The Outdoor Evolution Podcast

In this episode, Darwin sits down with the owner of UGQ , Chad Houghton, to discuss the Pros and Cons of owning and operating a small cottage outdoor gear company. Why is it more expensive? How do you compete with "big box" brands? Why make things domestically VS overseas? Where does "real" value come from when you choose who to buy from? Is it worth it?  This Episode Sponsored...

In this episode, Darwin sits down with his Alaska hiking Partner Jonathan to do a Deep Dive on Everything that went wrong during the first 8 days of their summer Thru-Hike in the Alaskan Wilderness. 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 &...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 Sponsor...

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 yo...

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...

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...

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,...

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 t...

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...

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.th...

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...

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, bon...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode, Darwin is once again joined by Emory to talk about being a creator in the outdoor realm and dive into their own, personal creative journeys. Are you an aspiring Outdoor Media Creator? Are you thinking about starting a YouTube Channel, IG Account, Blog, or Podcast? Have you been wondering how to start your own creative journey? Well... This episode is for you! Even if you don'...

In this episode, Darwin is  joined by Licensed Dietician and Valley To Peak Nutrition founder, Kyle Kamp, to talk about all things nutrition in the outdoors. Finding the perfect balance between a healthy diet & an efficient fuel source on a long-distance adventure can often seem impossible. Are the High Sugar & High Sodium foods we eat in the backcountry effecting our long term health? Wha...

In this episode, Darwin is  joined by fellow 2021 CDT Thru-Hiker, Triple Crowner, and Wilderness Therapy Instructor Justin Helmkamp to talk about what happens after the hike (or adventure) is OVER. There's always a focus on the highs and lows during a long adventure, but what about the many difficulties folks can run into in the weeks and months after finishing something like a thru-hike? Wha...