Darwin Onthetrail
Nic “Darwin” Rakestraw is a long-distance hiker, adventure cyclist and outdoor filmmaker sharing trail stories, gear advice and conversations about life outdoors.
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Latest
Darwin’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
YouTube
Sawyer
Documentary
YouTubeOverview
- Name
- Nic “Darwin” Rakestraw
- From
- Southern Indiana
- Based in
- Northern Arizona
- Known for
- Long-distance hiking, adventure cycling and outdoor filmmaking
- Trail milestone
- Triple Crown hiker
- Directorial debut
- Through the Great Southwest (2020)
Mini bio
How it started.
Originally from Southern Indiana, Nic and his wife Jessica left their jobs and hometown in 2014 to seek adventure. Van travel and the Appalachian Trail became part of that new life. He began sharing hiking videos and gear reviews on YouTube in 2015.
Finding his voice.
Trail stories and practical equipment advice became the foundation of Darwin Onthetrail. In 2020, he made his directorial debut with Through the Great Southwest, a documentary made in partnership with the Arizona Trail Association about the people and places behind the trail.
Beyond the trail diary.
His films include Na Wai, about clean-water work in Fiji, and The Khumbu, made with Chris “Rad” Carter. He also hosts The Outdoor Evolution Podcast and owns and operates the cottage gear company Evolved Supply Co.
A life shaped by long routes.
His official expedition résumé lists the Appalachian Trail in 2015/2016, Pacific Crest Trail in 2018 and Continental Divide Trail in 2021. More recent journeys include bike touring in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and a Gates of the Arctic traverse in Alaska, both listed for 2025.
Creditschronological, newest first
- 2025The KhumbuFilmmaker, with Chris “Rad” Carter
- 2023Na WaiDocumentary filmmaker
- 2020Through the Great SouthwestDirector
Quotes
Honestly... Backpacking Sucks. Here's How To Embrace It.Darwin Onthetrail, YouTube video description
He used this line to introduce his July 2026 video about the harder side of backpacking.
Trivia
- His official résumé includes a Great Britain Divide bike tour in 2022.
- He publishes his expedition gear lists, including the setup for his 2025 Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan bike tour.
- His film Na Wai features Jennifer Pharr Davis and her family visiting Fiji.
Find Darwin
Follow Darwin for new films, gear notes and adventures.
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