Ellen Kinsey
Ellen is the co-founder and editor of Barefoot Backpackers. She’s a longtime digital writer, yoga teacher, qualified Ayurvedic health coach and outdoor enthusiast who writes from the Austrian Alps.

About Ellen
Ellen has been a digital writer for 10 years, including three years as a senior health and wellness writer at Bauer Media, writing for Yours, Live For The Outdoors, Grazia, Closer, Heat, Modern Gardens, Spirit & Destiny and A Modern Kitchen. Her writing started at university, on the student newspaper and independent titles such as The Indiependent.
She has also worked extensively as a product writer: researching, comparing and cross-referencing products to find the best value in each category.
Ellen believes in staying connected to nature and prioritizing wellbeing, wherever her travels take her.
After leaving her full-time writing role, Ellen traveled to India to study Ayurveda and yoga. She spent three months backpacking across the country, staying in ashrams and completing an Ayurveda course at the Sivananda Dhanwantari Ashram in Kerala. She has since become a certified Ayurveda lifestyle and nutrition coach. She also spent four months in Central and South America, where she completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training in Peru.
Having lived in North America and Europe, Ellen has camped in Canada, skied in the Alps and backpacked through Southeast Asia and South America. She’s known for her planning and packing skills, and when she’s not writing you’ll find her practicing yoga, reading adventure books or out on an adventure.
Latest from Ellen
Latin AmericaBackpacker’s Travel Guide to Flores, GuatemalaDiscover the best things to do in Flores, Guatemala, including Tikal National Park, hostels, restaurants, yoga, budgets, and travel tips.
Latin AmericaBackpacker’s Travel Guide to Caye Caulker, BelizeThe best things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize, including snorkeling tours, sunset spots, hostels, food spots, beaches, & budget travel tips.
Barefoot ShoesBest Barefoot Sandals for Women for Warm WeatherThe best barefoot sandals for women for hiking, travel and everyday wear, from Earth Runners, Xero, Groundies and Vivobarefoot.
Merino WoolThe Ultimate Merino Wool Bra GuideBarefoot Backpackers recommends the best merino wool bra from 100% merino wool to 85%+ blends are our top picks from Icebreaker, Smartwool...
Outdoor GearBest Camping Table for Camping and Outdoor CookingOur guide to the best camping tables for cooking and dining from brands like GCI, Coleman, Naturehike, and more.
Outdoor GearBest Camping Stool for Backpacking & Car CampingOur guide to the best camping stool for backpacking, camping and festivals. From brands like Big Agnes, Alps Mountaineering, GCI and more.
Outdoor GearBest Portable Hammock for Backpacking and Car CampingOur 2026 guide to the best portable hammock for backpacking and car camping. From Onewind, ENO, Hennessy Hammock, and more...
Outdoor GearBest Camping Cot for Camping & HomeOur guide to the best cot camping bed for camping or for the spare room. From brands such as Coleman, Helinox, Teton…
Outdoor GearBest Self Inflating Sleeping Mat for Backpacking and CampingOur guide to the best self-inflating sleeping mat for backpacking to car camping. From brands like NEMO, Big Agnes, KLYMIT, and more.
Outdoor GearThe Lightest Folding Camp Chair for Backpacking: 2026 GuideThe lightest folding camp chairs for backpacking, car camping and festivals, compared on weight, comfort and packed size.
Outdoor GearBest Silk Sleeping Bag Liner: 100% Silk Options & Natural FibersThe best silk sleeping bag liners, from 100% silk to cotton-silk blends, plus performance and two-person options.
Outdoor GearBest Sleeping Bag Backpacking Options: Ultralight & DownOur guide to the best sleeping bag backpacking options with ultralight, down or synthetic material from Marmot, Western Mountaineering...
EuropeThe Ultimate One Week in Greece ItineraryPlanning a one week in Greece itinerary? Explore our 7–8 day itinerary covering Santorini, Paros & Athens with tips on ancient sites…
Barefoot ShoesBest Hiking Shoes Wide Toe Box Options in 2026Our guide to the best hiking shoes with a wide toe box for both men and women, from trail runners to rugged…
Latin AmericaOaxaca Travel Guide: Backpacking MexicoOur Oaxaca travel guide from backpacking Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, San José del Pacífico, and Oaxaca City features tips, route + budget.
Outdoor GearPacking List For Backpacking: 37 Travel Essentials & AccessoriesOur packing list for backpacking guide includes travel accessories, personal care and safety items, clothing, packing cubes, tech & fitness.
Barefoot ShoesThe Best Barefoot Women Dress ShoesThe best barefoot dress shoes for women, from the office to evenings out, with picks from Vivobarefoot, Xero and Groundies.
Outdoor GearBest Ceramic Travel Mug: Lined and Pure Ceramic with Lids OptionsThe best ceramic travel mugs, from ceramic-lined insulated mugs to pure ceramic cups with lids, for commutes, road trips and camp.
AsiaThe Perfect Two Week Sri Lanka ItineraryOur two-week Sri Lanka itinerary for the winter season: Weligama, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Sigiriya and Colombo.
AfricaOne Week in Marrakech Itinerary: Best Excursions + TipsThe perfect one week Marrakech itinerary with excursions: Ouzoud Waterfall, Atlas Mountain trek, desert camp, hammam and more.
AfricaOne Week in Morocco Itinerary Guide in 2026Plan a one-week, three-city Morocco itinerary through Chefchaouen, Fes and Marrakech, with food recommendations and sights.
EuropeOslo 4 Days Itinerary: Tips, Budget + Activity MapOur Oslo 4 days itinerary for every budget, including a map + ferry hopping, saunas, hikes, museums, coffee spots, and local neighborhoods.
Outdoor GearThe Best Tents for Backpacking in 2026The 11 best tents for backpacking, from ultralight solo shelters to roomy two-person tents, with picks from Nemo, ALPS and Coleman.
Ski & WinterBest Ski Bag for Travel Guide 2026The best ski bags for flights, road trips and resort days, from padded roller bags to simple sleeves, from Dakine, Thule and…
