You pointed out one of the biggest concerns with hiking in Arizona; water. Never pass up an opportunity to restock your water supply! Awesome video, keep up the great work!
This is why I love hiking so much. Its all about the basics. When we make decisions based on water resupply distances and end up dry camping it reminds us of how fragile our carbon based capsules really are. Great video Darwin!
"Today was a morale booster. Much needed." So glad to hear you say that. Those who haven't thru hiked (and I have only done the JMT) need to be prepared: thru hiking is as much an emotional roller coaster as a physical one. Best wishes.
I feel as Ive been gaining more experience hiking that your method is almost an art form. We all find what works best for us. Hike on Darwin, keep kicking ass!
It looks like you got water at Sheepherders tank, actually pretty good water , the part of the Happy Jack that follows FR 93 D , it seems like an old Roman cobblestone rd, well that passage is being rerouted too single track to get it off of the forest rd. Hope you and Snuggles enjoyed you stay in Arizona, have a blast in Joshua tree
Love all of your videos, gear reviews, tips, dos and donts, etc, but it was really nice to 'experience' a hike. I think it adds important context to the other videos on your channel. Thank you.
Hi. I found your channel about a week ago and since then I’ve been binge watching all your hikes! Watching this video I was amazed by the gorgeous scenery. If I make it over that side of the world again I’d love to hike this trail.
Nice to you see getting to Washington Park and getting to enjoy the flowing springs under the Mogollon Rim... Washington Park to Pine is one of my favorite passages of the AZT. So, I'm looking forward to your next video.
Great footage of your first few days on the AZT and sceney (as usual) saw your comment regarding your new camera, looking good Darwin! Can't wait for more episodes! Thank you for sharing all of your adventurers, product reviews and comment on cold soaking going stoveless...i've been considering this also. You do a great job of educating, entertaining and inspiring your viewers all while keeping it real and transparent! You've been a huge help with me as a single dad of a 16 yr old son having section hiked 735 miles of AT together last 4 years as we are planning thru hike together 2019 when he graduates.
My favorite part about through hikes is the day after the worst day. Having that day to compare the others to, knowing that you made it through something difficult, eveything is just gradiently better. Keep it up! I wish I could be on the trail right now!
Snuggles & I call it "Second Hand Fun".... Sucks when your going through it, but always good to look back on when it's over. Embrace The Suck! Hike On, Darwin
Awesome video. It really conveys your aloneness. That's one of the things I love about hiking - that sense of being alone in nature. Looking forward to more!
Great video! Dry camping is the worst! Haha! I had a similar experience this past spring. Used the last of my water to make a cup of coffee and then realized the tank was empty. Fortunately, it was PA and fresh water was less than an hour away the next morning.
I'm interested to see your reaction to the rest of the Arizona Trail. The trail in the first couple of days looked very interesting. Good thing you had some water left when you arrived at the dry tank. That must have been a shock. Great video.
Very nice man thank you for sharing I just got back from my first 4-day 3-night backpacking trip on the a t and man I loved it even though my gear is old heavy and outdated I still had the best time ever
Hey Darwin watch those rocky trails. One wrong step for me on a trail like that in February this year resulted in a broken ankle and I'm still not fully recovered. Thanks as always for your inspirational vids and cheers from downunder!
Cool beans dude! I am not an extreme trecker like you, but I do some as available to me. I am glad to see you do AZT, good trail to conquer. I am more of a trail camper for just a few days. Now almost reaching my 60;s but only limited by my drive...I live next to Rita mountain range east of Tucson, where the remains of a B-25 rest at the crest of the mountain from 1946. If you ever come my way. I will take you to the head of the trail and maybe climb the nearly 5,000 feet up with you. I flown above and the view is awesome. be well and keep the survavalist mode alive. Peace!
I'm from New Zealand and I'm just amazed that you confidently drink that murky pond water. Good on you mate. Keep trucking. PS my cnoc water bag is on the way. Can't wait to pair it with my Sawyer mini. Keep up the great work
Thanks!... I'm actually not as happy with it as I could be. Still trying to get all the Tweaks worked out & figure out my preferred Shooting style with it. Hike On, Darwin
Might I suggest the Sony Alpha a6300. Fantastic low light performance in a mirrorless setup and interchangeable lenses, all in a pretty light setup. Or you could look in to a blackmagic Pocket cinema. Super small form factor that uses micro 4/3 lenses.
Question: Have you considered bringing your titanium mug for water boiling? That way you can make hot food and coffe over a small fire between 2-3 small rocks. Or maybe even bring a small ultralight wood stove? The weight of the mug, at least, is next to nothing. It can even be used for boiling unfiltered water in case your water filter is broken ;)
I didn't know that Arizona looked like any of that. I hear Arizona and I picture desert. I think of the old TV western "High Chaparral". Pine forests look a lot like home (NC). I hate dry camping, too.
Hey Darwin I enjoyed part I and looking forward to future posts. Hope to see you do a segment on dry soaking and I'm going to have to try coffee water sometime, I usually use Nuun tablets. Have fun.
Wish I could have caught up with you. Me and my friends are here on vacation. Went to Zion and grand canyon to hike and take pics...Sedona tomorrow. Stay safe man!!!
Was that a bugling elk you heard? Darwin, if you were to do an 3 day 2 night section of the AZT what section would you do? I’m an east coaster so AT like scenery is my fave.
All depends on your Mileage....Flagstaff to Mormon Lake would be a good one. Cedar Ranch TrailHead (north of Flag) into Flagstaff (60 miles) goes up through SnowBowl & is a really beautiful piece of trail! Hike On, Darwin
Is there a reason wooden stiles are not used near gates on that trail? Obviously it's easier for the land owner to not put one there just wondered if there was any other reason. Looking forward to the next part.
Great video good transitions, love the solitude... , and i guess the water tank water tasted yuk bleh compared to the running water... And eating that soaked food and drinking virtual ice-coffee looked totally hardcore Darwin.. :D
Hey Darwin, nice video! Any plans to do the southern sections of the AZT? I love Northern AZ, especially to escape the desert heat, but once you get a little further South, out of all those trees, the scenery really opens up and is totally unique.
Darwin--I've seen those "tanks" on my two day hikes of the AZT. I never had to filter from those. My question--did you add any flavoring to the water to make it go down easier? How did it taste? Prefilter?
Hey Darwin, I noticed when you used your trekking poles you used the Nordic style of walking, do you recommend this, if so why? When I use my trekking poles I use more of a leisure style.
Yep, the AZT App that I used does have a place for other hikers to make comments, but it's all over the place. It all depends on what time of year the others went through. I was hiking a little more in the "Off Season" so that is the chance I took. Hike On, Darwin
The section on Arizona the trail coming out of Morman Lakes heading south was not easy for me too... No visibility can make the days so long and mundane The constant water pond after water pond which looked like countless coffee and creamer pools also that horrid lava rock section that was part road and part trail..arghhhh I thought it was someone's idea of a joke..I looked around talking to myself why didn't they put the trail through there where there was less rocks...some through hikers on the AZT think that the Megellen rim is glorious because of the context of shade...I would think so too but you can't see anything.. Lol... Once getting down from the Megllen Rim it begins to open back up to vistas and distances... - rebo
Yes Darwin ! I want more videos about you hiking, doing dinner and stuff. Sound creepy but it's for educational purpose haha. Have a good one. Love from Canda.
Let me know whenever you get over to Mesa Arizona on that part of the trail I'm getting a hold of my brother so you can go over that way there and take a rest and take a load off And maybe Inspire my nephew
You pointed out one of the biggest concerns with hiking in Arizona; water.
Never pass up an opportunity to restock your water supply!
Awesome video, keep up the great work!
This is why I love hiking so much. Its all about the basics. When we make decisions based on water resupply distances and end up dry camping it reminds us of how fragile our carbon based capsules really are. Great video Darwin!
"Today was a morale booster. Much needed." So glad to hear you say that. Those who haven't thru hiked (and I have only done the JMT) need to be prepared: thru hiking is as much an emotional roller coaster as a physical one. Best wishes.
I feel as Ive been gaining more experience hiking that your method is almost an art form. We all find what works best for us. Hike on Darwin, keep kicking ass!
A SUPERB and REAL hiking video! Thanks for bringing your 47,000 friends along for the ride!
No Problem Gordon! Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Longtime listener first time caller. Really appreciate these videos man. Helps hold me off while I wait to go to the North Cascades next week.
Glad you dig em' Steven!
Hike On,
Darwin
While we finished off Dixie's PCT videos last night my wife asked if the first AZT video was out yet....and here it is! Loving the video quality.
Nice! Glad you enjoyed it!
Hike On,
Darwin
It looks like you got water at Sheepherders tank, actually pretty good water , the part of the Happy Jack that follows FR 93 D , it seems like an old Roman cobblestone rd, well that passage is being rerouted too single track to get it off of the forest rd. Hope you and Snuggles enjoyed you stay in Arizona, have a blast in Joshua tree
Loved Arizona man! Glad we got to meet you. We will be back sometime in the future. I'm not done with Ol' AZ yet!
Hike On,
Darwin
Thank you , Darwin, for a great booster. I had a bad day and now it's a lot better, just for seeing your uplifting experience.
Glad I could Help! Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Love all of your videos, gear reviews, tips, dos and donts, etc, but it was really nice to 'experience' a hike. I think it adds important context to the other videos on your channel. Thank you.
Hi. I found your channel about a week ago and since then I’ve been binge watching all your hikes! Watching this video I was amazed by the gorgeous scenery. If I make it over that side of the world again I’d love to hike this trail.
Nice to you see getting to Washington Park and getting to enjoy the flowing springs under the Mogollon Rim... Washington Park to Pine is one of my favorite passages of the AZT. So, I'm looking forward to your next video.
People done think of Arizona as lush and gorgeous but up here where we are it's the absolute best!
I absolutely Love AZ!
Hike On,
Darwin
Darwin onthetrail if you never hiked up here near show low/Payson it's awesome hit me up I'll show you some awesome trails sometimes
Great footage of your first few days on the AZT and sceney (as usual) saw your comment regarding your new camera, looking good Darwin! Can't wait for more episodes! Thank you for sharing all of your adventurers, product reviews and comment on cold soaking going stoveless...i've been considering this also. You do a great job of educating, entertaining and inspiring your viewers all while keeping it real and transparent! You've been a huge help with me as a single dad of a 16 yr old son having section hiked 735 miles of AT together last 4 years as we are planning thru hike together 2019 when he graduates.
My favorite part about through hikes is the day after the worst day. Having that day to compare the others to, knowing that you made it through something difficult, eveything is just gradiently better.
Keep it up! I wish I could be on the trail right now!
Snuggles & I call it "Second Hand Fun".... Sucks when your going through it, but always good to look back on when it's over. Embrace The Suck!
Hike On,
Darwin
Awesome video. It really conveys your aloneness. That's one of the things I love about hiking - that sense of being alone in nature. Looking forward to more!
It definitely gets lonely out on the trail sometimes!
Hike On,
Darwin
Great video! Dry camping is the worst! Haha! I had a similar experience this past spring. Used the last of my water to make a cup of coffee and then realized the tank was empty. Fortunately, it was PA and fresh water was less than an hour away the next morning.
I'm interested to see your reaction to the rest of the Arizona Trail. The trail in the first couple of days looked very interesting. Good thing you had some water left when you arrived at the dry tank. That must have been a shock. Great video.
Thanks Evan! Water Tanks can definitely be tricky on he AZT!
Hike On,
Darwin
Very nice man thank you for sharing I just got back from my first 4-day 3-night backpacking trip on the a t and man I loved it even though my gear is old heavy and outdated I still had the best time ever
Hey Darwin watch those rocky trails. One wrong step for me on a trail like that in February this year resulted in a broken ankle and I'm still not fully recovered. Thanks as always for your inspirational vids and cheers from downunder!
Thumbs Up to the AZT. One more to add to my bucket list. Video quality is impressive!
Thanks! Quality wasn't as good as I wanted. Still working out some Kinks on the New Camera.
Hike On,
Darwin
I like how you started day 2 from inside the bivy! Now let's see ya throw some food together👍 GREAT quality video!
lol....Thanks Jessi!
Hike On,
Darwin
Outstanding video. You don't meander along for sure. Beautiful scenary. Take care, AL
Wow, Darwin! Stepping up your media game! I like where your style is going!
Thanks! Wait until the next year's PCT Vids!
Hike On,
Darwin
Cool beans dude! I am not an extreme trecker like you, but I do some as available to me. I am glad to see you do AZT, good trail to conquer. I am more of a trail camper for just a few days. Now almost reaching my 60;s but only limited by my drive...I live next to Rita mountain range east of Tucson, where the remains of a B-25 rest at the crest of the mountain from 1946. If you ever come my way. I will take you to the head of the trail and maybe climb the nearly 5,000 feet up with you. I flown above and the view is awesome. be well and keep the survavalist mode alive. Peace!
I'm from New Zealand and I'm just amazed that you confidently drink that murky pond water. Good on you mate. Keep trucking. PS my cnoc water bag is on the way. Can't wait to pair it with my Sawyer mini. Keep up the great work
lol... Water is Water, sometimes you have no choice!
Hike On,
Darwin
I ordered mine too. (Aussie ) but im still waiting.
Love it. The AZT looks so awesome and surprisingly diverse.
It's CRAZY how diverse it actually is!
Hike On,
Darwin
Looks like a really nice trail.
Looking forward to the next part/s you will share with us.
I'm really digging this video, I love your review videos you've had recently but this is a great change up.
Thanks! You should go back & check out all of my other Trail Videos from the AZT, AT, CDT, ect....
Hike On,
Darwin
Really enjoyed that section. The new camera I.S giving some excellent quality footage.👍🇬🇧
Thanks!... I'm actually not as happy with it as I could be. Still trying to get all the Tweaks worked out & figure out my preferred Shooting style with it.
Hike On,
Darwin
Might I suggest the Sony Alpha a6300. Fantastic low light performance in a mirrorless setup and interchangeable lenses, all in a pretty light setup. Or you could look in to a blackmagic Pocket cinema. Super small form factor that uses micro 4/3 lenses.
Beautiful! Wish I could take some time off and Hike. thanks for sharing.
No Problem Steve! Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Really enjoying the adventure so far. This is the first of your hiking vids I have watched. You do a good job putting together the vid.
Just remindes me of my grandparents property north of Flagg. Just beautiful
That’s beautiful! Looking forward to the continuation 👍
Once again, thank you for sharing. A hug from Portugal
Thanks for Watching Franzam!
Hike On,
Darwin
Great video. It's been a while since I watched your channel and your production values are top quality now. Makes me want to hike!
AAAnd I'm hooked. Really enjoyed the video. Thanks for taking the time to film and edit.
Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
It's gorgeous out there !!! Glad the water finally restored your spirit :)
It Really is Deb!
Hike On,
Darwin
Question:
Have you considered bringing your titanium mug for water boiling? That way you can make hot food and coffe over a small fire between 2-3 small rocks. Or maybe even bring a small ultralight wood stove?
The weight of the mug, at least, is next to nothing. It can even be used for boiling unfiltered water in case your water filter is broken ;)
Great video. Thanks for taking us on the journey!
No Problem! Thanks for Watching!
Hike On,
Darwin
Absolutely stellar job sir! I love love love the new format.
Thanks Kirk!
Hike On,
Darwin
That was excellent. Very nice photography. Can't wait for more!
Thanks! Been trying to bring better quality to you guys!
Hike On,
Darwin
I didn't know that Arizona looked like any of that. I hear Arizona and I picture desert. I think of the old TV western "High Chaparral". Pine forests look a lot like home (NC).
I hate dry camping, too.
Been watching your vids for a while, never commented... but really enjoyed watching this one!
these videos are so motivating. love the work you do. cant wait to get out on the trail again and do some hiking. keep up the good work!
Let's gooooooooo Darwin :-) I am so happy for you and I would like so much to be in the same situation!
Yes! Enjoy!!!
Hey Darwin I enjoyed part I and looking forward to future posts. Hope to see you do a segment on dry soaking and I'm going to have to try coffee water sometime, I usually use Nuun tablets. Have fun.
Beautiful brother. Such an awesome video. Positive vibes your way.
Dry camping sucks. That CNOC water bag looks great in operation. I pre-ordered one thanks to your review.
Wish I could have caught up with you. Me and my friends are here on vacation. Went to Zion and grand canyon to hike and take pics...Sedona tomorrow. Stay safe man!!!
Next Time! Safe Travels Brother!
Hike On,
Darwin
Love them Altra LonePeaks...great video Darwin Thanks
Nice! Thanks for the video! Missed seeing your vids on trail! This is good.
lol.... I'm always on the trail, just don't always Film It!
Hike On,
Darwin
I live in Flagstaff and would love to give this trail a go.
Awesome video once again, thank for sharing. Can’t wait to see more, hike safe! J
Thank you for teaching me something today. . .Friar Rodney Burnap
Prescott, Arizona...
Really cool to hear the elk sounding off in the background
wow so cool! now i really want to do the azt haha it looks so interesting and not as much of a commitment as the three longg trails lol
Thanks for vid man. Looks nice out there. Stay safe and good adventures.
Thanks for sharing Darwin!
Thanks for Watching Julie!
Hike On,
Darwin
Was that a bugling elk you heard? Darwin, if you were to do an 3 day 2 night section of the AZT what section would you do? I’m an east coaster so AT like scenery is my fave.
All depends on your Mileage....Flagstaff to Mormon Lake would be a good one. Cedar Ranch TrailHead (north of Flag) into Flagstaff (60 miles) goes up through SnowBowl & is a really beautiful piece of trail!
Hike On,
Darwin
Is there a reason wooden stiles are not used near gates on that trail? Obviously it's easier for the land owner to not put one there just wondered if there was any other reason. Looking forward to the next part.
Happy Trails Darwin. May God and the spirit of the wolf pack give you the power courage and wisdom to see you through. Enjoy...
Thanks!
Hike On,
Darwin
Great Vid! Looking forward to part 2.
Great video good transitions, love the solitude... , and i guess the water tank water tasted yuk bleh compared to the running water... And eating that soaked food and drinking virtual ice-coffee looked totally hardcore Darwin.. :D
lol... Thanks Freddy!
Hike On,
Darwin
Hey Darwin, nice video! Any plans to do the southern sections of the AZT? I love Northern AZ, especially to escape the desert heat, but once you get a little further South, out of all those trees, the scenery really opens up and is totally unique.
Darwin--I've seen those "tanks" on my two day hikes of the AZT. I never had to filter from those. My question--did you add any flavoring to the water to make it go down easier? How did it taste? Prefilter?
If you changed any of your gear can make a video on it?
Hey Darwin, I noticed when you used your trekking poles you used the Nordic style of walking, do you recommend this, if so why? When I use my trekking poles I use more of a leisure style.
When you have completed a thru trail does Snuggles pick you up to take you back or do you hike back to the beginning?
As far as dried up water sources, like the one you encountered, is there an app or website that you use to report those so other hikers know?
Yep, the AZT App that I used does have a place for other hikers to make comments, but it's all over the place. It all depends on what time of year the others went through. I was hiking a little more in the "Off Season" so that is the chance I took.
Hike On,
Darwin
Glad you mentioned Pa... our states pet is the rocks ... forcing you to watch them the entire trail lol
You have the same Dirty Girl pattern that I have! What happened to the Batman pattern though?
Wore Them out Finally!
Hike On,
Darwin
How do they wear out? Mine have already lost most of their colour but otherwise they seem fine...
I feel for you on that dry camping nothing worse then having little or no water. You can always plan well but nothing is evere guaranteed.
Yep Yep!
Hike On,
Darwin
Hike in New Zealand mate. One of the huge bonuses of here. Never ever too far from flowing water
Good job editing! Loved it
It's good to see you on trail. Not to say that I don't like the Q&A's.
I'm on the trail all the time, I just don't always film it!...lol
Hike On,
Darwin
Nice video nice scenery do you think a lot of people hike that trail
Wow I can't wait to try this someday have to ask do you ever have spooky experiences being out there alone? Great video
Did you use the ATA App? It has comments from past hikers that helps in regards to if a stock tank has water or is dry. Nice Work on the video.
Yep, but the info can be all over the place depending on what time of year your going Thru!
Hike On,
Darwin
what kind of tights to you hike in?
May have missed it...what's the sound track credit? Revel on!
Hey man. Great stuff. What passages were you hiking?
Did you go thought payson?
Hey Darwin what dates did you hike this trail?
Please tell me you didnt see cattle and a standing water hole and decide to filter that water...
Is it true that leaving your clear water bottle in the sun kills microbes?
I've heard that too, but never really put it into practice...
Hike On,
Darwin
I sincerely doubt it and wouldn't rely on it. At the very least, you should treat it if you don't filter.
What is on your hat? Cam or light?
What time of year did you go?? thinking of doing the AZT early next spring or late this fall.
Amazing views good work fella
Love your videos man. I was wondering how you video your hikes with the canon camera? Do you shoot in Manuel or auto?
The section on Arizona the trail coming out of Morman Lakes heading south was not easy for me too...
No visibility can make the days so long and mundane
The constant water pond after water pond which looked like countless coffee and creamer pools also that horrid lava rock section that was part road and part trail..arghhhh
I thought it was someone's idea of a joke..I looked around talking to myself why didn't they put the trail through there where there was less rocks...some through hikers on the AZT think that the Megellen rim is glorious because of the context of shade...I would think so too but you can't see anything..
Lol...
Once getting down from the Megllen Rim it begins to open back up to vistas and distances...
- rebo
I feel ya Brother!
Hike On,
Darwin
So, those cow ponds...they're just big cow toilets, right?
Outside? Don't mind if I do
YEAH MAN!
Hike On,
Darwin
Very cool. Thanks!
No, Thanks You!
Hike On,
Darwin
how much of the trail are you hiking...full or partial?
I just did a 130 Mile Section....
Hike On,
Darwin
Love it!
Thanks!
Hike On,
Darwin
Running water is why I like to hike Western Washington State.
hited like to support. take care
Yes Darwin ! I want more videos about you hiking, doing dinner and stuff. Sound creepy but it's for educational purpose haha. Have a good one. Love from Canda.
lol.... There will be a lot coming in the next year! Go check out all of my previous Trail Videos of the AT, AZT, & CDT!
Hike On,
Darwin
let us know how your foot wear is performing
Let me know whenever you get over to Mesa Arizona on that part of the trail I'm getting a hold of my brother so you can go over that way there and take a rest and take a load off
And maybe Inspire my nephew