Out Alive from Backpacker

Goodbye for Now

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

A Rescue Gone Wrong

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 contin

The Toll of SAR

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

Vertical Peril

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

How to Save a Life

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 Ro

In Death's Wake, He Decided to Survive

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 dwindli

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant on Being Chased by an Elephant and Why She’ll Take Her Chances with Bears

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. Wyn

Fallen Into An Ice Cave

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

Are the Animals Sick of Us?

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

Stabbed by a Trekking Pole

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

Why Extreme Heat is Nature's Stealthiest Killer

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. 

Hit by Rockfall Deep in a Cave

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

Liquid Gold or Fool's Errand? Should You Drink Pee to Stay Alive?

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

A Deadly Rescue on Mount Rainier

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

Pack Like Your Life Depends On It

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 kno

Eric Larsen on Surviving Cancer and Polar Travel

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 f

Skier Rescues Stranger From a Tree Well

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 h

Four Nights Lost in the Cold

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. Wh

Signal Fire Strategies: Dos and Don'ts for Survival

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

Battling the Brain: A Neurological Illness Backcountry Skiing

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