

We need more people in the world like this.

@WILDONTHETRAIL 4 жыл бұрын

Ponytail Paul, I am walking to Maine in 2020 and hope I run into you. I expect no magic whatsoever, just a smile and we can make certain we are both continuing to move forward👍

@markbostdorf8088 8 жыл бұрын

Great Short. So Inspirational.

@highwaytohealth3211 6 жыл бұрын

Congratulations my friend.respect from a greek cycling and nordic walking fanatic.only in nature i feel fullfilled i can totally understand you....

@williammacqueen1418 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you REI and thank you trail angels!

@MsMaui9 8 жыл бұрын

This is a beautiful video...thanks for posting. I'm thru-hiking the Colorado Trail in August and I too am seeking peace. Inspiring!

@travelclimb 8 жыл бұрын

You should document your journey! I was debating which to thru-hike, but I'll do the CO trail some other time hopefully.

@MsMaui9 8 жыл бұрын

+Alex Torres Hi Alex-I may make some videos or write something to share about my CT hike. Enjoy whichever trail you take!

@travelclimb 8 жыл бұрын

+Sylvia Beneway that would be great to see from your trip! Thanks, I can't wait even though it's almost a year away.

@katelynfarley7615 7 жыл бұрын

Hey, just wondering if you went through with the CT, I'm hiking it in 2018! Any advice?

@MsMaui9 7 жыл бұрын

Hi Katelyn, I completed 232 miles of the Colorado Trail. It's a beautiful trail, and I loved it, but I stopped in Salida and didn't resume my hike. Some of the reasons were personal and some related to gear. My pack was about 30 pounds with food and water and that was too heavy for me. I needed to replace my wool leggings and was not able to find them in any town I stopped in. Choose your hiking partner very carefully, or go alone because you'll meet lots of people on the trail. Join Colorado Trail Thru-Hike 2017 on Facebook and you'll find tons of info. I may attempt the trail again, alone this time, in 2017. Best of luck on your journey!

@ColemanOutdoors 2 жыл бұрын

I get it! Thanks for sharing....inspiring!!! I've given lifts to PCTers in the past, but that's it. I hike plenty, but I felt like trying this too. Last week I picked a trailhead on the PCT I had hiked from a few weeks prior. Took Costco dogs and goodies, my Camp Chef, camp kitchen. It was a blast!!!

@mhilde7744 3 жыл бұрын

Pretty cool. An ANGEL indeed

@ariw9405 6 жыл бұрын

Love all your videos this one and Paul's boots are so beautiful thank you to this incredible man! May he always find peace

@RoryZ23 4 жыл бұрын

First 20 seconds of this just sums up my life.

@MechNinji 8 жыл бұрын

That's a really cool thing to do, to be able to help people like that!

@travelclimb 8 жыл бұрын

Great story and video! I love hiking, because it takes me away from all the stress and anxiety I have. I really do find peace. Ill be graduating from college in Fall, and plan on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Ill have to start going to the REI courses. Thanks for sharing this video!

@katelynfarley7615 7 жыл бұрын

When are you planning on doing it?

@travelclimb 7 жыл бұрын

I was planning on starting late Feb. to March, but unfortunately I have ONE class left to graduate :( :( :( It really got me mad. I had planned everything, literally everything! I planned on starting near Springer mtn, even though it may be crowded. I may just do section hikes May of next year, and then the following spring do the hike. I have a gap year between college and med school, so it may be a good time to hike as a break.

@travelclimb 7 жыл бұрын

And that one class is only offered next spring. How lucky am I. When are you hiking it?

@katelynfarley7615 7 жыл бұрын

I'm so sorry to hear that! I'm sure it'll all fall together for you in 2018 and you'll be able to hike the trail! :) I'm currently getting my associates out of the way but instead of finishing it, I decided to just cut the work in half and take a break... so, this coming March I will be hitting the trail and attempting the AT! If you do some section hikes... perhaps I'll meet you along the trail.

@cmcer1995 5 жыл бұрын

Wow, What a Great way to serve others! Helping them helps you. Too bad more people don't try to do this. The world would be such a nice place to live if others were like you!

@salmonella508 6 жыл бұрын

I’ve lost count how many times I have watched this video.

@russelljackman1413 2 жыл бұрын

I wish you peace, Paul.

@andrewwilliams762 5 жыл бұрын

That's beautiful.

@SilentLight5 8 жыл бұрын

Paul, you are my hero!

@tkpkalex 8 жыл бұрын

mos def gotta get #REI to make one of these about Miss Janet - an AT trail magic legend!!!

@shortmarie323 8 жыл бұрын

Great story! Thanks for sharing.

@growfood 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ponytail Paul! So many suffering souls.

@thevegandetroiter9012 8 жыл бұрын

I honestly have watched this video 10+ times. Great video. Would love more content like this.

@clarkansas6590 4 жыл бұрын

Outstanding

@timbindner3554 4 жыл бұрын

This was an awesome video. I have found peace in the woods as well.

@eydieenglemon3396 6 жыл бұрын

love you Paul

@alwayslearning7672 8 жыл бұрын

Legends exist!

@carrefamily01 6 жыл бұрын

definitely buying my next pair of boots at rei

@alexriver4997 8 жыл бұрын

Wow! This video is great keep it up!

@TitusLivy777 8 жыл бұрын

A really nice video. Really nice.

@robertschaddelee7527 7 жыл бұрын

I'm thru-hiking the AT in either 2021 or 2022! Can't wait for this experience of a lifetime! Afterwards, I'm planning on becoming a Park Ranger or opening my own hostel

@katelynfarley7615 7 жыл бұрын

No matter when it happens, it will be amazing! I'm currently in college to become a park ranger however I've decided to take a year off next year and this March, I will be standing on the top of Springer to start my hike.

@robertschaddelee7527 7 жыл бұрын

Katelyn Farley Thank you! I'm graduating from high school this year and going to Western Carolina University. They offer an internship in the Smokies.

@silviacassano1836 8 жыл бұрын

As long as he is hiding the buckets in different spots, otherwise, this isn't really Leave No Trace. Very thoughtful, but kind of makes the 100 Mile Wilderness not a Wilderness if your food is waiting for you... But he is a wonderful soul and I am glad he has found his peace.

@emilienancy9838 5 жыл бұрын

What an amazing channel!! Love all your videos!

@danbolton3180 8 жыл бұрын

Way to go Paul!

@nicolausmarshall9863 6 жыл бұрын

Pony Tail, you're a noble man!

@choosetravel9452 8 жыл бұрын

Cool video, I like this a lot.

@silverhiker4549 6 жыл бұрын

Love this!

@lucianoloya5215 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome, love this

@mijailmariano7846 8 жыл бұрын

Beautiful

@TheDansindan 8 жыл бұрын

REI, KEEP IT UP!

@sennemarquenie 7 жыл бұрын

these videos are amazing

@MichalKopecky73 7 жыл бұрын

I love it!

@mellowjoe69 5 жыл бұрын

Im a 2017 AT hiker and i approve of this Trailname -General Hendrix

@BumbleBeeBeeRock 7 жыл бұрын

God Bless you Paul !! Hope you get your own movie someday :))))

@TehTurtlezClan 5 жыл бұрын

fun fact this is my actual dad and I love him.

@nicholasrubianes5368 4 жыл бұрын

Actual dad?

@TransHaus 7 жыл бұрын

That's beautiful

@josephjohnson5056 6 жыл бұрын

This dude gets it

@noahchicoine4780 6 жыл бұрын

Good pick with Odeza

@KickassDesigns503 8 жыл бұрын

Amazing Video.

@jessechang7015 8 жыл бұрын

i love this

@chuckmcgaffin 8 жыл бұрын

Waldo! Scout! Tumbles! Mushu! Janezilla! Lunaa!

@Satchero 8 ай бұрын

Scout and Tumbles are my kids. So proud of them.

@joshuasantiago788 8 жыл бұрын

awesome

@ThePablitocarvalho 7 жыл бұрын

Agradecido por este vídeo.

@JustinRussell 7 жыл бұрын

beautiful

@pedallinraw 8 жыл бұрын

Good work ! ;)

@ToddAir2012 6 жыл бұрын

Ok....I'm sorry bout this. But I have watched at least 20 people vlogging the AT since 2015. I've watched Dixie vids 2 times over, IBTAT's vids for this year, last year watched Nightcrawler, Follow Bigfoot, Darwin on the Trail...... I have NEVER seen this guy or introduced at all! I'm not saying he's not out there, just saying that if he IS out there since 2015, why haven't anyone introduced him? Dixie (homemade wanderlust) would never have edited him out of her vids. I personally will be hiking AT sooner or later and will definately look for him. I'm 50 with minor tumors on my feet and I've been hiking alot trying too get into shape. Did my first 20 miler just the other day. I hike at least 10 miles a day for the last 3 weeks. Lost 2 pant sizes from it. I'm from Michigan and plan on this spring too hike the Iron Bell Trail (1278 miles), and if that works out fine for my feet then next stop...AT. Which will most likely be 2020. I will keep my eye out for him.

@EmericaCT 5 жыл бұрын

ToddAir2016 I was lucky enough to run into him this summer 2018. He’s out there man.

@robertg8875 4 жыл бұрын

Dude your a superstar ! Keep going back to the woods it will help with your demons or at least face them head on because alot of AT people are out there with difficulties also!

@AlexVineyard 8 жыл бұрын

This was my first video after subscribing to the REI channel, as it was the first one at the top that started playing. Did I get lucky? In any case, I choked up and got bit even harder (if that was possible) by the adventure bug. Thanks for this one guys. Incredibly well made vid. I would love to know the songs in it too.

@KickassDesigns503 8 жыл бұрын

I agree

@fernandobakerdelaguardia4555 7 жыл бұрын

Hermoso.

@jetnzmusic 2 ай бұрын

❤

@consergiovicke3730 8 жыл бұрын

I was wondering whats cameras you used for getting such images... I guess some Go Pros are involved but also a Mark 3? Or what did you used for the deep focus images? Thanks a lot! I love your videos!!!

@japhy6536 5 жыл бұрын

Wow

@JakeFourBump 7 жыл бұрын

wow.

@umeshgawde9243 5 жыл бұрын

I want be this guy when I'm old 😇

@alexriver4997 7 жыл бұрын

👍🏻👌🏻😃

@NaturaRespira3 6 жыл бұрын

..where the way becames the Master...

@justgivemethetruth 8 жыл бұрын

3:10 - Can someone post more information on flashbacks and the dilemma of ruptured identity ... I'd like to know more about this?

@hurrayvictoria 4 жыл бұрын

Hey that's my boyfriend hiking at :49!

@djg5950 7 жыл бұрын

Does anyone know who that guy in the blue shirt at 4:55 sec. who says, "Trail magic in the middle of the 100 Mile, I wasn't expecting that." is ? I think I talked to him near Baxter either this past spring or just recently. He looks familiar but, I know this was probably last year thru-hikers. Could he have done it two years in a row ?

@noname15822 3 жыл бұрын

Yes. His trail name was Snoopy. I hiked a large piece of the AT with him in 2015.

@djg5950 3 жыл бұрын

@@noname15822 Problem with KZfaq no longer putting comment date I don't know what month I made this comment. It wasn't posted until Jan '16. So it could have been anytime in 2016 that I made it but I'm guessing it was closer to the fall and I'm talking Spring 2016. Thanks for the response.