

The Outdoor Evolution Podcast
Outdoor Evolution Media
Nic "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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 25, 2025 • 21min
36: Our Trails Need Us NOW!
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: HighlanderCome Hike, Camp, & Learn with ME at Highlander Big Bear 2025. Get 20% Off your registration by following This Link or using code DARWIN20!Sign The Petition To Fund National Parks Get Involved With Responsible Stewardship Get Involved With National Forest FoundationContact Nick Page about his New Stewardship Organization Get early access to episodes, other podcasts, and exclusive content, by joining & supporting me on Patreon.Go to Darwinonthetrail.com to keep up to date with all of my new films, videos, and projects.Follow Me on Instagram @Darwin_onthetrailEmail us at theoutdoorevolution@gmail.com

Feb 18, 2025 • 32min
35: The END of Outdoor Evolution???
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 Patreon.Go to Darwinonthetrail.com to keep up to date with all of my new films, videos, and projects.Follow Me on Instagram @Darwin_onthetrailEmail us at theoutdoorevolution@gmail.com

Jan 8, 2024 • 1h 21min
34: Burning Out With Dan Becker
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 ZpacksUse Code OE10 at Zpacks.com to get 10% Off Your Order!Subscribe To Dan on YouTube - @DanBeckerGet early access to episodes, bonus media, and exclusive merch, by joining The Outdoor Evolution by supporting us on Patreon.Go to www.theoutdoorevolution.com to keep up to date with all of our new articles, films, products, and more.Follow us on Instagram @the_outdoor_evolutionEmail us at theoutdoorevolution@gmail.com

Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 48min
33: Can You TRUST Outdoor Gear Companies?
In this episode, Mateo Favero from Zpacks discusses how the Backpacking Gear Industry REALLY works. They also share the TRUTH about a controversial story from 2020. Topics include trust in gear companies, vague booking, misconceptions in the outdoor gear industry, company ethics, disappointment with certain companies, and evaluating the trustworthiness of outdoor gear companies.

Nov 6, 2023 • 1h 36min
32: How To REALLY Train For A Hike
Morgan Brosnihan, a dedicated physical therapist and van lifer from Blaze Physio, shares her expertise on training for hiking. She debunks the myth that simply hiking is enough for preparation and emphasizes the significance of a structured training regimen. Topics include choosing the right hiking footwear, managing knee and Achilles issues, and understanding the dynamics of hiking injuries. Morgan also discusses valuable lessons learned from her trail experiences, advocating for a blend of physical and mental readiness to tackle long-distance hikes.

Oct 30, 2023 • 1h 7min
31: How To NOT Run A Successful YouTube Channel
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 you avoid the inevitable burn-out that faces all creatives? Check Out Nick's YouTube Channel - Nick Page Photography Follow Nick on Instagram - @nickpagephotographyTo get early access to episodes, bonus media, and exclusive merch, join The Outdoor Evolution by supporting us on Patreon.Go to www.theoutdoorevolution.com to keep up to date with all of our new articles, films, products, and more.Follow us on Instagram @the_outdoor_evolutionEmail us at theoutdoorevolution@gmail.com

Oct 9, 2023 • 1h 11min
30: Self-Care On The Trail
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 backcountry.This Episode Sponsored By: Sawyer.comCheck Out Rawlogy's Website - Rawlogy.comSubscribe To The Daily Self - Dailyself.substack.comFollow Rawlogy & Marek on Instagram - @Rawlogy To get early access to episodes, bonus media, and exclusive merch, join The Outdoor Evolution by supporting us on Patreon.Go to www.theoutdoorevolution.com to keep up to date with all of our new articles, films, products, and more. Follow us on Instagram @the_outdoor_evolution Email us at theoutdoorevolution@gmail.com

Mar 20, 2023 • 34min
29: Humbled By Travel
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 merch, join The Outdoor Evolution by supporting us on Patreon.Go to www.theoutdoorevolution.com to keep up to date with all of our new articles, films, products, and more.Follow us on Instagram @the_outdoor_evolutionEmail us at theoutdoorevolution@gmail.comFollow Chris on Instagram @chriscarter146 or check out his Youtube Channel

Dec 5, 2022 • 1h 11min
28: We Started A Gear Company
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, and exclusive merch, join The Outdoor Evolution by supporting us on Patreon.Go to www.theoutdoorevolution.com to keep up to date with all of our new articles, films, products, and more.Follow us on Instagram @the_outdoor_evolutionEmail us at theoutdoorevolution@gmail.comKeep up to date with New Products by following @EvolvedSupplyco on InstagramCheck out EvolvedSupplyCo.com to pre-order The Ranger!

Nov 21, 2022 • 48min
27: What Happened To Public?
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 to episodes, bonus media, and exclusive merch, join The Outdoor Evolution by supporting us on Patreon.Go to www.theoutdoorevolution.com to keep up to date with all of our new articles, films, products, and more.Follow us on Instagram @the_outdoor_evolutionEmail us at theoutdoorevolution@gmail.comFollow Responsible Stewardship on Instagram @responsiblestewardshipGo to responsiblestewardship.org to learn more about you can make an impact on your local public lands.