- 8
- 823 602
Chris Carter
Приєднався 3 кві 2020
Heyo! I'm an American artist/backpacker/traveler who grew up in beautiful Kenya, East Africa. I love writing, filming, drawing, running, climbing... basically anything that uses the right side of my brain and gets me outside. I've been exploring all over the globe for decades-from the dusty African savanna to rugged Himalayan peaks-and share travel tips and tricks gleaned from my time on the road, including the gear to get you there and back in one piece.
When I'm not romping through the woods or hopping planes, I work as a professional adventure journalist, photographer, and gear tester for AllGear Digital-a leading voice for breaking news, product reviews, and travel guides in the outdoor industry. I'm currently a Senior Editor and Writer on the leadership team at Switchback Travel, and a contributor to GearJunkie and other prominent online publications. For media inquiries or to send testing samples, fire me a message at ccarter@allgeardigital.com. Live wild!
When I'm not romping through the woods or hopping planes, I work as a professional adventure journalist, photographer, and gear tester for AllGear Digital-a leading voice for breaking news, product reviews, and travel guides in the outdoor industry. I'm currently a Senior Editor and Writer on the leadership team at Switchback Travel, and a contributor to GearJunkie and other prominent online publications. For media inquiries or to send testing samples, fire me a message at ccarter@allgeardigital.com. Live wild!
Dear Thru Hiking | The Final Steps of a Triple Crown
What does it feel like to finish the Triple Crown (PCT, CDT and AT) of thru hiking? Well … complicated. Yesterday I crossed the NC/GA state line of the Appalachian Trail, the final checkpoint before the end. The emotions really do rush in all at once.
Dear Thru Hiking,
What a journey we’ve had! Tomorrow night I finish up your Triple Crown on top of Springer Mountain, and the emotions truly are crashing in. I remember hearing about you as a kid, and going on runs after rugby practice, thinking, “I’ll hike you one day!” on all the uphills. I couldn’t imagine what it would take, but I was training nonetheless. I’ve been dreaming about you for longer than I can remember. I guess it’s been my longest standing dream to experience each of your three gems … and a seemingly impossible one to carry out.
Sitting here at the end of it all, I’m experiencing the weight of realizing one’s earliest dreams. This moment that has played in my mind in hundreds of different fantastical forms is actually here, simultaneously a reality just as it ends. Like a bookend to a shelf of stories stretching to the horizon of my mind, the finality of it all strikes me harder than I anticipated. How can I finish something like this? How do I walk these last miles with closure?
There’s much to say, but I’m finding it hard to sum up. Difficult to describe a feeling that is constantly molding and shifting in this final moment. Gratefulness, sadness, elation, melancholy, motivation … thank you for them all. Thank you for teaching me strength. Thank you for teaching me weakness. Thank you for the gift of community, and that of pure isolation. Thank you for teaching me to find beauty everywhere, and for taking me to the most beautiful places I could ever imagine. Thank you for the late night grinds rolling into camp on empty, and the sunrise ridge walks filling me with energy. Thank you for the uphill plods in the blazing sun, and the downhill tramps through waste-deep snow. Thank you for the rain. Thank you for the sun. Thank you for the rawness of every moment, and the space to feel them. Thank you.
Though this feels like a bookend, I know it isn’t. Even though the dream may look different moving forward, it’s still there, and I’m excited to see how it manifests itself. So, for now, goodbye. Continue to change other’s lives like you’ve changed mine, in the most subtle and monumental ways. Continue to instill courage, humility, and above all a deep sense of wonder in everyone that walks your majestic paths. Continue to inspire, and when life allows, hopefully I’ll find you right where I left you.
Thank you again,
Chris “Rad” Carter
PCT 2018
CDT 2021
AT 2021
Music: Small Light by Message to Bears
Dear Thru Hiking,
What a journey we’ve had! Tomorrow night I finish up your Triple Crown on top of Springer Mountain, and the emotions truly are crashing in. I remember hearing about you as a kid, and going on runs after rugby practice, thinking, “I’ll hike you one day!” on all the uphills. I couldn’t imagine what it would take, but I was training nonetheless. I’ve been dreaming about you for longer than I can remember. I guess it’s been my longest standing dream to experience each of your three gems … and a seemingly impossible one to carry out.
Sitting here at the end of it all, I’m experiencing the weight of realizing one’s earliest dreams. This moment that has played in my mind in hundreds of different fantastical forms is actually here, simultaneously a reality just as it ends. Like a bookend to a shelf of stories stretching to the horizon of my mind, the finality of it all strikes me harder than I anticipated. How can I finish something like this? How do I walk these last miles with closure?
There’s much to say, but I’m finding it hard to sum up. Difficult to describe a feeling that is constantly molding and shifting in this final moment. Gratefulness, sadness, elation, melancholy, motivation … thank you for them all. Thank you for teaching me strength. Thank you for teaching me weakness. Thank you for the gift of community, and that of pure isolation. Thank you for teaching me to find beauty everywhere, and for taking me to the most beautiful places I could ever imagine. Thank you for the late night grinds rolling into camp on empty, and the sunrise ridge walks filling me with energy. Thank you for the uphill plods in the blazing sun, and the downhill tramps through waste-deep snow. Thank you for the rain. Thank you for the sun. Thank you for the rawness of every moment, and the space to feel them. Thank you.
Though this feels like a bookend, I know it isn’t. Even though the dream may look different moving forward, it’s still there, and I’m excited to see how it manifests itself. So, for now, goodbye. Continue to change other’s lives like you’ve changed mine, in the most subtle and monumental ways. Continue to instill courage, humility, and above all a deep sense of wonder in everyone that walks your majestic paths. Continue to inspire, and when life allows, hopefully I’ll find you right where I left you.
Thank you again,
Chris “Rad” Carter
PCT 2018
CDT 2021
AT 2021
Music: Small Light by Message to Bears
Переглядів: 3 432
Відео
Continental Divide Trail Diaries Ep. 3: The Wind River Range
Переглядів 5 тис.3 роки тому
The Wind River Range proved to be one of the most magical and dramatic sections of the Continental Divide Trail. Thankfully, I finally met up with two other southbound hikers, Darwin and Terminator for this stretch, as the journey had pretty much been a solo trip since flipping up north. Getting to experience these ridiculous mountains in company was a game changer, and also gave me the chance ...
Disjointed - Church Unity in the Face of Uncertainty
Переглядів 1,6 тис.3 роки тому
Throughout 2020, Tennessee faced unprecedented challenges from tornados and Covid-19. Statewide, the faith community and its leaders bonded together to accomplish incredible tasks. These are some of their stories. In March of 2021 Ethan Chen and I were given the opportunity to interview a variety of church leaders and change agents in the faith community around Tennessee about their response to...
Continental Divide Trail Diaries Ep. 2: Northern New Mexico
Переглядів 4,1 тис.3 роки тому
From blistering deserts, to high alpine peaks, the CDT in Northern New Mexico threw some other variety our way, and painted our journey in a magical light. It was definitely a grind at times, but I learned lessons I’ll carry with me the rest of my life. I’m grateful to be walking amongst the mountains of Colorado though! This is the second episode of what will hopefully be a series of shorts I ...
Continental Divide Trail Diaries Ep. 1: The Gila River
Переглядів 5 тис.3 роки тому
The Gila River lies within the first 400 miles of the Continental Divide Trail, and has so far been the highlight of my 2021 thru hike of the CDT and AT. Hiking alone for the most part since the Mexican border, it was awesome to link up with Vincent, a thru hiker from Quebec, for the river stretch. With little trail to follow, it was mostly a bushwhack/wade for 100 miles. Such a wild time, but ...
2021 Appalachian Trail and Continental Divide Trail Gear List and Announcement
Переглядів 25 тис.3 роки тому
Time for another long walk! Trip plans and gear list for my 2021 thru hike of the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). Feel free to check out my comprehensive gear lists on Lighterpack, or Kit: kit.co/chriscarter lighterpack.com/r/9c7f8t This summer I’m hoping to fulfill a lifelong goal. It’s always been a dream of mine to thru hike the triple crown of long trails, and...
To Measure a Mile | A Pacific Crest Trail Documentary
Переглядів 774 тис.4 роки тому
On May 19, 2018, three friends set out from the Mexican border on a 2,650 mile journey to hike to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This is their story. Unscripted, raw … a look into the wild, strange, beautiful lifestyle of a 5-month thru-hike across America. Shot and edited by Chris “Rad” Carter Shot on Sony a6000 Follow my 2021 thru hike of the CDT and AT on the gram: @chriscarter146 ...
The Merits of Adventure: Backpacking on The Great Eastern Trail |4K|
Переглядів 4,7 тис.4 роки тому
The Great Eastern Trail is a segmented trail in progress, running from Alabama all the way up to New York, passing through some of the most stunning landscapes and scenery the East Coast has to offer. In June 2020 we had the pleasure of backpacking much of the Chattanooga segment, and were blown away by the beauty and diversity of this developing gem of wilderness. Special thanks to Readywise A...
MASTERPIECE, thanks Chris!
Iam from Bangladesh and it’s 4:06AM now,sun will rise anytime and iam enjoying this documentary without skipping one second. Iam dying to go there and hope that one day i'll definitely finish this trail. Thank you so much for sharing those incredible moments with us.
Why do these steps have to be the last ones 😅🎉
Firstly this is excellent. No PCT movie or journey is ever the same. Thanks for creating this and sharing it. It clearly inspires many. It's personally so humbling and I think important to see the ups and downs you know? Seeing the injuries and extremely strong and healthy guys have to drop out indirectly inspires me in the sense that you can be the weakest or strongest guy in the pack and either way you're gonna need a little magic, a lot of luck and for sure the hard work both mentally and physically. It levels the playing field knowing that there's just some luck involved in terms of injuries and body health too. I'm hoping to do the first 1000 miles to finish the Sierras in 2026 for the first (almost) half. Thanks for the inspiration! Great job!
Blick Loaf
How much weight was Beau dogg packin?
I watched this video 3 years ago and i finally started running and caring about myself , 1 day ill be out there living that dream 🙌
Congrats, rad Proud of you -clover
You have fimed some of the most stupendous, amazing, beautiful views I have ever seen!!!!!! I've watched this 2 times now and continue to be amazed at the beauty you have shared!!
That was Great! Thank you so much!
Chris, my dear friend, and during the course of this film, you have become my very dear friend, the words “thank you” seem far too inadequate to express my gratitude. My friend, you have taken me on an incredible journey I would never have otherwise known. Through beautiful poetry and photography, you have woven together the beauty of nature’s harshness and tenderness. And Chris, more importantly, you shared the vey personal journey of your soul. You have taught me the true “measure of a mile”. I am forever changed. Thank you.
Awesome job brother!
That toenail was a serious jump scare my dudes
That was inspiring !
Congratulations
Back in 2022, I had watched your impressive documentary several times and it was you who had a significant influence on me to go and hike the PCT which I eventually ended up doing with my best friend in 2022. Now in 2024 I still regularly watch your video and it always brings me back to the endless beautiful memories I made on this trail. So here I am and want to say: THANK YOU! :)
Way to go on the Oregon 24 hour 80+ miles! That’s amazing!!! I loved this documentary! Boys are so funny!!!😆
1:28 Pacific Crest Kem Trails. Wake up, people.
more in the friends you make then the journey? THE ONE PIECEE IS REALLL
What an amazing video, thanks for sharing your experience
I did not expect to be inundated by so many emotions, at the moment of arrival! Congrats! What a proof that... when really desired, a man can overcome any thing! God bless you!
Great Story/Journey brother, thanks for sharing!
I've expressed my sincere admiration below, but also wanted to ask you, how was it sharing this with the friends who were forced off the trail? Were they hungry for the details they missed? Full of recriminations and frustrations? Celebrating with you? ALSO I've been to smith rock and misery ridge. I was so satisfied that you all took the time to enjoy your climbing and not only getting on with the hike. I live in washington and it is truly beautiful year round. Hope you come back and enjoy. Congratulations for overcoming and living your (our) dream.
Great film! Must be a real technical challenge to not only complete the PCT but then also to have to remember to film it must be exhausting, so major props! Also, I love your style, but did you not get sunburns wearing shorts and tanktops?
Amazing Chris what a trip Amazing video (walkingman)
What an inspiring film. Beautifully composed in every way. The way you express yourself through words is spell binding and The visual story perfectly compliments the poetry. Thanks for capturing the emotional ups and downs of your journey in an honest and beautiful way. What a magnificent way to showcase Gods creation!!
Thanks for sharing your story
That trail angel is the absolute MVP
Simply amazing. Wow. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Amazing!
I keep coming back to this vid, it feels so personal and the scenery is so dramatic. Really special.
@1:03:28 you decide if you wanna keep going or quit.. nothing is stopping you me~uggg except shin splints. some of the docs are cring… often giving a false sense of reality .. ✌🏼
The pct is not the end to a book. It’s the conclusion to a grand chapter!
700 miles. Just about the distance across the state of Montana.
any plans to make this a longer documentary like your PCT video? I thought to Measure a Mile was incredible!
Big plans! Full film in the works. Thanks for the kind words.
Did all the videos get taken down? Would love to see the journey
Videos never got taken town, I decided to compile them into a longer film I’m currently editing.
@chriscartermedia I can't wait to watch your journey!! I watched your documentary To Measure a Mile and it is what got me hooked on the pct, which I am attempting this year. Any idea when you might be finished with the cdt/at documentary?
Im just so happy :)
Awesome guys!! I’ve done a section hikes that’s all of the AT & CDT. How do you guys afford to not work or able to take off work for that period of time?
I've watched countless PCT thru-hike documentaries and this by far will go down as one of my top 5 videos. Very well-done, thought-out production. Also, very inspirational journey with many highs, lows and heart-felts short stories mixed within. Very much enjoyed watching it and sharing the journey you'al went on.
Those are the bravest last weeks i have seen Those last long cold days are actually mountaineering over days and dealing with cold and wet over days that would send most home as soon as the storm hit. (Including me)
I like sharing the bowl.
Bravo sir! Bravo
Washington is so friggin beautiful so lucky I get to call this place home!
Awesome video man but am curious what happened in Oregon you jumped from Bend, Or to Washington that leaves out a heck of a lot of Oregon. Not complaining just curious.
New subscriber here. Great video, you really captured the essence of the PCT. Amazing photography and excellent narration. Keep the videos coming! Take Care, DoubleTap (PCT Class of 2014)
This is an incredible video. Truly captivating. Thank you for sharing the ups, the downs, and all the in between. ❤ I recently started watching hiking videos and have found a new level of respect, and inspiration from videos like yours. And absolute treasure to watch. We’ll done.
whoa
❤ Chris, this is the BEST documentary about a PCT journey that I have seen & I have watched many. Too many make their journey about them & you made it about your journey. Incredible. Thank you.
God literally created art and let us live in it
Amazing! I enjoyed every minute of it .. Thank you very much for taking us with you in this journey through your beautiful narration and videography.. It's truly once in a lifetime experience and I hope I will live to walk it myself one day.