The Mycenaean

After more than a decade of sharing outdoor adventures, Luke Nichols, the creator of the popular YouTube channel “Outdoor Boys,” has decided to step away from the platform. The channel, known for its exciting camping, fishing, and survival videos, has amassed over 15 million subscribers and billions of views.

In a heartfelt video titled “Goodbye,” posted on May 17, 2025, Nichols explained his reasons for leaving. He mentioned that the rapid growth of the channel, gaining 12 million subscribers in just 18 months, brought overwhelming attention that started to affect his family’s daily life. Fans often approached him in public, making it challenging for his family to maintain a sense of normalcy.

“The sheer volume of fans trying to contact me, trying to take pictures with me, or just trying to come up and talk to me in public can be a bit overwhelming at times,” Nichols said. “My wife and I, we both have real concerns about what this will … .”

“I respect him for choosing family over fame,” said Brian Shin, a senior.

Nichols started his YouTube journey in 2015, initially posting fishing videos while working as an attorney. His passion for the outdoors and desire to share experiences with his family led to the creation of “Outdoor Boys.” The channel often featured his wife, Rebecca, and their three sons–Tom, Nathan, and Jacob–on various adventures, from building log cabins to exploring the Alaskan wilderness.

Beyond the fun and excitement, Nichols emphasized the importance of family and faith in his life. He expressed a desire to focus more on helping others and supporting his children’s interests, including assisting his eldest son with his own YouTube channel, “Outdoor Tom.”

“I think Tom will do an okay job at following his dad’s footsteps,” said Henry Haddle, a sophomore.

While Nichols hinted at the possibility of releasing some unfinished videos later in the year, he made it clear that the channel would largely remain inactive. Fans have expressed both sadness and support for his decision, acknowledging the impact “Outdoor Boys” had on inspiring families to explore the outdoors together.

“I’m going to miss his videos because I enjoyed watching them with my friends,” said Shin.

As Nichols steps back from the spotlight, he leaves behind a legacy of adventure, family bonding, and a reminder of the importance of prioritizing personal well-being over public acclaim.