Hiker

Nic “Darwin” Rakestraw

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Originally from Southern Indiana, Nic & his wife Jessica decided to quit their jobs in 2014, sell 95% of the things they owned, & leave their hometown for good in search of adventure, inspiration, & the true meaning of happiness. Since then, Nic has traveled the entire United States while living out of a van, hiked over 14,000 miles, and explored 11 countries with a camera in hand. In 2015, he started documenting his various hiking adventures and filming gear reviews to share with others via a YouTube Channel.

Aside from logging over 14K accumulative miles of long-distance hiking, adventure cycling, and other expeditions, he has expanded his creativity as a storyteller to filmmaking, photography, writing, podcasting, public speaking, and anything else that helps inspire others to get outside their comfort zone and experience the natural world.

Nic has worked with multiple non-profit organizations to advocate and fundraise for public lands. He also owns and operates Evolved Supply Co., a small cottage gear company, helping him further branch into the outdoor industry. Nic has filmed, directed, and produced multiple documentary films and commercial media for various companies, along with a lengthy career producing videos on his personal YouTube Channel, Darwinonthetrail, with a 300K+ strong audience.

Originally from Southern Indiana, Nic & his wife Jessica decided to quit their jobs in 2014, sell 95% of the things they owned, & leave their hometown for good in search of adventure, inspiration, & the true meaning of happiness. Since then, Nic has traveled the entire United States while living out of a van, hiked over 14,000 miles, and explored 11 countries with a camera in hand. In 2015, he started documenting his various hiking adventures and filming gear reviews to share with others via a YouTube Channel.

Aside from logging over 14K accumulative miles of long-distance hiking, adventure cycling, and other expeditions, he has expanded his creativity as a storyteller to filmmaking, photography, writing, podcasting, public speaking, and anything else that helps inspire others to get outside their comfort zone and experience the natural world.

Nic has worked with multiple non-profit organizations to advocate and fundraise for public lands. He also owns and operates Evolved Supply Co., a small cottage gear company, helping him further branch into the outdoor industry. Nic has filmed, directed, and produced multiple documentary films and commercial media for various companies, along with a lengthy career producing videos on his personal YouTube Channel, Darwinonthetrail, with a 300K+ strong audience.

Stories by the Author

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Darwin Onthetrail: 2025 Gates Of The Arctic Traverse

400 Mile Brooks Range Thru-Hike of the Gates Of The Arctic in Alaska.

Nic “Darwin” Rakestraw

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July 1, 2025

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

Darwin Onthetrail: 2025 Gates Of The Arctic Traverse

400 Mile Brooks Range Thru-Hike of the Gates Of The Arctic in Alaska.

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