Inside the Off-Grid Life of Kaleb and Brittany Rowland: Love, Survival, and Homesteading in Alaska

Tucked deep in Alaska’s Wrangell Mountains lies the remote town of McCarthy—a place where survival depends not on luxury, but on grit, self-reliance, and heart. For Kaleb Rowland, this isn’t just a backdrop—it’s home. Raised in this rugged landscape, Kaleb built a life anchored in hard work, family, and an unshakable connection to the land.

In this in-depth profile, readers will discover the incredible story of Kaleb Rowland: his roots in McCarthy, his unique love story with wife Brittany, their challenges and triumphs as modern-day homesteaders, and their journey into the national spotlight through Life Below Zero: Next Generation. You’ll get a front-row seat to the raw realities of off-grid living—hauling materials over rivers, raising children in extreme conditions, surviving Alaskan winters, and finding love and loss along the way.

Whether you’re drawn to tales of wilderness survival, inspired by strong family bonds, or simply curious about what it really takes to live off the land, this article offers an intimate and inspiring portrait of a man—and a family—who chose a different kind of life, far from the beaten path.

Kaleb Rowland: A Life Rooted in McCarthy

Kaleb Rowland was born on December 19, 1991, and raised in the remote Alaskan town of McCarthy, where a rugged, self-reliant lifestyle was not just encouraged—it was essential. From a young age, Kaleb learned skills such as hunting, fishing, woodworking, and navigating harsh terrain. These survival skills became foundational for his adult life and family values.

Kaleb moved to Fairbanks around age 19 to pursue commercial fishing but grew disillusioned with urban life. Missing the simplicity of home, he returned to McCarthy, where he eventually married Brittany. The couple has lived in McCarthy for the majority of their marriage, which began in 2012.

Kaleb is a licensed pilot and owns his own contracting business, staying busy with projects from April to November. He is described as quiet and reserved unless discussing his favorite topics—building, flying, or snow machining—at which point he becomes animated and talkative.

In addition to his aviation and outdoor skills, Kaleb has extensive experience with construction, particularly insulated concrete forms. He began building with ICF at the age of 11 or 12 while working for his father, who exclusively used this method. Although he initially disliked working with concrete, Kaleb grew to embrace the I system.

One notable project involved building a 9-foot ICF wall foundation for a 24-foot yurt in a remote area of the Wrangell Mountains. The job required creative logistics, including hauling materials 10 miles over a muddy road and 8 miles along a river bar with two river crossings. Kaleb and his team used converted Morooka rubber track carriers and a small airplane to transport tools and materials. The entire job took four work weeks and showcased Kaleb’s ability to adapt and thrive in extreme remote conditions—something he says took his definition of “remote” to a whole new level.

Brittany Rowland: From City Roots to Homestead Heart

Brittany Rowland was born on February 21, 1991, in Fairbanks, Alaska, and spent her childhood between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Her upbringing in these two distinctly Alaskan cities fostered in her a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a practical, hands-on approach to life.

After marrying Kaleb, Brittany quickly adapted to the challenges of off-grid life in McCarthy. She embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, raising their children—Elovie and Gilbert—with the same spirit of independence and resilience that defines their family’s values. By the time the family began developing their land in 2017, Elovie was about 3.5 years old, and Gilbert was around 18 months.

Beyond her role as a mother, Brittany is the heart of the household. She manages daily chores, homeschools the children, and actively supports Kaleb in construction projects. Her creativity and authenticity shine through in the family’s social media presence, where she documents their journey through posts, photos, and reflections. Through her storytelling she has built a community of followers who are drawn to her warmth, humor, and realness.

Brittany also contributes significantly to the family’s income through a variety of side businesses. Her primary source of revenue comes from her essential oil business, but she wears many hats. In the summer, she bakes bread for locals, sells fresh eggs when available, and even helps a local massage therapist by washing linens. She dreams of owning dairy goats or a cow one day—though Kaleb remains skeptical about that particular dream.

While Brittany occasionally experiences feelings of isolation, she finds peace and meaning in the life they’ve chosen. She often expresses a desire for nearby families with similarly aged children so they can share in the homeschooling journey. Even amid the solitude, she finds fulfillment in raising her family close to the land and in alignment with the values she and Kaleb hold dear.

The Love Story of Kaleb and Brittany

A Chance Encounter in Alaska (July 2011)

Kaleb and Brittany’s relationship began in McCarthy, Alaska, in July 2011. Brittany and her family had been invited by a mutual friend to join Kaleb’s extended family for a Fourth of July camping trip. They accepted the invitation and made the journey to the remote Alaskan town. During one of the early days, the group split into two for a hike—one fast and one slow. Brittany, who openly admits she isn’t fond of hiking, was in the slower group, while Kaleb was in the faster one. At that point, Kaleb hadn’t noticed her yet. Their first real encounter happened a few days later during a Fourth of July outing with mutual friends.

A Muddy Spark and a Memorable Declaration

That Fourth of July, Kaleb, his brother, Brittany, and other friends went to a swimming hole. Because the place was crowded, they wandered farther out and ended up having a spontaneous and playful mud fight. This lighthearted moment became the first time Kaleb really noticed Brittany. Shortly after, Brittany and her friends left McCarthy. Despite not having a cellphone, Kaleb asked to stay in contact via email. Brittany was so taken with the interaction that she texted her mom saying, “I found the man I’m going to marry,” though she joked that she wasn’t sure which Rowland brother she meant.

Long-Distance Emails and Early Misunderstandings

Their email exchanges continued throughout the summer of 2011 while Kaleb worked aboard a fishing boat, periodically responding whenever he docked. Brittany, meanwhile, stayed busy in Fairbanks, enjoying the rhythm of their communications. At one point, misunderstanding Kaleb’s reserved email style as disinterest, Brittany briefly dated someone else, humorously and openly confessing to her date about her lingering feelings for Kaleb—a moment she later reflected upon with embarrassment.

A Pivotal Visit and the Start of a Relationship

In September 2011, Kaleb returned to McCarthy for hunting season and visited Brittany. This pivotal week included Brittany shooting her first moose, proudly wearing camouflage boots in public, and Kaleb impressing Brittany’s father by skillfully driving an airboat. By the end of this memorable visit, Kaleb officially asked Brittany to be his girlfriend.

Love Through Loss and Long Distance

Their relationship deepened through shared challenges. In October 2011, Kaleb’s grandfather passed away, prompting Kaleb to spend significant time with his grandmother. This period strengthened their bond through consistent phone calls and text messages, despite Brittany’s candid struggles with the long-distance nature of their relationship. Brittany visited Kaleb over Thanksgiving, sharing their first kiss in Kaleb’s grandmother’s living room.

First Christmas and Growing Closer

Kaleb returned to Alaska in December 2011, allowing the couple to celebrate their first Christmas together, first with Brittany’s family, then with Kaleb’s in McCarthy. During this time, their relationship flourished as they lived only five minutes apart while attending university together. They even playfully considered eloping, selecting rings and discussing officiants, but ultimately decided to wait and officially became engaged in March 2012.

A Proposal in Fairbanks

Kaleb initially planned to propose romantically during a snow machine ride in McCarthy, but unforeseen family circumstances disrupted this plan. Instead, in a simple yet heartfelt gesture reflective of his straightforward personality, Kaleb proposed during a casual walk in Fairbanks, sincerely asking, “Brittany, will you marry me?” Brittany warmly cherished the sincerity and simplicity of the moment, despite playfully teasing him for not getting down on one knee.

A July 4th Wedding 

They married on July 4, 2012—exactly one year from their memorable first meeting—making their anniversary particularly meaningful. Now married for over 11 years, Brittany affectionately describes Kaleb as a dedicated, hardworking husband and a caring father, highlighting his genuine personality, playful spirit, and unwavering support.

Children of Kaleb and Brittany Rowland

Kaleb and Brittany Rowland are parents of Gilbert and Elovie, and a third child, Eve, who passed away shortly after birth. While Eve is no longer living, she remains a cherished part of their family’s history. Their children are raised in an off-grid environment focused on subsistence living, hands-on education, and outdoor skills.

Gilbert Rowland (born January 2014)

Gilbert is the oldest child. He turned 10 years old in January 2024. He enjoys riding snow machines, building forts, and spending time with his cousins. He has hazel eyes and is involved in homestead tasks, including processing meat. His favorite animals are foxes, and his favorite colors are red, orange, and white. His name was inspired by the character Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables.

Elovie Rowland (born December 14, 2015)

Elovie is the second child and turned 9 years old as of March 2025. She is known for her adventurous nature and is frequently described as “feral” by family and friends. She was born at her mother’s childhood home in Fairbanks after a 1.5-hour labor. Elovie has blue eyes, dislikes mushrooms and beets, and enjoys baking, reading, and helping with daily chores. Her favorite color is blue. Her middle name is Story, taken from the hymn “Blessed Assurance.”

Eve Rowland (born and passed away in 2017)

Eve was the youngest child. She was born at 37 weeks and 4 days gestation and lived for ten hours and 32 minutes after birth. She passed away due to a major heart and lung defect. Her brief life is commemorated by the family through public reflections, and she remains an important part of the Rowlands’ story.

Life Below Zero: Next Generation

Kaleb Rowland’s journey on Life Below Zero: Next Generation offers a grounded look at life in the remote town of McCarthy, Alaska. Since the show’s debut in 2020, Kaleb, along with his wife Brittany and their children, shared their day-to-day efforts to live off the grid in a challenging environment.

As a spinoff of the original Life Below Zero, Next Generation focused on individuals and families who chose this lifestyle out of personal conviction rather than inheritance. For the Rowlands, this marked their first time on television, and their segments often featured practical aspects of remote living—building and maintaining their home, homeschooling, hunting, and preparing for long winters.

Over four years and seven seasons, totaling 56 episodes, the Rowlands’ appearances highlighted both the difficulties and rewards of their chosen path. Their time on the show concluded in 2024, leaving behind a steady and realistic portrayal of modern homesteading in Alaska.

Embracing the Wild: Kaleb’s Early Journey

Kaleb’s adventure began in Season 1, where he and his wife Brittany made the bold decision to teach their children the basics of hunting and survival. In episodes like Declaration of Independence and Unknown and Uncharted, viewers witnessed the family adapting to remote living. Kaleb worked tirelessly to build essential skills, facing unpredictable conditions as he established a sustainable lifestyle. In The Struggle Begins, Kaleb’s attempt at beaver trapping provided a powerful lesson in the challenges of mastering Alaskan subsistence practices.

Facing the Elements: Learning and Adapting

In Season 2, Kaleb’s resilience was tested further. In In the Blood, he embarked on a crucial winter hunt with Brittany, ensuring the family’s food stores remained sufficient. When conditions grew harsh in Hard Luck, Kaleb was forced to innovate, finding new ways to keep his family safe and well-fed. In Ghost in the Woods, Kaleb shifted focus to teaching his children critical survival skills, ensuring they were prepared to navigate the rugged terrain. His resourcefulness shone again in The Hard Way, where he built a wood-burning oven to conserve vital resources, while Predator Proof captured his dedication to teaching his children about animal conservation.

Survival in the Coldest Conditions

By Season 3, Kaleb faced one of his most challenging winters. In Winter’s Test and White Out, he braved snowstorms to secure firewood and repair frozen water lines. As snow piled higher, Kaleb devised wind barriers to shield his home from drifting snow and introduced new trapping strategies to sustain his family’s food supply.

Overcoming Threats and Building for the Future

In Season 4, Kaleb continued to push his limits. In Clean Shot, he capitalized on nature’s offerings to ensure his family’s survival. In Risk to Reward, Kaleb took a calculated risk, traveling far from home to secure fresh deer meat while carefully avoiding bear encounters. Later, in Nature’s Bounty, he focused on drying wood supplies to ensure his family stayed warm through winter. Facing unpredictable conditions in Zombie Fish, Kaleb and his son Gilbert braved bear encounters while fishing for salmon. The season closed with Death Trap, where Kaleb and Gilbert constructed a gear shed to secure supplies and improve food storage.

Strengthening Survival Skills and Family Bonds

Season 5 highlighted Kaleb’s dedication to teaching his children practical skills. In Big Wolf, Kaleb and Gilbert hunted squirrels to expand their protein supply, while in Bridge to the Unknown, they gathered wood for the harsh winter. In Nature’s Mercy, Kaleb scouted the river by aircraft to identify new food sources. He and Brittany later built a trash incinerator in Frozen Footsteps, improving waste management to sustain their property. In Walking on Thin Ice, Kaleb mentored Gilbert in setting beaver traps, passing down valuable survival techniques.

Innovation and Community Support

In Seasons 6 and 7, Kaleb showcased creative problem-solving. In Ensnared, he turned a discarded relic from the junkyard into a useful tool, while in Wolf Territory, he constructed a bear-proof storage shed to safeguard food. In Turning Point, Kaleb crossed a frozen river to retrieve vital supplies. Demonstrating his strong community values, Kaleb assisted a neighbor in moving a vehicle safely over treacherous trails in Year of the Wolf. Finally, in Welcome to Moose Point, Kaleb constructed a mobile fishing hut, ensuring his children stayed warm during freezing fishing expeditions.

A Legacy of Survival and Strength

Kaleb Rowland’s journey throughout Life Below Zero: Next Generation captures the delicate balance between surviving the wild and nurturing his family. His dedication to teaching his children practical skills while embracing the unpredictability of Alaskan life is a testament to his unwavering determination. Whether hunting, building, or problem-solving, Kaleb’s ability to adapt and persevere has made him a standout figure in the series.

Through every season, Kaleb’s story exemplifies the power of resilience, hard work, and the profound bond of family in one of the most challenging environments on Earth.