The everyday adventurer’s one-stop shop

My mission is to make the outdoors more accessible by sharing real-world advice that motivates you to get outside, equips you with a robust outdoor skillset, and prepares you to face whatever challenges nature throws your way.

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 for hiking, camping, backpacking, road trips, van life and more. 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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– as seen on –
Woman standing on rocky Handies Peak summit wearing hiking gear and arms raised above her head
Kristen Bor wearing her baby in front of Salt Lake City's Wasatch Mountains
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
Free Trip Planning Resources

Get outside in half the time

Access my FREE Outdoor Trip Planning Toolkit full of printable PDF packing checklists, itineraries, and more.

  • Get organized and packed without all the stress
  • Never again leave home without the important essentials
  • Feel prepared as you embark on your adventure
  • Arrive at your destination with a plan

Make the packing and planning process a breeze, so you can skip to the fun part.

    Outdoor Trip Planning Toolkit - Mockup

    Here’s what you’ll find on Bearfoot Theory

    Search our outdoor travel tips
    Discover the prettiest vistas, the sweetest campsites, practical hiking tips, quality outdoor gear, and van life how-tos
    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 the Bearfoot Theory 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

    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.

    Kaylin Zittergruen driving a camper van
    Kaylin Zittergruen
    Contributor

    Kaylin is a full-time van lifer with a passion for storytelling and a heart for adventure. She spends her days exploring national parks and dispersed camping in her Sprinter Van with her husband, Tom, and cattle dog, Willow. When she’s not on the road, Kaylin enjoys hiking, backpacking, and trail running. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @katekeepswild.

    A man and a mini australian shepherd sitting in front of a Sprinter Van
    Ryan, Charlie and Gumbo
    Copilots

    Ryan is my partner, copilot, personal chef, and photographer when we are on the road in our van. You’ll also see our two pups Charlie and Gumbo on the blog. They live for hiking and road trips, and are obviously the stars of the show.


    Build your outdoor skills to expand your horizons


    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.

    A pinnable image with a women standing on top of a Sprinter Van in Rocky Mountain National Park with the text "Free Van Life Starter Pack - Checklists, Worksheets, and Resources to Kickstart your Van Life Adventure"
    YOUR ROADMAP TO VAN LIFE

    Download my Free Van Life Starter Kit

    Does this sound like your dream?

    • Wake up to a beautiful new view every morning with nature at your doorstep
    • Live a healthy, active lifestyle that gets you outside every day
    • Have the ability to travel spontaneously
    • Cook your own food and sleep in your own bed while on the road
    • Bring your pets along without the stress of finding pet-friendly accommodation
    • Simplify your life and get rid of the clutter

    Then van life might be for you. Sign up for my free email series and get my Van Life Starter Kit to learn everything you need to know about van life.

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      Our community’s take

      Inspiring Advice for Camping, Hiking, and Van Living