Let’s all resolve to go backpacking more this year! This episode keeps our priorities straight: 1- laugh, 2- backpack, 3- everything else. In this light hearted episode, Carrie and Molly tell the story of how they got connected with Highlander, and all about what the backpacking festival is like at Big Bear Lake, California. Carrie provides details on a health issue that almost kept her from hitting the trails last June and provides insight in her journey from sepsis to hitting the trails again. Molly and Carrie discuss specifics on food prep for those interesting in joining them at Highlander Big Bear Lake in 2026. Please help! Send your backpacking meal recipes via comments on this episode, or reach out on our social media channels. We’d love to try your dehydrated creations.

Learn more about Highlander: https://www.highlanderadventure.com/en-us/big-bear-lake

Want to join us in Big Bear Lake, CA? Save the dates June 23-27, 2026 and let’s hit the trail together! For 20% off your registration use the code SISTERS20

Carrie and Molly welcome you to listen to this replay from their Wallowa series, which does indeed require a visit to the emergency department. Join in and hear how it all goes down!

The day begins with big mileage and cruisey trails, but things take a turn when climbing the Matterhorn. The sisters learn how to deal with mental fatigue and assess together when it is better to go on and when it is appropriate to stop. A member of the trio also suffers a medical issue leaving the group to give first aid and work through the issue together. In between there are also some fun stories and laughter!

Molly and Carrie invite you along on a replay of one of their favorite episodes from their “John Muir Trail” series. Travel southbound on the JMT with the sisters as they discuss their chronic tardiness, reminisce on a favorite water source, become inspired for a future hike, meet a trail friend, learn about VVR, and taste a new backpacking meal. We hope you enjoy the energy and laughs as we revisit a day from this epic adventure.

Buckle up for a different type of day in Wyoming’s Bighorn mountains. The sisters chat about mountain microclimates and considering weather conditions as they plan to cross Florence pass. But their plans go sideways when something unexpected occurs. Tune in as the proverbial s*** hits the fan… er, leg. As Carrie puts it, “In life, things don’t always go the way that you want. But with a good attitude, things can still go the best way they could’ve possibly gone.”

Carrie and Molly remark on their scenic campsite and hike along Lake Geneva, ascending towards Geneva pass. They compare the weather pattern of the Cloud Peak Wilderness with other high altitude trails. Molly provides words of advice regarding effort when hiking at elevation in Wyoming and beyond. Molly and Carrie detail some of their favorite scenery in this area of the Bighorn Mountains. The girls add on segment of trail and attempt a swim. They spot an unexpected animal and get their feet wet prior to setting up camp at Lake Solitude.

The sisters embark on Wyoming’s Solitude loop, exploring the Cloud Peak wilderness in the Big Horn Mountains. They provide some background and planning considerations for this moderate length trail. Carrie explains her reason for considering the Big Horns “our backyard.” The sisters discuss a particularly important consideration for this trail. Carrie’s words of advice include, “Don’t drive a Cadillac Deville to the trailhead.” The girls enjoy an evening hike. Carrie requests assistance solving a mystery. Set up camp at beautiful Lake Geneva. Are the Big Horns grizzly country? The sisters reveal a technique to help you sleep better in the tent.

Carrie and Molly welcome you on the finale of the Alpine Lakes High Route! Molly reveals the method she developed for icing her knees on trail. Rachel proposes a devils club dare! Learn why the trail got so dusty. Rachel battles back from a swollen body part. A bet is made and a surprise meet up occurs. A pop culture event takes the girls by surprise upon re entering society. Check out the Leavenworth Adventure Park’s signature feature.

Welcome to the third day hiking a beautiful Washington high route! Molly and Carrie discuss use of WAG bags in busy, fragile alpine environments. Carrie lets loose on this trip by wearing WHITE shoes. Molly describes the remarkable glacially carved terrain. The girls get to a “trail or creek bed” section. Carrie recounts what it is like to travel through the Necklace Valley. Molly smells the unmistakable scent of death…. or is she mistaken?