Outdoor Advice for Fresh Air Enthusiasts

The Essential Hiking, Camping and Van Life Blog

Gather everything you need to feel empowered on your next outdoor adventure

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Choose your Adventure

From packing to planning, get practical advice for getting outside

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Kick off your mud-caked boots. Slide into your coziest camp chair. And get ready to live your best life outdoors with Bearfoot Theory.

Whether you’re looking for a mid-week outing to unplug or a month-long camper van road trip to escape from it all, you’ll find the tips you need to get out the door.

Explore our Latest Blog Posts

Check out the best backpacking stoves and learn the pros and cons of canister, liquid fuel, and alternative fuel options, plus how to choose.

Best Backpacking Stoves of 2023

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Check out the best backpacking stoves and learn the pros and cons of canister, liquid fuel, and alternative fuel options.
Here are the best camp chairs of 2021 including the top lightweight, comfortable options for camping to keep your back and tush happy.

The Best Camping Chairs of 2023

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Here are the best camping chairs including the top lightweight, comfortable options for camping & backpacking to keep your back and tush happy.
Get recommendations for the best backpacking tents and learn what key features to consider when choosing a new lightweight tent for the backcountry.

Best Backpacking Tents in 2023

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Get recommendations for some of the best tents for backpacking and learn the most important factors to consider when shopping for a new tent.
Woman sitting on the ground in front of a backpacking tent cooking on a backpacking stove

3-Day Backpacking Checklist (2023)

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This complete backpacking checklist includes all the lightweight gear you’ll need when packing for an overnight trip in the backcountry.
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Sleep under the stars, plan that epic road trip, and breathe in the fresh air.
Welcome

Helping you become an independent explorer

We at Bearfoot Theory feel most alive in the outdoors. On the weekends, we’d rather hit the trail than the bar, and we choose sleeping under the stars over 5 star hotels.

As one of the leading outdoor blogs run by an all-female team, our goal is to share real-world outdoor advice and experiences that the average outdoor enthusiast can relate to.

Whether it’s hiking, camping, backpacking or van life, we’re here to help you become a confident, independent explorer who thrives outside.

Learn more about us
Kristen smiling for photo on high alpine trail in Sequoia National Park in California wearing backpacking gear and Wallaroo sun hat
Bearfoot Theory founder
Kristen Bor

Hi! I’m a hiking obsessed, half-time van lifer who is happiest in the mountains. My team and I are here to help you feel prepared and to have meaningful experiences in the outdoors.

Outdoor Gear Guides

Stay warmer. Ache free. And better fueled.

Wherever you’re adventuring to next, make sure your gear has got your back, through thick and thin. Explore the best in gear here.

See our top outdoor gear picks

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With the Dyrt PRO, you can discover more than 45,000 campgrounds, plan your route, access maps offline, and more. Read our full review here.

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Essential Outdoor Spring Travel Tips

Enjoying spring

Spring is one of the best times to get outside. Learn how to make the most of this season.

Best National Parks in Spring
What to Wear Hiking in the Desert
Tips for Hiking in the Rain
Best Women’s Rain Jackets for Hiking
10 Day Hiking Essentials
Road Trip Utah National Parks
Death Valley NP Itinerary
Best Joshua Tree NP Hikes

Be responsible outdoors.

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

Learn how to reduce your impact

Hiking and Backpacking

Explore the wilderness on foot

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 our essential hiking tips and hiking gear roundups.

See all hiking blog posts

All About Van Life

Find Freedom on the Open Road

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 and smart solutions to living a more spontaneous lifestyle.

See all van life blog posts

Need more Van Life Inspiration?

Sign up for our free email series

We will walk you through the entire process of buying a van, planning a conversion, and hitting the road in a van that you absolutely love.

Car Camping and Road Trips

The open road is calling

Tuck into the forest someplace quiet. Set up base camp with views as far as the eye can see. Refuel at the end of the day by the crackling campfire, knowing a new adventure is waiting for you tomorrow. Explore road trip tips and detailed itineraries across North America to find hidden gems off-the-beaten-path.

See all car camping blog posts

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
Here is a roundup of the best cheap backpacking gear plus tips for buying quality, budget gear for your next backcountry camping trip.
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.
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