Director of Toughness: Pacific Crest Trail Thru Hike and More!

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Author: Devin Karch

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(WATCH IN HD, FULL SCREEN, AND WITH SOUND!) Columbia Brand wants to know if you are tough enough to work as their Director of Toughness! I am here to scream from the mountain tops that I am the PERFECT person for the job. I walked 2,668 miles from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail, hiked 1000 miles of the Appalachian Trail, lived in the Patagonian wild for three continuous months, worked as an outdoor guide in Africa, and have traveled, hiked, and explored 30 countries stretching five continents (so far). When I look at a map and see all the places I haven't been yet, I am not filled with misery or dread, but rather relief. To know that there still are so many mysteries to be explored, so many people to meet and learn from, so many mountains and miles to conquer. There is no reality and non reality, simply the choices and sacrifices we make. I choose a life dedicated to adventure and wonder, and I know that I can bring all my passion and toughness to Columbia. I plan on Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2017, then taking off on a bike and cycling from Portugal to China, all why raising money for the Isabel Allende Foundation for women and children. Follow along and check out sweet gear reviews, photography, travel stories and tips, gear lists, and more at www.TheTrailLives.com. Instagram: @DarwinKarch Locations Featured in Video: North America 1. New York, New York A. Coles Arena - New York University Men's Basketball 2. Pacific Crest Trail (California, Oregon, Washington) A. Southern and Northern Termini B. Dicks Pass Mile 1105, California C. Crater Lake, Oregon. D. Small clips of the trail throughout the trip. Europe 1. Norway A. Trolltunga Trail and Rock Formation near Odda. B. Geirangerfjord C. The town of Geiranger D. Trollstigen road, paths and walkways. E. Skjak Homestead 2. Montenegro A. Budva B. Kotor C. Saint John's Fortress D. Abandoned Austro-Hungarian Fortress 3. Italy A. Sorrento B. Praia a Mare C. The Path of the Gods, Amalfi Coast D. San'Angello 4. Bosnia and Herzegovina A. Mostar B. Sarajevo C. Abandoned 1984 Winter Olympics Park D. Dinaric Alps 5. Croatia A. Krka National Park B. Split C. Diocletian Palace Bell Tower D. Dubrovnik 6. Netherlands A. Amsterdam 7. Iceland A. Skogáfoss Waterfall B. Gulfoss Waterfall C. Golden Circle D. Seljalandsfoss Waterfall E. Gljufrabui Waterfall South America 1. Patagonia region of Chile A. Region XI B. "Lucy Gomez Point" summit C. Cordon Cochrane D. Glacier Calloqueo E. Valle Chacabuco National Park F. Canal Darwin, Chilean Archipelago G. sla Clemente H. Mount Tamanga Summit Africa 1. South Africa. A. Royal Natal Park B. Northern Drakensberg Amphitheater C. Northern Drakensberg Eastern Buttress D. Southern Drakensberg Cathkin Peak E. Southern Drakensberg Sterhorn F. Tugela River Gorge G. Monks Cowl Park H. Mossell Bay I. Bloukrans Bridge J. KwaCheetah Preserve K. Cape Town L. Table Mountain M. Cape Point N. Blyde River Canyon 2. Lesotho A. Unmarked alpine land in the Central Drakensberg Range .

Comments

I'm crazy about this video! Great shots, great music, can see the chemistry with you and your significant other. Nice :) !

Welp, going to book plane tickets right now.

would love to see some actual hiking/ adventure videos of these trips great stuff but i feel a little bit tricked that i just watched a commercial/ resume.

Not best way to make a video but I really liked this. Awesome. :)

I second that Jared! Would love to meet you someday man. Columbia would be silly to not call you in for an interview.

How long did it take you and how much did it cost? Awesome video by the way!

Awesome video man!

This is very impressive. I subscribed, as I am doing something similar; I would appreciate it if you could check out my channel.

I don't even know this dude and I want to watch his video again.

@ReconTraveler It really depends on what kind of trip you are planning. This video includes a VERY serious three month expedition in the middle of nowhere, Patagonia. You could either outfit yourself, take care of all travel plans, buy all gear down there, and then go on a trip, or just come down there and travel instead of full on backcountry expeditions. That would save some money. You could also hire a 'guide' or service that would take you out, allow you to rent some gear and also provide you with a level of safety if you are inexperienced in these types of things.

The video also shows a 6 month journey from South Africa to Iceland. South Africa and Africa in general are very cheap, except for the flight there. If you know where to look though, even the flight doesnt have to be to much. I found a flight from NYC to Johannesburg for $400 and another flight from Johannesburg to Naples for $400. Then within Europe it is a matter of decision making and understanding how comfortable or uncomfortbale you are willing to be. This is cheaper than stealth camping outside, but hostels, depending on where you are in the world, can be your best options for how cheap they can be, and also having a roof over your head with amenities.

From Italy, to Croatia, to Bosnia, to Montenegro, to Holland, to Norway, and to Iceland, I managed to spend around 3k all together over the course of 3 months. The other three months were spent in South Africa where i only spent $134 dollars because my job was paying for food, shelter, and transportation.

If you can be frugal and live cheaply, and depending on how much flights cost, you could go on an extended trip with $5k+ and be happy.

The entire THRU HIKE from Mexico to Canada cost me about $3500 for the 5 months in took me to hike, but obviously I was sleeping outside most of the time and usually just buying food. I had been stockpiling gear for many years before that, making my gear cost at teh beginning of the trips 'low'. But overall, for the top notch, technical gear I own, I have probably spent several thousand over the years. Hope this helps. Message me for more info if you need it! I love helping people. This was a very broad overview, I can get you something more substantive when you tell me exactly what you want to do.

Awesome! How much did all of your traveling cost, including gear? If you don't mind me asking. Hoping to save up to travel when I'm out of the military.

cool! very cool!

I am blown away!!!!!!

Awesome video!