Episode 77
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 & 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:
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