The Adventurous Reinvention

You can have YEARS of backpacking experience and still not feel totally confident making your own adventures happen.

And that's exactly why I wanted to bring my client Kara onto the podcast!

When Kara joined our Backpacking Badass Program, she was far from a beginner. She'd been backpacking regularly for about 15 years, had been on some incredible adventures with her husband, and genuinely loved being out on the trail.

But there was something she wanted to change. She realized she'd gotten pretty comfortable letting her husband handle a lot of the planning, gear, logistics, and decision-making on their trips. And while there was nothing necessarily wrong with that, she wanted MORE for herself.

She wanted to be a stronger contributor. To know she could figure things out, make decisions, and confidently plan her own adventures.

And I LOVE how her story has unfolded since then. Fast forward a few years, and Kara has tackled some pretty epic adventures, including Kilimanjaro, multiple trips in the Eastern Sierra, and most recently... summiting Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states! 🏔️

And here's one of my favorite parts: she did it alongside another woman she connected with through our Backpacking Badass community!

In this episode, we get into the REAL story behind her Mt. Whitney adventure. From the permits and training to unexpected mountain storms, a flooded tent at Trail Camp, and what it actually felt like to finally stand on that summit.

But what I really love about this conversation is that it's about so much more than reaching the top of a mountain.

It's about what becomes possible when you stop waiting for someone else to make the adventure happen and start building the skills and confidence to make it happen yourself.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why Kara joined Backpacking Badass after 15 years of backpacking (and what she still felt was missing)
• How she went from relying on her husband to becoming a more confident, self-sufficient backpacker
• How a connection inside our Backpacking Badass community turned into a real-life Mt. Whitney adventure
• The behind-the-scenes planning, permits, training, and acclimatization that went into preparing for the summit
• The unexpected storms, flooded tent, and challenges that made this trip an adventure to remember
• What it felt like to finally summit Mt. Whitney, and how Kara's definition of what's possible for herself has evolved

Whether you're brand new to backpacking or you've been doing it for YEARS but still wish you felt more confident taking the lead, I think you're going to get so much out of Kara's story.

Because you don't need to have it all figured out before you start going after bigger adventures.

You can build that confidence along the way. 💕

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Have you joined our Black Friday Early Bird Waitlist yet? From November 16-20, 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 and bonuses. And day 1 is exclusively for our Early Birds!

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

→ 💰 BIG Savings on our Backpacking Course for Women

→ 🐦 Day 1 is for Early Birds ONLY: you shop a full day before the public

→ 🤫 A SECRET Day 1 deal + bonuses the public will never see

→ 🎁 First shot at our limited gifts (only 25 available!)

And the best part? You’ll wrap up 2026 already locked into your 2027 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 (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)

🚨 BIG NEWS! Our Backpacking Badass Black Friday Event is coming November 16–20, 2026! 🎉

And y'all... we have some seriously FUN things planned this year!

In this quick bonus episode, I'm giving you the inside scoop on our final big Backpacking Badass enrollment of 2026, including some BIG savings, exclusive bonuses, limited gifts, and a secret surprise you won't want to miss!

Here's the MOST important thing to know: Monday, November 16th is EARLY BIRD DAY! 🐥

Our Early Birds get access a full day before the public, including a super SECRET deal that's only available for 8 hours, plus exclusive bonuses and limited gifts.

And the earlier you enroll, the MORE you get!

🎁 Want the inside scoop? Join our FREE Black Friday Early Bird Waitlist!

👉 Join the Early Bird Waitlist + Get Your FREE Sneak Peek Guide! (shedreamsofalpine.com/bird)

When you sign up, you'll get:

• 🐥 Exclusive access to Early Bird Day (November 16!)
• 🤫 First dibs on our secret deal the public will NEVER see
• 🎁 Access to exclusive bonuses and limited gifts
• 📖 Our FREE Black Friday Sneak Peek Guide with all the juicy details!

Mark your calendar: November 16–20, 2026!

Let's make 2027 the year you stop waiting and start creating your own epic backpacking adventures! 🏕️💛

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.

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Have you joined our Black Friday Early Bird Waitlist yet? From November 16-20, 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 and bonuses. And day 1 is exclusively for our Early Birds!

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

→ 💰 BIG Savings on our Backpacking Course for Women

→ 🐦 Day 1 is for Early Birds ONLY: you shop a full day before the public

→ 🤫 A SECRET Day 1 deal + bonuses the public will never see

→ 🎁 First shot at our limited gifts (only 25 available!)

And the best part? You’ll wrap up 2026 already locked into your 2027 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 (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)

If you’ve ever packed for a backpacking trip and wondered, Am I bringing way too much food… or somehow not enough? Then this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Aaron Mayhew, registered dietitian and founder of Backcountry Foodie, to talk about what it actually takes to fuel your body well in the backcountry.

Aaron originally dove into backpacking nutrition while preparing to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail — including making a whopping 400 pounds of homemade backpacking food — and has spent years testing what works on trails across the country.

We talk about why backpacking nutrition looks different from how you might eat at home, what happens when you don’t fuel enough, how often you should actually be eating on trail, and how to balance calories, nutrition, food weight, and foods you’ll actually want to eat after several days in the backcountry.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why you probably need more food on a backpacking trip than you think
• What “bonking” actually feels like, and why under-fueling can become a safety issue
• How Aaron approaches calories, protein, and overall nutrition in the backcountry
• How to think about calorie density and getting enough energy without carrying a ridiculously heavy food bag
• Why food fatigue is real, and the lessons Aaron learned from eating the same kinds of foods for weeks on long-distance trails
• How your fueling strategy may change depending on your trip, mileage, conditions, and even your stress level
• Why you don’t have to make backpacking nutrition complicated to fuel yourself well

If planning your backpacking food feels like one more complicated thing you have to get exactly right, this conversation will help make it a whole lot simpler.

How to Connect with Aaron:

• Backcountry Foodie website — https://backcountryfoodie.com/
• Backcountry Foodie Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/backcountryfoodie

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)

What if you didn’t wait until January to get back into adventure mode?

Inspired by Karin Nordin’s “27 Before 2027” concept, I’m putting an adventurous spin on the challenge and creating my own list of 27 adventures, experiences, and future-self favors to help me finish 2026 feeling strong, energized, and excited about adventures ahead.

In this episode, I’m sharing what’s making my list—from climbing my first outdoor 5.12 and backpacking the Grand Canyon to planning future adventures, replacing old gear, and making time for smaller outdoor memories along the way. Plus, I’ll give you plenty of ideas to start brainstorming your own 27 Adventures Before 2027.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• How the “27 Before 2027” concept works and my adventurous spin on it
• Choosing how you want to feel heading into 2027
• Why Q4 doesn’t have to mean putting your adventurous life on pause
• Ideas for movement, outdoor memories, new skills, gear projects, and future adventures
• Why putting a 2027 adventure on the calendar now can create momentum all winter
• How to brainstorm your list without turning it into another perfectionist to-do list

Your challenge: Brainstorm your own 27 Adventures Before 2027 and make the last few months of the year wildly adventurous.

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 wondered what it’s actually like to try rock climbing for the first time—or join a women’s rock climbing retreat?

In this episode, I’m joined by Kate, our longtime Team Alpine coach and certified AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, to talk all about our Joshua Tree Women's Rock Climbing Retreat and why this kind of guided outdoor experience can be a total game-changer.

Whether you’re climbing-curious, craving a new challenge, or just looking for a supportive space to try something new, this episode pulls back the curtain on what really happens during one of our favorite annual retreats.

In this episode, we cover:

• What it’s like to go from “I’m not a climber” to actually climbing outside
• Common fears women have about trying outdoor climbing—and how we help you through them
• Why guided experiences are such a powerful first step (and no, you don’t need any gear!)
• A full breakdown of what our Joshua Tree retreat includes: climbing, camping, yoga, s’mores + more
• Real client stories, identity shifts, and what makes these retreats so damn special

If you’ve ever been even a little bit curious about climbing… this is your sign to explore it. 🎧

👉 JOIN OUR ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/climb)

Where to learn more about Kate:

• Instagram: @camera_kate
• Website: http://headoverheelhooks.com/

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 sit down with my client Jeanna, a traveling nurse who lives out of her van between assignments, to talk about the trip that changed everything: her solo thru-hike of the entire John Muir Trail. Here's the wild part. This wasn't just her first solo thru-hike. It was her first solo backpacking trip, period.

We get into the real, unfiltered story: the spreadsheet she painstakingly built to plan every campsite, the journal she cut in half to save weight, the night terror she had at what she's now convinced might have been a haunted campsite, and the moment on trail where she seriously considered quitting, plus the mental tools she used to talk herself back into it.

We also talk about what it's really like to be alone out there (spoiler: you're never quite as alone as you think), and what it felt like to finally stand at the finish line after 200+ miles solo.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why Jeanna decided her first-ever solo backpacking trip would be the entire JMT, no smaller trips first
• How she planned her permits, resupplies, and a 30-day permit for a 21-day itinerary (and why the extra buffer mattered)
• Her night terror story and the "haunted campsite" she still thinks about
• The mental tools, including the 50-50 and "what if I just…" technique, she used the moment she wanted to quit
• What it actually felt like to cross the finish line, and why she ended up sobbing alone for 20 minutes
• Why solo doesn't mean lonely, and how trail community carried her through

If you've ever wondered whether you're "ready" to do something like this, then you're going to love this episode with Jeanna.

How to Connect with Jeanna:

• Instagram at @jeannasch
• Or connect with her directly inside the Backpacking Badass community

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 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.