Author: Kim Vawter

Planning a long-distance backpacking trip? Looking for lightweight backpacking gear recommendations? Start with this complete Pacific Crest Trail gear list that includes every single item packed for a 5-month thru-hike from Mexico to Canada.

The Complete Pacific Crest Trail Gear List

Backpacking Gear

Planning a long-distance backpacking trip? Looking for lightweight backpacking gear recommendations? Start with this complete Pacific Crest Trail gear...Read More

Thinking about thru-hiking the PCT? Check out these 20 Pacific Crest Trail photos and the story behind them from a girl who solo-hiked the PCT.

20 Photos to Inspire You to Thru-Hike the Pacific Crest Trail

Backpacking Trips

Thinking about thru-hiking the PCT? Check out these 20 Pacific Crest Trail photos and the story behind them by...Read More

Plan your Maine road trip with our list outdoor activities and things to do in Acadia National Park, including the best hikes, drives, eats & more.

Things to Do in Acadia National Park for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Maine

Plan your Maine road trip with our list outdoor activities and things to do in Acadia National Park, including...Read More

Joshua Tree Backpacking: The California Hiking & Riding Trail

Backpacking Trips

Joshua Tree isn't just for climbers! Learn about the 35 mile California hiking and riding trail - an awesome...Read More

Swap out a day of bagging peaks for bagging trash on your favorite trail by getting involved with a volunteer trail maintenance group or organization near you.

The Ultimate 7-Day Florida National Parks Itinerary

Florida

Visit Key Biscayne, Everglades & Dry Tortugas National Parks with this 7-day Florida National Parks itinerary +travel tips for...Read More

A little Instamagic

Last year, we spent nearly three months exploring

Last year, we spent nearly three months exploring Colorado in our van and completely fell in love.

The hiking, dispersed camping, National Parks, and cool towns has us completely hooked.

To help you plan your own trip, I finally put together a list of my favorite road trip stops, with things to do along the way.

Click the “blog” link in my bio or swipe up on my latest IG stories to check it out!

Important Note: Before you travel, please do your research to ensure these areas are open to visitors, follow local guidelines, and do your part to be a responsible visitor. That means taking precautions against COVID-19 like wearing a mask and social distancing. Also, as we ask with all of the destinations we share, please follow Leave No Trace guidelines and practice good trail etiquette. If you want to brush up on these skills, I have a ton of resources on my website. Feel free to PM me, and I can point you in the right direction 😊
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#colorado #visitcolorado #coloradical #coloradoadventures #coloradogram

I AM Brave I AM Confident I AM Nimble I AM Strong

I AM Brave
I AM Confident
I AM Nimble
I AM Strong

This was my mantra yesterday as I scrambled up the knife ridge to summit of Mt. Superior and Monte Cristo. It was a beast of a hike, and every time I felt overwhelmed or scared, I paused, repeated those words, and kept going. Practicing affirmations like this on the trail was a first for me, and I truly believe it’s what helped me get to the top.

Imagine how different my day would have been if I had instead focused on thoughts of fear, self-doubt, and anxiety. I likely would have turned around and been disappointed in myself that I missed my chance to stand on top of this beautiful peak that I’ve had my eye on for the last 5 years (and something I was fully capable of).

Managing worry and fear is something I’ve been actively working on lately, and yesterday I realized that THE STORY WE TELL OURSELVES MATTERS. These I AM affirmations, as simple as it may sound, have the power to change your mindset, and I know I’ll be relying on them next time I’m doing something outside my comfort zone.

What story do you tell yourself?
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Note: Normally, dogs are not allowed on this trail. Charlie is a medical service dog for my partner's Type 1 Diabetes, and medical service dogs are allowed on this trail.
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#hiking #goprohero8 #visitutah #utahgram #affirmations

The most memorable adventures for me are spontaneo

The most memorable adventures for me are spontaneous ones that aren’t found on apps or in guidebooks....

After spotting this riverside campsite from the road, we set up a tent, stashed one of our bikes in the bushes and drove a few miles upriver. We then floated down in our packrafts right back to our campsite, and Ryan hopped on his bike to go back up and get the van.

Share a story about an unexpected day of adventure you’ve had recently down in the comments.
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#vanlife #osvtribe #packrafting #kokopelli #riverlife #camping #boondocking #sprintervanlife

When we say “the outdoors is for everyone,” or

When we say “the outdoors is for everyone,” or “the outdoors doesn’t see color,” white people are not recognizing inherent inequalities, racism, and additional barriers that many People of Color face when looking to get outside.

Historically, communities of color were often excluded from outdoor spaces and recreation, including some areas of our National Parks, and racism outdoors is still a serious problem today. I’ve been thinking a lot about this as we travel in our van to some of the rural places in the mountain west. How would my experience be different if Ryan and I didn’t look the way we do? Would we feel comfortable turning on random dirt roads to get off-the-beaten path?

There are also other barriers that BIPOCs often face to getting outside. Lack of nearby green spaces, limited disposable income to buy expensive gear, or the need to work multiple jobs to make ends meet, which leaves little time for outdoor activities.

Behind the scenes, we’ve been having a lot of discussions about what we at Bearfoot Theory can do to help change this and to make the outdoors a more diverse place that’s welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all – a place that better reflects the diversity of our country.

One thing we can do is elevate BIPOC voices and support the important efforts of organizations that are working directly to address racism and make the outdoors more diverse.

In our latest blog post, we rounded up 15 groups that are doing great work to improve diversity outside. Our list is by no means exhaustive, and we will update as we go and discover other groups (let us know in the comments). We encourage you to learn about the work they’re doing and to support them if you can.

I’ve tagged these groups in the photo so you can go directly to their IG feeds or you can swipe up on my latest IG stories to learn more.

For Ryan’s birthday, my amazing friend @rfhall.a

For Ryan’s birthday, my amazing friend @rfhall.art created this drawing of @charlietheadventuredog, with the beautiful frame made by her hubby and our close friend @gonesoft. I’m speechless really and so happy we have such a meaningful piece of art of our Charlie boy. Thanks Becky and Jon! And obviously if anyone wants a portrait done, you know where to go 😊
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#dogportrait #dogportraits #miniaussie #bordercolliemix #dogdrawing

This little blog of mine hit a major milestone thi

This little blog of mine hit a major milestone this month....after 6 years of hard work, my website hit 500k page views/month in July!

My blog began as a dream while sitting in my Washington DC cubicle. I had no background in blogging or social media, but I was determined to create a different life for myself. So I quit, moved, and put every waking minute into building Bearfoot Theory. If you’ve been thinking about going down your own path, I hope my story shows you it can be done. You just have to believe in yourself and not give up, even when you get discouraged.

I also didn’t do this alone. A huge thanks to @lindarromero, @kath_englishman, @divinely_human, @indylachic (BFT’s first employee!), @samvanzam, @natefillnowfilms, and @yourfriendpraveen...you are awesome, and this wouldn’t be possible without your contributions over the years.

And to you, the BFT community. I have so much gratitude. Thank you for being here, for being kind and open-minded, for every time you visited my website, and for all of the support. ❤️

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