Paul’s Boots – A Story Larger Than The AT – [Video]

Learn more at https://www.rei.com/blog/paulsboots/

If you have not heard about the story of Paul’s boots by now it is a story that will leave you touched and fall in love with the backpacking community all over again.

“Recently, a heartbroken woman contacted the Dirtbag Diaries with a story about a man who waited just a little bit too long to chase a dream. Paul remained indefinitely stuck in the quicksand of responsibility. Entwined in rat race of obligations, he put off his aspirations to care for struggling loved ones. When tragedy struck, Paul’s life was snuffed out too soon, leaving his dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail incomplete.

Crushed by Paul’s unfinished ending, his wife contemplated ways she could bring his story to a close. M’Lynn, had one last request for her beloved husband. She wanted to see Paul’s boots, dirt-caked and heavy on the Appalachian Trail.”

The crew at Duct Tape Then Beer (the parent company of Dirtbag Diaries), in conjunction with REI.com, sought out a crew of hikers to help make Paul’s dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail a reality. “Think of this as a non-linear Olympic torch relay. We had three sets of boots and, throughout the summer, they were all on the trail at different points. Together, the boots and those that carried them covered the length of the Appalachian Trail. 2,189 miles.” Explains the Duck Tape then Beer crew in the beginning narration of the short film.

Released on October 9th, 2016 this film will have you grabbing for the closest tissues and put warmth in your soul.