The Adventurous Reinvention

In this week's episode of The Adventurous Reinvention Podcast, I'm bringing back one of your favorite series—Hot Topics in Our Backpacking Badass Community—with my teammate Kellie. We recorded this one together in person in LA, so you're getting our real, unscripted takes on what's been coming up with our students lately. Here's what we cover: Big Trip Season: Why we're seeing so many students tackle bucket-list trails this year: from the John Muir Trail to Mount Whitney to an O-Trek in Patagonia, and what it takes to go from your first overnight to your dream adventure. Talking About Your Goals: How Kellie's Havasu Falls trip came together after simply telling people what she wanted to do, and why sharing your goals (even before you're ready) can change everything. Gear Talk: Our honest take on sports bras that actually work for backpacking, plus how we organize gear in small spaces without a dedicated gear room. Fall Transition: What our training and trip planning looks like as we shift out of summer programming and into fall backpacking season. Whether you're planning your next big trip or just trying to figure out your gear setup, you'll walk away from this one with plenty to think about. Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land. Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here: BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/are) ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/climb)

This week we're publishing an MVP episode where 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 (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land. Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here: BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/are) ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/climb)

In this episode, I'm breaking down something that showed up over and over again across our entire 2026 ARE trip season: two women can do the exact same hike — same trail, same weather, same physical challenge — and come home with completely different experiences. One depleted and complaining about the bugs. One lit up and already planning her next trip. Same conditions. Different lens. Every single season, without fail, we watch this play out — the women who set their mindset before the trailhead have a fundamentally different trip than the women who just show up and hope for the best. So I want to break down why that happens, and what you can actually do about it. Whether you've got a big trip coming up or you're just tired of coming home from adventures feeling like you missed something, this episode will give you a practical way to shape your experience before it even starts. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the lens you bring to a hike matters more than the conditions you hike in The real science behind it — how your brain's reticular activating system decides what you notice on trail Student mindset vs. investor mindset, and why one leaves your experience up to chance A real story from one of our trips where a freak storm could have wrecked the group's mood — and didn't The simple journaling exercise we have clients do before every trip to set their lens on purpose A 5-minute trailhead practice you can start using on your very next hike Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land. Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here: BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/are) ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/climb)

Today I'm joined by one of my closest friends, Charlie, who I met almost by accident in a local climbing league, and who's since become the person I train, plan, and chase big goals alongside. We're pulling back the curtain on our friendship: how it started, how it turned into a full-blown climbing partnership, and how a casual "let's climb together" turned into a shared, audacious goal — sending our first 5.12. This episode isn't just for climbers. It's about what happens when you stop trying to do hard things alone, and what changes in your belief system when you find someone who's willing to go there with you. What you'll learn in this episode: Why finding the right partner can shift what you believe is possible for yourself How to actually go about finding a solid outdoor partner (and why proximity beats waiting for the "perfect" fit) The difference between wanting a goal and believing it's already happening Why leaving your ego behind is the real unlock in any partnership How tracking "micro progress" changes the way your brain sees a big goal What it looks like to go from "this could happen someday" to "this is happening" Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land. Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here: BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/are) ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/climb)

One of the most common patterns we see in Backpacking Badass and the Adventurous Reinvention Experience isn't a gear problem, a fitness problem, or an education problem — it's perfectionism , and it quietly derails more big goals than bad weather ever could. In this episode, my team member Kellie is taking over the mic solo to talk about what she's learned from doing halfway check-ins with our biggest coaching group yet — 36 women training for a real backpacking trip while juggling life, work, and everything in between. Every single year, without fail, we hear the same handful of messages back: I'm behind. I'm not showing up how I thought I would. I feel like I'm failing. So we want to break down why that happens and what to do about it. Whether you're mid-training for your first backpacking trip or working toward any big goal that's started to feel messier than you pictured, this episode will help you keep going without needing everything to go perfectly. What you'll learn in this episode: Why perfectionism, not gear or fitness, is the real reason most women stall out on big goals What perfectionism actually sounds like in real client check-ins (and why you've probably said it too) The "B-minus work" shift: why done imperfectly beats not done at all How to build an MVP (minimum viable) plan instead of chasing the fantasy version of your week Why tracking your wins (not just the gaps) rewires how your brain sees your progress The real skill that gets you to the trailhead, and keeps getting you to the next one Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land. Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here: BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/are) ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/climb)

One of the most common questions we get inside Backpacking Badass (and in my DMs) is how to know if your pup can handle hiking and backpacking, and how to get them ready if they're not there yet. In this episode, I'm joined by Kellie, one of our coaches at She Dreams of Alpine, to break down everything you need to know about adventuring with your dog. Between the two of us, we've raised sight hounds, reactive rescues, and everything in between, so we're pulling from real experience, not just theory. We'll talk about how to build up your dog's mileage and confidence the right way, the off-leash debate, how to handle encounters with loose dogs on trail, and the safety gear and communication tools that make a real difference out there. Whether you're prepping your first pup for their first overnight or you've got a seasoned trail dog, this episode will help you adventure smarter, safer, and with way more confidence for both of you. What you'll learn in this episode: How to slowly and safely build your dog's hiking and backpacking readiness, from short walks to overnight trips Why we're team on-leash (and the wildlife, safety, and etiquette reasons behind it) What to actually do when a loose dog runs up to you and your pup on trail The gear and visual cues (like vests and patches) that can protect anxious or reactive dogs Why using your dog as a "safety plan" for solo hiking needs a second look So next time someone asks you "is your dog ready for this?", you'll have real, trail-tested answers, for both of you. Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land. Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here: BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/are) ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/climb)

Ever stared up at a steep climb on trail and felt that sinking sense of dread? You’re not alone. For many new (and even experienced) hikers and backpackers, uphills can feel like the toughest part of the journey. But here’s the truth: it’s not just about stronger legs or more training, it’s about the mindset you bring to the climb. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact mental shifts and trail-tested strategies I use (and teach my clients) to make uphill hiking not only easier, but even enjoyable. We’ll talk about how to redirect negative self-talk, fuel yourself with powerful thoughts, and tap into that “let’s freaking go” energy that transforms hard climbs into moments of growth and empowerment. Whether you’re new to backpacking or taking on your biggest summit yet, this episode will help you reframe the uphill struggle into something that builds your confidence and fuels your adventure, on the trail and in life. What you’ll learn in this episode: The two different ways you can meet an uphill hike—and why one will always leave you drained. How to reframe “this is hard” into “this is hard AND I’m capable.” Simple mindset strategies that keep you moving forward. Why the mountains are the perfect training ground for building real-life resilience. How to shift from resisting the climb to embracing it as proof of your strength. So the next time you’re staring up at a big mountain pass, you’ll have the tools to ditch the dread and step into your power. Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land. Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here: BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/are) ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/climb)

It's officially halfway through the year, and Allison is pulling out her 2026 adventure goals list for an honest gut-check. In this episode, she walks through everything from training her puppy Oliver for backpacking trips to her big goal of leading a 5.12 outside—sharing what's on track, what she's let go of, and why this kind of mid-year recommitment matters more than the goal-setting itself. Consider this your nudge to pull up your own list. In this episode, I share: The simple color-coding system I use to honestly review my goals (green, yellow, red, and black) How training Oliver for backpacking and travel has actually gone—the wins and the "we're still working on it" moments Behind-the-scenes on our sold-out Joshua Tree retreat and what made our Kalymnos international trip so unforgettable Why I hired a climbing coach and what my training plan toward leading a 5.12 outside actually looks like What I dropped completely from my goals list this year (and why "bless and release" matters) A behind-the-scenes look at how the Adventurous Reinvention Experience cohort is going with 36 women enrolled Why a mid-year check-in is more valuable than your original goal-setting session Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land. Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here: BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/are) ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/climb)

Welcome to the Bougie Barr Camp to Pikes Peak Trail Series — a set of 2 mini episodes from a low-key, high-comfort backpacking weekend in Colorado with my friends Meg and Charlie. Day 2 was summit day — the whole reason for the bougie detour. We were up at 4am and on trail by 5:10, climbing through overnight storm leftovers, a sunrise cloud inversion that put us "in the meat of the sandwich" between two cloud layers, and every kind of weather in small doses — wind, snow, thunder, rain, each lasting about two seconds. Above treeline the switchbacks felt endless, mild altitude sickness showed up uninvited, and the microspikes came out for the last snowy mile. We summited just as the cog train pulled in and sprinted for the visitor center to beat the crowd to donuts. 3,700 feet of gain, almost 12 miles, and a well-earned nap back at camp before spaghetti and the best bread of the trip. In this episode: A sunrise cloud inversion and back-to-back microclimates Altitude nausea above treeline (even for a Colorado Springs local) Microspikes, switchbacks, and a summit photo finish vs. the cog train Donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate standing in for pancakes Reflections on bougie backpacking, mom-life perspective shifts, and planning the next "insane" trip 🎧 Hit play for summit views, weather roulette, and a well-earned donut victory. Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land. Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here: BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/are) ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/climb)

Welcome to the Bougie Barr Camp to Pikes Peak Trail Series — a set of 2 mini episodes from a low-key, high-comfort backpacking weekend in Colorado with my friends Meg and Charlie. The premise: tackle Pikes Peak via Barr Trail over three days instead of one, with pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners built in, because if Barr Camp's going to cook for us, we're letting them. Day 1 was the hike in — a trailhead GI emergency (we kept it real), $40 trailhead parking, 7 miles and 3,500 feet of gain up to Barr Camp, and three single-person tents pitched so close we were basically sharing one. We talked through pre-trip chaos, why we keep saying yes to "insane" trips, period-brain on trail, and why small backpacking trips still count as real ones. In this episode: Trailhead diarrhea and a very honest play-by-play The case for "bougie backpacking" (pancakes, spaghetti, a cabin we didn't even need) 7 miles, 3,500 feet, and stale BeFree filters Three solo tents smushed into one squad Why "small" trips are still real backpacking trips 🎧 Hit play for trailhead chaos, deep commitment to the bit, and the calm before summit day. Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land. Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here: BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/are) ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/climb)

By now you've seen it. Some version of this plays out in every solo hiking forum, every Facebook group, every comment section where a woman dares to ask about going outside alone. 👉 "Just bring a gun." This advice is lazy. It's often irresponsible. And it completely misses what women are actually asking. Because the question underneath the gun question? It's not really about firearms at all. It's: Am I safe enough to do this alone? In this episode, I'm answering that, for real. With expert-backed research, actual statistics, and the reframe that I think changes everything about how women approach safety on trail. In this episode, I share: Why "just bring a gun" is the outdoor version of a get-rich-quick scheme, and what the research actually shows about firearms and personal safety for women The data Nicole Snell (Girls Fight Back) brought to our conversation that stopped me in my tracks What wildlife safety expert Kim Titchener found when researchers studied hundreds of firearms-in-bear-encounters cases Why both Nicole and Kim (independently, from completely different fields) landed on the exact same answer for what actually keeps solo women safe The "don't outsource your safety" philosophy and what building real safety from the inside out actually looks like in practice What's coming at the free 2026 Solo Hiker Summit, June 3–5 — and why Nicole and Kim are both presenting there this year This one is for you. For your hiking partner. And for every Todd in your comment section. Resources mentioned: Free guide: "Should I Carry?" → https://www.shedreamsofalpine.co/download-firearm-facts Grab your free Summit seat → shedreamsofalpine.com/summit Episode 31 Interview with Nicole Snell Episode 33 Interview with Kim Titchener 🗓️ PS—Registration is NOW OPEN for our upcoming Solo Hiker Summit! It’s happening June 3-5, 2026. This virtual summit is for women who are done waiting for the right person, the right conditions, or the right version of themselves — and are ready to finally hike alone, go confidently, and maybe even spend a night or two in the backcountry. 😉 👉 Register NOW at shedreamsofalpine.com/summit Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land.

By now you've probably seen it. The TikTok videos. The comments flooding in. Women sharing their own versions of being left behind on a trail by someone they trusted. Alpine Divorce is real. But here's what nobody in that conversation is actually saying, and it's the thing I've been talking about since the very beginning of She Dreams of Alpine. Every single one of those stories has one thing in common. And it is not only about having a bad boyfriend... In this episode, I'm giving you the reframe that changes everything, and the answer that makes you immune to this. Not just Alpine Divorce, but the much bigger story women have been told about who the outdoors is and isn't safe for. In this episode, I share: What Alpine Divorce actually is and why women's fear response to this trend makes complete sense The powerful reframe and answer that changes everything and that makes you immune to Alpine Divorce A personal story from 2015: the 43-mile trip I took as the only woman in a group of four guys, why I was terrified going in, and what actually happened out there Why the "choose the bear" conversation and Alpine Divorce are really the same conversation, and what both of them are pointing to underneath The story we've been told as women about the outdoors, who it's safe for, and why I think it's time we rewrite it What's coming at the free Solo Hiker Summit, June 3–5 — and why this episode is a preview of exactly what we're going to dig into there 🗓️ PS—Registration is NOW OPEN for our upcoming Solo Hiker Summit! It’s happening June 3-5, 2026. This virtual summit is for women who are done waiting for the right person, the right conditions, or the right version of themselves — and are ready to finally hike alone, go confidently, and maybe even spend a night or two in the backcountry. 😉 👉 Register NOW at shedreamsofalpine.com/summit Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land.

In today’s episode, I’m taking you back to the solo backpacking trip that shaped me in all the best ways, my very first overnight alone on the trail. I share what inspired me to go solo in the first place, how I handled the fear, the unexpected snow that changed my plans, and the plot twist at the trailhead that almost stranded me. This trip wasn’t perfect, but it gave me huge confidence in myself, my decision-making, and my leadership skills. If you’ve been wondering whether you can really do this solo backpacking thing... this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Why I felt called to go solo—and how that decision changed me The exact fears I faced leading up to the trip (and what helped me push through) How I rerouted my trip plan on the fly—and felt confident making safety decisions solo What I learned from choosing not to summit the peak I had planned The mindset shifts that helped me feel safe alone at night 4 key takeaways for anyone dreaming of their first solo backpacking adventure Read on our Blog: Trail Guide to Hiking Mount Langley 🗓️ PS—Don’t forget to save the date for our upcoming Solo Hiker Summit! It’s happening June 3-5, 2026. This virtual summit is for women who are done waiting for the right person, the right conditions, or the right version of themselves — and are ready to finally hike alone, go confidently, and maybe even spend a night or two in the backcountry. 😉 Registration opens at the end of May. Join our newsletter here (shedreamsofalpine.com/email) to be FIRST to know when registration opens for the Solo Hiker Summit. Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land.

This week's episode is a takeover — and a good one. Kellie, community manager at She Dreams of Alpine and coach inside the Backpacking Badass Program, steps in (while Allison is off with clients on a rock climbing retreat in Greece) to share something we think is one of the most important episodes we've published. A few years ago, we surveyed over 300 women about what was actually stopping them from solo hiking and backpacking . We didn't just skim the data, we read every single response. And what we found stopped us cold. This episode isn't tips. It's a mirror. It's for the woman who has been saying "someday" for years and just needs to know she's not alone. In this episode, Kellie covers: The fear nobody in the outdoor industry is openly addressing, and why it's time that changes What the real statistics say about safety for women on the trail (it's not what you've been told) Why solo hiking and backpacking are acts of reclamation for so many women, and what word showed up again and again in survey responses that says everything The loneliness piece... and how it's not just about being alone on the trail, it's about having no one who gets it And so much more! 🗓️ PS—Don’t forget to save the date for our upcoming Solo Hiker Summit! It’s happening June 3-5, 2026. This virtual summit is for women who are done waiting for the right person, the right conditions, or the right version of themselves — and are ready to finally hike alone, go confidently, and maybe even spend a night or two in the backcountry. 😉 Registration opens at the end of May. Join our newsletter here (shedreamsofalpine.com/email) to be FIRST to know when registration opens for the Solo Hiker Summit. Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land.

You had a goal. You were fired up. And somewhere between January and now… the momentum quietly disappeared. In this mid-year check-in episode, I'm breaking down the six real reasons women stall on their adventure goals, and none of them are what your brain is currently telling you. Whether you're stuck before you've started or losing steam mid-pursuit, this one's for you. In this episode, I share: The coaching conversation that opened this episode, and why "I have no motivation" is almost never the real problem What's really happening when outside voices, scary news stories, or a worried partner start to drown out your own inner knowing How to move your goal from the "I'd love to" category into the "this is already decided" category A real story from inside the Backpacking Badass community: a client who almost didn't go on her first solo trip, and what happened when she did Why identity has to come before the adventures (not after), and what it looks like to start acting as the woman you're becoming right now What pre-trip resistance actually means (hint: it's not a sign you should back out) A mid-year invitation: what's coming in June that could change everything for your summer adventure goals Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine 🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure) 🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) : This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land. Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here: BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist) THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/are) ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/climb)

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Marissa , a past student of the Adventurous Reinvention Experience, to talk about what it looked like for her to navigate that really common (but rarely talked about) season of life… The “what’s next?” phase. Marissa wasn’t unhappy with her life. She had a solid career, a stable path, and had checked a lot of the boxes she thought she was supposed to check. But underneath that, there was this growing sense of curiosity… mixed with a lot of overthinking… about what she actually wanted her life to look like moving forward. And instead of waiting for clarity to magically appear… she chose to step into the process anyway. Inside this conversation, we talk about: What it actually feels like to be in the “what’s next?” phase of life How overthinking can keep you stuck (and how to start moving through it) The power of giving yourself space to explore new possibilities—without needing a perfect plan What she learned through the coaching process inside ARE Building confidence and competence in the outdoors (even without growing up with it) How surrounding yourself with the right community can completely shift your perspective And what it looks like to start taking aligned action… even when things still feel uncertain This episode is such a real, honest look at what it means to feel the pull for something more—and to start exploring that, even before you have it all figured out. 💛 If You’re Craving Something More… If you’ve been feeling the pull for more connection, more adventure, or a different kind of summer… The Adventurous Reinvention Experience is exactly where we explore that . It’s a 4-month experience where we blend: Personal growth + reinvention coaching Outdoor skills + physical training Deep community with other women And a life-changing backpacking adventure to bring it all together 👉 Learn more at shedreamsofalpine.com/are Connect with Marissa: You can follow Marissa along her JMT adventures (and MORE) on her Substack: https://lifeofmarchi.substack.com/ Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Nancie , a past student of the Adventurous Reinvention Experience, to talk about what it looked like for her to start backpacking at 58… and completely shift how she sees herself and what she’s capable of. Nancie didn’t grow up as a “backpacker,” and she didn’t come into this experience feeling fully confident or ready. She came in with curiosity, a deep pull toward adventure, and a quiet question so many women ask themselves at some point: Is it too late for me to start something like this? And instead of waiting to feel ready… she chose to begin anyway. Inside this conversation, we talk about: What her first solo backpacking trip was really like (including not sleeping at all 😅) Starting something new in your late 50s and navigating the fear that comes with it What she learned about resilience, adaptability, and thinking on her feet The power of surrounding yourself with women who get it How doing hard things on the trail translated into more confidence in everyday life Why it’s never too late to choose yourself and go after what you really want This is such a powerful example of what becomes possible when you stop waiting for the “perfect time”… and start where you are. 💛 If You’re Craving Something More… If you’ve been feeling the pull for more connection, more adventure, or a different kind of summer… The Adventurous Reinvention Experience is exactly where we explore that . It’s a 4-month experience where we blend: Personal growth + reinvention coaching Outdoor skills + physical training Deep community with other women And a life-changing backpacking adventure to bring it all together There are only 36 spots available in the 2026 cohort. 👉 NOW ENROLLING, Learn more at shedreamsofalpine.com/are Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Sunny , a past student of the Adventurous Reinvention Experience, to talk about what it looked like for her to step into leadership in the outdoors and become the kind of woman she didn’t always see represented there. Sunny didn’t come into this experience feeling like she fully belonged in the outdoor space. She came in with curiosity, a desire to grow, and a deeper calling to build community and lead in a way that felt aligned with who she is. And instead of waiting to feel ready… she chose to step forward anyway. Inside this conversation, we talk about: What her first backpacking experience was really like (and why it pushed her to want more) The desire to become a leader and what that actually means in the outdoors Navigating the fear of not belonging and choosing to show up anyway How pushing herself physically on the trail unlocked a deeper level of self-trust The power of community, vulnerability, and collective support in hard moments What it looks like to trust your intuition and honor your own pace How this experience shaped the way she leads and shows up in her life now This is such a powerful example of what becomes possible when you stop waiting to feel ready… and start becoming the person you needed. 💛 If You’re Craving Something More… If you’ve been feeling the pull for more connection, more adventure, or a different kind of summer… The Adventurous Reinvention Experience is exactly where we explore that . It’s a 4-month experience where we blend: Personal growth + reinvention coaching Outdoor skills + physical training Deep community with other women And a life-changing backpacking adventure to bring it all together If something in this episode resonated with you, you can learn more and join the waitlist for our next experience, which opens SOON! There are only 36 spots available in the 2026 cohort. 👉 NOW ENROLLING, Learn more at shedreamsofalpine.com/are Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

In this episode, I’m joined by Kellie from the She Dreams of Alpine team for a raw, honest, and deeply personal conversation about what it actually looks like to reinvent yourself, again and again. We’re pulling back the curtain on our own reinvention journeys… not just the highlight reel, but the messy, uncomfortable, and transformative moments that shaped who we are today. Because reinvention isn’t just one big life overhaul. It’s a practice, a way of living, and a decision about your life that you get to make over and over again. Inside this conversation, we explore: What reinvention really means (and why it doesn’t have to be dramatic to be powerful) The difference between big life pivots and subtle identity shifts Why resistance is actually a sign you’re on the edge of growth How reinvention compounds over time (and why doing it again matters) Real-life examples of navigating grief, relationships, fear, and identity evolution How curiosity (not clarity) is often the starting point The role of community in accelerating growth and healing What it looks like to actively choose your life instead of living on autopilot This episode is a reminder that you are not a fixed version of yourself. You are allowed to evolve. To change your mind. To want something different. To become someone new, again and again. And maybe most importantly… you don’t have to do it alone. 💛 If You’re Craving Something More… If you’ve been feeling the pull for more connection, more adventure, or a different kind of summer… The Adventurous Reinvention Experience is exactly where we explore that . It’s a 4-month experience where we blend: Personal growth + reinvention coaching Outdoor skills + physical training Deep community with other women And a life-changing backpacking adventure to bring it all together If something in this episode resonated with you, you can learn more and join the waitlist for our next experience, which opens SOON! There are only 36 spots available in the 2026 cohort. 👉 Join the Waitlist at shedreamsofalpine.com/are so you don't miss a single update when doors open in April. Where to learn more about Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Carey , a past student of the Adventurous Reinvention Experience , to talk about what it looked like for her to go all in on building community during a major life transition, and how that decision changed everything. Carey didn’t come into this experience needing backpacking skills. She came in craving connection, friendship, and a sense of belonging during a season where everything in her life felt uncertain. And instead of waiting for that community to magically appear… She created it. Inside this conversation, we talk about: What it looked like to navigate a major life transition and choose something new The fear of not belonging (and what actually happened instead) How she built real, meaningful friendships before the backpacking trip even started The unexpected ways adventure can accelerate connection and growth What happened after the experience—new friendships, new adventures, and even a new identity as a climber This is such a powerful example of what becomes possible when you stop waiting… and start saying yes to the life you actually want. 💛 If You’re Craving Something More… If you’ve been feeling the pull for more connection, more adventure, or a different kind of summer… The Adventurous Reinvention Experience is exactly where we explore that . It’s a 4-month experience where we blend: Personal growth + reinvention coaching Outdoor skills + physical training Deep community with other women And a life-changing backpacking adventure to bring it all together If something in this episode resonated with you, you can learn more and join the waitlist for our next experience, which opens SOON! There are only 36 spots available in the 2026 cohort. 👉 Join the Waitlist at shedreamsofalpine.com/are so you don't miss a single update when doors open in April. Connect with Carey: You can connect with Carey through her website at wellnessworthliving.com and reach out via her contact page. She also shares her story of hiking the John Muir Trail with her daughter at parentingoffthegrid.net . Where to learn more about the host, Allison: She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com) Instagram @shedreamsofalpine