The Outdoor Evolution Podcast

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Outdoor Evolution founder & contributor 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.

Recent Episodes
  • 34: Burning Out With Dan Becker
    Jan 8, 2024 – 01:21:06
  • 33: Can You TRUST Outdoor Gear Companies?
    Dec 18, 2023 – 01:47:31
  • 32: How To REALLY Train For A Hike
    Nov 6, 2023 – 01:36:25
  • 31: How To NOT Run A Successful YouTube Channel
    Oct 30, 2023 – 01:06:46
  • 30: Self-Care On The Trail
    Oct 9, 2023 – 01:11:12
  • 29: Humbled By Travel
    Mar 20, 2023 – 33:43
  • 28: We Started A Gear Company
    Dec 5, 2022 – 01:10:55
  • 27: What Happened To Public?
    Nov 21, 2022 – 47:54
  • 26: Staying Relevant Vs Mental Health
    Nov 1, 2022 – 01:06:52
  • 25: Catching Up!
    Aug 22, 2022 – 01:12:05
  • 24: Too Many Hikers?
    May 2, 2022 – 58:41
  • 23: Adventuring Abroad
    Apr 18, 2022 – 01:41:45
  • 22: Giving Back Globally
    Apr 4, 2022 – 47:27
  • 21: Adventuring as A Couple
    Mar 21, 2022 – 01:02:41
  • 20: The Double-Edged Sword Of Thru-Hiking
    Feb 21, 2022 – 52:47
  • 19: Dear Outdoor Industry
    Feb 7, 2022 – 01:11:08
  • 18: Burning Down the Trail
    Jan 24, 2022 – 41:18
  • 17: JUST CREATE SOMETHING!
    Dec 27, 2021 – 01:10:00
  • 16: Backcountry Nutrition
    Dec 13, 2021 – 01:05:03
  • 15: Post Adventure Blues
    Nov 29, 2021 – 01:05:23
  • 14: Is Bikepacking Better?
    Nov 15, 2021 – 47:22
  • 13: We're Back!
    Nov 1, 2021 – 01:08:58
  • 12: How Creators Make a Living
    Aug 30, 2021 – 01:02:48
  • 11: Backpacking Vs Thru-Hiking
    Aug 16, 2021 – 38:38
  • 10: Kickin' Rocks
    Aug 2, 2021 – 01:01:38
  • 09: False Expectations
    Jul 19, 2021 – 56:10
  • 08: Doing It For The Clout
    Jul 5, 2021 – 01:03:54
  • 07: Give A WHAT?
    Jun 21, 2021 – 01:21:01
  • 06: Tribalism Vs The Outdoor Community
    May 24, 2021 – 56:50
  • 05: Realities of #VanLife
    May 10, 2021 – 59:53
  • 04: Failing Forward
    Apr 26, 2021 – 55:16
  • 03: Dear Outdoor Influencer
    Apr 19, 2021 – 01:04:10
  • 02: The Gatekeeper
    Apr 12, 2021 – 01:03:34
  • 01: You Don't Know Me
    Apr 5, 2021 – 58:27
  • 00: Welcome to The Outdoor Evolution Podcast
    Mar 29, 2021 – 09:20
Recent Reviews
  • service recipient
    Appreciate this Podcast
    Thank you for tackling some tough topics in a respectful way. Would love if these topics could be more interactive because they’re so important. Thanks for taking about these topics
  • nwyman
    New Listener
    I found this podcast after Darwin quit YouTube, I still needed my Darwin fix. Great show with some passionate people.
  • matt1075
    Good stuff
    Real good topics , Well rounded . Thanks Nick
  • Deb Infinity
    Giving Back Globally
    I was so impressed to finally see Sawyer given credit for the amazing work they do around the world. I have seen the filters in action when I was on a mission trip to the Amazon in Peru. The families were so thankful to finally have a safe source of drinking water. This company has given back globally for years and I will always do business with them. Thanks for a great podcast!
  • Micey13
    Episode 1
    I just listened. I so appreciate your discussion about this topic. You don’t know me. Im a fan and a creator. My channel is small potatoes. I love hiking and backpacking. I also just love to talk. As a chatty introvert, I get to talk and have no one talk back 😂. it’s a win win for me. Anyway, I’ve always found it really weird that people think they can invade someone’s personal space because they see them in media. I don’t know how celebrities tolerate it? This episode serves as a good reminder to me to remember boundaries if or when running into a YouTuber. Also, you be you. You’re following your dreams and living your life. May it be blessed and fun! Thanks!
  • Johnny Man
    This Is What We Need!
    I must have started backpacking about the same time as Darwin did. I always liked his videos, but didn’t really follow them, I just enjoyed them ala carte. I would search based on a topic and a Darwin video would pop up. They were always well produced and very truthful, but now, I am mostly beyond gear videos, and unless I’m planning a trip to a specific area, don’t want to see a trip video. THIS though is what I want! Real topics, real people, and not the same old stuff. Props to Darwin for going out on a limb and doing this.
  • BoneWizzo
    Darwin rocks!
    I’ve been following Darwin for a couple of years now and his podcast carries the same energy as his YouTube videos and films. I especially appreciate that you can clearly tell he doesn’t create his videos or podcasts to toot his own horn. Instead, I feel he creates these as a way to inspire and help others out of a sense of service. Well done Darwin & co!
  • Tyler James 1
    I like it!!!
    Started off watch Darwin on the trial and stumbled across the podcast. I like that you show you are more then 1 Dimension and have other interest. Will be renting the documentary on Amazon soon!!! Thanks for the content.
  • susan1*2*5
    Create…
    Truly enjoyed all of these podcasts and find them very informative. The create some thing episode made me think of a drinking game, every time you hear Darwin say “create “ take a drink, you will be on the floor in no time
  • Julie Gayheart
    Love the Conversation!
    I really enjoy the more conversation style with your co-hosts than interview. The discussions centered around hiking topics are very educational! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Alwaystubed
    Mixed Ferlngs
    Season 1 was more of a complaining session. Season 2 started off with smug tone. I don’t think Darwin is communicating to his fans but more of his peer media creators and that’s not too enjoyable for the non-youtuber. I did enjoy the bike pack episode. I can sense Darwin’s passion about this and it’s really enjoyable to hear this.
  • bcfux
    Excellent!
    big fan of Darwin’s media! love the down to earth vibe and authenticity of how he approaches creating his art and “content”. LOVED the bikepacking episode, looking forward to more cycle-centric material. cheers! -BC ✌🏽
  • Mac-n-Cheezy
    Refreshing
    Refreshing. Real. Thought provoking. Insightful. Give it a listen.
  • ChefP3Fan
    New title suggestion: Darwin Gripes
    Let me preface this review by saying I have been a Darwin fan for several years and have enjoyed the YouTube content and found it to be very valuable and insightful. I was excited to see Darwin on a podcast but after several episodes there seems to be a recurring theme. The “poor me“ attitude has got to stop. If you decide you’re going to put yourself out there in the public eye be prepared to deal with the consequences of recognition and adoration. The last thing average Joe hiker wants to hear are your problems associated with negative comments received on your various media outlets. You’d be better served to ignore and MoveOn.
  • CPT_M
    A hiking podcast that’s more
    I’ve been following a lot of hiking and backpacking creatures for the past six years. This one talks more than just hiking. It discusses the hot topics in hiking and being a creator, all the way to giving a s#!t about the public lands we all enjoy. The cohost are great picks for the content.
  • Budgirigar love
    Two intellectuals
    I was so impressed by the podcast you did with co host Jupiter that I had to leave a review. Both of you have solid and thoughtful opinions about how to be responsible in the outdoors and how to give back to trail life regardless of age or race. This is such an important topic to talk about, tribalism, and can be applied to our “matrix” life too. Thank you for how you approach difficult and necessary topics! This is the only thing that will work to better ourselves as a community.
  • williamtaft1909
    Really important podcast
    This is the first time I have felt inclined to post a review/comment on a price of media, I feel that this podcast is so heartfelt and has so many important conversations!
  • Ack_ack1
    Backpacker vs Thru Hiker
    As a backpacker but aspiring old guy thru hiker I found this episode afffirmed a lot of what I believed but had not yet articulated. I liked the concept of defining the differences between seeking the challenge of mileage and making it an athletic challenge vs a stop and smell the roses approach without judging either. That impacts your gear choices and your frame of mind when hiking. Maybe it’s because I come from a triathlon background first but it made sense to me.
  • The Andy Man Can
    Amazing Show
    Great conversations on hiking with great people!
  • A Belle 101
    Great fun
    Thanks for the thought provoking conversations. Every episode has made me consider things a little bit differently. I also enjoy your sense of humor.
  • JoeS@@!
    Deep conversations on the outdoors
    Darwin, and cohosts, always have meaningful conversations about core-issues about things in, and around, the outdoors. Very thoughful and sincere conversations that tends to ask as many questions as it answers which is very refreshing and thought-provoking. The show always stays true to the love and respect of the outdoors and bring as many people to the outdoors as possible.
  • Lost Again with Jim
    Asking hard questions
    I love this podcast. Darwin and his guests ask hard questions, some they don’t have the answers too. I’ve left each episode considering my personal impact on wild spaces, and the hiking community at large. What more could you ask for in a podcast?
  • Northern Blot
    Waning interest
    This podcast started with interesting topics, but the last several episodes seem to be grasping for something to talk about. Also, the tone of the discussions can be too sanctimonious for my taste
  • ChrissyCovz
    Great conversations on important issues.
    Darwin has great co-hosts and has great deep conversations on topics that really matter. He gets beyond the Instagram cool of the outdoor culture.
  • TheMan_todo
    Good Listen
    Heard one episode and was well spoken
  • bmcquist
    Thought Provoking and Informative
    This is not a hiking, backpacking, adventure podcast. This is more in depth and conversation making about how to preserve our great outdoors. The conversations and topics are well thought out and presented. Loving the entire series so far.
  • Magic on the Trail
    Not a backpacking podcast
    The great thing about this podcast is the fact that it isn’t a backpacking podcast. The conversations had are thought provoking about the outdoors and our impact on it and also the way creators are looked upon and how to keep the value of your creation. Because of the episode with Plug it In I have stopped geo tagging photos and due to the conversation on photos becoming ads I only tag companies that I feel support the public lands we love.
  • Cuvy79
    Geo tagging
    Wow! Great conversation, I never considered geo tagging to be a part of LNT, but makes total sense how that can blow up an area!
  • Living waters for life
    Good conversations
    Great conversations and fantastic Co-Hosts. I really enjoyed the episode talking about the tribalism vs the outdoor community.
  • BreckDown
    Great podcast
    Finally a backpacking podcast that can stay on topic while having serious and mature discussion.
  • hlarchitect
    Self Exposure
    Great podcast! I was recently turned onto your YouTube, and from there found your website and podcast. The YouTube is of immediate interest because you put a lot of great info out there that it would take me days if not months of digging and talking to others to learn, since the products keep improving and changing. But this is obviously that is not your only passion. I applaud you for bringing your communication skills to share your thoughts about other subjects that are important to you and to the larger community! I have learned over the years, that none of us are the self that we think we are. We are all engaged in the process of becoming with every breath. "Be soft in your practice. Think of the method as a fine silvery stream, not a raging waterfall. Follow the stream, have faith in its course. It will go its own way, meandering here, trickling there. It will find the grooves, the cracks, the crevices. Just follow it. Never let it out of your sight. It will take you." ~ Sheng-yen Thank yo again and keep up the great work!
  • Jinsoku20
    Keep them coming.
    Wonderful audio quality. Great host and guests.
  • Agnes the knitter
    Real honest discussions!!!!
    Absolutely excellent! Each one of these episodes so far has very honest, down to earth discussions. Great topics, great conversations with the guests - it feels like they are sitting around a campsite having a chat. I can’t wait to hear the future episodes!
  • rapidlight
    Thought Provoking Information
    After listening to the first six episodes of this podcast, I’m hooked. I’ve come to believe that while Darwin and I may disagree on various points of ideology, he (and his guests) offer intelligent, thoughtful, rational insights into why they hold certain perspectives. At the end of each show, I’ve been left thinking that these are people who are capable of holding a conversation without falling back on unsubstantiated rhetoric and verbal abuse to hold their position. The only minor distraction to the episodes is that Darwin sometimes gets so wrapped up in the conversation that he talks over his guess. I would often like to hear those unfinished statements that are lost when this occurs.
  • JillOlstinske
    An honest conversation about the outdoors
    I have been following Darwin on YouTube and Instagram for years. I was thrilled to hear he pivoted his work towards park conservation. His docu was amazing and you could see how much work he put into it. I so disheartened to hear all the negative feedback he received for creating his documentary. This podcast shines a light on conversations that rarely happen on influencers instagrams. Darwin is honest, funny, and incredibly down to earth. I love this podcast! It’s what’s been missing in the outdoor podcast space. Thanks Darwin!
  • Ersellers19
    I’m 56 years old!
    Thx to both for helping me pick gear. I see your influence on trail. Lots of hikers who Rick your gear Darwin. My sense is cowboy or tarp hikers follow Jupiter. BTW. I’m more of a garage gear, small guy gear head. I compare to your gear reviews as the bench mark. Keep up the great work! Hiked the AZT this year. 2 biggest buzzes: string Beans FKT and that Jupiter was one trail. Love the hiker community Roots
  • johnnygrahamcrackers
    A better backpacking podcast
    I’m glad I found Darwin’s podcast, and also fun to discover what a funny guy he is. This podcast is a diamond among a lot of duds.
  • muenstercheeze
    A different side
    I’m only 4 episodes in, but so far have been really enjoying the discussions. This is a change of pace from Darwin’s YouTube channel. Darwin acknowledges that this pod will not resonate with all fans of his Darwin On The Trail YouTube channel, and that’s okay because it’s truly a separate and distinct media product from the YT channel. I’m proud of Darwin’s growth and his knowledge of the “value” he delivers to his audience. No click bait!
  • tdkrip
    Audio levels
    Darwin, I love your YouTube channel for the past two years… And I want to love your new Podcasts. However, the audio levels on your podcast are lower than what I think best practices should require. While I have not looked at your audio file on a waveform monitor via an editing application software program like Adobe Audition or the like, I suspect I would see you have a good one third capacity at the top of the wave form to raise your levels without encountering distortion. Do you think you might take a look and see if you have the capacity to raise the levels before posting each episode? I don’t listen to your episodes in a ideal environment. I listen on Bluetooth wireless earbuds while cycling. Even when I raise the headset level to 100%, your sound is still markedly low particularly compared to other podcasts. I sure hope you address this. Thanks for the good work you do for we hikers and outdoor enthusiasts!
  • dgh34&
    Love the real talk of these podcasts.
    Long time follower that appreciates getting to hear more from the heart of Darwin and his guests as they discuss the REAL issues, facts, and nuances of the outdoors and all things relating to them as a lifestyle. I like this different take for Darwin on getting his thoughts out there. These are well done, and I appreciate the time and effort that are put into making them. Good stuff.
  • Puntker
    Learnt sumthin
    I like Darwin the podcaster.
  • Jack&Mama
    Love the new direction.
    Not all of Darwin’s followers will appreciate the content of these podcasts, but these are discussions that need to happen. Darwin seems to be plucking topics right out of my head. These are things that I have been thinking about as I schedule hikes or as I am trying to teach my son about being a responsible hiker. The conversations are helping me to think about outdoor use and stewardship in new and creative ways and while my sphere of influence may be small, I see that I can be a more positive force for change. Thanks Darwin.
  • AT28THRU
    Different Side of Darwin
    Late to Darwin's backpacking videos, but grateful to have years of content for me to catch-up. Looking forward to this next chapter and seeing where you take us. Episode 1 resonated with me as it can be difficult to break from a successful brand to do something different. Best wishes - I will be along for the ride!
  • Gilliganmc01
    Real talk
    Excellent real view of the thoughts of Darwin. I really enjoy the deep, well thought comments. I urge you to listen. Thank you!!
  • fpoonline
    Appreciate the ethical stances
    I appreciate the intentional conversational format (vs. Q&A) and the mature tone re responsible stewardship and financial boundaries of creators of artistic content. Along with being a hiker and runner, I’m a professional musician, composer, and a conservatory/private studio educator. Similar conversations happen amongst my colleagues: the devaluing of our decades of expertise by venues “paying” live musicians w/a dinner (or “exposure”), finding my copyrighted teaching materials or recordings showing up in other people’s published books and courses, etc. I’m a stickler for giving credit and showing respect where due: so to answer your question, no, you’re not the only ones who care! (I also keep trash bags in my car trunk and in my pack...). Looking forward to more episodes!
  • Julie Velasquez
    Excellent podcast!
    Wow! Listened to the influencer episode and I am so happy you are bringing these topics and conversations up, can’t wait to continue listening to this amazing podcast. Thanks Darwin! - Garden State
  • JP12345678910987654321
    Thought Provoking and Entertaining
    Thanks Darwin for bringing up topics that are interesting, thought provoking, and entertaining.
  • hikerfan0914
    Honest and Important
    These first 2 episodes have been the best content I’ve consumed this week. Everyone deserves to be multifaceted and complex. Darwin does a great job of articulating his journey and his passion for the outdoors. The second episode is one of the most important I’ve heard and I hope everyone who needs to hear it does. Keep putting your heart into what you create and you can’t go wrong!
  • Diddle0413
    Great Podcast!
    Finally a podcast that gets real about the outdoors! Darwin is hitting the nail on the head in his first two episodes. If you like outdoor podcasts that focus on real issues, then stay tuned. I can’t wait for future episodes to hit!
  • Merle92592
    Right on point!
    Thoughtful and on point. We who use and benefits from public lands need to take responsibility. Make sure a place is better than you found it isn’t being a martyr it’s being a good steward. Only the second podcast and both have been home runs. Both Darwin and the two guests have interesting and informative. Five stars and I am looking forward to the next.
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