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 ShoesBest Runners Shoe: Minimalist and Barefoot FootwearThe best runners shoes for minimalist and barefoot running, from Vivobarefoot, Xero and Altra, for road, trail and everyday miles.
Outdoor GearThe Ultimate Guide to Running Gear for Cold WeatherOur guide to running gear for cold weather covers running jackets, merino layers, beanies, reflective gear, and running accessories.
Outdoor GearGear for Runners: Natural Fibers, Vests & AccessoriesOur ultimate guide to gear for runners including natural fiber clothing, minimalist running shoes, hydration vest and accessories...
Barefoot ShoesBest Barefoot Boots Winter Styles for WomenOur guide to the best barefoot boots winter styles for women from Chelsea boots, snow boots and more. With brands like Vivobarefoot...
BackpacksBest 60L Backpacks for Women for Every AdventureThe best 60L backpacks for women for multi-day hikes and long backpacking trips, with picks from Osprey and Gregory.
YogaThe Best Pilates Socks: 8 Cotton Grip Socks for Mat and ReformerOur 8 favorite pilates socks with grips, from Ozaiic and TAVI to toe and toeless styles and a pair for men, all…
BackpacksBest Women’s Backpack for Travel & Treks in 2026The best women's backpacks for travel and day treks, from 15L to 30L, with picks from Osprey and Deuter.
Barefoot ShoesBest Women’s Barefoot Running ShoesThe best barefoot running shoes for women from Vivobarefoot, Xero and Merrell, compared on ground feel, fit and comfort.
Ski & WinterBest Snowshoes for Snowshoeing in 2026The best snowshoes for packed trails and the backcountry, with picks from MSR and Tubbs and tips on sizing and traction.
Merino WoolBest Merino Wool Sweater for Men, Women and KidsThe best merino wool sweaters for men, women and kids, from crew necks to turtlenecks, in 100% merino for warmth without bulk.
BackpacksBest Carry On Backpack for TravelThe best carry-on backpacks for travel: 30L to 40L packs from Osprey and The North Face, chosen for airline fit and organization.
Ski & WinterThe Ultimate Guide to Women’s Snowshoe BootsThe best women's snowshoe boots for winter hikes, chosen for warmth, waterproofing and grip, with tips on fit, insulation and how to…
Barefoot ShoesBest Shoes for Climbing and Bouldering in 2026The best climbing shoes for outdoor routes and the bouldering gym, from SCARPA, La Sportiva and Evolv, with tips on fit.
Ski & WinterOur Guide to Ski Essentials in 2026Our ski essentials list: merino base layers, ski backpacks, goggles, gloves and the clothing you need for a day on the slopes.
Wool, Alpaca & CashmereOur Guide to the Best Boots with Sheepskin 2026Our guide to boots with sheepskin, including 100% and natural blend options. From sheepskin insoles to boots from UGG and more...
Ski & WinterThe 9 Best Snow Ski Backpacks for Resort Days and ToursThe thin, lift-friendly packs we ski with in the Alps, plus hydration and touring picks: 9 snow ski backpacks compared on size,…
Wool, Alpaca & CashmereBest Sheepskin Slippers in 2026Our guide to sheepskin slippers including 100% and natural blend options. From UGG and more, these slippers and booties for men and…
Merino WoolOur Guide to the Best 100% Merino Wool T Shirt for Men and WomenThe best 100% merino wool t-shirts for men and women from Smartwool, Icebreaker and Merino.tech, for travel, hiking and every day.
Gift Guides52 Amazing Outdoors Gifts for Women in 202652 outdoors gifts for women who love hiking, camping and travel, from picks under $40 to gear they'll use for years.
Barefoot ShoesBest Barefoot Hiking Shoes for WomenThe best barefoot hiking shoes and boots for women from Vivobarefoot, Xero and Merrell, compared on grip, fit and protection.
Gift Guides36 Best Travel Gifts for Every Kind of Backpacker36 travel gifts for backpackers and frequent travelers, from gifts under $40 to backpacks, packing cubes and merino wool layers.
Gift Guides27 Best Gifts for Runners in 202627 gifts for runners, from stocking stuffers under $20 to hydration vests, lights and merino wool layers for every season.
Barefoot ShoesThe Ultimate Barefoot Shoes Women Guide in 2026The best barefoot shoes for women, from sneakers and sandals to boots, with picks from Vivobarefoot, Xero and Merrell.
Gift Guides35 Best Women’s Travel Gifts for Backpacking & Vacations35 travel gifts for women who love to explore, from picks under $40 to packing essentials, backpacks and cozy merino layers.
