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
Barefoot ShoesThe Best Barefoot Boots Women GuideThe best barefoot boots for women: Chelsea boots, snow boots and hiking boots with wide toe boxes, from Vivobarefoot, Xero and more.
BackpacksBest Waistpack Bag: Travel & SportsThe best waist packs for travel and outdoor sports, from slim hip belts to lumbar packs, with picks from Osprey and Patagonia.
BackpacksBest 40L Backpacks for Women: Carry-on FriendlyThe best 40L backpacks for women for carry-on travel and weekend treks, with picks from Osprey, Deuter and Gregory.
Latin AmericaBackpacking Mexico Travel Guide: Route, Budget Tips + MapThe ultimate backpacking guide to Mexico, covering Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Yucatán. Here is our route, budget tips, and map.
AsiaThe Barefoot Backpackers’ India Travel GuideOur India travel guide for backpackers from four months on the road: routes, hostels, ashrams, nature and budget tips.
Merino WoolBest Thermal Leggings for Women: 100% Merino OptionsThe best thermal leggings for women in 100% merino wool, from Smartwool, Icebreaker, Meriwool and more, for skiing and hiking.
Merino WoolThe Ultimate Merino Wool Base Layer GuideThe best merino wool base layers for men, women and kids: long sleeves, leggings and more in 100% merino for warmth and…
BackpacksBest Backpack Personal Item: Airline Compatible 2026The best personal item backpacks that fit under airline seats, with picks from Osprey, The North Face and Cotopaxi.
BackpacksBest 60L Backpack for Travel and TrekkingThe best 60L backpacks for long treks and backpacking trips, with picks from Osprey and Deuter compared on fit and carry comfort.
Outdoor GearBest Walking Poles for HikingThe best walking poles for hiking, from folding to telescoping poles, with picks from Black Diamond and LEKI.
Merino WoolBest Merino Wool Socks: 100% Merino & Natural BlendsThe best merino wool socks for hiking and everyday wear, from 100% merino to high-merino blends with a little nylon for strength.
Merino WoolBest Merino Wool Underwear for Men and WomenBarefoot Backpackers recommends the best merino wool underwear for men and women. From 100% merino wool to 85%+ blends are our top…
BackpacksBest Backpacking Backpacks for Travel: 2026 GuideThe best backpacking backpacks for travel, from 15L daypacks to 70L trekking packs for men and women, from Osprey and Deuter.
Merino WoolMerino Wool Hiking Socks for Cold & Warm Weather HikesA practical guide to merino wool hiking socks, covering cushioning and compression options from Smartwool, Darn Tough, and more...
EuropeThings to do Oslo: Map, Guide & TipsThe best things to do in Oslo, with a map, budget tips, free landmarks, museums and activities for a one- or two-day…
Cotton & LinenWhat to Wear in a Sauna: Natural Fiber GuideLearn what to wear in a sauna using natural fibers like merino wool, cotton towels, sauna hats, and changing robes for the…
Natural FibersSauna Accessories & Apparel: Our Natural Fiber GuideOur guide to sauna accessories and clothing focused on natural materials, sauna hats, towels, brushes, aromatherapy and buckets...
Travel Guides17 Best Retreats for Women: US & InternationalRetreats for women in the US and around the world, from yoga and nature escapes to wellness getaways for your next trip.
Outdoor GearOur All-Season Guide to Trail Running GearOur ultimate guide to trail running gear including natural fiber clothing, minimalist trail running shoes, hydration vests and accessories...
Outdoor GearThe Best Runners Backpack for Trail Runs & FastpackingFind the best runners' backpacks and large capacity vests for trail runs and fastpacking with picks from Black Diamond, Osprey, Camelbak...
Outdoor GearLights for Runners: Headlamps, Chest Mounts & Clip-OnsFind the best lights for runners for visibility and safety in low-light conditions from brands such as Biolite, Nathan, Black Diamond...
Outdoor GearBest Runners Water Bottle for Vests, Belts & HandheldOur guide to the best runners' water bottle options: handheld, packable, insulated, and trail hydration from Hydrapak, Camelbak, Salomon...
Outdoor GearBest Weighted Vest for Runners and HikersOur guide to the best weighted vest for runners. Whether you're walking or running, here are top picks from Hyperwear, TRX, Cap…
Outdoor GearVest for Runners: Hydration and Storage for TrailsOur guide to the best vest for runners with practical guidance on hydration, fit, and everyday performance from Osprey, Salomon & more...
