THE FORGE

You've Gotta Go, So Thankful I Did This!

I cried and fell twice the second day with my 43 pound pack. I cursed under my breath during the off trail terrain expedition Tim took us on to be “different” from the other groups. I threatened mosquitoes lives multiple times. I added beef jerky to my beans and rice after realizing I brought all vegetarian freeze dried dinners except for 1 night. I realized on this trip I have not been living life to the fullest back at home. I realized my power. My favorite quote was when Rachel said “blink twice if you’re a prisoner”. To Jen’s comment of people seeing us at the campsite when they asked where we were going as a large group of women with three men. My two sleeping pads were so clutch. Finally got to see Starlink… unknown bucket list item completed. I brought the perfect amount of toilet paper and wet wipes but, I ended up bringing FIVE, yes FIVE extra pounds of food definitely should have doled out food daily to spread the extra love, but didn’t realize until the last day or two. I brought too many sports bras and not enough socks. All in all, I have two words to describe this trip. SO SATISFYING. Totally do it if you get the opportunity!!!! The camaraderie, the views, and the experience was unlike any other. Very thankful for Atomic creating something like this. It has made me stronger physically and, more importantly, (and of course…) mentally.

Huge Opportunity I Could Not Pass Up

I went backpacking and camping for the first time on the Forge. There was no chance I would have ever gone on a trip like this until I had this opportunity. To go with Jake and other very skilled, knowledgeable, and responsible leaders was an opportunity I could not pass up. I had experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life and that have enabled me to go on even more adventures in the wilderness every year after. I am a changed person and am grateful. 🙏

Life changing

I’ve always loved camping, hiking and being in nature. It is my happy place. I had aspired to be a backpacker however had zero clue where to start and where to begin. I didn’t want to do your generic REI trips. Nothing against that at all, I am just incredibly picky about who I trust with my education. Knowing Jake and Atomic, I knew it would be quality learning. I’d already done a lot of Legion events and been a member at the gym for several years. They decided to do their first ever all ladies Forge and I was in.

We were set up for success from the time we signed up. There was training, gear lists, packing lists, food education, pack fit and lots of questions answered leading up to the trip. The education on the trip was bar none. We learned water filtration, navigation (app and good old fashioned compass and map), how to watch and prepare for certain wildlife, how to deal with certain types of unplanned situations that might come up and so much more.

What I can’t quite put into words was the experience itself. Despite the fact I shredded my heels due to tight boots (yes I broke them in!) in the first mile of the trip, I had the best time. Jake got me bandaged up and I flat footed stomped my way through the rest of the trip. It’s hard to describe the bond you create with beautiful humans in the mountains. You can’t put a price on good conversation by the campfire miles from civilization under the stars. I came out of there with new friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

I discovered I feel at home and at peace out in the mountains. Most people would helicopter their way in or take a day hike. I’ve now seen places that most people will never see and if they do, it will be a photo. The challenge of learning while working your way through the trip is unbeatable. The sense of accomplishment after a trip and the confidence built is undeniable. You get the opportunity to be in a circumstance that makes you more comfortable with being uncomfortable. I took what I learned and have done 2 more backpacking trips since the first ladies Forge with a third coming up this year. A couple of those trips are with Forge alumni. An annual tradition we plan to continue. We know that people who have gone through this program have the skills. They won’t be a liability in any way, they are an asset. It’s changed my life for the better and there is no turning back now. As long as I can hike, I’ll be backpacking.

Do it.

Forge review
I went camping for the first time when I was 24 and then a second time when I was pregnant with my son Diego. Both of those experiences were memorable but not in a good way.

Fast forward to first female Forge…invited…used work as my excuse. Second female forge…..invited…work again. Third female forge I finally accepted the challenge.

I was scared to admit it but I was terrified about going. I thought I would fall off the side of the mountain during a hike. I didn’t feel physically and mentally prepared, even with all the Atomic gains. I also, was so scared about having to talk to and trust other people I had very little in common with.

It was the complete opposite. I ended up developing long lasting friendships. I felt confident and yes, I was still scared of falling off the side of a mountain. But, I didn’t and I knew that I had group of amazing Atomic peeps that were looking out for all of us and each one of us looking out for each other.

In September, 9 of us will be traveling to Yellowstone. That’s what this experience does for you, gives you the tools, friends, and courage to do what you might feel be the impossible.

Whether it’s jumping into a leech infested lake unknowingly or trekking across some big ass boulders that no one saw were ahead, now is the time to do it.

What's Your Latest Adventure?

Nothing feels better than putting Big Red in the She Shed and knowing that you can navigate nature without fear taking hold. I grew up basically in the outdoors, celebrated myself that I’ve done some pretty neat things outside and yet, I didn’t really know how to pack a pack, use a compass, map my route. Even more, I was afraid to sleep alone in a tent. I’ve done the Forge twice now. My fears were managed by learning the skills that gave me confidence that in fact, I can do hard things. And in that challenge, I felt the sun on my face, heard aspens whisper in the winds, felt camaraderie among women I didn’t realize I needed, thrived in discomfort, and received validation and gave it too. I never thought about emails to check, socials to scroll, or things I wanted. The Forge teaches you to be present and it gifts you with adventure. It is the reference point that will be by your side the rest of your life. The one that you’ll use over and over again to remind yourself when life gets bumpy that you can do hard things, you can persist, and you will press on. An invaluable tool that no one can ever take from you, and the adventure that will forever be your best friend.

Be a capable MF

I specifically remember when I told Atomic celebrity and influencer, Dan Dau, that I was going on the women’s Forge, he replied with “Stacy you know you have to poop in the woods and sleep on the ground right”. And right he was. But little did I know that the trip was going to instill a love for the backcountry that I never expected.

It’s hard to describe the forge to people, and when I still talk about it today, people still don’t really get it. You’re off the grid for 4 days, hauling 40 lbs worth of gear, eating dehydrated food, sleeping on the ground and hiking miles and miles every day…. And yet it has been some of the greatest moments of my life.

My first Forge, I came in not expecting much. I’m an adventurous gal but living in the backcountry was for sure out of my comfort zone, but alas I embraced it, and found out I’m one capable MF!! I left the forge with confidence in my survival skills, life long friends and a new nickname (IYKYK).
The next year I was asked to be a team leader. The answer was an obvious “DUH”. I had a foundation of knowledge from the year before, like how to read a compass, understand topography on an actual paper map, filter water, and do some basic land navigation shit, but I left that trip feeling even more confident in my capabilities. AND left the trip with a kick ass Rap Co written by my better half Miss Alex File.

If you’re debating on doing the Forge, I would HIGHLY encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and do it. It truly is an opportunity of a lifetime. One that if you pass up, I will gladly take your spot 🙂

Worm out.

Just Do It

Prior to my first Forge in 2020 in I’d spent a couple nights in a tent in my life, always closely adjacent to a car. I signed up to go not knowing if I’d hate it and be miserable, or love it. It was love! I’ve since gone on two more Forge trips, and last year a group of Forge alums and I planned our own backcountry trip to Glacier National Park using the skills we’d learned on prior trips. There’s nothing not to love you’re in the most beautiful environments, you push yourself beyond what you’re comfortable with, you get a break from technology, and spend time with an amazing group of people and coaches who share their knowledge. Not to mention the stories you return home with…ask me about the time I got “lost”. After our last Glacier trip, we wrote a little poem for Jake to sum up our experience and gratitude that I’ve included below. Just sign up. You won’t regret it, and you’ll maybe even come out a better person on the other side.
“The Forge”

You filled us with knowledge
And you gave us the key
To go out in nature
Where the mind is set free

Through valleys and meadows
Over streams and through brush
You gave us one tidbit
“Don’t be in a rush”

Take in all the beauty
Take in all the sounds
For it’s out within nature
That peace does abound

Our legs may grow weary
And our lungs they may yell!
But our hearts, they stay full
With the stories we’ll tell.

We’ll cherish the knowledge
You so graciously shared,
Because to be out in nature?
Well, nothing compares

The answer is go!

When trying to explain to friends or family that I’m going on a 5 day backpacking trip with my gym… everyone is pretty damn confused. Which is fair. But I think we all know that from the commonly played Viking music, to workouts titled “the Dark Side”…Atomic isn’t your typical gym, and that’s why we love it.
If you’ve ever been slightly curious about backpacking but haven’t gone because of lack of gear, knowledge, safety concerns,
or just nerves this trip provides the easiest , safest opportunity to finally see what the hype is all about..And I can promise you that Jake’s love for the outdoors and passion for sharing his knowledge about how to be successful in the backcountry is truly infectious.
Being able to disconnect from your phone and the craziness of whatever your day to day is and spend time in the wilderness with awesome people is truly the most magical reset there is.
Over two forges I have made incredible friends, actually learned how to read a map, realized that instant mashed potatoes and string cheese are one of the most underrated combos out there, and reignited a love for being outdoors that I’m forever thankful for.
If you’re on the edge, or a chronically indecisive gal like myself I’m here to tell you the answer is go. You will not regret it !

Hard to describe.

Ever hear the term… the picture doesn’t do it justice? Well, reviews can’t possibly do The Forge justice but I will attempt because I want others to have this unique experience. What about the term, “never ever have I…” ? Well, never ever have I seen such beauty. Never ever have I communed with such amazing women. Never ever have I done such hard things and had such an amazing time. Never ever have I learned such practical skills. Never ever have I had such a clarity that I swear my vision and hearing were better. Never ever have I been taught by such knowledge coaches. Never ever have I had such an unforgettable experience that I find myself craving and reliving on the regular. Never ever have I felt so accomplished. It is hard to describe and easy to love, Get out there!
~Feral

So special

2022 Ladies Forge attendee here!

The Forge was an incredibly formative experience. I went into this with zero backpacking knowledge, one close friend in attendance, and some worries about keeping up with the group. In the end, I emerged with tons of backcountry skills, many lasting bonds, and greater self confidence.
Jake and the coaches at Atomic do a great job of making sure you’re prepared for this journey both physically and equipmentally. We had plenty of time and resources to prepare for what we could, buy and borrow what we needed. There were checkpoints along this process to ensure we were all on track.
Jake and his team are extremely experienced in the backcountry and are very trustworthy. We always felt safe. Despite being in strange territory, they were able to facilitate this trip to learn, have fun, and make our own mistakes. We hiked, laughed, shared meals around campfires, and plunged into cool lakes after hours of work. It came with challenges but nothing insurmountable. The stories and pictures from our trip will always bring me joy. This experience is the reason I get to backpack twice a year, with women I connected with through Atomic.
To anyone considering, I fully recommend this opportunity.

Pros:
Literally everything

Cons:
I got the nickname “Lasagna Knuckles”

Love,
Katy
aka
Lasagna Knuckles