The everyday adventurer’s one-stop shop
Whether you want to try a new outdoor activity, summit your first 14er, embark on van life, or plan an epic backpacking trip, I’m here to help you take the leap
Get Outside with Confidence
If you’re like me, you want to be prepared, responsible, and know what you’re getting yourself into when you venture out into the wilderness. But you’re also busy, and sometimes trip planning can be overwhelming.
Where to go, what to wear, what gear to pack, how to be safe. It’s easy to get bogged down with all of these questions.
Luckily I’m a type A planner and over the last 9 years as an outdoor blogger, I’ve documented my best trips, tips, and outdoor advice. My goal is to save you time, support you in your journey outdoors, and help to feel prepared for whatever nature throws at you.
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my story
Finding Freedom Outside
Hi, I’m Kristen. I didn’t grow up hiking and camping, and for many years I felt intimidated by the outdoors.
It seemed like everyone around me knew what they were doing. I, on the other hand, was scared about not being fit enough, having the right gear, or getting caught in a bad situation. I had a lot of fears that prevented me from getting outside.
It wasn’t until after college that I went on my first backpacking trip. A lot of things went wrong on that trip, but I got a taste and I knew I wanted more.
Following that trip, life in my 20s took me to Thailand where I taught SCUBA diving, grad school in Santa Barbara and then to Washington DC where I was working in environmental policy. By then, I was out of shape, spending too many nights at happy hour and drifting further away from the “outdoorsy” person that I dreamed of being.
So in 2014 at age 31, I decided to make a big change. I quit my job, moved back West, started this blog, and embarked on a 22-day backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail.
On the last night of the hike — watching the sunset — I realized that the happiest, healthiest version of myself was one that prioritized time outdoors…
…and so for the past 9 years I’ve been sharing my experiences here on Bearfoot Theory. Because I want to help those –– like me –– who once felt intimidated by the outdoors. If I can do it, so can you!
Now at 40, I’m a mom to a baby boy and two awesome dogs. I spend winters in Salt Lake City and my summers traveling and working out of my 4×4 Sprinter Van with my partner Ryan. When I’m not outside you can find me eating delicious vegan food and listening to the band Phish.
Thanks for being part of this community and see you on the trail!
Kristen Bor
Want to know more about me? Dive into these recent life updates where I get personal
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WHAT WE STAND FOR
Responsible Recreation
Being prepared outside doesn’t just mean having a map and the right gear. It means having a poop kit and knowing how to extinguish campfires safely.
Being outside reminds us that we are part of a much bigger picture. That’s why we support Leave No Trace and always work to leave places better than we find them.
Knowing how to preserve this beautiful landscape will mean future generations can enjoy and explore it too.
Meet our female-Powered Team
We are a team of hikers, bikers, and van lifers, exploring North America in our own unique styles in an effort to help you find new adventures, near and far
Linda Romero
Director of Operations
Linda and Kristen met in grad school while studying Environmental Science & Management. Realizing a traditional 9-5 didn’t suit her, she embarked on a year-long road trip, driving all the way to Patagonia in her vintage Vanagon. Today, Linda, now a mom, splits her time between Baja and San Diego, spending as much time outdoors as possible. She’s got an eye for details and takes charge of all our brand partnerships.
Courtney Stephenson
Content Manager
Courtney is an avid hiker and live music lover who left Las Vegas and her corporate career as a fashion buyer to pursue a life on the open road. She is currently living the nomadic lifestyle full-time on the road in her camper van. She works fully remotely too, overseeing our content, our editorial calendar, and our contributing writers. Her home on wheels is a DIYed 1999 Ford E150 Econoline van.
Becky Timbers
Contributor
After college and a few stints abroad, Becky landed a job with a fleet of National Geographic cruise ships, spending the next 10 years sailing the world. She now adventures from the seat of her bike (and a RAM ProMaster), helping us keep all of our content up to date and relevant. Her blog — Two Wheeled Wanderer, — inspires more people to explore the world on two wheels.
Charlie & Gumbo
Kristen’s Copilots
Charlie (a border collie mix) and Gumbo (a mini-aussie) are Kristen’s canine buds that travel with her and her partner Ryan in their Sprinter Van. These adventure dogs make frequent appearances on the blog and in the wild can be found playing fetch (Charlie), giving kisses (Gumbo), and rolling around in dirt and puddles…of course before jumping straight into bed.
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All about
Van Life
Maybe you’ve seen all the vans in trailhead parking lots and wondered “is van life for me?”
In 2015 I asked myself the same questions. At the time, I was a solo female traveling in my Subaru. After spending too much money on hotels, detours due to weather, and a developing a strong desire to work from the road, I decided to take the plunge into van life.
I bought an empty Sprinter Van, had it converted into a camper, and set off on the open road. It should have been freeing. Instead, my first van build was riddled with problems.
I learned a lot of expensive lessons, and now two Sprinter vans later, I spend more than half the year living and working remotely from my dream van, waking up with the outdoors at my doorstep every morning.
The Bearfoot Theory team has more than 12 collective years of van life between us, and we’re here to help you get on the road more smoothly with expert advice on converting your van and tips for living on the road – so you can find that freedom you’re looking for.
Start with these Popular Van Life Posts
Sprinter Van Conversion Tour: Custom 4×4 Outside Van
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