Latest Outdoor Blog Posts

Welcome to the Bearfoot Theory outdoor adventure blog! This is a great place to check out our blog posts in chronological order. Whether you are looking to plan a trip, discover the best in gear, or learn a new outdoors skill, you can do all of that here.

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New to the outdoors? Check out my Beginner’s Guides

Outdoor 101 Blog Posts

My Most Popular Posts

Woman sitting on the ground in front of a backpacking tent cooking on a backpacking stove

My 3-Day Backpacking Checklist (with PDF)

This comprehensive backpacking checklist includes every item I pack when I’m going backpacking. If you’re looking for a backpacking packing list with lightweight gear and a couple of luxuries that will maximize your comfort both at camp and on the trail, you’ve come to the right place.

Kristen Bor and her partner taking a selfie next to a blue geyser in Yellowstone's West Thumb Geyser Basin with Yellowstone Lake in the Background

Epic 7-day Teton and Yellowstone Road Trip Itinerary

Sprinter van camped in the desert with camping gear set up outside

Best Van Life Gear at REI

Curious about van life? Learn how to live in a van with tips on van conversions, downsizing, making money as a van lifer, and more.

Van Life 101: How-To Guide for Living in a Van

A view of the sun setting from Sunset Point in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Best Hikes in Utah: 20 Epic Trails – MAPPED!

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Blog

Two people sit outside their Sprinter van using the Moonshade portable awning

42 Van Life Essentials that Make Life on the Road Easier

Kristen Bor wearing the Deuter Trail 28 SL backpack on a trail in Park City with green foliage

How to Tell If a Hiking Daypack Fits You Well (and Why It Matters)

Kristen Bor hiking away from the camera wearing the deuter trail 28 sl backpack

deuter Trail 28 SL Review: A Perfect Fit for Women Hikers

Kristen Bor wearing the Deuter Trail 28 SL backpack on a trail in Park City with green foliage

Best Women’s Hiking Day Packs I’ve Personally Tested and Love

Learn how to choose a van, understand van conversion options, and the basics of life on the road in The Beginner’s Guide to Van Life 101.

My Minimalist Van Life Clothing Packing Checklist (after 9 years on the road)

Sprinter Van camped at free dispersed campsite in Colorado during fall with mountains in the background

My Exact Process for Finding Free Dispersed Campsites Away from Crowds

Kristen Bor standing on a cliff on the ocean wearing hiking clothes and a backpack

Best Sun Protection Shirts for Women in 2025 (Reviewed)

Woman hiking in front of the ocean in Maui wearing hiking shorts, REI Sahara Shade long sleeve shirt for sun protection, a hat, and a hiking daypack

2025 REI Anniversary Sale: 35 Amazing Outdoor Gear Deals

Plan a relaxing trip to Burgdorf Hot Springs in McCall, Idaho in summer or winter, including info on cabin rentals, nearby camping and more.

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Burgdorf Hot Springs, Idaho

Kristen Bor cooking in a sprinter van

Camper Van Cooking Equipment I Swear By (a complete checklist)

A man backpacking with a dog next to a waterfall

15 Trail-Tested Tips for Backpacking With a Dog (What I’ve Learned)

15 Jaw Dropping Outdoor Aventures In Kauai

15 Jaw Dropping Outdoor Aventures In Kauai

Rossmonster Baja Trail Adventure Truck Review

Rossmonster Baja Trail Adventure Truck Review

Interior of converted Sprinter Van

Touring My 170″ Sprinter Camper Van: The Ultimate Adventure Rig

View of Havasu Falls from above with waterfall cascading into turquoise blue water surrounded by red rock cliffs

Havasu Falls Hike: Your Complete Trail Guide (with map!)

Havasu Falls

How to Get a Havasu Falls Permit: My Step-by-Step Guide

Kristen Bor sitting on the edge of Mooney Falls next to the camping at Havasu Falls

Planning a Camping Trip to Havasu Falls? This Is the Only Guide You’ll Need

Bearfoot Theory founder Kristen Bor skiing powder wearing a pink Patagonia jacket at irwin lakes in Crested Butte Colorado

What to Wear Skiing: Women’s Ski Apparel Guide

Women hiking on snowy trail in the forest to Wapta Falls in Yoho National Park

2024 REI Winter Sale: These are the 15 Best Deals!

A woman stands on a summit looking over a blue lake and lots of alpine trees. She's wearing red Oboz hiking boots

My Favorite Oboz Hiking Boots – Reviewed

Living in a van with your significant other can be both rewarding and challenging. Learn our tips for healthy van life relationships here.

How Live in a Van as a Couple: Tips for Maintaining Harmony

Bearfoot Theory founder Kristen Bor winter hiking with her mini aussie dog on a snowy trail in Utah

My Favorite Women’s Winter Hiking Pants – Reviewed

Woman hiking in winter snow - Explore the best winter hiking clothes, essential gear, and tips for layering for cold weather

What to Wear Hiking in Winter: Cold Weather Layering Basics

Collage of gifts with text "Gifts for Hikers and backpackers - 25 Lightweight gifts for hitting the trail"

20 Ultralight Gifts for Hikers and Backpackers

Collage of gifts for male outdoor enthusiasts with text "Gifts for Outdoorsmen - 25 Cool Gifts He'll Actually use"

25 Cool Gifts for Outdoorsmen (2024)

Collage of gifts for female outdoor enthusiasts with text "Gifts for Outdoorsy Women - 25 Cute Gift Ideas She'll Love"

25 Cute and Useful Gifts for Outdoorsy Women (2024)

Collage of National Park gifts with text "National Park Gift Guide - unique gift ideas for national park lovers"

30 Unique and Thoughtful Gifts for National Park Fans

Text "2024 Van Life Gift Guide: 35 Practical Gifts for Van Lifer" with product images

Van Life Gift Guide: 35 Practical Gifts All Van Lifers Need (2024)

collage of outdoor gear with the text "2024 Holiday Outdoor Gift Guide - 75 Gifts for Outdoor Enthusiasts"

75 Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers (2024)

Sawtooth Mountains behind a green meadow

9-Day Idaho Road Trip Itinerary for Adventurous Travelers

Kristen Bor sitting at the top of Table Rock in Boise overlooking the city

9 Things to Do Outside in Boise During Summer

Kristen Bor looking out at mountains and fall colors in Telluride, Colorado while hiking the Wasatch Connector Trail

Day Hiking Essentials: What I Bring on Every Hike

Kristen Bor wearing a red Arc'teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket with the hood on during a rainy hike

Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket Review: Is it worth the price?

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

Kristen Bor and another woman sitting in the back of a Sprinter Van in Moab Utah. Shot is taken with a drone

Where to Camp in Moab: Best Free Dispersed and Paid Campsites

An orange tent at a campsite with green grass and mountains

How to Reduce Waste on Car Camping Trips

Kristen Bor sitting on edge of Sprinter Van in Moab on a hot summer day

13 Tips to Stay Cool in Your Camper Van (Without Air Conditioning)

Tips and advice on how to successfully introduce your partner to camping for the first time.

11 Tips for Taking Someone Camping for the First Time

Kristen Bor sitting in camp chair next to camp table at a campsite in Colorado

10 Reasons to Embrace Slow Travel During Your Van Life Journey

Hiker on trail in Big Bend National Park

Visiting Big Bend National Park: First-Timers Guide

Tent pitched at a backcountry campsite next to a lake

How to Choose a Backcountry Campsite (that follows Leave No Trace)

Kristen Bor standing at the base of Burney Falls in California

20 Best Places to Visit in California for Outdoor Adventure