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Whoops…I didn’t mean for that to happen. 
I accidentally took 4 months off of social media, and you can probably guess what happened.

-I felt happier and less anxious
-I was more present with my family
-I stopped consuming horrible news
-I took back control of my time
-I went on a REAL vacation that wasn’t a work trip
-I hiked and (gasp!) didn’t shoot any content
-My brain feels lighter
-I’m not being influenced to buy things I don’t need
-I stopped comparing myself to everyone else

With the decrease in my blog traffic (thanks to AI), I gave social media my all in 2025 in hopes that I could revive some of my lost revenue. But as the year went on, it became clear that I’m not cut out for this kind of hustle anymore. 

These apps are designed to be addictive. The more we scroll, the more money they make, and anyone who uses them (especially for work) and is able to maintain healthy boundaries is a rare breed. I am not one of them.

In September, we decided to take a family trip to Europe, and there was no way I was going to waste the experience glued to my phone making reels. So I deleted the apps from my phone, and before I knew it, 4 months had flown by.

These days social media all about producing content that uses click-baity, sensationalist hooks that grabs people’s attention in order “stop the scroll”. There’s a formula, and if you don’t follow it, your posts disappear into the abyss. 

This is quite ironic considering my goal has always been to build a community of like minded people and to inspire and help people get outside and appreciate nature. But in order to reach anyone now (including my followers), I have to make addictive content that keeps you on your phone. This is a game I’m not willing to participate in. It all just feels so ick. 

I’m not sure what 2026 and beyond has in store for me. But I do know that life is happening out there, and I don’t want to miss it.
24.4K
974
161
5mo ago
bearfoottheory
Whoops…I didn’t mean for that to happen. I accidentally took 4 months off of social media, and you can probably guess what happened. -I felt happier and less anxious -I was more present with my family -I stopped consuming horrible news -I took back control of my time -I went on a REAL vacation that wasn’t a work trip -I hiked and (gasp!) didn’t shoot any content -My brain feels lighter -I’m not being influenced to buy things I don’t need -I stopped comparing myself to everyone else With the decrease in my blog traffic (thanks to AI), I gave social media my all in 2025 in hopes that I could revive some of my lost revenue. But as the year went on, it became clear that I’m not cut out for this kind of hustle anymore. These apps are designed to be addictive. The more we scroll, the more money they make, and anyone who uses them (especially for work) and is able to maintain healthy boundaries is a rare breed. I am not one of them. In September, we decided to take a family trip to Europe, and there was no way I was going to waste the experience glued to my phone making reels. So I deleted the apps from my phone, and before I knew it, 4 months had flown by. These days social media all about producing content that uses click-baity, sensationalist hooks that grabs people’s attention in order “stop the scroll”. There’s a formula, and if you don’t follow it, your posts disappear into the abyss. This is quite ironic considering my goal has always been to build a community of like minded people and to inspire and help people get outside and appreciate nature. But in order to reach anyone now (including my followers), I have to make addictive content that keeps you on your phone. This is a game I’m not willing to participate in. It all just feels so ick. I’m not sure what 2026 and beyond has in store for me. But I do know that life is happening out there, and I don’t want to miss it.
I’m here to admit defeat…

After a full year of living full-time in our truck camper with our 2 year old, we’ve called it quits. 

We left home in December 2024 with grand intentions of being on the road for at least a couple of years. We wanted to make the most of every second with our son before we have to make decisions about school. 

Our “Vanlife” adventures last year took us to southern Utah, Arizona, Baja California, New York, Ontario, Quebec, and all the way back, and they are memories I’ll never forget.

But as the year progressed, life in the truck started to feel heavy. 

Since 2014, my job as a blogger has supported my lifestyle and my family, and finding the right balance between work, play, and everyday chores was so much tougher than I expected. 

Living in such a van or truck with a toddler poses so many challenges that I brushed off prior to leaving. 

When you live in a house and both parents are busy, a toddler can be unsupervised while playing with their toys or books for a few minutes. When you live in a truck, a toddler needs to be directly supervised every second of every day. If you take your eyes off them for a moment, they could get hit by a car, fall into a creek, get bit by the neighbor’s dog, or stumble into a cactus…among many other things.

Prior to our son, Ryan would cook dinner while I worked on my laptop. Or Ryan would pack up our camping gear while I packed up the inside of camper. Traveling with our son, this type of multi-tasking that allowed us to work hard and play hard on the road was no longer possible. 

I won’t even get into potty training on the road, the fact that there is no such thing as a date night, or all the extra stuff you have to bring because they grow so damn quickly.

I sooooo badly wanted for van life to be just as carefree as it was pre-kid…but the fact is, it was not. 

I felt like I was either in cooped up in the truck working while missing out on fun moments with my family, completely failing at my work responsibilities, or… (continued in the comments 👇)
14.9K
597
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4mo ago
bearfoottheory
I’m here to admit defeat… After a full year of living full-time in our truck camper with our 2 year old, we’ve called it quits. We left home in December 2024 with grand intentions of being on the road for at least a couple of years. We wanted to make the most of every second with our son before we have to make decisions about school. Our “Vanlife” adventures last year took us to southern Utah, Arizona, Baja California, New York, Ontario, Quebec, and all the way back, and they are memories I’ll never forget. But as the year progressed, life in the truck started to feel heavy. Since 2014, my job as a blogger has supported my lifestyle and my family, and finding the right balance between work, play, and everyday chores was so much tougher than I expected. Living in such a van or truck with a toddler poses so many challenges that I brushed off prior to leaving. When you live in a house and both parents are busy, a toddler can be unsupervised while playing with their toys or books for a few minutes. When you live in a truck, a toddler needs to be directly supervised every second of every day. If you take your eyes off them for a moment, they could get hit by a car, fall into a creek, get bit by the neighbor’s dog, or stumble into a cactus…among many other things. Prior to our son, Ryan would cook dinner while I worked on my laptop. Or Ryan would pack up our camping gear while I packed up the inside of camper. Traveling with our son, this type of multi-tasking that allowed us to work hard and play hard on the road was no longer possible. I won’t even get into potty training on the road, the fact that there is no such thing as a date night, or all the extra stuff you have to bring because they grow so damn quickly. I sooooo badly wanted for van life to be just as carefree as it was pre-kid…but the fact is, it was not. I felt like I was either in cooped up in the truck working while missing out on fun moments with my family, completely failing at my work responsibilities, or… (continued in the comments 👇)
After 9 years on the road and testing just about every type of portable toilet – cassette toilets, pee jars, foldable toilets, and even the Trelino – this toilet is hands down my favorite.

When we first hit the road in our @rossmonster truck camper last December, we were using the Trelino toilet. After a few months, I was really disappointed with it — and honestly confused why my experience didn’t match all the glowing reviews I’d read. Anytime we opened the toilet lid, our entire truck stunk like ammonia and poop. The condensation made it even grosser, and I can’t tell you how many times the pee jug overflowed in the middle of the night. It was incredibly frustrating. 

I finally had it, and Compocloset offered to send me their Cuddy Lite to try out. Like the Trelino, it’s a separator toilet where the pee goes into a jug, and the poop goes into a bag…but my experience with the two couldn’t be more different.

The Cuddy Lite has a retractable cover over the poop bin, which is a game changer for odor control. The one-way pee valve also does a significantly better job at trapping ammonia smells from the pee jug. And it has an indicator light that turns on automatically when the pee jug is full so you don’t forget to dump it.

The Cuddy Lite also has hinges that hold the seat upright, making it much easier and more hygienic when it comes time to empty. 

While the Cuddy Lite costs more than some other toilets, in my opinion, it’s worth every penny if you want something easy to clean that doesn’t make your van smell like an outhouse.

🚽 If you’re interested in the Cuddy Lite, @compocloset sent me a $30 off code to share with you all. 

✨ Comment “send it” and I’ll DM you the code, along with my detailed Cuddy Lite review.
13.0K
177
38
9mo ago
bearfoottheory
After 9 years on the road and testing just about every type of portable toilet – cassette toilets, pee jars, foldable toilets, and even the Trelino – this toilet is hands down my favorite. When we first hit the road in our @rossmonster truck camper last December, we were using the Trelino toilet. After a few months, I was really disappointed with it — and honestly confused why my experience didn’t match all the glowing reviews I’d read. Anytime we opened the toilet lid, our entire truck stunk like ammonia and poop. The condensation made it even grosser, and I can’t tell you how many times the pee jug overflowed in the middle of the night. It was incredibly frustrating. I finally had it, and Compocloset offered to send me their Cuddy Lite to try out. Like the Trelino, it’s a separator toilet where the pee goes into a jug, and the poop goes into a bag…but my experience with the two couldn’t be more different. The Cuddy Lite has a retractable cover over the poop bin, which is a game changer for odor control. The one-way pee valve also does a significantly better job at trapping ammonia smells from the pee jug. And it has an indicator light that turns on automatically when the pee jug is full so you don’t forget to dump it. The Cuddy Lite also has hinges that hold the seat upright, making it much easier and more hygienic when it comes time to empty. While the Cuddy Lite costs more than some other toilets, in my opinion, it’s worth every penny if you want something easy to clean that doesn’t make your van smell like an outhouse. 🚽 If you’re interested in the Cuddy Lite, @compocloset sent me a $30 off code to share with you all. 

✨ Comment “send it” and I’ll DM you the code, along with my detailed Cuddy Lite review.
Meet Kristen from @bearfoottheory who has done some form of van life - and now truck life - since 2016 🚐🛻⛺️

She shares what led her to life on the road, how her travel style and rigs have evolved over the years, and why she ultimately decided to switch to a truck camper.

Kristen also gives an in-depth tour of her stunning new Rossmonster Baja LX that she lives and travels in full time with her partner, 2 year old, and two dogs. 
 
📺 Full video on our YouTube channel! 🔗 in bio

Got questions? Drop em in the comments 👇
12.0K
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11mo ago
bearfoottheory
Meet Kristen from @bearfoottheory who has done some form of van life - and now truck life - since 2016 🚐🛻⛺️ She shares what led her to life on the road, how her travel style and rigs have evolved over the years, and why she ultimately decided to switch to a truck camper. Kristen also gives an in-depth tour of her stunning new Rossmonster Baja LX that she lives and travels in full time with her partner, 2 year old, and two dogs.   📺 Full video on our YouTube channel! 🔗 in bio Got questions? Drop em in the comments 👇
Here are the pieces of clothing I wear most on the road in my @rossmonster truck camper. 

My tops and bottoms are limited to 2 packing cubes, so everything I wear has to be comfy, versatile, not-wrinkly, cute-enough, and able to be worn several times between washes. 

These 6 pieces check all the boxes - and they’re all on sale in @REI’s Labor Day Sale (through 9/1).

👇 COMMENT “DEALS”, and I’ll send you where to find these sale items, plus a full list of all of my other favorite picks.

For reference, I’m:
✔️ 5’5”
✔️ 145 lbs
✔️ 36D
✔️ Size 8 in pants

1️⃣ Sahara Shade Hoodie (Size L) - The deep hood paired with a hat provides full-coverage for your face. It’s not my go-to for humid environments or hot summer hikes, but for nights and shoulder season, it’s perfect. I also wear this around town a lot since it doesn’t look like a workout shirt as much as other sun hoodies.

2️⃣ Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pants (Size M - size down if you’re between since they do stretch a bit) - These pants are light and airy which is great for summer bug season, and the stretchy, no-dig waistband is comfy for travel as well as when wearing a backpack.

3️⃣ Swiftland 6” Running Tights (Size M) - I love the compression in these. They really hold in my post c-section belly, and I can’t get over the deep pockets.

4️⃣ KUHL Vantage Dress (Size M) - A dress with pockets! The waistline is super forgiving, the fabric drapes nicely, and it has a relaxed shape that feels easy to wear but still looks polished for nicer events. And it works with a sports bra.

5️⃣ Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirts — (Size M in short sleeve / Size L in long sleeve) - The fabric is soft and light, and you forget you’re wearing it because it’s so light and breathable. Even on tough hikes, I never get overheated in the long-sleeve version. And I can wear and sweat in these 3-5 times between washes without them getting too stinky.

6️⃣ Patagonia Re-Tool Half Snap Pullover (Size L) - I love how this pullover fits. It’s roomy enough for layering and moving around in, but not boxy or too oversized.

Right now these are all 25-30% off!

Let me know if you have questions about these pieces!
10.6K
171
26
10mo ago
bearfoottheory
Here are the pieces of clothing I wear most on the road in my @rossmonster truck camper. My tops and bottoms are limited to 2 packing cubes, so everything I wear has to be comfy, versatile, not-wrinkly, cute-enough, and able to be worn several times between washes. These 6 pieces check all the boxes - and they’re all on sale in @REI’s Labor Day Sale (through 9/1). 👇 COMMENT “DEALS”, and I’ll send you where to find these sale items, plus a full list of all of my other favorite picks. For reference, I’m: ✔️ 5’5” ✔️ 145 lbs ✔️ 36D ✔️ Size 8 in pants 1️⃣ Sahara Shade Hoodie (Size L) - The deep hood paired with a hat provides full-coverage for your face. It’s not my go-to for humid environments or hot summer hikes, but for nights and shoulder season, it’s perfect. I also wear this around town a lot since it doesn’t look like a workout shirt as much as other sun hoodies. 2️⃣ Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pants (Size M - size down if you’re between since they do stretch a bit) - These pants are light and airy which is great for summer bug season, and the stretchy, no-dig waistband is comfy for travel as well as when wearing a backpack. 3️⃣ Swiftland 6” Running Tights (Size M) - I love the compression in these. They really hold in my post c-section belly, and I can’t get over the deep pockets. 4️⃣ KUHL Vantage Dress (Size M) - A dress with pockets! The waistline is super forgiving, the fabric drapes nicely, and it has a relaxed shape that feels easy to wear but still looks polished for nicer events. And it works with a sports bra. 5️⃣ Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Shirts — (Size M in short sleeve / Size L in long sleeve) - The fabric is soft and light, and you forget you’re wearing it because it’s so light and breathable. Even on tough hikes, I never get overheated in the long-sleeve version. And I can wear and sweat in these 3-5 times between washes without them getting too stinky. 6️⃣ Patagonia Re-Tool Half Snap Pullover (Size L) - I love how this pullover fits. It’s roomy enough for layering and moving around in, but not boxy or too oversized. Right now these are all 25-30% off!

Let me know if you have questions about these pieces!
These 4 daypack mistakes could be ruining your hikes!

But first…👇Comment “daypack” and I’ll send you the details on the women’s specific deuter Trail 28 SL hiking daypack that I’ve been using.

From poor fit to strap adjustments to how you’re loading your hiking gear, small tweaks can make a big difference in comfort—especially if you’ve got a shorter torso or a larger chest like me.

Here are 4 common mistakes I see:

1) Choosing a pack size based on your overall height rather than your torso length.

2) Choosing a pack that has straight straps instead of S-curved shoulder straps that contour your chest.

3) Adjusting the straps in the wrong order.

4) Loading your pack up with gear in the wrong order.

Switching to the deuter Trail SL line has been a game changer for me. It’s designed specifically for women, with a slim profile, a smaller torso, and S-curved shoulder straps that are so much more comfortable.

Even when I’m carrying a heavier load, the pack feels like an extension of my body that moves with me, rather than a backpack I’m lugging around that puts strain on my neck and shoulders. 

If your pack doesn’t feel quite right, check the 4 things I talk about in the video.

#hikinggear #womenwhohike #deuter #hikingpack
9.36K
205
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11mo ago
bearfoottheory
These 4 daypack mistakes could be ruining your hikes! But first…👇Comment “daypack” and I’ll send you the details on the women’s specific deuter Trail 28 SL hiking daypack that I’ve been using. From poor fit to strap adjustments to how you’re loading your hiking gear, small tweaks can make a big difference in comfort—especially if you’ve got a shorter torso or a larger chest like me. Here are 4 common mistakes I see: 1) Choosing a pack size based on your overall height rather than your torso length. 2) Choosing a pack that has straight straps instead of S-curved shoulder straps that contour your chest. 3) Adjusting the straps in the wrong order. 4) Loading your pack up with gear in the wrong order. Switching to the deuter Trail SL line has been a game changer for me. It’s designed specifically for women, with a slim profile, a smaller torso, and S-curved shoulder straps that are so much more comfortable. Even when I’m carrying a heavier load, the pack feels like an extension of my body that moves with me, rather than a backpack I’m lugging around that puts strain on my neck and shoulders.  If your pack doesn’t feel quite right, check the 4 things I talk about in the video. #hikinggear #womenwhohike #deuter #hikingpack
Follow @bearfoottheory for more van life tips….

When I tell people we live in a 100 sq ft @rossmonster truck camper with a toddler, they look at me like I’M INSANE. 

But honestly? Life on the road feels less chaotic than being home.

At home, I’m constantly JUGGLING...dishes, laundry, a cluttered house, errands, meal planning, my career, and - maybe the most difficult -trying to keep my toddler entertained.

On the road, things feel SIMPLER. Our days revolve around what trail we’re hiking, where we’re camping, and what we are eating. There’s less stuff, less pressure, and there’s always something new for us to explore.

I’m not stuck inside trying to keep my toddler from getting into things and playing with toys. Instead, I get to hike, breathe fresh air, and truly enjoy our time together.

Just like parenting at home, van life with a young kid has its challenges. Naps can be tricky, we’re always filthy, and it does require active supervision from one parent pretty much 24/7. But the trade-offs are worth it for the adventures we get to have.

Is van life for every family? Definitely not.

But if you want to do van life and are wondering how a kid might fit into the equation - I’m here to show you it’s possible and how. 

What do you think? Are we crazy? 🤪

#vanlife #truckcamperlife #rossmonster #vanlifefamily #vanlifewithkids
8.33K
333
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11mo ago
bearfoottheory
Follow @bearfoottheory for more van life tips…. When I tell people we live in a 100 sq ft @rossmonster truck camper with a toddler, they look at me like I’M INSANE. But honestly? Life on the road feels less chaotic than being home. At home, I’m constantly JUGGLING...dishes, laundry, a cluttered house, errands, meal planning, my career, and - maybe the most difficult -trying to keep my toddler entertained. On the road, things feel SIMPLER. Our days revolve around what trail we’re hiking, where we’re camping, and what we are eating. There’s less stuff, less pressure, and there’s always something new for us to explore. I’m not stuck inside trying to keep my toddler from getting into things and playing with toys. Instead, I get to hike, breathe fresh air, and truly enjoy our time together. Just like parenting at home, van life with a young kid has its challenges. Naps can be tricky, we’re always filthy, and it does require active supervision from one parent pretty much 24/7. But the trade-offs are worth it for the adventures we get to have. Is van life for every family? Definitely not. But if you want to do van life and are wondering how a kid might fit into the equation - I’m here to show you it’s possible and how. What do you think? Are we crazy? 🤪 #vanlife #truckcamperlife #rossmonster #vanlifefamily #vanlifewithkids
And no it’s not a van…

👇 Drop “tour” in the comments and I’ll send you the full 10 minute walk through.

When I started shopping for a new rig (after 9 years and 3 different camper vans), I wanted more functional living space than my Sprinter—but without giving up off-road capability.

That’s when I stumbled across something I’d never seen before: a hard-sided pop top that lifts 16 inches at the push of a button.

A few months later, I bought the Rossmonster Baja Trail, moved out of my house, and hit the road full-time with my fam.

In my 10-minute tour of my @rossmonster Baja Trail, I’ll show you how everything works, why I chose this camper, and what it’s like to live in so far.

If you’re curious about truck camper life—or just love seeing cool rigs—you’ll want to check it out.

Could you live in something this small?

#truckcamperlife #rossmonster #overlandrig #adventuretruck
8.23K
146
63
11mo ago
bearfoottheory
And no it’s not a van… 👇 Drop “tour” in the comments and I’ll send you the full 10 minute walk through. When I started shopping for a new rig (after 9 years and 3 different camper vans), I wanted more functional living space than my Sprinter—but without giving up off-road capability. That’s when I stumbled across something I’d never seen before: a hard-sided pop top that lifts 16 inches at the push of a button. A few months later, I bought the Rossmonster Baja Trail, moved out of my house, and hit the road full-time with my fam. In my 10-minute tour of my @rossmonster Baja Trail, I’ll show you how everything works, why I chose this camper, and what it’s like to live in so far. If you’re curious about truck camper life—or just love seeing cool rigs—you’ll want to check it out. Could you live in something this small? #truckcamperlife #rossmonster #overlandrig #adventuretruck
Let’s have a little debate 🔥 You don’t need a campfire to have a good night outside.

The smoke in your eyes, clothes that reek, and the wildfire risk, in a lot places it’s just not worth it. Anytime we build a campfire and the wind picks up, my anxiety goes through the roof - which honestly makes it more stressful than fun. Plus, I now have to worry about my toddler getting too close.

Nearly 85% of wildfires are human caused, and I don’t want to be part of that statistic. So here’s a few things we do at night while camping instead:

✨ Stargazing (downloading a stargazer app can make it more fun)
✨ Play glow in the dark bocce or frisbee
✨ Learn astrophotography
✨ Hang up some string lights and cuddle up in a hammock with a book and a blanket
✨ Hot drinks and dessert 

I’m also a huge fan of propane fit pits. You don’t have to fuss with lighting them and when it’s time for bed, rather than having to drench the fire to put it out, you just turn it off.

Because it’s so easy, you can turn it on even if it’s just for few minutes during sunset, rather than having to commit to hours around a wood fire. Propane fire pits are also (usually) not subject to fire bans.

I’m not saying I’ll never had a wood fire again. There’s definitely a time and a place, but as we head into fire season, this is a topic that’s been on my mind. 

Do you skip the fire too, or is it non-negotiable for you? Let’s hear it.
7.90K
158
51
11mo ago
bearfoottheory
Let’s have a little debate 🔥 You don’t need a campfire to have a good night outside. The smoke in your eyes, clothes that reek, and the wildfire risk, in a lot places it’s just not worth it. Anytime we build a campfire and the wind picks up, my anxiety goes through the roof - which honestly makes it more stressful than fun. Plus, I now have to worry about my toddler getting too close. Nearly 85% of wildfires are human caused, and I don’t want to be part of that statistic. So here’s a few things we do at night while camping instead: ✨ Stargazing (downloading a stargazer app can make it more fun) ✨ Play glow in the dark bocce or frisbee ✨ Learn astrophotography ✨ Hang up some string lights and cuddle up in a hammock with a book and a blanket ✨ Hot drinks and dessert 
I’m also a huge fan of propane fit pits. You don’t have to fuss with lighting them and when it’s time for bed, rather than having to drench the fire to put it out, you just turn it off. Because it’s so easy, you can turn it on even if it’s just for few minutes during sunset, rather than having to commit to hours around a wood fire. Propane fire pits are also (usually) not subject to fire bans. I’m not saying I’ll never had a wood fire again. There’s definitely a time and a place, but as we head into fire season, this is a topic that’s been on my mind. Do you skip the fire too, or is it non-negotiable for you? Let’s hear it.
And to think I used to pay $100/month for a fancy gym membership only to hate every second of those boring workouts…

No thanks! I’ll take this any day.

💪 Share this with someone you want to go on a hike and work up a sweat with

📍 and in case your wondering, this is one of the lookout points on the Statue of Our Lady of Saguenay Trail in Quebec
7.85K
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9mo ago
bearfoottheory
And to think I used to pay $100/month for a fancy gym membership only to hate every second of those boring workouts… No thanks! I’ll take this any day. 💪 Share this with someone you want to go on a hike and work up a sweat with 📍 and in case your wondering, this is one of the lookout points on the Statue of Our Lady of Saguenay Trail in Quebec
We didn’t come across many wild campsites here, so finding this lakeside gem with no one around for miles was such a treat. 

It cost $10.45 CAD per night (paid for at the ZEC office on Rte 155, km 27). 

A ZEC in Quebec is a managed recreation zone, and in this one, you are allowed to camp almost anywhere you want. 

There are hundreds of lakes in ZEC des Martres - which is 1.5 hours from Quebec City.

After we paid at the office, I hopped on Google Satellite and found a little dirt area on a large lake that appeared to have a fire ring. So we bumped our way down a dirt road to find it. Sure enough it was everything we hoped for. 

When the sun went down, the loons started calling, and honestly, I could’ve sat there listening all night. 🌙

Save this for your future planning!

——

Quebec camping | Quebec campsite | Quebec outdoors

Truck @rossmonster
7.80K
150
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9mo ago
bearfoottheory
We didn’t come across many wild campsites here, so finding this lakeside gem with no one around for miles was such a treat. 

It cost $10.45 CAD per night (paid for at the ZEC office on Rte 155, km 27). 

A ZEC in Quebec is a managed recreation zone, and in this one, you are allowed to camp almost anywhere you want. There are hundreds of lakes in ZEC des Martres - which is 1.5 hours from Quebec City. After we paid at the office, I hopped on Google Satellite and found a little dirt area on a large lake that appeared to have a fire ring. So we bumped our way down a dirt road to find it. Sure enough it was everything we hoped for. When the sun went down, the loons started calling, and honestly, I could’ve sat there listening all night. 🌙 Save this for your future planning! —— Quebec camping | Quebec campsite | Quebec outdoors Truck @rossmonster
People say to me, “You’re so courageous!” But here’s the truth…

Most of the defining moments in my life - the ones I’m most proud of - scared the sh*t out of me going in.

And despite how things might look on here, I’ve always seen myself as a pretty fearful person.

Over-preparing. Overthinking. Always coming up with backup plans… just in case.

But even with those anxious tendencies pulling at me, I still took the leap.

I quit my old career.
Traveled solo.
Bought a van.
Learned to ski in my 30s.
Had a baby (after saying my entire life that I didn’t want kids) - and hit the road again.

I’ve learned that courage doesn’t mean you’re not scared.

It means you move forward anyway.

Even with the doubts. Even when you don’t feel ready.

Because sometimes the things that scare you the most… end up shaping you the most.

🫶 If this resonates, I’d love for you to share this. You never know who might need a reminder. 

This post was inspired by a post that @sightsofsara shared recently. ☺️
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bearfoottheory
People say to me, “You’re so courageous!” But here’s the truth… Most of the defining moments in my life - the ones I’m most proud of - scared the sh*t out of me going in. 
And despite how things might look on here, I’ve always seen myself as a pretty fearful person. 
Over-preparing. Overthinking. Always coming up with backup plans… just in case. But even with those anxious tendencies pulling at me, I still took the leap. 
I quit my old career.
Traveled solo. Bought a van.
Learned to ski in my 30s.
Had a baby (after saying my entire life that I didn’t want kids) - and hit the road again. I’ve learned that courage doesn’t mean you’re not scared. 
It means you move forward anyway. Even with the doubts. Even when you don’t feel ready. 
Because sometimes the things that scare you the most… end up shaping you the most. 🫶 If this resonates, I’d love for you to share this. You never know who might need a reminder. This post was inspired by a post that @sightsofsara shared recently. ☺️
Most people never see this side of the desert. ⬇️

💫Follow @bearfoottheory for more US trips and outdoor tips.

The Southern Utah desert is one of my favorite places in the world. I’m convinced there’s nowhere else on earth like it.

If you’ve never hiked a slot canyon, paddled between red rocks walls, or experienced a pastel desert sunset, these are the spots you’ve been missing.

📍Porcupine Rim: epic camping with views of Castle Valley and the La Sals

📍Paria Narrows: a remote winding canyon with huge sandstone walls. This is the start one of of my all-time favorite backpacking trips.

📍San Rafael Swell: A rugged, lesser-known area packed with a seasonal river, camping with insane views, and lots of fun, non-technical canyons.

📍Buckskin Gulch: One of the longest slot canyons in the world!

📍Bears Ears National Monument: A wild and sacred corner of Utah filled with ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, red rock mesas and cedar forests.

📍Escalante River: An oasis deep in canyon country with hiking, packrafting and canyoneering.

📍Red Canyon - a dog-friendly version of Bryce Canyon with vibrant towers and hoodoos.

📍Moab - a high desert playground with so much to do!

📍Valley of the Gods: A quieter alternative to Monument Valley with epic rock formations and free BLM camping.

🏜️Share this with someone you want to run away to the desert with!

——

#utah #desertadventures #southernutah #visitutah
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11mo ago
bearfoottheory
Most people never see this side of the desert. ⬇️ 💫Follow @bearfoottheory for more US trips and outdoor tips. The Southern Utah desert is one of my favorite places in the world. I’m convinced there’s nowhere else on earth like it. If you’ve never hiked a slot canyon, paddled between red rocks walls, or experienced a pastel desert sunset, these are the spots you’ve been missing. 📍Porcupine Rim: epic camping with views of Castle Valley and the La Sals 📍Paria Narrows: a remote winding canyon with huge sandstone walls. This is the start one of of my all-time favorite backpacking trips. 📍San Rafael Swell: A rugged, lesser-known area packed with a seasonal river, camping with insane views, and lots of fun, non-technical canyons. 📍Buckskin Gulch: One of the longest slot canyons in the world! 📍Bears Ears National Monument: A wild and sacred corner of Utah filled with ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, red rock mesas and cedar forests. 📍Escalante River: An oasis deep in canyon country with hiking, packrafting and canyoneering. 📍Red Canyon - a dog-friendly version of Bryce Canyon with vibrant towers and hoodoos. 📍Moab - a high desert playground with so much to do! 📍Valley of the Gods: A quieter alternative to Monument Valley with epic rock formations and free BLM camping. 🏜️Share this with someone you want to run away to the desert with! —— #utah #desertadventures #southernutah #visitutah
This one feature blows people’s minds every time they see my @rossmonster truck camper…

👇Comment “tour” and I’ll DM you the full walk-through video.

When I started shopping for a new rig (after 9 years of van life and three different Sprinters), I wanted more functional living space than my Sprinter—but without giving up off-road capability.

That’s when I stumbled across something I’d never seen before: a hard-sided pop top that lifts 16 inches at the push of a button.

A few months later, I bought the Rossmonster Baja Trail and hit the road full-time.

When I’m driving, it’s actually a little shorter than a Sprinter van and has better clearance.

And at camp? The roof pops up to give me 6’6” of headroom and solid, insulated walls that are built for 4-season use.

Unlike soft-sided pop tops, this design also supports overhead cabinets, so I have way more storage—one of my favorite things about the layout.

In my 10-minute tour, I’ll show you how everything works, why I chose this camper, and what it’s like to live in so far.

If you’re curious about truck camper life—or just love seeing cool rigs—you’ll want to check it out.

⬇️ Drop “tour” below and I’ll send it your way!
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11mo ago
bearfoottheory
This one feature blows people’s minds every time they see my @rossmonster truck camper… 👇Comment “tour” and I’ll DM you the full walk-through video. When I started shopping for a new rig (after 9 years of van life and three different Sprinters), I wanted more functional living space than my Sprinter—but without giving up off-road capability. That’s when I stumbled across something I’d never seen before: a hard-sided pop top that lifts 16 inches at the push of a button. A few months later, I bought the Rossmonster Baja Trail and hit the road full-time. When I’m driving, it’s actually a little shorter than a Sprinter van and has better clearance. And at camp? The roof pops up to give me 6’6” of headroom and solid, insulated walls that are built for 4-season use. Unlike soft-sided pop tops, this design also supports overhead cabinets, so I have way more storage—one of my favorite things about the layout. In my 10-minute tour, I’ll show you how everything works, why I chose this camper, and what it’s like to live in so far. If you’re curious about truck camper life—or just love seeing cool rigs—you’ll want to check it out. ⬇️ Drop “tour” below and I’ll send it your way!
I’ve lived in 4 different vehicles. Two had showers and two did not. Here’s my take for when it makes sense. 

My first van had a shower and a 25 gallon water tank. When I was traveling solo, that was enough water for me to take the occasional shower and still have water for dishes, drinking etc. Once Ryan joined me, if both of us were taking showers, the water tank ran dry so quickly, we were filling up every couple of days. I also didn’t have a ton of storage, so the shower doubled as a closet. It was such a pain to move everything out of there, we RARELY used it.

Because of this, I didn’t have an indoor shower in my 2nd or 3rd van where I was also limited to 25 gallons of water. I also didn’t want to waste the space. I preferred to have a more storage and a comfortable living area that didn’t feel cramped due to a shower.

Now I’m living in the @rossmonster Baja truck camper with a 40 gallon water tank and a shower. That 15 extra gallons makes a huge difference in how long your water lasts. It’s also helpful not having to bathe my toddler into public showers.

We still take military style showers, and the 40 gallon tank lasts about a week with each of us showering one time (yes, we only shower once per week). 

So should you put a shower in your own camper / rig? I’d say yes if:
1️⃣ You mostly stay in paid campgrounds with hookups.
2️⃣ You’re comfortable moving often and hunting down potable water.
3️⃣ You’ve got a rig (like a dually) that can handle the weight of a bigger water tank.
4️⃣ You won’t use the shower as storage.
5️⃣ Your grey water tank holds at least 10-15 gallons

I’d say no if:
1️⃣ You want to make your water last as long as possible so you can camp off-grid for more days in a row
2️⃣ You’re ok showering in public facilities
3️⃣ Your have less than 20 gallons of water
4️⃣ You have a smaller van build budget…a shower and plumbing can really increase the cost. 

👇 If you’re a van lifer, please feel free to weigh in…

——

Van conversion | van life | van life tips | living on the road
7.36K
hidden
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9mo ago
bearfoottheory
I’ve lived in 4 different vehicles. Two had showers and two did not. Here’s my take for when it makes sense. My first van had a shower and a 25 gallon water tank. When I was traveling solo, that was enough water for me to take the occasional shower and still have water for dishes, drinking etc. Once Ryan joined me, if both of us were taking showers, the water tank ran dry so quickly, we were filling up every couple of days. I also didn’t have a ton of storage, so the shower doubled as a closet. It was such a pain to move everything out of there, we RARELY used it. Because of this, I didn’t have an indoor shower in my 2nd or 3rd van where I was also limited to 25 gallons of water. I also didn’t want to waste the space. I preferred to have a more storage and a comfortable living area that didn’t feel cramped due to a shower. Now I’m living in the @rossmonster Baja truck camper with a 40 gallon water tank and a shower. That 15 extra gallons makes a huge difference in how long your water lasts. It’s also helpful not having to bathe my toddler into public showers. We still take military style showers, and the 40 gallon tank lasts about a week with each of us showering one time (yes, we only shower once per week). So should you put a shower in your own camper / rig? I’d say yes if:
1️⃣ You mostly stay in paid campgrounds with hookups.
2️⃣ You’re comfortable moving often and hunting down potable water.
3️⃣ You’ve got a rig (like a dually) that can handle the weight of a bigger water tank.
4️⃣ You won’t use the shower as storage. 5️⃣ Your grey water tank holds at least 10-15 gallons I’d say no if: 1️⃣ You want to make your water last as long as possible so you can camp off-grid for more days in a row
2️⃣ You’re ok showering in public facilities
3️⃣ Your have less than 20 gallons of water
4️⃣ You have a smaller van build budget…a shower and plumbing can really increase the cost. 👇 If you’re a van lifer, please feel free to weigh in… —— Van conversion | van life | van life tips | living on the road
If you’ve been dreaming and people around you just don’t understand….
please please please don’t listen to them.

Follow me - @bearfoottheory - for everything you need to know about van life.

I’ve been doing some version of road life for nearly a quarter of my life!…

I had so much fun creating this, going through all of the different chapters of my van life journey.

✨ Solo Female
✨ Couple
✨ Couple + 1 dog
✨ Couple + 2 dogs
✨ Couple + 2 dogs + baby

Not to mention in 4 different rigs.

Back in 2016, when I moved out of my apartment and into my first van and started sharing about my experiences here, #vanlife didn’t exist yet (at least not online). Nor did the concept of remote work.

My decision to do this was questioned by so many people.

-How was I going to make money? 
-That sure sounds dangerous.
-What are you running from?
-In a couple of months, you’ll be sick of it.
-That’s way too much money to spend on a car!

Well if you can gather, I’m pretty independent, and I was confident life on the road was going to bring me happiness.

I haven’t been full-time the entire time. I’ve taken many winters off over the years to regroup…I think that’s what helped me avoid burnout, which is super common among long-term van lifers.

9 years later, I still love this lifestyle as much as I did on day 1. And I think the rest of my crew who’s joined me (Ryan, doggies and the kid) would say they do too, and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
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11mo ago
bearfoottheory
If you’ve been dreaming and people around you just don’t understand…. please please please don’t listen to them. Follow me - @bearfoottheory - for everything you need to know about van life. I’ve been doing some version of road life for nearly a quarter of my life!… I had so much fun creating this, going through all of the different chapters of my van life journey. ✨ Solo Female ✨ Couple ✨ Couple + 1 dog ✨ Couple + 2 dogs ✨ Couple + 2 dogs + baby Not to mention in 4 different rigs. Back in 2016, when I moved out of my apartment and into my first van and started sharing about my experiences here, #vanlife didn’t exist yet (at least not online). Nor did the concept of remote work. My decision to do this was questioned by so many people. -How was I going to make money? -That sure sounds dangerous. -What are you running from? -In a couple of months, you’ll be sick of it. -That’s way too much money to spend on a car! Well if you can gather, I’m pretty independent, and I was confident life on the road was going to bring me happiness. I haven’t been full-time the entire time. I’ve taken many winters off over the years to regroup…I think that’s what helped me avoid burnout, which is super common among long-term van lifers. 9 years later, I still love this lifestyle as much as I did on day 1. And I think the rest of my crew who’s joined me (Ryan, doggies and the kid) would say they do too, and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Ok, I’m finally doing it! As AI is taking over the universe, what I’ve been craving more of is real experiences in real places with real people.

So after years of thinking about it, I’m launching my group trips again. Join me this September!

🍁 When: September 17-21, 2026
🏔️ Where: Canadian Rockies 
🥾 What: Hiking adventure at a world-class heli-accessed backcountry lodge with cozy private rooms, gourmet food, a wood-fired sauna, hot showers, and more!

You don’t have to be an expert hiker. The location of the lodge provides terrain for everyone, and our hiking group will be split up based on abilities and interests. 

If you’ve been on one of my previous group trips or to Open Roads Fest, you know I’m capable of creating pretty awesome and memorable experiences for people. I’m excited to be putting these skills to use once again.

👉 Comment “sounds fun” and I’ll DM you the details plus a code for $100 off the trip price.

Got questions? Let me know. I’m happy to help or even jump on a call.

Excited to meet some of you in person!
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bearfoottheory
Ok, I’m finally doing it! As AI is taking over the universe, what I’ve been craving more of is real experiences in real places with real people. So after years of thinking about it, I’m launching my group trips again. Join me this September! 🍁 When: September 17-21, 2026 🏔️ Where: Canadian Rockies 🥾 What: Hiking adventure at a world-class heli-accessed backcountry lodge with cozy private rooms, gourmet food, a wood-fired sauna, hot showers, and more! You don’t have to be an expert hiker. The location of the lodge provides terrain for everyone, and our hiking group will be split up based on abilities and interests. If you’ve been on one of my previous group trips or to Open Roads Fest, you know I’m capable of creating pretty awesome and memorable experiences for people. I’m excited to be putting these skills to use once again. 👉 Comment “sounds fun” and I’ll DM you the details plus a code for $100 off the trip price. Got questions? Let me know. I’m happy to help or even jump on a call. Excited to meet some of you in person!
Whenever people ask me about the most epic uncrowded backpacking trips I’ve been on, this is what I tell them…

✨ Mineral King Loop - 44 miles | 6 days I high passes, wildflower meadows, and endless Sierra scenery.

✨ Paria Canyon - 38 miles | 4 days I riverbed trail through a deep vibrant slot canyon

✨ Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne - 30 miles | 4 days I granite domes, waterfalls, riverside camping

✨ Trans-Catalina Trail - 38.5 miles | 4 days I Island ridgelines, ocean views, and beachside camps.

✨ Baron Lakes - 16.8 miles | 3 days I “bluetiful” alpine lakes framed by Idaho’s jagged Sawtooths.

✨ High Divide / 7 Lakes Loop - 19.1 miles | 3 days I alpine lakes, lush vegetation, and big mountains

✨ Dusy Basin - 12 miles I 2 days I sparkling lakes above the treeline below rugged Sierra peaks 

✨ Turquoise Glacier High Route - 8 days I unmarked trail through remote Alaska wilderness

You probably haven’t heard of most of these. A majority require a permit - and they don’t give out many - which means really minimal crowds. Last year when I hiked Paria Canyon, I saw less than 10 people in 4 days. And in 2022 when I did the Mineral King Loop, it was similar.

If you want to experience this kind of solitude for yourself, I’ve put together detailed trail guides for each of these trips.

👇 Comment “guides” below, and I’ll send them your way.

And save this to refer back to!
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bearfoottheory
Whenever people ask me about the most epic uncrowded backpacking trips I’ve been on, this is what I tell them… ✨ Mineral King Loop - 44 miles | 6 days I high passes, wildflower meadows, and endless Sierra scenery. ✨ Paria Canyon - 38 miles | 4 days I riverbed trail through a deep vibrant slot canyon ✨ Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne - 30 miles | 4 days I granite domes, waterfalls, riverside camping ✨ Trans-Catalina Trail - 38.5 miles | 4 days I Island ridgelines, ocean views, and beachside camps. ✨ Baron Lakes - 16.8 miles | 3 days I “bluetiful” alpine lakes framed by Idaho’s jagged Sawtooths. ✨ High Divide / 7 Lakes Loop - 19.1 miles | 3 days I alpine lakes, lush vegetation, and big mountains ✨ Dusy Basin - 12 miles I 2 days I sparkling lakes above the treeline below rugged Sierra peaks ✨ Turquoise Glacier High Route - 8 days I unmarked trail through remote Alaska wilderness You probably haven’t heard of most of these. A majority require a permit - and they don’t give out many - which means really minimal crowds. Last year when I hiked Paria Canyon, I saw less than 10 people in 4 days. And in 2022 when I did the Mineral King Loop, it was similar. If you want to experience this kind of solitude for yourself, I’ve put together detailed trail guides for each of these trips. 👇 Comment “guides” below, and I’ll send them your way. And save this to refer back to!
I never expected to spend a month here. It wasn’t even really on my radar. But like most van life adventures, things rarely go according to plan.

We had hoped to make it up to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland this summer, but with the fires closing hiking trails, we ended up spending over a month hanging out in Quebec, which was such a lovely surprise.

Here’s the first photo dump from our time there. 

📸 Photos 1-4: Our campsite at ZEC Des Matres (see my last reel for our campsite at sunset and location details). Where’s my socks with sandals people at?

📸 Photos 5-7: Our $20 CAD per night “campsite” at a marina on Saguenay Fjord where we spent 3 nights. Not pictured is the daily vegan soft serve dipped in dark chocolate hard shell that was consumed every single day. Also not pictured is the amazing French Canadian family we made friends with that we ended up spending an entire week with…that right there is my favorite part of van life.

📸 Photos 8-9: The hike to the Statue of Our Lady of Saguenay Trail. The top 1/3 of the trail was closed, but we still got some nice views, and Herbie crushed a good portion of this hike out of the pack

📸 Photos 10-11: Our free (legal) overnight parking spot on Saguenay Fjord. We stayed here for 3 nights. The tide went out sooooo far, so it was a really fun (and safe) place to splash around at. Word is if you have a kayak, there’s a good chance you’ll see beluga whales. We don’t have anything to paddle - probably my biggest regret of our trip.

📸 Photo 12: Wondering how the @rossmonster is so damm messy after we just cleaned up 3 hours ago 🤪

Have you been to Quebec? Save this for future travel Inspo.
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9mo ago
bearfoottheory
I never expected to spend a month here. It wasn’t even really on my radar. But like most van life adventures, things rarely go according to plan. We had hoped to make it up to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland this summer, but with the fires closing hiking trails, we ended up spending over a month hanging out in Quebec, which was such a lovely surprise. Here’s the first photo dump from our time there. 
📸 Photos 1-4: Our campsite at ZEC Des Matres (see my last reel for our campsite at sunset and location details). Where’s my socks with sandals people at? 📸 Photos 5-7: Our $20 CAD per night “campsite” at a marina on Saguenay Fjord where we spent 3 nights. Not pictured is the daily vegan soft serve dipped in dark chocolate hard shell that was consumed every single day. Also not pictured is the amazing French Canadian family we made friends with that we ended up spending an entire week with…that right there is my favorite part of van life.

📸 Photos 8-9: The hike to the Statue of Our Lady of Saguenay Trail. The top 1/3 of the trail was closed, but we still got some nice views, and Herbie crushed a good portion of this hike out of the pack 📸 Photos 10-11: Our free (legal) overnight parking spot on Saguenay Fjord. We stayed here for 3 nights. The tide went out sooooo far, so it was a really fun (and safe) place to splash around at. Word is if you have a kayak, there’s a good chance you’ll see beluga whales. We don’t have anything to paddle - probably my biggest regret of our trip. 📸 Photo 12: Wondering how the @rossmonster is so damm messy after we just cleaned up 3 hours ago 🤪

Have you been to Quebec? Save this for future travel Inspo.
Is that so wrong? 🤪
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bearfoottheory
Is that so wrong? 🤪

Kristen Bor ⊹ Outdoor Adventure and Life on the Road (@bearfoottheory) Instagram Stats & Analytics

Kristen Bor ⊹ Outdoor Adventure and Life on the Road (@bearfoottheory) has 54.1K Instagram followers with a 2.21% engagement rate over the past 12 months. Across 25.0 posts, Kristen Bor ⊹ Outdoor Adventure and Life on the Road received 5.67K total likes and 113K impressions, averaging 227 likes per post. This page tracks Kristen Bor ⊹ Outdoor Adventure and Life on the Road's performance metrics, top content, and engagement trends — updated daily.

Kristen Bor ⊹ Outdoor Adventure and Life on the Road (@bearfoottheory) Instagram Analytics FAQ

How many Instagram followers does Kristen Bor ⊹ Outdoor Adventure and Life on the Road have?+
Kristen Bor ⊹ Outdoor Adventure and Life on the Road (@bearfoottheory) has 54.1K Instagram followers as of June 2026.
What is Kristen Bor ⊹ Outdoor Adventure and Life on the Road's Instagram engagement rate?+
Kristen Bor ⊹ Outdoor Adventure and Life on the Road's Instagram engagement rate is 2.21% over the last 12 months, based on 25.0 posts.
How many likes does Kristen Bor ⊹ Outdoor Adventure and Life on the Road get on Instagram?+
Kristen Bor ⊹ Outdoor Adventure and Life on the Road received 5.67K total likes across 25.0 posts in the last 12 months, averaging 227 likes per post.
How many Instagram impressions does Kristen Bor ⊹ Outdoor Adventure and Life on the Road get?+
Kristen Bor ⊹ Outdoor Adventure and Life on the Road's Instagram content generated 113K total impressions over the last 12 months.