Outdoor Boys Bids Farewell: Why Luke Is Stepping Away from YouTube After 1,110 Videos

In a deeply emotional and candid farewell video titled “GoodBye”, Luke Nichols, the beloved creator behind the Outdoor Boys YouTube channel, has announced he's stepping away from YouTube—for now. After 11 years, 1,110 videos, and billions of views, Luke is pressing pause to prioritize what matters most: his family, health, and future.

Why Outdoor Boys Is Taking a Break

From his early beginnings with the Catfishing Carp channel to building Outdoor Boys into a powerhouse with 12 million subscribers, Luke has poured his heart and soul into his content. His adventures, extreme camping trips, homestead builds, and touching family moments have inspired millions. But as he honestly states in the video:

“Even good things can be taken too far. And I think I'm starting to reach that point.”

It’s not just about the long hours editing, building, and traveling—though those were immense—it’s also about the intense attention that has come with viral fame. With over 2.8 billion views on YouTube and another 4 billion across social media (often stolen without credit), the exposure has begun to take a toll.

Luke shared his concerns about privacy, overwhelming public interactions, and how this attention affects his wife and three sons.

Putting Family First

Luke’s decision is also deeply rooted in his role as a father. His oldest son, Tom, has his own channel (Outdoor Tom), and Luke wants to be present to guide and support him—not just as a YouTuber, but as a young man preparing for adulthood.

“It's time to step back and focus on helping other people for a change, and I'm excited to see where that takes me.”

What's Next for Outdoor Boys?

Although this marks his last video for a while, Luke hinted at the possibility of a year-end content drop featuring:

• Unfinished homestead projects
• Upcoming travel footage
• Long-planned extreme camping adventures

So, while this goodbye may be indefinite, it might not be forever.

A Message to the Fans

Luke closes his farewell with a poetic, emotionally charged segment—part spoken word, part music—that captures the bittersweet nature of this transition. He also encourages viewers:

“If you feel my videos have helped you in some way, then go out and find someone you can help.”

Final Thoughts

The Outdoor Boys channel has always been more than just survival videos—it’s been about resilience, family, creativity, and authentic living. Luke’s choice to pause reflects the very values he’s always shared: integrity, balance, and heart.

If you’ve been touched by Luke’s journey, now is a great time to support his son Tom’s channel, reflect on the adventures, and maybe even start your own.