Welcome to Bearfoot Theory

Inspiring you to live an active, adventurous life outdoors

Go Hiking

Build confidence for hiking, backpacking, and more!

Live in a Van

Learn EVERYTHING you need to know to hit the road in your dream rig

Plan a Trip

Explore my favorite destinations from a decade of exploring

Hi! I’m Kristen

Welcome to my outdoor adventure blog! I’m Kristen, and in 2014, I left my Washington, DC job in search of a more adventurous life. That leap led me to hiking the John Muir Trail, moving into a Sprinter Van, and launching this website—and I haven’t looked back since.

These days, I live full-time in my truck camper with my toddler. We spend our days hiking, chasing sunsets, exploring with our dogs, and traveling across North America in search of new adventures.

My goal is to help you experience the freedom of life outdoors—whether that means tackling new trails, planning a road trip, or embracing a life on the move. No matter where you are in your journey, I hope to inspire you to step outside and explore.

Learn more about me
Kristen Bor holding her son in White Sands National Park
Kristen Bor standing in a river in Paria Canyon with a backpacking pack on
– as seen on –
Outside logo
Lonely Planet logo
Forbes logo
REI Co-op logo
Backpacker logo
Matador Network logo
Reuters logo

Get Outside this Spring

These are my favorite tips for planning your spring adventures

My Home(s) on Wheels

Over the past 9 years, I’ve lived in four different adventure rigs – including three Sprinter Vans and my current Rossmonster Baja adventure truck. Take a closer look at these campers and the stories behind them in these posts.

Let’s turn your van life dreams into reality

Feeling overwhelmed by van life decisions? My 1:1 Van Life Kickstart Sessions are designed to help you cut through the noise and move forward with clarity. Whether you’re just starting out or stuck in the weeds, you’ll get personalized support to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to turn your van life dream into a reality.

Let’s Make It Happen
Kristen Bor working at the dinette inside the Rossmonster Baja Trail XL truck camper in the snow
Search my outdoor blog posts

Sleep under the stars, plan that epic road trip, and breathe in the fresh air.

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.

Kristen Bor holding Kula Cloth pee rag featuring a bear next to a lake with a cosmic mountain scene

Kula Cloth Review: Why I Love this Reusable Pee Rag

The Kula Cloth is an indispensable piece of gear for women and comes with me on every hike. This genius little piece of fabric is a pee rag that helps you maintain your hygiene in the backcountry. Read on for my full review.
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 backpacking 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

WHAT MY COMMUNITY SAYS

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