Suvechha Sarkar
Season 12 of History’s ‘Alone‘ drops 10 survival enthusiasts into the wilderness of South Africa’s Great Karoo Desert. These contestants are provided with limited gear and have to face the harsh elements of the location with nothing but their survival skills and wit. It pushes them to endure complete isolation while battling hunger and the mental toll of solitude. The competitor who manages to endure longer than the others without tapping out can take home the grand prize of $500,000. Throughout the season, each contestant brought forth an incredible display of resilience and resourcefulness.
Nathan Olsen is Carrying His Father’s Wilderness Legacy Forward
Nathan Olsen’s love for the wilderness began in his childhood while watching his father, Larry Dean Olsen, who was a bushcraft legend. His motivation and his fearless personality to try out something challenging eventually helped him become the winner of the season. His introverted nature further enabled him to take another step towards it as he decided to be home-schooled and even worked as a sheepherder. Apart from farming potatoes in Romania and Turkey, he began attending college at just 15. He attained a Bachelor of Science in Soil Science from the University of Idaho. Moreover, Nathan completed a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Phoenix.
In 2005, Nathan and his brothers, one of them being Luke, established their own Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) software system. As of writing, Nathan is the CEO of the organization. His father co-founded Anasazi Foundation, a non-profit therapy program focusing on wilderness, where Nathan served as a Field Guide. In his personal life, his time is dedicated to his wife and soulmate, Erica. The duo’s life focuses on their blended big family of 10 children and two grandchildren. Nathan takes massive pride in being from a Mormon family and often takes inspiration from his brother, Luke, who was also a contestant on season 10 of ‘Alone.’
Pablo Arguelles is a Video Editor and Shares Survival Tips Online
Pablo Arguelles had a notable childhood since he was originally born in Cuba. He moved to California with his parents and his sister in 1980, but unfortunately, they had to immigrate without his three older brothers. Later, over the years, the family reunited once again in California. Currently, Pablo resides in Jacksonville, Florida, and has an affinity for spending his time practicing his survival skills. His love for the outdoors stems from his childhood when he immersed himself in activities, such as fishing and hunting birds alongside his father, and even making his own slingshots. Pablo was working as a Video Editor, but he revealed that he had quit his job before going on the show to focus entirely on the experience.
Pablo runs his own YouTube channel, Rusty Arrow 1492, where he proudly shares his experience in practicing survival skills and the activities he loves to do outdoors. He is also quite active on social media, providing his followers with tips on tying different knots and offering a glimpse into his adventures, like bushcraft, hunting, and archery. In September 2024, Pablo journeyed to the Athabasca Glacier, which was followed by his hiking trip to Northern Florida woods in May 2025. His life largely revolves around his partner, whom he often calls his “other half.” Whether it be going on dates together or even going hiking, they often share meaningful moments. Pablo’s heart also belongs to his furry pup, Jack Russell “Louie.” Unfortunately, he passed away in 2024, and it is a grief that he still carries today.
Colton Gilman Has a Deep Connection to Hunting and Craftsmanship
Colton Gilman possesses impressive hunting skills, owing to the fact that he is from a bowhunting family. Hence, from childhood, he learnt how to use a bow and hunt with it. He also spent his time exploring the outdoors, whether it was in the woods or just fishing. After graduating from Wahama High School, he served on a riverboat as a Deckhand. Eventually, he pursued higher education and earned a Wildlife Management degree from Hocking College. Colton has served as a Mountain Handyman at Red Lodge Mountain and joined Elk Springs Resort in the role of a Fly Fishing Guide. Currently, the 35-year-old is a Carpenter, besides being the owner and operator of Peak View Construction LLC.
In February 2025, Colton appeared for an interview on the ‘Born Primitive Outdoor’ Podcast. When he is not busy in his professional life, he loves spending time with his girlfriend, Carey Cogar. Their journey began in January 2015, and in that year, he also moved to Montana. The couple usually spends time going on hunting adventures together, and their pride is showcased in the snapshots they share on social media. Another of Colton’s constant companions on these adventures is his beloved pup, Judy. His social media offers a sneak peek of his hunting adventures and woodwork. Not only does he proudly showcase his hunts, but also the items he made, like a mountain man knife and bows.
Will Lamb is a Conservationist and an Exotic Animal Rancher
William Lamb, AKA Will, is a Texas resident who graduated from Leakey High School in 2007. He then successfully earned an Associate’s degree in Aviation Maintenance. Amid everything, he always possessed a love for the wilderness, which stemmed from spending summers in his grandparents’ ranch. From his early years, he spent time fishing and hunting with his father, Donald Joe. Additionally, Will is skilled in ambush hunting. He is a self-proclaimed primitive enthusiast who is drawn more to traditional methods of survival. Professionally, Will works as an Exotic Trapper and has his own ranch for the same. There, he works with species from Africa, Australia, and Asia.
Will’s day-to-day roles usually include catching, transporting, and housing several exotic animals. Moreover, he is a conservationist and revealed that the animals he works with have almost gone extinct in the countries they belong to. So, he puts in effort to breed them and continue the lineage. In June 2025, he was featured on the Uvalde Leader-News. The 31-year-old wanted to win the prize for his wife and life partner, Bergen, and his son William Oliver Lamb. According to him, his son arrived as a blessing in the couple’s life since they were trying to have their own child for almost seven years. In June, Will attended a watch party with his family at The Historic Leakey Inn at Leakey, Texas.
Kelsey Loper is Passionate About Her Rescue Work and Lives Off-Grid
Kelsey Loper is a 35-year-old survivalist who started fishing and hunting at a young age. By 19, she began working as a guide at a dude ranch and found her passion. As of writing, she is not just a hunter but also a Horse Trainer. She usually trains them during the summer, and some of them even include burros and wild BLM mustangs. Besides this, Kelsey serves as a Content Creator at River to Ridge: Outdoor Lifestyle Clothing. Furthermore, she runs Long Acres Rescue, a 501(c)(3) rescue initiative, which assists her in looking for potential adopters for the horses she trains. As a source of extra income, Kelsey sometimes works at the vet clinic.
Kelsey has gradually gained a fanbase and currently has over 3K followers on Instagram. The platform provides a glimpse at her personal life and her chronicles of successful hunting and fishing. She often promotes the clothing line of River to Ridge there. In August 2025, the brand created a limited edition Warthog line since she became one of the top three contestants. She resides in Montana with the love of her life, Brady. The duo has been together for over seven years, and they live off-grid, where they have an outdoor bathroom. Moreover, they collect rainwater and even have to cross a river on the way to their home. Kelsey and Brady usually set out to hunt together, accompanied by their lovely pups.
Baha Mahmutov Has Blended Military Training With Homesteading Skills
Baha Mahmutov was actually born in Kyrgyzstan during the time when it was a part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). There, he even served in the military and gained intense survival training. However, when tensions arose, he decided to move to Wharncliffe in Ontario with his partner in 1999. There, he set up a Homestead and began trying to immerse himself in the wilderness because survival shows inspired him. At his family farm, the 50-year-old hunts and fishes. Besides that, his family largely works on retrieving medicinal plants and creating ointments from them. Moreover, he is a Railway Maintenance Worker. Baha also appeared on the show, ‘Chefs vs. Wild.’ Since May 2025, he has been working on Lake Superior. As of writing, he has chosen to keep his private life away from the spotlight.
Douglas S. Meyer is a Primitive Technology Instructor and Author
Douglas S. Meyer resides in Kannapolis, North Carolina. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the army and served as a Combat Engineer. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1991. During his studies, he crossed paths with Steve Watts, an expert in primitive skills. Since Douglas got fascinated with the topic, he began working on it under the mentorship of experts Charles Worsham, Steve, and Errett Callahan. It assisted him in improving his skills in craftsmanship and primitive survival. Ultimately, he converted his passion into his career and became a Primitive Technology Instructor.
Douglas has a website showcasing the lessons individuals can get by attending his classes. The 57-year-old also sells some of the primitive tools he made on the website. Furthermore, he holds several workshops, which the students can easily book by emailing him. Besides this, he has also written the book ‘Native American Blowguns,’ which was published in July 2021. Over the years, Douglas has also worked in several roles, such as a Museum Replicator and Freelance Writer. However, he has chosen to keep his private life under wraps. It is further highlighted by the fact that he has kept his Instagram account private. However, Douglas has amassed a large fanbase and has over 15K followers on the platform.
Dug North Has Carved a Unique Path Between Technology and Wilderness
Dug North always loved the outdoors since he grew up on a farm and often read survival books. He also spent much time hunting and fishing with his father. He began his career in October 1997 as a Digital Artist for Neoscape and served there till December 1998. Following that, he wore several hats, taking on roles of Web Graphic Artist, Web Master, Senior User Experience Developer, and many more. From August 2013 to March 2019, Dug ran his own venture where he worked as an Antique Clock Expert. His role included research and condition evaluation, and custom fabrication in resin, metal, and wood. So, he flawlessly restored antique mechanical clocks. Ultimately, in April 2019, Dug became a Senior UX Designer for InterSystems and has worked there ever since.
Dug is also a bushcraft and survival expert who creates content around these topics on his social media. While he currently has over 76K followers on Instagram, his YouTube channel has over 9K subscribers. Additionally, the 53-year-old uses these platforms to share his skills and ideas to create new tools, besides giving survival tips to his fans. Dug has his own website, Lighter.Knife, where he sells a combined lighter-knife product, a cap, and gift cards. The website also contains blogs, explaining why someone should carry a lighter or why wilderness survival kit items must include a lighter. In July, he joined a Patreon member on a Zoom call, which was followed by his interview on ‘The Wild Dispatch’ podcast in August 2025. Dug loves spending time cuddling with his furry kittens at his home in his free time.
Jit Patel Lives a Private Life With His Partner and Adorable Pup
Although Jitain Patel, AKA Jit, now lives in Anakiwa, New Zealand, he actually hails from the UK. As he began exploring the outdoors during several school camps, he developed an affinity for the wilderness. Moreover, at just the age of 14, he even joined the Army Cadets. Later, he decided not to settle in the UK and proceeded to spend a year in Australia. Ultimately, Jit’s path took him to New Zealand, where he arrived on a working holiday visa. He started working for a non-profit outdoor education charity, Outward Bound, as an Outdoor Instructor. After serving there for three years, he took on the role of Operations Manager. Jit was first introduced to bow hunting through his colleagues in the organization.
Gradually, Jit also learnt the aspects that come with stalking, shooting, and processing one’s own hunt. Besides this, he is an Expedition Leader and an avid traveller. In New Zealand, he has found the love of his life, Madi, who is a constant source of support for him. Additionally, his beloved pup, Ahi, is also his all-time companion. Jit always receives encouragement from his parents and brother, which makes it quite evident that he maintains a close bond with them. While his parents currently live in the UK, his brother lives in Singapore. Although Jit has an Instagram account, he has chosen to keep it private. It indicates that he is living a quiet life away from all the noise and prying eyes.
Katie Rydge Has Dedicated Her Life to Empowering Women
Katie Rydge grew up in both the city and a ranch, eventually making her feel connected with nature. In her early 20s, she left Australia and made her way to the US, where she honed her skills in various primitive living techniques. Once she gained her desired qualities, she completely dedicated herself to ensuring the Australian community was taught about this. For years, Katie has guided many individuals in Arnhem Land to the remote Australian Aboriginal group. As of writing, she is the founder of Wild Earth Tantra. She also has a website for the same, reportedly focusing on empowering women to gain feminine wisdom, engage in embodiment practices, and explore Tantric rituals. Katie provides her own classes, which are available online and as a retreat.
Katie offers several programs, like Advanced Awareness and Women’s Vision Quest, among many others. She is promoting her free masterclass on Advanced Awareness through her Instagram. In April 2025, she visited the Mapuru Homelands Community, where she made immeasurable memories. Aside from that, she is a Survival Skills Instructor and Mentor. In her free time, Katie finds peace in immersing herself in the process of weaving. In her personal life, she always dreams of providing a better world for her son, Hunter, and daughter. Katie never misses a chance to show her appreciation for her children and often mentions how grateful she is to get the opportunity to embrace motherhood.
Read More: Where Was Alone Season 12 Filmed?
