Out Alive from Backpacker

After five years of gripping and educational survival tales, Out Alive is going on indefinite hiatus. Thank you to for listening and for your continued support. For more survival content, you can visit us at backpacker.com. Be safe out there.

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2024

In 1982, Mountain Rescue volunteer Joe Lentini’s life took a profound turn during a daring rescue mission gone wrong. Decades later, the impact of that fateful day continues to echo, not just in Joe’s life, but in lives of everyone involved.

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2023

While every SAR unit faces different circumstances based on terrain, weather, and how they work with their local law enforcement, it’s the unseen obstacles like time away from family, paperwork, and the emotional toll that underpin SAR operations across the country. Go behind the scenes with SAR workers to truly understand what it takes to answer the call when we’re in trouble.

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2023

In the world of backcountry search and rescue, some environments require proficiency beyond the standard tactics. Yosemite Valley, where rock climbers come to test their mettle against the park’s towering granite walls, is one of those places. For many search and rescue workers, operating in Yosemite is a career-long goal. It’s because the men and women who make up YoSAR are superstars of technical rescues, and for those who require their help, that’s an awfully good thing. And one of those people was Tim Watts.

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2023

As one of the busiest and most elite Search and Rescue units in the country, Rocky Mountain Rescue operates amidst the rugged terrain of Colorado’s Front Range and the Rockies. What does it take to join such an exclusive squad? Hear firsthand why these volunteers commit countless hours to saving others.

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2023

In this gripping story of survival and heartache, David Cicotello finds himself stranded on a ledge after a tragic accident claims his brother's life. Alone, with dwindling supplies and the weight of despair, he embarks on a 6-day struggle for survival waiting for a rescue that seems uncertain.

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2023

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, a large carnivore wildlife ecologist, recounts her heart-pounding survival story of being chased by a wild elephant. With unflinching honesty, Dr. Wynn-Grant reveals that the true dangers in her work often transcend the wild creatures she dedicates her life to. For more candid and thought-provoking conversations, don't miss Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant's own podcast, PBS's Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, where she further explores the intricate bond between humans and nature.

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2023

Join us as we follow two friends, Dan and Jim, on their annual climbing trip in the stunning yet treacherous terrains of the Tetons. Their adventurous spirits are tested when a glissading misstep sends one plummeting 50 feet below the snow surface into a hidden ice cave. A special thanks to the Jenny Lake Park Rangers for their part in this rescue.

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2023

In this episode of Out Alive we dive into a summer riddled with unsettling animal encounters worldwide. From cougars and bears on American soil to Orcas causing chaos off Portugal's shores, one question lingers: Are animals growing weary of us? To shed light on these events, we invite renowned bear biologist, Dr. Tom Smith, and his former student-turned-wildlife biologist and podcast host, Wes Larson. Together, they unpack the intricacies of these animal-human confrontations, with a special emphasis on bears. Wes is the co-host of a show all about animal encounters - listen to Tooth & Claw here. You can also follow Wes on Instagram @grizkid

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2023

In the rugged terrain of the Wind River Mountains, what begins as a routine ultramarathon training session for Gabe Joyes quickly escalates into a life-threatening ordeal. After a misstep leads him to inadvertently pierce himself with his trekking pole, Joyes finds himself isolated in a remote canyon. Now, he faces his most formidable test of endurance yet, as his wife Jenny and SAR volunteer David Englert try to reach him in time.

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2023

When we anticipate encountering bears, we come equipped with bear spray and knowledge of how to act. In avalanche terrain, we know to pack our beacon, shovel, and probe. Yet we tend to overestimate the danger of a bear attack. But when it comes to the most deadly natural hazard, heat, our readiness often wavers. Why do we consistently underestimate such a palpable threat, and what are the cognitive mechanisms at play? In this deep-dive episode, Dr. Peter Howe’s groundbreaking research reveals a startling truth. Join us as we venture into one of the hottest places on earth, Death Valley National Park. Our special guests, a climate researcher and a seasoned representative from the park, offer life-saving advice on navigating and staying safe in extreme heat conditions. The temperatures are rising, and our awareness should be, too.

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2023

The harrowing journey of two adult brothers whose passion for spelunking takes a terrifying turn. Exploring the labyrinthine depths of a remote cave, they find themselves caught in a sudden rockfall, leaving one of them severely injured.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2023

We sit down with survival expert Jessie Krebs to explore some of the most common survival questions. Drawing upon Jessie's extensive knowledge and experience in the field, we separate fact from fiction and debunk prevalent survival myths with invaluable insights and practical guidance from an expert who knows what truly works.

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2023

In this episode of Out Alive, we share a harrowing tale of survival, resilience, and tragedy on Mount Rainier. Four climbers set out to conquer the mountain, only to face disaster on their descent when a dramatic fall results in catastrophic injuries, leaving them stranded on its icy slopes.

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2023

Join renowned survivalist, SERE instructor, and former "Alone" contestant, Jessie Krebs as she shares her knowledge and expertise on the crucial framework you need to know when it comes to packing for any trip. Drawing from her extensive experience in extreme survival situations, Jessie unveils the essential items and strategies that can make all the difference between a successful adventure and a perilous ordeal.

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2023

In this episode of the Out Alive podcast, we delve into the awe-inspiring story of polar explorer Eric Larsen, who has fearlessly navigated treacherous icy terrain, but faced an entirely different kind of challenge when he confronted cancer head-on. Follow Eric's polar adventures, train, or go on a trip with him. Out Alive is made possible by the members of Outside+

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2023

Francis Zuber was enjoying the kind of powder skiing you’re lucky to get once a season. Just out of bounds at the Mt. Baker Ski Area, Zuber was enjoying deep turns when he caught sight of something weird. A snowboard, still attached to a pair of boots, stuck out of the snow next to a partially-buried tree.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2023

Join us on Out Alive for the incredible story of Shannon Baruth and her aid dog, who survived for four nights in the Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico after getting lost. What began as a beautiful day hike turned into a harrowing ordeal when they took a wrong turn and became disoriented off-trail. Battling extreme weather conditions and relying on their human-animal bond, they fought to make it back to safety. Don't miss this remarkable tale of resilience and survival in the face of adversity, as we explore the power of gratitude in survival.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2023

In this episode of Out Alive Survival Shorts, we discuss the crucial role of signal fires in emergency situations, using a real case story to highlight important dos and don'ts. Former Air Force SERE instructor Jessie Krebs offers expert analysis and practical tips on site selection, fuel choice, smoke color, and other factors critical for survival. Take a few minutes to tell us what you want from Out Alive!

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2023

We've written about the Spearhead Traverse before as The Best Worst Ski Trip Ever. But in this story, we explore the challenges of neurological illness in the backcountry. Backpacker Magazine’s former Editor-in-Chief Dennis Lewon, shares his personal journey battling a rare brain disease while backcountry skiing on a glacier in British Columbia. From navigating double vision on a treacherous ski trail to overcoming a neurological condition in the wilderness, this episode is a testament to the power of determination and "there's nothing going slow can't fix". You can see a transcript of this story here.

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2023

In addition to our regular episodes, we're thrilled to introduce a brand new monthly series called Survival Shorts. These episodes take a deeper dive into the world of survival, with expert advice, fascinating inquiries, and conversations with rescue professionals. These Survival Shorts episodes promise to be informative, thought-provoking, and engaging, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities of survival in the backcountry. In this episode, we're sitting down with Jeff, a Search and Rescue dog trainer and handler to chat about the world of canine search and rescue. He'll share his personal experiences working alongside his dog, Kismet, and give us a glimpse into the unique bond that develops between a handler and their furry companion. We'll be diving into the nitty-gritty of the rigorous training process for SAR dogs and learning all about the specialized skills and abilities that make them such an important part of search and rescue operations. We'll be talking about everything from tracking scents to navigating tricky terrain – it's all in a day's work for these highly trained pups!

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2023

A climber in the right place at the right time leads a daring rescue of a BASE jumper stranded high on a cliff.

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2023

After Karissa Akin’s brother died tragically, she turned to the outdoors for healing. But as she explains in this episode of Outside’s new podcast, The Daily Rally, it took a near-fatal mountain biking accident for her to finally move forward again. The Daily Rally is a new weekday podcast featuring short stories of resilience in the face of big challenges and unexpected adventures. You can follow The Daily Rally on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you like to listen, and nominate someone to be featured on the show here.

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2023

When Charlie Finlayson was just 13 and alone with his dad David deep in the backcountry, his father suffered a horrific injury. But Charlie, despite being forced to make decisions way beyond his age and experience, never doubted that his father could survive and that he could help him. Thanks to unwavering faith, Charlie and David pulled off the impossible.

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2022

Jeremy Evans takes us through a first-hand account of the catastrophic injuries he sustained after being mauled by a grizzly bear three times while deep in the Canadian backcountry.

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2022

A pair of hunters wearing camouflage become lost for six days in Alaska. Help is tantalizingly close but just out of reach, as rescuers are unable to see them.

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2022

When Svati Narula agreed to spend a season as part of a communications team at Mt. Everest basecamp she thought there would be a buffer between hers and the perils of Everest’s high slopes. But she would find there was no safe distance from the worst disaster in Mt. Everest’s history.

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2022

Peter Agricola was mountain biking near his home in Norfolk, Massachusetts when he went over the handlebars on a downhill and landed chest-first on a fallen log. As he sat up he saw that he was bleeding profusely, soaking his shirt. He had impaled himself in the chest by a branch.

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2022

When a rafter was stung by a scorpion, she assumed she’d be fine. Then she lost her ability to see or speak clearly. It was the beginning of a nightmare that nobody in her group of experienced adventurers saw coming. After all, there aren’t supposed to be deadly scorpions in the United States. But as her condition grew more frightening, they began to believe they had a serious emergency on their hands. In this episode, a collaboration with the Outside podcast, we investigate how a standard backcountry incident turned into a medical and scientific mystery.

Transcribed - Published: 5 October 2022

Will Toor and Mariella Colvin were on a summer climb in Rocky Mountain National Park. While their outdoor pursuits on a typical day would earn them respect from outdoor enthusiasts half their age, this past July, they had to find out exactly how strong they actually are.

Transcribed - Published: 28 September 2022

According to Florida Fish and Wildlife, there are about 10 unprovoked alligator attacks on humans every year. That puts your chances of being attacked by an alligator at one in 3.2 million. It may seem that alligators are easily enough avoided. But if, like Jeffrey Heim, your work is outside on the slow rivers of Florida, encountering an alligator is just another day at the office.

Transcribed - Published: 21 September 2022

A firsthand account of a free-solo accident in the Sierra Nevada.

Transcribed - Published: 14 September 2022

For more than two weeks in 2018, the entire world was gripped by nonstop news coverage of the effort to rescue 12 boys and their coach from deep inside Tham Luang Nang Non cave in Northern Thailand where they were trapped by rising flood water. In this special episode of Out Alive, we'll hear in-depth from two of the most influential divers from this unprecedented rescue, and how their pursuit of an unusual and dangerous hobby made them some of the only people anywhere who would have a chance to save the lives of the boys and their coach. This season of Out Alive is brought to you by Stillhouse, the official spirit of adventure. Stillhouse makes award-winning bourbon, vodka, and whiskeys that come in unbreakable 100% stainless steel cans… because the good times go where glass can’t follow. Learn more at stillhouse.com

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2022

We've learned a lot since we first started Out Alive, and the lessons have surprised us. Certainly, we've been indoctrinated to always tell someone where we're going and when to expect us, and as editors of Backpacker, we know all about the ten essentials. But the lesson we keep coming back to is that sharing--storytelling--is healing. Dr. Alison Roy is a licensed clinical psychologist and trauma expert--she knows a thing or two about long-term mental recovery from a professional standpoint. But after she and her family encountered a traumatic event while on a hike in January of 2020, they got a whole new perspective on healing. This season of Out Alive is brought to you by Stillhouse, the official spirit of adventure. Stillhouse makes award-winning bourbon, vodka, and whiskeys that come in unbreakable 100% stainless steel cans… because the good times go where glass can’t follow. Learn more at stillhouse.com

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2022

To a lone hiker, the woods teem with threats. There are wild animals, of course, and exposure to the elements. There are the looming risks of dehydration, starvation, and the terror that comes with the fall of darkness. But for some, worse than the fear of the woods themselves are the ruthless fabrications of one's own mind, especially in stressful situations. Inner demons can be as powerful as a stroke of lightning or a sudden blizzard. In this story, we explore what happens when the biggest obstacle to survival, and only hope, is oneself. This season of Out Alive is brought to you by Stillhouse, the official spirit of adventure. Stillhouse makes award-winning bourbon, vodka, and whiskeys that come in unbreakable 100% stainless steel cans… because the good times go where glass can’t follow. Learn more at stillhouse.com

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2022

Part 2: In every story we tell on this show, there is an element of the miraculous, someone who defies the odds and lives through a seemingly impossible situation in the wild, but we don't all see miracles the same way. For some, a miracle is falling off a cliff and being lucky enough to get caught by the branches of a welcoming tree. Or, running from a raging forest fire when, just in time, a rainstorm saves the day. But for others, miracles, aren't about luck or random natural occurrences. They are acts of divine providence. For Mary Grimm, coming so close to death in the mountains and making it back was exactly that. This season of Out Alive is brought to you by Stillhouse, the official spirit of adventure. Stillhouse makes award-winning bourbon, vodka, and whiskeys that come in unbreakable 100% stainless steel cans… because the good times go where glass can’t follow. Learn more at stillhouse.com

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2022

In every story we tell on this show, there is an element of the miraculous, someone who defies the odds and lives through a seemingly impossible situation in the wild, but we don't all see miracles the same way. For some, a miracle is falling off a cliff and being lucky enough to get caught by the branches of a welcoming tree. Or, running from a raging forest fire when, just in time, a rainstorm saves the day. But for others, miracles, aren't about luck or random natural occurrences. They are acts of divine providence. For Mary Grimm, coming so close to death in the mountains and making it back was exactly that. This season of Out Alive is brought to you by Stillhouse, the official spirit of adventure. Stillhouse makes award-winning bourbon, vodka, and whiskeys that come in unbreakable 100% stainless steel cans… because the good times go where glass can’t follow. Learn more at stillhouse.com

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2022

Sydnie Uetmoto and David McMahon were young pilots in Hawaii making their way through advanced levels of flight training when they got a call to crew a short flight together in a four-seater plane. But what should have been a routine route between two islands turned into every aviator’s worst nightmare. This season of Out Alive is brought to you by Stillhouse, the official spirit of adventure. Stillhouse makes award-winning bourbon, vodka, and whiskeys that come in unbreakable 100% stainless steel cans… because the good times go where glass can’t follow. Learn more at stillhouse.com

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2022

There’s a special kind of appeal to a solo adventure—being out on your own, away from everything and everyone. Unless, of course, something goes wrong and you find yourself in serious trouble. In this gripping story by our friends at The Outside Podcast, we hear from Claire Nelson, who was seeking peace and solitude in the desert but ended up badly injured, all alone, and unable to call for help. To survive, she would have to hold on to the hope that eventually someone would find her.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2021

This show is all about near-death experiences, and the lessons we hope to learn from those who made it Out Alive. Each of the stories we tell is incredible in its own right, but now and again we hear a tale of someone who seemed to survive something approaching miraculous, and we can’t help but marvel at their luck in the direst of circumstances. And it seems like these are the experiences that are so transformative that you wonder if they were actually in the wrong place at the right time. While it’s not a universal phenomenon for all survivors by any stretch, there are those who come so close to death, that the experience acts like a level reset, a wake-up call. It’s illogical, but also painfully relatable that for some of us, it’s only when we come face to face with dying that we remember what it’s really like to live.

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2021

Many hikers and backpackers search out areas off the beaten path. There’s something alluring about visiting a trail or lake or summit that few other humans get to see. We covet peace and solitude, and we thrill at the idea of having a campsite, swimming hole, or waterfall all to ourselves. But tranquility comes at a price. Secluded beauty tends to be safeguarded by challenging terrain. And when things go wrong, it’s hard to tell the difference between solitude and desolation.

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2021

At the crux of every survival story is a pivotal decision point. The choices we make when the stakes are high can mean the difference between salvation and struggle, misery and hope, life and death. When it comes to dire situations in the backcountry, the options can be imperfect and the time in which to weigh them is often short. In today's episode, we witnessed the fast decision-making of three separate survivors, all at the heart of one historic and catastrophic flash flood on the Havasupai reservation of the Grand Canyon. The flood would permanently alter the landscape as well as the lives of those who were caught in its fury.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2021

Many survival stories include an element of helplessness. When you're far from civilization hurt, unable to move. There's little, you can do to keep yourself alive. It's helplessness that sets in when things get really, really bad, but there's another feeling, however, dim that keeps you going: hope. Though you may be unable to help yourself in the face of extreme danger there's comfort in knowing that someone out there may be looking for you. That comfort, that hope can be what allows you to survive. And if you get into trouble in a place where Search and Rescue is accessible, that hope multiplies. These highly trained volunteers save countless lives every year. No matter the terrain, no matter the weather emergency responders will answer the call of distress. They're the reason why, even when we're helpless, we're not hopeless.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2021

Polar bears, the grand beasts of the arctic, are one of the most fearsome predators on earth. Healthy males can weigh half a ton, stand eight feet tall on their hind legs and possess enough power to get all that mass moving at 25 miles per hour. Few sites in nature will inspire the sense of panic and doom as seeing a polar bear loping across the ice headed your way. They are aggression sheathed in fur, spiked with two inch claws and armed with teeth designed to catch and hold slippery prey. As a rule, few animals survive encounters with these hyper- carnivores. Matt Dyer is that rare exception.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2021

When Jeremy Humphrey set out to find a missing hiker in July of 2020, he didn't have any training or fancy rescue gear. But he had something else, legs that could carry him for miles and miles in a day, an intimate knowledge of his local mountain range and a voice inside him telling him that he was the right man for the job.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2021

If you listen to this podcast you can probably relate to a sense of being pulled by the mountains. A feeling that John Muir put memorably when he wrote the mountains are calling and I must go." We answer the call for our own sense of adventure or to recharge our connection to nature. But some of us are called to higher, harder pursuits. These mountaineers head high with safety equipment skill, and experience. Essential equipment on the glaciated peaks of crampon country, close call country. But just as the mountains call us, they also let us know when not to go and our ability to hear and listen to that call, that can make all the difference.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2021

Months after receiving a pacemaker, mother-of-five Stephanie Ingram was celebrating her newfound health with a solo trek of Washington's Wonderland Trail. But no matter your fitness, Mother Nature can take as much as she gives.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2021

When there's trouble on the trail, who are you supposed to call? In this week's episode, we examine the missed chances that led to the unthinkable one spring evening on the Appalachian Trail.

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2020

To be a hiker is to accept a certain amount of risk. And yet the freedom to expose ourselves to that danger is part of the draw, but, as our next story shows, you never know what – or who – is coming down the trail.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2020

In October of 2010 search and rescue volunteer Pam Bales happened across an unconscious man while on a solo hike up New Hampshire's Mt. Washington. As the weather became life-threatening, Bales struggled to help the man to safety, all the while wondering what led him up the peak in the first place.

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2020