Today’s episode is a special one because we’re celebrating what’s possible in your very first year of backpacking.

I’m joined by one of our Backpacking Badass students, Victoria, who joined the program during last year’s Black Friday enrollment… and since then, has completely transformed her outdoor life.

Before the program, Victoria had only gone on one beginner overnight with her husband. One year later, she’s planned and led her own 3-day trip in the Eastern Sierra, gone on multiple solo backpacking adventures in Yosemite, the Eastern Sierra, and Zion, and built a brand-new identity around bravery, self-trust, and capability.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What it was like to begin backpacking at 48
• The moment she realized she could camp and backpack alone
• How she navigated pre-trip anxiety, fear, and “what ifs”
• What surprised her most on her first big trip
• The mindset tools that helped her keep going when things got tough
• How her confidence has grown through both summit moments and turnaround moments
• Her plans for future adventures (including the JMT!)

Victoria’s story shows how much is possible when you stop waiting for the perfect circumstances and start building the skills, confidence, and self-trust to create your own adventures.

Backpacking Badass Black Friday Enrollment is NOW OPEN! If you’re ready to become a confident, self-sufficient backpacker in 2026—this is the moment. These are our biggest deals of the entire year.

👉 Join us at: shedreamsofalpine.com/blackfriday

Whether you’re dreaming about your first backpacking trip, your first solo trip, or your boldest adventure yet... you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’ve got you.

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine