REI Presents: Paul’s Boots

Рет қаралды 1,352,093

7 жыл бұрын

We all have dreams. Paul’s dream was to hike the Appalachian Trail.
Last year, Paul passed away before he could make his dream reality. But that’s not the end of this story - it’s the beginning. He left behind three pairs of polished hiking boots and a backpack packed for his dream hike: the 2,189-mile Appalachian Trail. Paul’s wife, M’Lynn, had an idea for a final gift for her husband. “How good would it be,” she asked, “for his boots to make the journey even if Paul could not?”
M’Lynn’s simple plea launched an incredible journey. The hiking community responded and carried the boots the entire length of the Appalachian Trail. Paul’s Boots follows the boots and tells the stories of the people who carried them. This is the story of how we all help each other achieve dreams.
Learn more at blog.rei.com/paulsboots/
Lead Producer: Becca Cahall
Directors: Fitz Cahall, Isaiah Branch-Boyle
Art Direction: Anya Miller
Original story submitted to Duct Tape Then Beer and The Dirtbag Diaries: dirtbagdiaries.com/
Writers: Ada Matusiewicz, Isaiah Branch-Boyle, Jen Altschul, Keith Erps
Cameras: Isaiah Branch-Boyle, Fitz Cahall, Jacob Bain, Quinn Gundersen, The Hikers
Cartography: Maps for Good
Animation: Mario Quintana
REI: Ben Steele, Jason Sutherland, Paolo Mottola, Ashlee Langholz, Anders Nordblom
Music
Original Compositions ﹘ Amy Stolzenbach
Potluck Dinner by Cahalen Morrison and Eli West
“Huarache Lights” Performed by Hot Chip
Courtesy of Domino Publishing Company
“Strangers” Performed by Car Seat Headrest
Courtesy of Matador Records
Special Thanks to:
Arthur and Annie Evans
The White Family
Laurie Potteiger
Andrew Downs
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Chris Blanchard + GoPro
Loving Thanks to M'Lynn and Paul
Hikers
Alex Garcia
Alex Newlon
Bill Whitehall
Bonnie Elozory
Brian Grundtner
Brittany Leavitt
Cameron Monaghan
Chrissie Monaghan
David Hausman
David King
Davis Wax
Diana Elozory
Doug Zaleski
Grace White
Isabel Garcia
Jamie Fisher
Jim Parker
Juan Garcia
Kai Nybro
Katie Lindsay
Mariah King
Marvin White
Matt Maszczak
Michael King
Nic Taylor
Raquel Rexach
Stephen Conlin
Tricia Nesser
Thomas Gathman
Everyone who hiked with Paul

Пікірлер: 300

@ChukMeier 7 жыл бұрын

"I don't have a miraculous story. I'm 51 and I've been a single mom my whole life." My dear, that is quite miraculous. Don't discount that.

@willsjupiter28 4 жыл бұрын

She had the best music track too. Amazing people.

@LeesaKennedy 7 жыл бұрын

As someone who knew Paul - this documentary is just an incredible tribute to him. Paul wasn't someone who wanted to be the centre of attention but had this knack of pulling people together and usually silently sat back with a smile watching all the personalities in the room take hold. Thank you for allowing his boots to do the same #PaulWalksON

@estebanflores4067 7 жыл бұрын

Leesa Kennedy

@elvistran2990 7 жыл бұрын

Leesa Kennedy

@dasausyman5954 7 жыл бұрын

That adds even more coolness to the video. thanks!

@judygomez1994 7 жыл бұрын

Leesa Kennedy 🙃

@judygomez1994 7 жыл бұрын

Leesa Kennedy

@davidmathew2918 7 жыл бұрын

as an American this makes me so happy we helped a total stranger from a completely different country fulfil their dream. our country looks really ugly right now, but I know the individual American is still a beautiful person

@cameronoden1269 4 жыл бұрын

regardless of were we are born

@mdemooy 7 жыл бұрын

This video made me cry. The humanity that is shown throughout is beautiful and moving. I think REI should start a foundation called “Paul’s Boots” dedicated to all of the people with unfulfilled dreams of nature and peace.

@McScott76 7 жыл бұрын

If you're reading this and don't yet have a family or a career that you're locked into, do yourself a favor. Take 5 months of your life and hike this trail. I didn't discover my love of backpacking or the AT until I was 10 years into a career and about to get married. That was 10 years ago, and I've only been able to do a couple 1-week section hikes. I would give anything to be able to turn back the clock and fulfill my dream. I just hope I'm still able when my kids are grown and I can get out there and give it a shot.

@cnay2983 5 жыл бұрын

You will have your time to do it. Make sure your a fit 50 year old

@matthewb225 5 жыл бұрын

I’m 16 right now and I plan to take a gap year after high school and thru hike the AT.

@KrizAkoni 7 жыл бұрын

I saw Paul's boots as they passed through Damascus. Glad to see the mission completed. Thanks to everyone for sharing the load!

@AL-12345 7 жыл бұрын

I should not have watched this after finishing a bottle of wine. I'm ready to quit my job and get on the trails.

@carolinecady5505 7 жыл бұрын

So, it's been eight months. How has that been going? I hope you've done that :)

@WILDONTHETRAIL 3 жыл бұрын

I am that little voice inside your head that has come back to visit. “DON’T WAIT”! It will change your life for all the right reasons😉👍 - WILD, AT Class of 2020✌️

@CplCurrier 7 жыл бұрын

I don't watch ads ever. This one killed me. I lost my brother in law in a hiking accident about 4 months ago. I was the one providing care until EMS and the rescue helicopter arrived. It haunts my mind everyday. This ad of yours reminds me what I love about hiking. What I'm missing out there. I know my brother wants me back up there. Thanks REI.

@compedium 6 жыл бұрын

we have different definitions of ad

@daveh7116 7 жыл бұрын

So proud, and grateful, to have been a part of this...meant a lot to me on a very personal level, and I pray it brought a couple of smiles to M'Lynn :)

@iluvdolphins1983 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking a part in M'Lynn's dream with Paul's Boots...such a touching story!

@malvikapatel4623 7 жыл бұрын

Dave H TO XXX

@amyguzman1869 7 жыл бұрын

Dave H que l laborables q ..u

@debrapriest4739 7 жыл бұрын

duck song

@ummbean 7 жыл бұрын

Dave H

@JG24rlzsun 7 жыл бұрын

I think I cried about 4 times during this. Just an amazing story. I myself and prepping for 2018. It's can't come soon enough. God Bless all those who participated in this. Hike On!

@cc_chapman 7 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful reminder of the GOOD in people. Thank you for making this and sharing Paul's story with the world.

@jamesfickling1186 7 жыл бұрын

Antonia Monge ..

@gordond8 7 жыл бұрын

WOW, each hiker hikes there own hike, but Paul's Boots shows common threads that all AT (and would be) hikers feel. The joy and the misery of each hiker is the real thru-hike of life. If KZfaq had an Emmy, this would be a shoe-in.

@staceyspence7143 7 жыл бұрын

really

@susanpowell4684 6 жыл бұрын

This docu has really inspired me...i am 64 and disabled and have looked longingly and lovingly at lots of camping and hiking vids as it used to be my great passion,i cannot walk very far now but am determined to at least go camping next year...not driving will be a bugbear but still going to give it a go...so thank you for the upload

@AnaHecSepulveda 3 жыл бұрын

This hasn’t even started and I am already crying.

@davalkit9830 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome tribute,just told my daughter her high school graduation present was the appalachian trail.Thanks Paul !

@BoredGamingYT 7 жыл бұрын

I cannot express how much I enjoyed this, as someone who has always enjoyed hiking and started this year on my ADK 46'ers, "paul's boots" will walk with me whenever I hit the trail

@TheMrhyde38 6 жыл бұрын

SUPER AWESOME ! ! ! Anybody who disliked this film has no soul ! My regret is that I am late to the party and wish I could have participated.

@rolfdenver 2 ай бұрын

I don't have words. Except: Thank you to everyone who participated in this. And thank you, Paul and M'Lynn.

@rennjenn917 7 жыл бұрын

When I heard about Paul's Boots on The Dirtbag Diaries, I was so moved by M'lynn's story, I cried. I am so happy to see that Paul's boots made it from the beginning to the end of the AT. And again, I cried like a baby! Such a moving and inspirational story...

@npaulagain 7 жыл бұрын

Little things like this are what remind me just how good humanity can be at a time like now. It doesn't matter how divided we are, in the end most of us are just good people looking to help others.

@annekissel3261 7 жыл бұрын

What a loving tribute to Paul, and a great idea his wife had. It was an inspiration! And to see how the hikers carried it out .... Well, I'm sure he was smiling from the other side. Loved everything about this, from beginning to end. Bravo!!!

@toddanderson5607 7 жыл бұрын

Very inspiring. Thank you REI and Duct Tape Then Beer! Thank you hikers for sharing your stories. There is so much healing to be found out there in God's country and with kindred spirits. Thanks to my buddy Terry Scott for turning me on to hiking when I was a youth. To my sister and her daughter (Comomdo and Cubby) who took part of this wonderful event...Good On Ya, Mates!

@ashleywoods7336 7 жыл бұрын

Todd Anderson

@MariaMartinez-ou2pd 7 жыл бұрын

Todd Anderson i

@MariaMartinez-ou2pd 7 жыл бұрын

Todd Anderson i wwww e f

@ReginaWanders 5 жыл бұрын

I cannot believe that I have see this yet! Made me cry within the first 30 seconds.

@Kristenmayx 7 жыл бұрын

This has me realizing my own dreams of thru hiking the JMT won't happen if I don't make time for it. Life is so short and we need to make the most of the time we have here. Paul's story has completely inspired me and I'm sure so many others out there.

@MorganPaar 6 жыл бұрын

Dehydrated from the loss of tears. Proud to be a member of REI!

@skaynekurtis 6 жыл бұрын

...some of the best folks in the whole world... hikers! Congrats Paul...& M'Lynn...a profound impact y'all had through this effort -- standing ovation.

@bobthe5550 7 жыл бұрын

Got home from hiking 5 miles with the kids in the slow build up to handle the John Muir Trail with them when they are old enough and see this story. No way I can sway from that dream now. And somehow there must have been dust in my eyes through the entire film.

@simple79la 7 жыл бұрын

That was beautiful.The love and generosity of these people was overwhelming.

@Gr8LakesCamper 7 жыл бұрын

Beautiful. Simply beautiful. Beautiful people, beautiful scenery, beautiful cinematography, beautiful camaraderie. Thank you so much for this.

@rodrigosilveira4360 2 жыл бұрын

OMG! What a beautiful story! I had tears of joy watching this. Congratulations REI for become real this widow's wish! And to all hikers too. Best regards from Brazil!

@theosus1 7 жыл бұрын

Just incredible! It's bad when an AT film has you crying in the first 30 seconds. But it gets better! The stories are wonderful and the hiking community is just fantastic for doing this. I walked a bit of the trail myself this year southbound, I wonder if I passed Paul's Boots and didn't know it? This is a rare video, one to download and keep forever. Very nice job!

@erinweissenbornlill1253 7 жыл бұрын

Extremely well done and I applaud all of the kind people who fulfilled Paul's dreams for him. Thank you!!

@finnblu3002 7 жыл бұрын

. . . Life's journey ... with all of the unfolding love, loss, adventures, drama and... moments beyond significant- interwoven with those we meet along the way. Thanks for sharing your stories and Paul's special connection to so many- . . . .

@alextwist4452 7 жыл бұрын

Finn Blu

@kirbyshields3859 7 жыл бұрын

Finn Blu oopl km km k lol Kimi I vBulletin h uh imo

@jamesfickling1186 7 жыл бұрын

Kirby Shields

@katelynfarley7615 7 жыл бұрын

This was absolutely beautiful to watch and so, SO inspiring to me. You see, this coming March, it'll be my turn to try and complete the AT and after watching this... I can't even explain it...

@ilianadiaz3148 7 жыл бұрын

Katelyn Farley

@DarkNebulaD9 7 жыл бұрын

Katelyn Farley

@christianinarizona8657 6 жыл бұрын

What an incredible story the world needs more of these.......thank you!

@charlesd.7433 7 жыл бұрын

1:40 in....and I'm crying.....

@janiceilovesantaclaushall9873 7 жыл бұрын

Beer 30 to take the bus

@charlesd.7433 7 жыл бұрын

Janice I love Santa Claus Hall ...... What?

@survivore1016 7 жыл бұрын

yeah have u been good so santa clause has some great toys for u to play with.

@petroscephas 6 жыл бұрын

Same here. (that it made me cry)

@rossyrocks5952 6 жыл бұрын

dude same wtf :/

@alexriver4997 7 жыл бұрын

I saw a lot of these people in backpacker magazine a lot like Alex I was born 3 months premature and I'm so tired of people telling me I cannot do it this video is so inspirational to me because of that.😄

@cvfamily4 7 жыл бұрын

That was so special!! Hearing everyone's stories touched my heart! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences, I'm sure Paul is smiling down on all of you who helped achieve his dream!

@sarethvoun5859 7 жыл бұрын

YOU ARE SO PRECIOUS TO ME, IT IS REFRESHING, YOU ARE AMONG THE MOST LOVING PEOPLE ON PLANET EARTH, MAY GOD ALMIGHTY BLESS EVERYONE OF YOU.

@PFMTRH 5 жыл бұрын

People can be so awesome this is testament to that!

@Mis-AdventureCH 4 жыл бұрын

What a wonderful people we are. I don't care what they show us on TV. At the end of the day, this is the kind of people we are. To do that for this lady in a far away land. Selfless.

@LindsayDaly 4 жыл бұрын

"Doesn't matter how fast you go - last one to Katahdin wins". Loved this so much!!

@TwistinFool 7 жыл бұрын

Very inspiring! Made me cry many times and now I can't wait until the day I graduate so I can take off onto the trail.

@citrix99301 7 жыл бұрын

OMG - this is a great documentary and great life story. The film does an amazing job of capturing the humanity of all these hikers.

@ashleywoods7336 7 жыл бұрын

Andre Ranievideosri vGenVideos

@mataiopeapea6264 7 жыл бұрын

Ashley Woods

@albertopascualv2693 7 жыл бұрын

Mataio pea Pea

@fw_lina 7 жыл бұрын

Andre Ranieri

@jesuslordandsavior8913 7 жыл бұрын

@ Andre Ranieri, Amen Brother; your words sums it up beautifully!

@StephanieBrownisAmazing 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much to all who carried Paul's boots, to the Duct Tape Then Beer/Dirtbag Diaries crew for bringing us the story, to REI for sponsoring it and to M'Lynn for sharing her husband's spirit with the world. Acts of goodness and hope create ripples of peace and inspiration that can touch so many lives.

@Thomas-ju2jn 5 жыл бұрын

Everybody involved, helped lift my faith in humanity higher. What a beautiful inspiring legacy you have all turned this into. May God Bless all of you and yours, and keep you all safe.

@grumpyoldlady_rants 3 жыл бұрын

What a wonderful, heartwarming documentary. I'm smiling through my tears.

@ArnoldKnoche 7 жыл бұрын

I have watched a number of videos about the Appalachian Trail. This is the best. Thanks for posting.

@thegreatmcnugget429 5 жыл бұрын

I'm actually planning to hike this trail with my adopted brother in September. This actually gives me so much more of an effort to get it done.

@junkim7244 6 жыл бұрын

I can not stop crying. I'll get on the trail in someday.

@Hiker-bigtex 7 жыл бұрын

I loved this! It saws the side of the trail that so many never realize exist: the humanity!

@franidelaserna 7 жыл бұрын

I heard the story of Paul's Boots in the Dirtbag Diaries podcast and loved it. After watching the documentary I am even more inspired. Thanks to REI and Duct Tape then Beer for producing this. Keep the great work guys!

@notagod-5174 5 жыл бұрын

This is such a restoration in faith of humanity as well as the realization that the Appalachian trail goes through my state (I guess i was ignorant)

@wvclassiclincoln1324 7 жыл бұрын

Amazing video and proof of humanity. It was a very touching and heartfelt story. Thank you all for sharing and participating.

@Cinema-tf3uu 7 жыл бұрын

Well done filmmaker and well done Hikers. For Paul....

@Glenfin 7 жыл бұрын

A wonderful, thoughtful, heart tugging video. Loved it. Congrats to all the hikers that carried Paul's Boots! You guys and gals rock.

@purifiedda2417 7 жыл бұрын

I've known daddy long legs since 2015. Ran into him this year in maine when he was finishing up, good job!

@rafaelmartinez2509 7 жыл бұрын

Purified Da2

@c.a.m.matherly9958 7 жыл бұрын

what a video...Thank You for sharing the story...life's gift in the wild

@thewolfethatcould8878 10 ай бұрын

Hopefully watching with my beloved little sister that will be hiking the Pacific Trail this April. I love you to the end of the world and back Missy! I pray you find your perfect hike or flight wherever it may be. I am here, and always was, for you. I also hope that anyone who sees this within their means would accompany my little sister in her journey~ near or far! I love you Missy! Always have and always will. Look forward to that trail in April of 2024...and I hope your journey is fullest the the brim! Most dearest Deborah , Meredith's and Sligers~ I am so thankful to of been given the moment to say, "I love you guys, and will never forget you; absolute true Rocks in my book and I will never forget that. Again, thank you REI, you guys have always been a rock. Paul, keep on walking Sir,! Thank you always, With love and Hope always, Shawna. 🐺🌻🌾

@swashbucklingadventures9929 7 жыл бұрын

This was an amazing journey to watch!!! All the different personalities, all the different stories AND Paul!! As Leesa says, I'm sure Paul is looking at all this and smiling at what his memory has created. Kudos to his wife for the marvelous idea that she had that "mushroomed" into this. My hikes will have this video in my thoughts from here forward. The closest I've been to this trail was the trailhead in Georgia after an interview. After a couple of pictures, I almost missed my plane back home. I feel this trail calling for me. I will return!!!

@nthomas87 7 жыл бұрын

I LOVE REI movies! I think "Paul's Boots" was probably just about the only episode of Dirtbag Diaries that I ever listened to. The podcast itself wasn't for me, but I remember the episode clearly. I'm glad to see the update in the form of this video. Good work to everyone involved! Well done!

@mazed1078 7 жыл бұрын

So cool!!!!! Hope this gets a million plus views. Thanks REI for up-loading!

@Tommy_Garrett 7 жыл бұрын

This was incredible...it's hard to put into words the feelings you (or I at least) felt watching this and the stories that surround the meaning of this video. This was something I needed to watch as someone who has found themself in this daily rut of not knowing where I'm going in life and not enjoying things anymore. It truly puts into perspective the need to enjoy life and go after your passions and live a life worth remembering. Thank you to everyone involved from REI and especially the ones who carried those boots along this journey.

@jesuslordandsavior8913 7 жыл бұрын

-M'lynn, Godbless you and your husband Paul! Mathew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. -Alexander and all hikers thank you!

@brstfr7126 7 жыл бұрын

Wow. During credits it shows "Daddy Long Legs" and notes that he reached the summit on Oct. 1, and the full video was posted on October 9th. That's some impressively quick editing... (guess it was all done except for those last shots). Wonderful experience watching the film. Thanks to all involved.

@anyamiller7944 7 жыл бұрын

Ha! Yes, the export time stamp on the final piece was just Friday at 6am. :) We were putting the finishing touches on it right up until the mark. Thank you for watching!

@iluvdolphins1983 7 жыл бұрын

Job well done! Thank you!

@billdrescher2287 7 жыл бұрын

B in B

@plasmainheartache 7 жыл бұрын

i've always loved REI but now it's forever

@lrow5416 5 жыл бұрын

Loved this big blessing that took Paul hiking and brought so many together! What a great gift for all, M’Lynn! ❤️

@OH8STN 7 жыл бұрын

I don't have the words! thank you for this documentary

@thecool51 7 жыл бұрын

beautiful loved every second what an amazing journey and kind thing for these people to do .

@snakemonkey555 7 жыл бұрын

It's so reassuring to know that there are kind hearts out there willing to help someone's dream come true! Thank you for sharing this amazing journey!

@swhiteho 7 жыл бұрын

Amazing story of life. How true are all the feelings presented. Thank you to everyone who helped Paul walk the A/T.

@richardturnage5165 5 жыл бұрын

What an awesome story! Thanks to all involved.

@perpetualevolution9712 5 жыл бұрын

Such a heartfelt and emotional adventure. You're all stars! Thanks for sharing this.

@erincline7993 6 жыл бұрын

Absolutely amazing!! Paul made it, thanks to everyone who helped. He was there to push you guys in spirit.

@carloszenteno 7 жыл бұрын

Wonderful "project" by all planners and hikers !!!

@johunteewashington9005 7 жыл бұрын

Carlos Zenteno

@sipapito 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you to everyone for sharing their story.awesome video very touching.

@danamichelleallen1357 6 жыл бұрын

So glad I watched this. Beautiful

@jahadshabazz6678 7 жыл бұрын

Wow wow. This was a great tribute. When I question the hatred and evil in people, I see something like this and it let's me know humanity still exists.

@Sanko1960 4 жыл бұрын

So many amazing stories. Congratulations to each and every one of you. Thank you for telling this inspiring and wondrous story.

@OffBelay_ 7 жыл бұрын

What a passionate documentary. Thank you!

@yalltrippin7720 5 жыл бұрын

this is one of the most riveting docs ive seen in a long time..

@tkt0912 7 жыл бұрын

Great film.....great group of hikers......great story!!!!!

@sharonmarks7192 7 жыл бұрын

Great job by all the hikers!

@maryg65 4 жыл бұрын

Such a amazing story. Moved me to tears. Thank you REI and everyone involved ❤️🥰❤️

@CreateImperfect 7 жыл бұрын

This is truly a beautiful story.

@delete411 6 жыл бұрын

This never gets old...

@motivationtheoryrunning 4 жыл бұрын

I love this so much. Thank you.

@Mookiethedog 4 жыл бұрын

Motivation Theory thanks for sending me here. I’ve watched it twice

@motivationtheoryrunning 4 жыл бұрын

@@Mookiethedog its so good right?!?!

@michelledargie2577 7 жыл бұрын

wow! how inspiring❤😊✌ watching this documentary gave me a new outlook on life and so much hope! I live in the berkshires western mass near mt.greylock.

@jiz1825 5 жыл бұрын

Hey Paul, I'm halfway through your video and even though I don't have your boots, I'll wear my boots today to school for an exam. And though I only wear rubber shoes in my hikes, I'll be wearing boots tomorrow when I hike up my childhood mountain. I'll take a picture of them and post it on instagram to remind me of all these beautiful people who once lived life in service of strangers and of course you, who have put them together. Thanks Paul!

@al_humphreys 7 жыл бұрын

Congratulations - this is fabulous.

@ohoura 7 жыл бұрын

Wow. So emotional and inspirational. I'm a hiker but haven't done the Appalachian Trail, now I want to. I'll get my girlfriends to hike with me. In honor of Paul, and our angel moms. Thank you for sharing, filming and responding to someone's dream.

@lumiwilde1022 3 жыл бұрын

WOW! I follow the real hiking viking now in 2021...SO COOL to see him 5 years ago in his beginning hiking years.. wow what a difference !

@rei 3 жыл бұрын

It's amazing to see how time can change a person! We're so happy to have worked with him so early on 😄

@amazingmoviesmadeonearth6890 7 жыл бұрын

Just the most beautiful story, sent to me by a wonderful friend!!

@robertschaddelee7527 7 жыл бұрын

I Love This!!!❤️🙌. This is why I'm hiking the trail! So many great people!

@Vampirate1782 3 жыл бұрын

Oh man... this is so beautiful... what an amazing experience... I don't even have words for how incredible this was... and how profoundly moved I am by it.

@philliphinkle2812 7 жыл бұрын

WOW. This story brought me to tears.. Amazing

@Baphometrose 6 жыл бұрын

This is beyond emotional and inspirational. Thank you!

@thewolfethatcould8878 10 ай бұрын

If I delete this you will not see that more than likely it was a Prayer answered! You never know sis, one day we might be carrying those boots too.I have heard that, "Paul has made his second as well as third journey" . This is wild, keep on trekking everyone~ thanks for carrying the load. Love always!