Ep 077. What It’s Really Like to Hit the SOS Button: Lessons from a Backcountry Rescue with Meg Atteberry

This week, I’m joined by outdoor writer and long-time mountain adventurer Meg Atteberry for a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what really happens when you have to hit the SOS button in the backcountry.On day six of a seven-day high route in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, Meg and her friend found themselves in a true emergency — an injury miles from any trail, shifting weather, complex alpine terrain, and a 20-hour Search and Rescue operation that forced them to rely on every ounce of their experience, preparation, and mental steadiness.This conversation is honest, gripping, and packed with trail-tested insight. If you’ve ever wondered “How would I actually handle something like this?” — or you want to feel more prepared and self-reliant on your own trips — this episode is a must-listen.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The exact moment Meg realized they needed Search & RescueHow she made the call early and why that decision matteredWhat the terrain, weather, and rescue logistics were really likeHow they chose a safe camp to overnight during the emergencyThe mental rollercoaster of staying calm when adrenaline crashesWhy preparation beats “toughing it out” every timeThe gear, systems, and decisions that made a real differenceWhat most people don’t understand about wilderness rescuesMeg’s biggest takeaways now that she’s had time to reflectHow to Connect with Meg:Connect with Meg Atteberry on Instagram and TikTok @megintheforestResources Mentioned:YouTube Video: I hit the Garmin InReach SOS Button and here's what I learnedYouTube 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 learnedYouTube Video: What Happens When You Push the SOS Button on Your Garmin InReach MiniWhere to learn more about Allison:She Dreams of Alpine BlogInstagram @shedreamsofalpine🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here:BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLISTTHE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLISTROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST