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Ep 077. What It’s Really Like to Hit the SOS Button: Lessons from a Backcountry Rescue with Meg Atteberry
Episode 7726th November 2025 • The Adventurous Reinvention • Allison Boyle
00:00:00 01:19:55

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

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

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

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

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

How to Connect with Meg:

  • Connect with Meg Atteberry on Instagram and TikTok @megintheforest

Resources Mentioned:

Where to learn more about Allison:

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