Outdoor Boys announces retirement from Youtube

Luke Nichols, an Anchorage local and the creative force behind the Outdoor Boys YouTube channel, has announced plans to step away from content creation, which marks the end of an over 10-year journey that has captivated more than 14.8 million subscribers. Launched in May 2015, the channel showcased Nichols, his wife Rebecca, and their three sons Tommy, Nate, and Jacob as they undertook various outdoor activities, from camping in the Alaskan wilderness to fishing in remote lakes. The family’s outdoor adventures and candid moments of tender family bonding nurtured a loyal global audience and performed astonishingly well. Nichols stated the impact of fame and a desire to focus on his children’s upbringing as the primary drivers behind his decision to go on a break, baffling supporters and fans while agreeing with his choice.

A video titled ‘Goodbye’ revealed on May 17, 2025, discussed Nichols’s reflections on the development of his channel and its impact on family. He noted the latest venture of his firstborn son, Tommy: Outdoor Tom, which he described as a major part of his future undertakings. This comes after a significant period of growth when the channel’s subscribers reached 12 million in just 18 months. However, Nichols stated that this newfound fame prevented them from being able to live a normal life.

His moves to stay away from content creation have been discussed among fans and many of them speculate about a potential return. Nichols plans to focus on his family and legal career as a criminal defense attorney by trade.

Nichols’ Alaskan Life:

Luke Nichols was born in Anchorage Alaska, and he loves the outdoors developed at an early age in his hometown. From surviving skills, ice fishing and even hunting upland game birds, these activities from his childhood taught him lessons that shaped the ideology of Outdoor Boys. Travel, adventure and exploration has always been at the core of the channel’s philosophy, and it’s intended for families to experience the great outdoors together.

Nichols’s early years were spent in Alaska, but eventually relocated with his family to Utah and later settled in Virginia. His connection to Alaska has been critical for the channel; many of their videos are filmed off the grid at his family’s cabin in the rugged wilderness of the state. His audiences have been intrigued by the family’s tale of enduring extreme blizzard conditions and temperatures plunging subzero while at the cabin.

Rise of Outdoor Boys:

Outdoor Boys was considered an extension of Nichols’ original channel, Catfish and Carp, which started in 2013 to share fishing advice. In 2015, the more family-oriented style attracted viewers, with videos like ‘Winter Camping in Underground Bunker’ watched by over 10 million views. In 2022, the channel grew substantially, supported by Nichols’ solo camping in somewhat difficult environments, attracting millions of new subscribers.

In February 2024, the channel Outdoor Boys achieved 100 million views in one month, Outdoor Boys demonstrates the allure that survival guides, family vlogs, and stunning Alaskan scenery would hold. Nichols is credited with the channel’s success thanks to combining education with entertainment, teaching useful skills, and featuring his family’s adventures.

Financial success and net worth:

His career on YouTube was very lucrative, with estimates placing his net worth as more than $9 million per year and with monthly earnings of around $70,000 and further diversifies his income from selling merchandise and outdoor industry affiliate marketing.

Outside of YouTube, Nichols works as a criminal defense attorney with a focus on DUI and DWI cases in Fairfax, Virginia which helps in boosting his financial success and balancing two careers at the same time.