Our Story

Welcome to Outdoor Wise Living, affectionately known as "OWL" – your gateway to discovering the best of the great outdoors. I'm Dan, a passionate hiker and now the storyteller behind OWL.

OWL’s journey started in 2020, amidst the unprecedented times of the pandemic. Armed with scooters and the boundless energy of my two young kids, my wife and I turned a nearby nature trail into our sanctuary. Those daily jaunts were more than just a break from screens; they were a rediscovery of joy and exhilaration in the natural world.

In our quest to adapt to the 'new normal,' the simple pleasures of backyard discoveries and local Bay Area outdoor adventures became our lifeline. Every marsh hike, every picnic in the park, taught us invaluable lessons about resilience, health, and joy. Observing these changes in my own family, my wife and I were inspired to plant the seeds of what OWL is today. More than a brand, OWL was our pledge to inspire and empower others to seek the mental and physical solace that nature so generously offers, and prove there was no wrong way to do it.

As OWL took flight, we embraced our role as motivators, designing comfortable, nature-inspired gear that resonates with outdoor enthusiasts. Proudly, we dedicated 5% of our sales to support causes that align with an inclusive and inviting outdoors. Connecting with fans on Instagram and local markets, we began to slowly build a community that shared our love for the outdoors.

Back in the summer of 2023, I started posting about my experience on hiking trails. As I did so, I started to leverage Instagram as an informative Vlog, showcasing the best of Northern California in the process. And it quickly went viral.

With tens of millions of views and a following of more than 140,000, OWL is taking a bold step forward. My lifelong passion for hiking and exploring the great outdoors is now the focus of the OWL platform. I'm thrilled to share trail reviews and must-see outdoor destinations from the Bay Area and beyond. My aim is not just to guide, but to inspire – to encourage each one of you to step out, to explore, and to find your own adventure.

Whether you're an experienced trailblazer or just lacing up your first pair of hiking boots, I'm here to offer that spark of inspiration to figure out how and where to connect with the great outdoors. Along the way, I'll be sharing tips and insights to help make hiking a central part of your life.

Here's to the paths we'll tread, the memories we'll create, and the countless adventures that lie ahead.

See you on the trail – let's get OWLside together!

— Dan