About Devin —Finding Purpose in the Mountains
Rooted in Colorado
I was born and raised in Colorado, where some of my most memorable weekends were spent camping under starlit skies, hiking dusty trails, and exploring with family and friends. The outdoors wasn’t something we planned — it was simply part of growing up here. Once we got our driver’s licenses, that sense of freedom took us deeper into the backcountry, off-roading down forgotten forest roads and finding places that felt untouched.
During high school, I took a film and darkroom photography class that sparked something I didn’t fully understand at the time — a love for capturing moments and light. I didn’t know it then, but that creative spark would eventually guide me back to the mountains years later, this time with a camera in hand.
A Different Kind of Path
In 2005, I joined the Army Reserve with one goal — to pay for college. After my first semester, I realized the classroom wasn’t where I was meant to be. I enlisted active duty as an 18X, a Special Forces candidate. I originally just wanted to serve as an Airborne Infantryman, but I never quit or failed out.
Twenty years later, I retired in 2025 as a Green Beret — an experience that shaped every part of who I am today. It taught me perseverance, adaptability, and how to thrive in uncertainty.
For a long time, though, I stepped away from the outdoors. The Army consumed my life — and while much of my work took place outside, it wasn’t the same as being in the outdoors. The mountains I grew up with became something I missed without even realizing it.
Reconnecting with the Mountains
That changed in 2017. I started hiking again, rediscovering the peace that comes from a long climb and the clarity that only comes from being surrounded by silence. When I moved back to Colorado in 2021, I made a promise to reconnect with the same mountains that raised me — and they’ve been teaching me ever since.
Somewhere along that journey, I started sharing my hikes online. What began as a creative outlet turned into something much bigger: a platform to teach, inspire, and build a community around the outdoors. I realized I wasn’t just making videos — I was helping people discover the same sense of purpose I found on the trail.
Outdoor Devin — More Than Just Hiking
Through Outdoor Devin, I create content that blends storytelling, education, and experience. My mission is simple: to help others explore confidently, stay safe, and see that adventure doesn’t require perfection — it just requires showing up prepared and curious.
I share trail guides, safety tips, gear insights, and lessons learned from both the mountains and two decades in Special Forces. Whether it’s a sunrise summit, a conversation about failure, or a reminder to slow down and enjoy the view — every piece of content I create is rooted in purpose.
Balancing Mountains and Family
I spend a lot of time in the mountains, but I also make it a priority to be fully present with my family. Whether it’s hiking together, cheering at my kids’ baseball games, listening to them sing in choir, or watching them perform on stage — I’m all in.
The same drive that pushes me to the summit also fuels me to support their passions, even when they lead in completely different directions. That balance — between mountain solitude and family connection — keeps me grounded. It’s a reminder that adventure doesn’t just happen above tree line; sometimes it happens sitting in the bleachers, watching your kids chase their own dreams.
Purpose Beyond the Summit
When I’m not filming or editing, you can usually find me hiking Colorado’s 13ers and 14ers, backpacking with my family, or training for my next endurance challenge. My work is supported by partnerships with brands I trust — companies that share my values of quality, sustainability, and adventure — and I’m always open to new collaborations that align with that mission.
For me, this isn’t just about hiking. It’s about growth, connection, and rediscovering what matters most. The mountains gave me a sense of purpose again — and now, I’m dedicated to helping others find theirs.