Outdoor Advice for Fresh Air Enthusiasts

From packing to planning, get practical advice for getting outside

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Van with awning out and woman sitting under awning at scenic overlook on Oregon Coast

7-Day Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

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Planning a road trip to the Pacific Northwest? Use this detailed Oregon Coast road trip itinerary to make the most of your adventure!
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Get Outside this Spring

Get outdoor tips and trip inspiration for hiking and exploring this Spring

Search my helpful outdoor tips
Sleep under the stars, plan that epic road trip, and breathe in the fresh air.
Bearfoot Theory Founder Kristen Bor hiking on Parker Ridge in Banff National Park
Hi, I’m Kristen!

Welcome to Bearfoot Theory

If you’re like me, you feel most alive in the outdoors. On the weekends, you’d rather hit the trail than the bar, and you choose sleeping under the stars over 5 star hotels.

In 2014, I quit my 9-5 Washington DC career to start this outdoor blog, where my goal is to make the outdoors more accessible for everyday people.

Here you’ll find my best trips, tips, and outdoor advice for hiking, camping, backpacking, road trips, van life and more. My goal is to prepare you with the knowledge, gear, and skillset you need to get outside, so you’re prepared for whatever nature throws at you.

Learn more about me
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  • Image of Sprinter Van camped under a starry sky with the text "Book a 1-on-1 Van Life Coaching Call"

Outdoor Gear Guides

Wherever you’re adventuring to next, make sure your gear has got your back, through thick and thin. Explore my favorite gear I’ve tested over the years.

See my top outdoor gear picks

Hiking

You don’t need to climb a 20,000 foot mountain to reap the rewards of the outdoors. All you need is a good pair of boots, a pack, and a few important hiking essentials. Get ready to hit some incredible hiking trails with my essential hiking tips and hiking gear roundups.

See all hiking blog posts

Backpacking

Backpacking is my favorite way to unplug. Here are the best trails I’ve hiked, my go-to backpacking gear, and advice for taking your backpacking skills to the next level

See all hiking blog posts

Camper Van Life

The Bearfoot Theory team has over 12 years of van life between us in all different types of vans, and we’re here to show you how it’s done. Learn how to pick the right van for your lifestyle, get inspiration for your van conversion, and learn practical advice for living in a van.

See all van life blog posts

Car Camping and Road Trips

I’ve been road-tripping around North America for the last 10 years. Explore my top itineraries, gear, and tips for planning an epic road trip or car camping adventure.

See all car camping blog posts

Be responsible outdoors.

We all have a responsibility to look after the places that we love.

Learn how to Leave No Trace

OUR COMMUNITY’S TAKE

Relatable Outdoor Advice

“I wanted to thank you for the incredible resources you have carefully curated on your website. I recently decided I want to explore the outdoors more and I was in the hunt to find good resources to help me with that. And boy did I find exactly what I needed in you! 

In two weeks I will be taking a trip to Zion to do some hiking and in October will be doing the Trans Catalina. I’ve read everything you have written on these areas and I feel so ready and prepared! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Julijana
“I love how the advice is straightforward, unlike some websites where I felt like reading the tips made me more nervous than I was before. Now that I read Bearfoot Theory more regularly, I appreciate how the advice is consistent, approachable, and not intimidating!

Bearfoot Theory has helped me see “I got this!” when it comes to spending time outside… I feel less spooked by all the things that could go wrong and more excited about doing what I love: spending time outside.”
Marika, California
California
Raised in the northeast and always on the ocean, getting into the mountains to hike and camp are new adventures for me! The information on Bearfoot Theory has been motivation to just get out there and DO IT! Your posts help me think about essentials, planning, safety, and fun! I especially like your gear lists. 

I appreciate that you take time to explain not only why I need an item, but you explain why you recommend that brand or item. Thanks for being an inspiration and educator!”
Jessica
Massachusetts
Woman hiking on trail in high alpine terrain carrying backpacking gear and holding trekking poles
Hiking the Zion Narrows is one of the best adventures in Zion National Park. Learn how to get a permit, book a shuttle to the start & more.
Woman sitting on rock overlook with two dogs looking out over blue alpine lake in Canadian Rockies
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