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
Gift Guides29 Best Skiing Gifts for Outdoor Lovers29 skiing gifts for the skiers in your life, from stocking stuffers under $40 to ski backpacks, boot bags and merino base…
Gift Guides27 Unique Gifts Ideas for Men Who Love Outdoors and TravelOur guide to the best unique gift ideas for men. Whether they are sporty, outdoorsy, or frequent travelers, there's a gift for…
BackpacksBest Travel Daypack for Cities to Day TreksThe best travel daypacks, from foldable city packs to 30L trekking daypacks, with picks from Osprey, Gregory and Cotopaxi.
Ski & Winter8 Best Ski Boot Bags for the Car, the Bus and the PlaneThe best ski boot bag for the car, the bus or the plane: 8 backpacks, duffels and a heated bag, including the…
BackpacksThe Best Travel Case Carry On GuideThe best carry-on travel cases and hybrid backpacks that meet airline size limits, from Osprey, Swiss Gear, Away and more.
BackpacksBest 50L Backpacks for Women for Every AdventureThe best 50L backpacks for women for multi-day hikes, backpacking trips and travel, compared on fit, comfort and features.
BackpacksOur Guide to the Best Daypacks for HikingThe best hiking daypacks, from light 20L packs to 35L packs for long days on the trail, from Osprey, Gregory and Deuter.
Ski & WinterBest Ski Pants for Men and Women: Pants to BibsThe best ski pants and bibs for men and women, from Helly Hansen, The North Face and Oakley, compared on warmth and…
Gift Guides52 Hike Gifts for Every Season, Budget, and Skill Level52 hiking gifts for outdoor lovers, from camping and travel gear to cozy layers, with picks from MSR, Yeti and Osprey.
Gift Guides19 Best Pickleball Gifts for Enthusiasts and Beginners19 pickleball gifts for beginners and enthusiasts, from Franklin sling bags and funny gifts to a mini pickleball net.
Gift Guides43 Affordable Stocking Stuffer Gifts for Women43 stocking stuffers for women who love travel, the outdoors and fitness, starting at less than $10.
Gift Guides10 Best Beef Jerky Gifts: 100% Grass Fed10 grass-fed beef jerky gifts for hikers, travelers and clean snackers, with flavor notes and picks for every budget.
Gift Guides14 Long Distance Relationships Gifts: Personal & Useful14 long-distance relationship gifts, from personalized keepsakes and games to useful tech that helps you feel close.
Gift Guides23 Yoga Gifts Ideas for Yogis and Wellness Lovers23 yoga gift ideas for the yogis in your life, from natural, plastic-free yoga gear to cozy blankets, books and more.
Gift GuidesCyber Week and Black Friday Luggage Deals 2025: Backpacks and CasesDiscover the best Black Friday and Cyber Week luggage deals with savings up to 50% on suitcases and backpacks for travel.
Gift GuidesShop Backpack Deals 2025: Amazon Cyber Week Deals on NowIf you are looking to shop backpack deals this Cyber Week, then we have curated a list of the best deals from…
Gift GuidesBlack Friday for Amazon: Best Amazon Cyber Week Deals on NowDiscover the best Black Friday for Amazon travel and outdoor deals with savings up to 45%. From Osprey backpacks, Airtags, YETI Ramblers...
Outdoor GearBest Coffee Mug Travel Options: Stainless Steel to CeramicThe best travel coffee mugs, from insulated stainless steel to ceramic, with picks from Yeti, S'well and Hydro Flask.
Merino WoolBest Merino Wool Blankets for Home and CampingThe best merino wool blankets for home and camping, from 100% merino to cozy blends with cashmere, for warmth and softness.
Ski & WinterBest Ski Gloves for Hitting the SlopesThe best ski gloves and mittens for men, women and kids from Rab, Hestra and Swany, compared on warmth and waterproofing.
EuropeThe Ultimate Guide to Every Must-See Place to Travel in ItalyDiscover the best place to travel in Italy with our complete guide to culture, food, and nature. From Milan and Amalfi to…
Asia8 Best Retreats in Sri Lanka for Wellness & NatureBarefoot Backpackers recommends the best retreats in Sri Lanka for Yoga, Ayurveda and meditation, hiking and wellness.
Travel GuidesBest Countries for Alternative MedicineA Barefoot Backpacker's guide to the best countries for holistic and alternative medicine: from India and Ayurveda to TCM. Read more
Asia10 Best Spiritual Retreats in India 2026Barefoot Backpackers recommends the best spiritual retreats in India. Yoga, Ayurveda and meditation retreats in Kerala, Goa, Rishikesh...
