REI Presents: Paul’s Boots

We all have dreams. Paul’s dream was to hike the Appalachian Trail.

Last year, Paul passed away before he could make his dream reality. But that’s not the end of this story – it’s the beginning. He left behind three pairs of polished hiking boots and a backpack packed for his dream hike: the 2,189-mile Appalachian Trail. Paul’s wife, M’Lynn, had an idea for a final gift for her husband. “How good would it be,” she asked, “for his boots to make the journey even if Paul could not?”

M’Lynn’s simple plea launched an incredible journey. The hiking community responded and carried the boots the entire length of the Appalachian Trail. Paul’s Boots follows the boots and tells the stories of the people who carried them. This is the story of how we all help each other achieve dreams.

Learn more at http://blog.rei.com/paulsboots/


Lead Producer: Becca Cahall
Directors: Fitz Cahall, Isaiah Branch-Boyle
Art Direction: Anya Miller
Original story submitted to Duct Tape Then Beer and The Dirtbag Diaries: http://dirtbagdiaries.com/

Writers: Ada Matusiewicz, Isaiah Branch-Boyle, Jen Altschul, Keith Erps
Cameras: Isaiah Branch-Boyle, Fitz Cahall, Jacob Bain, Quinn Gundersen, The Hikers

Cartography: Maps for Good
Animation: Mario Quintana

REI: Ben Steele, Jason Sutherland, Paolo Mottola, Ashlee Langholz, Anders Nordblom

Music
Original Compositions ﹘ Amy Stolzenbach

Potluck Dinner by Cahalen Morrison and Eli West

“Huarache Lights” Performed by Hot Chip
Courtesy of Domino Publishing Company

“Strangers” Performed by Car Seat Headrest
Courtesy of Matador Records

Special Thanks to:
Arthur and Annie Evans
The White Family
Laurie Potteiger
Andrew Downs
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Chris Blanchard + GoPro

Loving Thanks to M'Lynn and Paul

Hikers
Alex Garcia
Alex Newlon
Bill Whitehall
Bonnie Elozory
Brian Grundtner
Brittany Leavitt
Cameron Monaghan
Chrissie Monaghan
David Hausman
David King
Davis Wax
Diana Elozory
Doug Zaleski
Grace White
Isabel Garcia
Jamie Fisher
Jim Parker
Juan Garcia
Kai Nybro
Katie Lindsay
Mariah King
Marvin White
Matt Maszczak
Michael King
Nic Taylor
Raquel Rexach
Stephen Conlin
Tricia Nesser
Thomas Gathman
Everyone who hiked with Paul