Meet Donny Dust, a survival expert whose real name is Donald Dust Jr.
He shares his knowledge of primitive tool crafting and survival techniques with millions of followers on platforms like TikTok as @donnydust, Instagram as @donnydust, Twitter as @DonnyDust, and YouTube as @DonnyDustsPaleoTracks.
Let’s explore who he really is—from his background and rise to fame to his personal life and what makes him stand out as a creator.
How old is Donnydust?
As of 2025, Donny Dust is 57 years old, with his 58th birthday on the horizon. He was reportedly born on October 7, 1967, which makes him a Libra.
Where is Donnydust from?
Donny Dust comes from Boulder, Colorado, a place surrounded by the kind of wilderness he now masters.
Today, he's said to be based in Monument, Colorado, living with his family and operating his survival school nearby.
Donnydust's family and personal life
Off-screen, Donny seems to be a dedicated family man. He’s married with two sons, Will and Alden, and grew up alongside his two sisters, Kimberly and Jennifer.
His path wasn't always easy; he faced a major hereditary heart attack when he was 37. He turned to the wilderness for recovery, a journey that became the foundation for his book "Scavenger."
Donnydust's journey as a creator
Donny Dust's rise to fame is a masterclass in turning a deep passion for ancient survival skills into engaging content for a modern audience.
- His journey kicked off after a 12-year stint in the U.S. Marine Corps. In 2011, he founded Paleo Tracks Survival, a Colorado school where he teaches primitive living skills.
- He expanded his reach by authoring books like Wild Wisdom and Scavenger and appearing on TV shows, including the History Channel's Alone and USA Network's Mud, Sweat & Beards.
- Today, he’s a huge creator on social media, sharing his tool-crafting and survival knowledge with millions of followers while still running his wilderness school.
What kinds of followers does Donnydust have?
Donny's content seems to hit home with outdoor adventurers and anyone curious about real-deal survival skills. His audience likely includes everyone from seasoned campers to folks who just want to learn how to be more self-reliant.
Beyond the hardcore survivalists, his massive social media following suggests he also connects with a broader crowd. Many are probably just fascinated by his incredible tool-making abilities and rugged lifestyle.
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