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

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


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


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


In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

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


How to Connect with Meg:

• Connect with Meg Atteberry on Instagram (  / megintheforest  ) and TikTok @megintheforest


Resources Mentioned:

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


Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog (https://www.shedreamsofalpine.com/)
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine (  / shedreamsofalpine  )


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