This week, I’m joined by outdoor writer and long-time mountain adventurer Meg Atteberry for a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what really happens when you have to hit the SOS button in the backcountry.

On day six of a seven-day high route in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, Meg and her friend found themselves in a true emergency — an injury miles from any trail, shifting weather, complex alpine terrain, and a 20-hour Search and Rescue operation that forced them to rely on every ounce of their experience, preparation, and mental steadiness.

This conversation is honest, gripping, and packed with trail-tested insight. If you’ve ever wondered “How would I actually handle something like this?” — or you want to feel more prepared and self-reliant on your own trips — this episode is a must-listen.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• The exact moment Meg realized they needed Search & Rescue
• How she made the call early and why that decision mattered
• What the terrain, weather, and rescue logistics were really like
• How they chose a safe camp to overnight during the emergency
• The mental rollercoaster of staying calm when adrenaline crashes
• Why preparation beats “toughing it out” every time
• The gear, systems, and decisions that made a real difference
• What most people don’t understand about wilderness rescues
• Meg’s biggest takeaways now that she’s had time to reflect

How to Connect with Meg:

• Connect with Meg Atteberry on Instagram and TikTok @megintheforest

Resources Mentioned:

• YouTube Video: I hit the Garmin InReach SOS Button and here's what I learned
• YouTube Video: How I Was Rescued by Helicopter on the Wind River High Route (4k)
• YouTube Video: I hit the Garmin InReach SOS Button and here's what I learned
• YouTube Video: What Happens When You Push the SOS Button on Your Garmin InReach Mini

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.

Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here:

• BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST
• THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST
• ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST

Inside today’s episode, I’m sharing a special replay of a live Q&A session I hosted with Kellie from my team—all about what it actually looks like to become a Backpacking Badass.

If you’ve been dreaming about leveling up your backpacking skills, craving more confidence on the trail, or wondering what it’s like inside the Backpacking Badass Program… this episode will give you the real, honest, behind-the-scenes scoop.

We dig into:

• The energy behind Black Friday + why it’s such a powerful time to lock in your Adventure Era
• Who the program is really for (and who it’s not for)
• How to get started even if you feel too busy, too new, not fit enough, or like you have “no one to go with”
• What lifetime access + coaching support actually looks like
• The mindset shifts our students experience on and off the trail
• And the most common questions that pop up every single enrollment

If you’ve been sitting on the fence or wondering if this is your year to go all-in on your first (or next!) backpacking adventure… this conversation will help you make that decision with clarity and confidence.

✨ Backpacking Badass Black Friday Enrollment is NOW OPEN but enrollment closes Friday, November 21, 2025!

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

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

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

What if your life was the greatest adventure story you ever told?

In this reflective episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I live (and teach) an adventurous life, not just on the trail, but every damn day.

These are the 3 personal rules I come back to again and again, whether I’m navigating a rainstorm in Scotland, reworking a route mid-backpacking trip, or chasing a goal that is outside my comfort zone.

In this episode, I share:

• Why “Do it for the plot” is one of my favorite life mantras
• The mindset shift that helps me embrace plot twists on the trail and in life
• Real examples from my own adventures
• How chasing a wild climbing goal transformed my confidence, joy, and identity
• A reminder that your adventures are about trust—not control
• Why growth (not perfection) is the point of it all

Whether you’re craving more adventure in your life—or just want to feel more alive and self-trusting again—this episode is for you.

Have you joined our Black Friday Early Bird Waitlist yet? From November 17–21, we’re opening enrollment for The Backpacking Badass Program — our signature online course, community, and coaching experience that teaches women how to become safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpackers.

For so many of our students, this program was the difference between “maybe one day” and 👉 actually hitting the trail on their first (of many) backpacking trips.

This is our final big enrollment of the year, and we’re going BIG with our best deals, daily bonus reveals, and epic giveaways.

Here’s why you’ll want to be on our Early Bird Waitlist:

→ You’ll get 2-hour early access when doors open.

→ You’ll snag limited gifts + exclusive bonuses before they disappear.

→ You’ll receive a Sneak Peek Guide of all our prizes + bonuses as soon as you join.

And the best part? You’ll wrap up 2025 already locked into your 2026 Adventure Era — so when January hits, you won’t just be dreaming about adventure… you’ll be living it.

👉 Join the Early Bird Waitlist NOW: shedreamsofalpine.com/bird

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here:

• BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST
• THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST
• ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST

Before She Dreams of Alpine ever existed…

Before I called myself a backpacker, an outdoor educator, or a coach

There was one wild, barely-planned backpacking trip that changed the course of my life: Backpacking to Half Dome with zero experience.

In this episode, I’m taking you back to the very beginning—when I said “yes” to a 3-day trip with an overstuffed 45 lb pack and no idea what I was doing.

It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t perfect. But it was the spark that lit the fire.

In this episode, I share:

• The accidental invite that started it all
• How it felt to hike with no clue what I was doing
• Why this trip made me fall in love with backpacking, even though it was the hardest thing I had ever done
• The moment I realized: I want more of this in my life
• And how it changed everything

If you’ve ever wondered how I got started... or if you’re standing at the edge of your own first “yes”, this story is for you.

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Have you joined our Black Friday Early Bird Waitlist yet? From November 17–21, we’re opening enrollment for The Backpacking Badass Program — our signature online course, community, and coaching experience that teaches women how to become safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpackers.

For so many of our students, this program was the difference between “maybe one day” and 👉 actually hitting the trail on their first (of many) backpacking trips.

This is our final big enrollment of the year, and we’re going BIG with our best deals, daily bonus reveals, and epic giveaways.

Here’s why you’ll want to be on our Early Bird Waitlist:

→ You’ll get 2-hour early access when doors open.

→ You’ll snag limited gifts + exclusive bonuses before they disappear.

→ You’ll receive a Sneak Peek Guide of all our prizes + bonuses as soon as you join.

And the best part? You’ll wrap up 2025 already locked into your 2026 Adventure Era — so when January hits, you won’t just be dreaming about adventure… you’ll be living it.

👉 Join the Early Bird Waitlist NOW: shedreamsofalpine.com/bird

-----------

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here:

• BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST
• THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST
• ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST

Feeling the end-of-year swirl of chaos, reflection, or “where did the time go” energy?

In this bonus episode, I’m giving you a loving but fire-lit pep talk—whether you’re wrapping up a huge year of adventure or still dreaming about what’s possible for you on the trail.

Because here’s the truth: Backpacking changed my life.

And I know it can do the same for you.

This episode is your invitation to stop waiting for “someday” and say yes to the next version of yourself... one that’s bold, confident, and wildly self-sufficient.

In this episode, I share:

• The real reason backpacking isn’t just about trails and views
• What’s possible when you decide to trust yourself
• What makes this final 2025 enrollment of the Backpacking Badass Program so special
• A direct invitation into your 2026 Adventure Era

Have you joined our Black Friday Early Bird Waitlist yet? From November 17–21, we’re opening enrollment for The Backpacking Badass Program — our signature online course, community, and coaching experience that teaches women how to become safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpackers.

For so many of our students, this program was the difference between “maybe one day” and 👉 actually hitting the trail on their first (of many) backpacking trips.

This is our final big enrollment of the year, and we’re going BIG with our best deals, daily bonus reveals, and epic giveaways.

Here’s why you’ll want to be on our Early Bird Waitlist:

→ You’ll get 2-hour early access when doors open.

→ You’ll snag limited gifts + exclusive bonuses before they disappear.

→ You’ll receive a Sneak Peek Guide of all our prizes + bonuses as soon as you join.

And the best part? You’ll wrap up 2025 already locked into your 2026 Adventure Era — so when January hits, you won’t just be dreaming about adventure… you’ll be living it.

👉 Join the Early Bird Waitlist NOW: shedreamsofalpine.com/bird

Welcome to the West Highland Way Trail Series—a special set of episodes from my latest long-distance hike across the Scottish Highlands.

I’ll be bringing you along day by day as I hike 100 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, sharing the real-time feels, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from the trail.

Day 8 brought this West Highland Way journey to a close—and it was everything I wanted it to be.

I hiked the final 15 miles from Kinlochleven to Fort William through mist, muddy trails, and dramatic fall colors. My calves were tight, but my heart was full. From solo stretches to a short chat with a couple from Utah, the day was both reflective and beautiful.

I ended the trip with a cozy hotel stay, a solo seafood dinner, and a bittersweet sense of completion.

In this episode:

• Misty, moody miles through the Scottish Highlands
• Calf pain, color-drenched views & trail reflections
• Walking the final sidewalk stretch into Fort William
• A solo dinner, final thoughts, and ideas for next time

🎧 Hit play to join me for the final leg of a trail I’d absolutely do again.

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.

Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here:

• BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST
• THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST
• ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST

Welcome to the West Highland Way Trail Series—a special set of episodes from my latest long-distance hike across the Scottish Highlands.

I’ll be bringing you along day by day as I hike 100 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, sharing the real-time feels, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from the trail.

Day 7 was short, scenic, and surprisingly dry.

I left Kingshouse late after a slow morning, expecting wind and rain—but instead got blue skies and big views through one of the most iconic stretches of the West Highland Way.

After climbing the Devil’s Staircase and descending into Kinlochleven, I landed in the cutest Airbnb pod, treated myself to Chinese takeaway, and enjoyed a quiet, solo night in.

In this episode:

• Big views and blue skies in the Glencoe region
• The Devil’s Staircase climb and calf pain realities
• Hiking solo (but leapfrogging with lots of trail friends)
• A cozy Airbnb, sour candy resupply, and dinner from Rice & Chips

🎧 Hit play for one of the most beautiful—and mentally recharging—days of the hike.

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.

Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here:

• BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST
• THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST
• ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST

Welcome to the West Highland Way Trail Series—a special set of episodes from my latest long-distance hike across the Scottish Highlands.

I’ll be bringing you along day by day as I hike 100 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, sharing the real-time feels, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from the trail.

Day 6 was full of unexpected ease and connection.

I hiked 12 miles from Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse on a surprisingly smooth military road, powered by good trail conversation with a fellow solo hiker named Jane. The moody weather made the Scottish highlands feel extra dramatic, but the miles flew by—until a final soaking just before check-in.

Then it was time to lean into hotel luxury: a hot meal, a robe, a surprise gin and tonic setup, and yes, the awkward joy of eating dinner solo in a fancy restaurant.

In this episode:

• Easy trail miles and good conversation
• Misty mountain views and a final mile downpour
• Checking into a posh hotel with hiker funk
• Reflections on solo dinners, wet clothes & cultural quirks

🎧 Hit play for a soft landing after a fast solo hiking day on the West Highland Way.

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.

Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here:

• BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST
• THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST
• ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST

Welcome to the West Highland Way Trail Series—a special set of episodes from my latest long-distance hike across the Scottish Highlands.

I’ll be bringing you along day by day as I hike 100 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, sharing the real-time feels, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from the trail.

Day 5 marked the start of the solo stretch on the West Highland Way.

Ashima headed back to Glasgow, and I made the short hike from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy—just seven miles, but a welcome active rest day after four bigger-mileage days in a row.

There was morning rain, a poncho-on-poncho moment, and some quiet, reflective miles through beautiful valleys. I finished the day doing laptop work at the Bridge of Orchy hotel bar, staying in a cozy hiking pod, and taking myself out to dinner—something I’d been a little nervous about pre-trip.

In this episode:

• Morning rain and a layered poncho strategy
• First solo miles and a soft hiking day
• Cozy hiking pods and a working pub stop
• Facing the solo dinner nerves—and sticky toffee wins

🎧 Hit play for a short-and-sweet reset day before the big solo stretch continues.

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.

Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here:

• BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST
• THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST
• ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST