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Co-founder & editor · Digital nomad

Greg Kinsey

Greg is the co-founder and editor of Barefoot Backpackers. He’s a digital nomad, hiker and skier who has lived in Australia, India, France, Italy, Mexico and Argentina.

Portrait of Greg Kinsey, co-founder and editor.
Greg
First big tripAt 18, with just a backpack
StudiedBachelor of Business Administration
Worked inBanff National Park
Has lived inAustralia, India, France, Italy, Mexico & Argentina
Background

About Greg

Greg’s travels began at 18, when a summer trip with friends after high school turned into a lifelong path of exploration. He’s been drawn to new cultures, new languages and wild places ever since.

Between adventures he completed a Bachelor of Business Administration and worked in Banff National Park, which grounded his love of adventure with practical skills and a deeper connection with nature.

For Greg, each day is an opportunity to live in the present moment and learn something new.

He has since volunteered on organic farms, trekked through remote mountain ranges and spent time in ashrams, and he has lived in Australia, India, France, Italy, Mexico and Argentina as a digital nomad.

Today Greg covers practical travel, outdoor gear, barefoot shoes and travel tech for Barefoot Backpackers. Off the page, he’s learning languages, dancing, practicing yoga, or out skiing, hiking and running.

81 guides

Latest from Greg

A woman in a merino wool quarter zip walking a leaf-covered forest trail in autumn.Merino WoolBest Merino Wool Quarter Zip: Sweaters to Base LayersThe best merino wool quarter zip layers from sweaters to base layers. Find top brands like Meriwool, Minus33 & Merino.techA skier in a neck warmer among frosted pine trees under an overcast sky.Wool, Alpaca & CashmereBest Neck Warmers Made from 100% Natural FibersTop-rated 100% natural fiber neck warmers. Merino wool, cashmere, and organic cotton picks that stay warm and breathable.Alpaca wool gloves on a snowy surface.Wool, Alpaca & CashmereBest 100% Alpaca Wool Gloves for Natural WarmthFind the best alpaca wool gloves made from 100% alpaca fiber for lightweight warmth and long-lasting wear. Perfect for backpacking or hiking.Legs crossed in colorful striped merino wool toe socks on a black metal bench.Merino WoolBest Merino Wool Toe Socks OptionsGuide to the best merino toe socks for walking, running, and daily wear. High merino content, durable construction, and a toe splay…Brown leather Vivobarefoot hiking boot in the snow.Barefoot ShoesBest Barefoot Boots for MenThe best barefoot boots for men, from rugged hiking boots to city Chelsea boots, with picks from Vivobarefoot, Xero and Groundies.A person reading on a couch with wool blankets and cushions.Wool, Alpaca & CashmereBest 100% Wool Blankets: Merino, Cashmere, Alpaca WoolThe best wool blankets in merino, cashmere, alpaca and sheep wool, including 100% pure options for warmth at home or at camp.Two skiers resting in the snow with mountain views under a clear blue sky.Ski & WinterThe Best Ski Straps: 7 Picks to Keep Your Skis TogetherThe best ski straps to hold your skis together, from padded Velcro and stretchy rubber straps to shoulder carriers, plus how to…A group of people relaxing together in linen socks.Cotton & LinenBest 100% Linen Socks for Cool, Dry FeetBest 100% linen socks that breathe and dry fast. Options for linen ankle and crew socks for comfort and natural moisture control.Hikers with 50L backpacks celebrating on a mountain trail above a volcanic crater.BackpacksBest 50L Backpack for Travel and TreksThe best 50L backpacks for travel and multi-day treks, with picks from Osprey, Deuter and Near Zero, compared on fit and comfort.A young woman in a wool beanie on a winter hike through a snowy forest.Wool, Alpaca & CashmereWool Beanie Guide: 100% Pure WoolGuide to the best 100% pure wool beanie with top merino and wool picks for everyday comfort, warmth and travel friendly packability.Greg wearing wool sauna hatSki & WinterThe Best Sauna Hats: Wool and Felt Picks for Real HeatThe best wool and felt sauna hats, from soft merino to thick 5 mm felt, plus how to choose, wear and wash…Worn leather barefoot office shoes with laces on rough concrete.Barefoot ShoesBest Barefoot Shoe Leather Options in 2026Our guide to the best barefoot shoe leather shoes from Vivobarefoot, Xero, and Groundies for the office, events, and everyday wear...A hand holding a pair of gray alpaca wool socksWool, Alpaca & CashmereBest Alpaca Wool Socks in 2026The best alpaca wool socks for daily wear, cold weather, and light hikes. Find 100% pure Alpaca socks & high quality merino/alpaca…Cotton socks in earthy tones.Cotton & LinenBest 100% Cotton Socks in 2026Find the best 100% cotton socks that stay soft, breathable, and comfortable. Includes cushioned, ankle, crew, and organic cotton options.Close-up of linen fabric.Cotton & Linen8 Things to Know About Linen Before You Wear ItEight things to know about linen: how it's made from flax, why it breathes so well, how it softens and how to…Collecting stream water with a Survivor Filter near a waterfall.Outdoor GearBest Backpacking Water Filters for Trekking & TravelOur guide to the best backpacking water filters to reduce plastic waste, remove bacteria and microplastics from MSR, Survivor Filter...Merino wool compression socks on a person sitting on a couch at home.Merino WoolMerino Wool Compression Socks for Travel and Everyday MovementLearn how merino wool compression socks support travel, work, and everyday comfort with practical buying guidance.Women practicing seated yoga meditation in a bright studio.YogaBest Hot Yoga Mats Made with Natural Materials in 2026A guide to the best hot yoga mats using cork, rubber, jute, and cotton for a non slip yoga mat that stays…A young man on a laptop by the water at sunset.Outdoor Gear16 Digital Nomad Essentials for Working Comfortably From AnywhereA practical guide to digital nomad essentials that support focus, sleep, and long-term comfort while working remotely.Worn barefoot running shoes on a rocky path.Barefoot ShoesBest Mens Barefoot Shoes for Running in 2026The best barefoot running shoes for men from Vivobarefoot, Xero, Merrell and more, compared on ground feel, cushioning and fit.Merino tech and VivoBarefoot ShoesUltimate Guide to the Best Barefoot Shoes for MenOur ultimate guide to the best barefoot shoes for men. Whether you are running, hiking, or need a pair for the office,…Runners on a rocky trail at sunset.Barefoot ShoesBarefoot Shoes with Toes For MenOur guide to the best barefoot shoes with toes for natural comfort, balance, and freedom. Explore top Vibram models and more ...Alpacas grazing on a green hillside below snow-capped mountains.Natural FibersUnderstanding Natural Fibers: A Practical Guide to Clothing MaterialsLearn what natural fibers are, how wool, cotton, linen, silk, and hemp differ from synthetics, and how to choose fabrics for everyday…Feet in Earth Runners sandals on autumn leaves and grassBarefoot Shoes8 Best Barefoot Sandals for Men 2026The best barefoot sandals for men from Earth Runners, Xero, LUNA and Vivobarefoot, for hiking, travel and everyday wear.