Kamryn Renae is quite the controversy…
But I think most people are focusing on the wrong thing.
If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know I spend plenty of time encouraging people, especially women, to get outside safely and confidently.
So this has nothing to do with whether women belong outdoors, and I’m certainly not here to judge what someone wears. I opened with “OnlyFans hiker” simply because many people recognize that description more than her actual name.
Kamryn believes contaminated water may have contributed to her illness. But regardless of the cause, there’s an important lesson every hiker should know:
Altitude sickness doesn’t discriminate.
Near the summit of Mount Whitney, where Kamryn was eventually airlifted from the trail, your body has access to only about 58% of the oxygen available at sea level.
You can be an elite athlete and still develop Acute Mountain Sickness. You can also be a beginner and feel completely fine.
If you’re planning Mount Whitney, Colorado 14ers, Kilimanjaro, or any other high altitude adventure, here are five things that can keep you from feeling sick:
1. Spend a night or two at moderate elevation before going higher.
2. Gain elevation gradually whenever possible.
3. Know the early symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping.
4. Stay hydrated and eat regularly, but understand that water alone will not prevent altitude sickness.
5. Never push through worsening symptoms. The best treatment for AMS is descending to a lower elevation.
One more thing: people with large audiences have influence, whether they intend to or not.
That’s true for me, it’s true for Kamryn, and it’s true for every creator in the outdoor space.
The problem is that social media rarely shows the entire story. Viewers see the summit photo, not the acclimatization days. They see the views, not the headaches. They see the success, but not the close calls.
And sometimes people unknowingly copy what they see. That’s why I think creators have a responsibility to talk about preparation and safety, not just scenery.
Mountains don’t care how many followers you have. And neither does altitude sickness.
Save this for your next high altitude adventure, and follow Outdoorwiselivng more hiking tips and trail guides.
Having personally tackled several high-altitude hikes, I can attest to how unpredictable altitude sickness can be, regardless of physical fitness. On a climb to a 14,000-foot summit, I once ignored mild headaches and nagging fatigue, thinking they were just part of the exertion. But as symptoms worsened, I realized how crucial it is to listen to your body. One strategy that helped me was spending an extra day around 8,000 feet before ascending further, which significantly eased acclimatization. It's also important to understand that staying hydrated is just one piece of the puzzle. While water helps, it won’t prevent altitude sickness alone. A balanced diet and regular meals play a key role in maintaining energy and resilience. During one trip, I found that salty snacks helped me retain fluids better and kept dizziness at bay. Moreover, as the article points out, the rise of outdoor influencers has a big impact on how people prepare for hikes. I've followed several hiking creators who showcase stunning summit shots but rarely discuss the tough parts like acclimatization struggles or altitude sickness symptoms. This sometimes creates unrealistic expectations, especially for beginners. From my experience, it's crucial for hikers and creators alike to share not only the highlights but also the lessons learned on the trail—the early warning signs, the importance of pacing, and when it’s necessary to turn back or descend. Remember, no summit is worth risking your health. Mountains don’t care about your experience level or social media status; altitude sickness can affect anyone. For anyone planning a high-altitude adventure—whether Mount Whitney, Kilimanjaro, or Colorado’s 14ers—taking these precautions seriously can make the difference between a rewarding experience and a dangerous situation. Start gradual, monitor your symptoms closely, and don't hesitate to descend if needed. Your safety is the ultimate goal on any hike.
