Ep 082. What It Actually Means to Be a Backpacking Badass (and How to Become One in 2026)

What does it really mean to be a Backpacking Badass?

In this episode, Allison breaks down why being a Backpacking Badass has nothing to do with being fearless, extreme, or summiting at all costs—and everything to do with self-trust, decision-making, and knowing you have your own back on trail and in life.

If you’ve ever loved the idea of being “badass” but thought, that’s not me, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Why the word “badass” is worth reclaiming—especially for women in the outdoors
2. The difference between being reckless vs. self-trusting on trail
3. What a Backpacking Badass is not (and why that definition keeps women stuck)
4. Why your power comes from making decisions, even when failure is possible
5. How to start stepping into your Adventure Era in 2026 with intention

This episode is a grounded redefinition of what badassery really looks like, and an invitation to step into it for yourself.

Ready to take the next step?

🎉 Register for our FREE 5-DAY CHALLENGE (shedreamsofalpine.com/challenge)- Your Adventure Era Challenge - January 12-16th, 2026 - If you want to go on MORE hiking and backpacking adventures in 2026, in this 5-day challenge, you'll make sure you finally check those trips off your bucket list!

Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here:

1. BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist)
2. THE ADVENTUROUS REINVENTION EXPERIENCE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/are)
3. ROCK CLIMBING RETREATS WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/climb)

Want to see some testimonials about the Backpacking Badass Program? Read our student stories here. (shedreamsofalpine.com/stories)

Where to learn more about Allison:

1. She Dreams of Alpine Blog (shedreamsofalpine.com)
2. Instagram @shedreamsofalpine