David Squibb has become a compelling fixture of the National Geographic reality series Life Below Zero: Port Protection, drawing attention not just for his survival skills but for his relationship and lifestyle in Point Baker, Alaska. Following a sixteen-year commitment to minimalist wilderness living, Squibb’s bond with his longtime partner, Kris Jackson, has captured the fascination of fans. Their partnership, sometimes misrepresented online, reflects a genuine connection built around shared values of independence, sustainability, and mutual respect.
Journey to Port Protection
Originally from Edmonds, Washington, David Squibb grew disillusioned with consumer-driven life in urban settings. Seeking something more meaningful, he moved to Alaska in the mid-2000s and ultimately settled in Port Protection, an isolated community on Prince of Wales Island. There, Squibb adopted a self-reliant subsistence lifestyle based on hunting, fishing, woodworking, and gardening. His 100-year-old fishing boat, The Margaret T., is central to his daily routine.
Squibb quickly established himself as a trusted presence in the community known for his minimalist philosophy, his skill with tools and traps, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Over time, he rose to leadership roles, becoming president of the Point Baker Community Council and serving as a key figure in local governance.
The Partner: Kris (Kris) Jackson
Contrary to some media speculation, David Squibb has not publicly married. Instead, he shares his life with Kris Jackson, commonly referred to as Kris or Kris Jackson. Their relationship was first spotlighted in a 2024 season of Port Protection, where Kris joined Squibb in chopping firewood, hauling logs from the beach, and managing subsistence labor and fellow cast members referred to them affectionately as Darlin’.
Kris is from Point Baker, Alaska. She once worked as a personal care assistant and describes herself as self-employed. Her dedication to community and resilience in harsh conditions earned praise from cast and fans alike: viewers applauded how she handled heavy logs independently and supported home life alongside Squibb.
Life in the Wilderness
As partners, David and Kris embody the subsistence lifestyle portrayed in Port Protection. They fish, forage, cut timber by hand, repair their homestead out of fallen trees, and maintain their simple, low-impact existence. Their shared dog and mutual love of animals further reinforce their connection to nature.
Depending largely on each other rather than modern conveniences, the couple thrives in isolation. They rarely rely on technology, preferring the slow rhythms of the Alaskan wilderness and the satisfaction of self-sufficiency. Squibb describes living there as feeling like kings on pennies.
Media Misconceptions and Mythbusting
Some accounts have incorrectly described Kris as Squibb’s wife, and even introduced rumors of her disappearance, speculation about foul play, or name changes none of which are substantiated by credible sources. Reality TV coverage makes clear the couple are long-term partners who support each other and remain together in Point Baker.
Impact on the Port Protection Community
David Squibb’s contributions go beyond his own homestead. As a community leader, he helps organize local needs, supports sustainable living initiatives, and mentors others in wilderness skills. Kris often participates as well, helping maintain homesteads and contributing to group projects.
Together, they support mutual aid among residents teaching fishing, woodworking, and subsistence techniques. Their lifestyle has become a model for viewers interested in minimalism and low-impact living in a communal context.
Living Values: Love, Nature, Simplicity
The Squibb–Jackson life story emphasizes several core values:
- Shared purpose: both embrace nature-based living and self-reliance.
- Emotional connection: simple life in harsh conditions demands trust, cooperation, and mutual care.
- Sustainable marriage of values: their partnership is grounded in ethical living rather than ceremonies or status.
Their life together shows how romantic connection can thrive apart from convention, based on mutual respect, shared labor, and a deep bond with place and nature.
How Fans Respond
Port Protection viewers often express admiration for the couple’s resilience and solidarity. Social media posts highlight their workload balance during the cold Alaskan winter hauling logs, building shelters, and facing storms together. Many commenters note Kris’s remarkable work ethic and how well she and David collaborate under difficult conditions.
Notable fan observations:
- Kris and David share candid moments that emphasize mutual support, not hierarchy.
- Neither person seeks fame; instead, they portray honest daily life.
- Viewers have appreciated how their bond enhances the show’s emotional depth.
Legacy and Life Today
As of 2024, David Squibb continues living in Point Baker, Alaska with Kris Jackson. He remains true to his minimalist philosophy, teaches survival skills to others, and maintains his involvement in the community council. Kris remains by his side through seasons of both hardship and scenic beauty.
Squibb has even teased writing a memoir recounting his years in the Alaskan wilderness and his spiritual approach to life. Fans look forward to the insights and reflections that will likely continue his legacy of wilderness wisdom.
The story of David Squibb and Kris Jackson defies ordinary expectations. Not defined by marriage certificates or consumer culture, they remain partners by choice, united by devotion to nature, to each other, and to a shared philosophy of simple living. Their narrative in Life Below Zero: Port Protection offers viewers a powerful lesson: meaningful relationships can thrive outside mainstream norms, grounded in cooperation, authenticity, and deep respect for the land. As Squibb continues his wilderness odyssey in Alaska, Kris remains his steadfast companion a testament to life built intentionally and lovingly, on the edge of the wild.
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