How to Plan a Backpacking Trip in 12 Simple Steps
Learn how to plan a backpacking trip! From how to pick a trail to what gear to pack, this guide covers all the important planning steps.
Author: Kristen Bor
With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.
Best Hiking Apps for Finding Local Trails & Navigation
Looking to discover new hikes? Here are the best hiking apps and trail finders to help you navigate and find local trails.
Best Camper Van Layouts for Families
Want to do van life with kids? Check out the best camper van layouts for families and 5 things to consider when designing your floor plan.
11 Tips for Hiking with Type 1 Diabetes
Don’t let Type 1 diabetes hold you back. Learn everything you need to know about hiking with diabetes.
Sprinter Van Bathroom: Pros, Cons & Would I Do It Again?
If you are thinking about building a bathroom in your Sprinter Van…read this first! Here’s my thoughts on the pros and cons of building a shower in your camper van after two van conversions.
Van Life Cooking: How to Meal Plan & Cook in a Small Space
This van life cooking guide shares tips for making easy meals in a camper van including how to plan, save money, and make doing dishes easy.
17 Places to Buy Discounted Outdoor Gear
Looking to score a deal on cheap camping gear? Here are 10 places to buy discounted outdoor gear – both new and used.
Van Life Internet: How to Get WiFi on the Road
Want to work from the road? Learn about vanlife internet and how to stay connected while camping and traveling in remote areas.
The Top Environmental Groups You Should Know
Here are the top environmental groups that you should know and support that are doing critical work to conserve our planet & public lands.
How to Choose a Hiking Trail: Tips Before Heading Out
Want to go hiking but not sure how to pick the right trail? Get our tips for choosing a trail plus considerations before heading out.
Best Campervan Toilet Options for Van Life
Learn about the best camper van toilet options including composting, cassette, and emergency toilets, plus where to find restrooms on the road
Cheap Road Trip Tips: How to Save Money on the Road
It’s easy to save money while you are on an epic road trip! We share all the best ways to pinch pennies on the road.
9 of the Coolest Nevada Ghost Towns to Explore
Looking to get spooked? These Nevada ghost towns are the coolest in the state. Learn where to go & what to do with these Nevada Ghost Town travel tips.
9 Best Backpacking Backpacks for Women in 2024
This roundup of the best backpacking packs includes our favorites plus the most important factors to consider when choosing a pack for your multi-day adventures.
Responsible Down Standard: Is Down Outdoor Gear Ethical or Eco-Friendly?
Is there such a thing as sustainable and ethical down? We’ve done some research and you can read everything we’ve discovered about down outdoor gear in this blog post.
Paria Canyon Backpacking Guide
Located on the Utah/Arizona border in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness, backpacking Paria Canyon involves 38 miles of hiking down the meandering riverbed…
Van Life with a Dog: Tips for Living & Traveling with Pets
Wondering what van life with a dog is like? Here are tips for living in a van with pets and finding dog-friendly activities while traveling.
How to Find Free Campsites for Car Camping & Van Life
Learn where and how to find FREE campsites on your next road trip with this list of our favorite websites, apps & maps for finding free dispersed camping.
Best Utah State Parks for Hiking and Camping
A complete guide to the best Utah state parks for hiking, camping, and site seeing including our favorite trails and viewpoints in each.
AeroPress Go: The Best Way to Make Coffee on the Road
Say goodbye to instant coffee. Get step-by-step instructions for making the best (and easiest) camp coffee of your life using an Aeropress.
Van Life 101: How-To Guide for Living in a Van
This is your ultimate guide to van life! Learn everything you need to know about living in a van so you can follow your van life dreams.
Best John Muir Trail Maps, Books, Apps, and Resources
Discover the best John Muir Trail planning tools. Here are our favorite John Muir Trail guidebooks, maps, apps, and blog posts for planning a successful thru-hike of the JMT.
Plant-Based Hiking: How to Get Enough Protein and Maintain Energy
Curious about plant-based diets but worried you won’t have enough energy on the trail? Read our tips on plant-based protein sources and how to stay energized on hikes.
Best Hikes in Utah: 20 Epic Trails – MAPPED!
A round-up of the best hikes in Utah! Get tips for exploring these bucket list trails from Utah’s National Parks to SLC’s highest peaks.
35 Lightweight Vegan Backpacking Food Ideas
Easy, delicious, lightweight, and filling backpacking food ideas that you wouldn’t even know are vegan.
How to Make Money on the Road: Career Tips for Van Lifers
Money money money! Learn how to make a living on the road while living and traveling in your van.
15 Camper Van Kitchens for Layout & Design Inspiration
Find inspiration for your next camper van kitchen with these beautiful layouts and designs!
The Essential Zion National Park Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Zion with this Zion National Park travel guide, with info on Zion’s campgrounds, must-do trails, permits, park shuttle & more.
10 Tips for Saving Money When You Live in a Van
On a budget, but still want to hit the road? Read our top tips for saving money while living van life!
How Much Does Van Life Cost? A Breakdown of Common Expenses
Curious about what it costs to live in a van? Learn the most common expenses and how much to budget.
Alta Ski Area: Winter Vacation Planning Guide
Plan your ski vacation to Alta Ski Area. Get details on terrain, lodging, dining, rentals & where to get a cold beverage after a day on the slopes.
5 Ways a Plant-Based Diet Benefits the Environment
Go vegan for the environment! Learn why switching to plant-based diet can help fight climate change, save our oceans, and more.
Lessons from my 4-Month Social Media Break and Why Digital Detox is Necessary
Considering a digital detox? I definitely recommend it! Learn the six best lessons I took away from my four-month social media break.
Montana In Winter: 8 Adventurous Activities (Besides Skiing)
From hot springing to dog sledding to skijoring, get outside on your Montana vacation with these 8 adventurous winter activities.
15 Beginner Skier Tips for Adults Learning How to Ski
Learn how to ski this winter with these beginner skier tips for adults. Find advice on gear, technique, form, lessons & more!
How to Choose Skis: Tips for Finding the Right Pair
Learn how to choose the best pair of skis so that you can have the most fun on the slopes!
Benefits of Skiing: 8 Reasons Why You Should Try It
Need a boost this winter? Try skiing! Here are 8 benefits of skiing that can help improve your health, confidence, and happiness.
22 Cold Weather Camping Tips for Staying Warm
Intrigued about cold-weather camping, but not sure you’re up for it? Read our best tips for staying warm and cozy this winter.
Tips for Living in a Van in Winter
Thinking about living in your van during the winter? Learn everything you need to know about wintering your van for comfort and safety
What to Wear Skiing: Ultimate Women’s Ski Apparel Guide
What to wear skiing – the ultimate guide to skiing apparel so you have the right clothes for staying warm, dry, and comfortable on the slopes.
Best Backpacking Water Filters and Purifiers of 2024
Check out the best backpacking water filters and learn what factors to consider when choosing one for your next adventure.
23 Van Life Safety Tips For Staying Safe On The Road
Worried about staying safe in your van? Read our tips for staying safe and secure on the road