What Happens If You Can’t Summit? And Other Hard Truths from the Trail
Description
What if you trained for months, travelled halfway across the world, and then couldn’t summit? In this solo episode, expedition leader Jake Field explores what really happens when adventure doesn’t go to plan and why that’s okay.
Jake shares real client stories from treks where things didn’t go as expected, offers practical advice on how to prepare mentally for these moments, and breaks down how Ultimate Adventure Travel prioritises safety, self-awareness, and long-term growth over “summit fever.”
If you’ve ever feared “failing” on a big adventure, this episode will reshape your mindset and equip you with the tools to turn tough moments into transformative ones.
✅ Key Takeaways:
- Adventure isn’t just about the summit — it’s about the whole journey.
- Altitude, illness, injury, and weather are all real factors that can impact success.
- Social pressure and “summit fever” can be more dangerous than the trek itself.
- Turning back can be the bravest decision — and doesn’t mean failure.
- Ultimate Adventure Travel prioritises safety, wellbeing, and full support for every traveller.
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Why This Episode Matters
01:45 – Social Pressure & Summit Expectations
07:00 – Highs, Lows, and the Whole Journey
11:00 – Common Reasons People Don’t Summit
16:00 – “Summit Fever” vs. Safety
20:00 – Real-Life Story: Turning Back on Mount Toubkal
26:00 – Injury Before the Trip: Choosing to Show Up Anyway
30:00 – What Makes UAT Different
32:00 – The Three Priorities of Every Trip
34:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Prepare Mentally
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