Casey Handley
Senior Gear Analyst

Casey is an experienced hiker and gear expert who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the CleverHiker team. She has a passion for ultralight backpacking, years of experience working at REI, and a deep understanding of what people need and want from their gear. Casey has spent years researching, testing, and writing about outdoor gear to become CleverHiker’s Senior Gear Analyst.

Casey has also hiked thousands of miles on some of the most beautiful and challenging trails in the country, including thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, John Muir Trail, Arizona Trail, Colorado Trail, and Long Trail.

She has a background in English and writing, and her meticulous attention to detail is evident in the content she produces for CleverHiker. She also has a keen eye for style and design, making her a valuable contributor to our site’s visual and written content.

Casey lives in her van somewhere in Central Oregon with her partner, dog, and cat. She spends her free time studying maps to plan her next thru-hike, shooting film in beautiful backcountry spots, and looking for ways to shave an ounce off her pack weight.

Articles by Casey Handley

Best Dog Boots of 2024

Best Dog Boots of 2024

Author
Our dogs trail-test their gear too! We have the pick of the litter for the most protective, comfortable, and durable dog boots.
Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2024
A backpacker wearing the Black Diamond Alpine Start Windbreaker while hiking in Glacier National Park in June

Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2024

Author
When the wind whispers, your style should roar! Let one of our trail-tested windbreaker picks lead your next summit push.
Best Camp Shoes of 2024
A backpacker doing a handstand in a mountain meadow in a pair of pink Crocs Classic Clogs

Best Camp Shoes of 2024

Author
Our list of the best camp shoes includes only the most comfy crowd-pleasers. Treat your feet to something nice.
Best 4-Season Tents of 2024
The NEMO Kunai 3P four-season tent in a snowy winter camping scene in the woods

Best 4-Season Tents of 2024

Author
The fun doesn’t stop when snow starts to fall. All of our top-rated winter tent picks are trail-tested in the mountains so you can find a trustworthy shelter for 4-season adventuring.
5 Best Glass Water Bottles of 2024
A red-headed woman drinking out of the Yomious 20 oz. water bottle at the airport

5 Best Glass Water Bottles of 2024

Author
Many people are making the switch from plastic to glass water bottles for the health of the environment and their bodies.
The Ultimate Guide to Vermont’s Long Trail

The Ultimate Guide to Vermont’s Long Trail

Author
Vermont’s Long Trail rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Green Mountains of Vermont and White Mountains of New Hampshire, spectacular fall foliage in the later months, and a journey they’ll never forget. In this guide, we’ll outline everything you need to know to be successful on the Long Trail.
Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles Review

Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles Review

Author
If you’re looking for a pair of trekking poles with a great balance of strength and low weight, you can’t go wrong with the Gossamer Gear LT5s.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Review

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Review

Author
This microfilter has an incredible flow rate, and it can be cleaned in the field. Because you can drink straight from the top like a sports bottle, you will spend less time squeezing or pumping and more time enjoying the trail.
14 Tips for Hiking & Backpacking with a Dog

14 Tips for Hiking & Backpacking with a Dog

Author
Following the tips in this guide will prepare you and your pooch for the trail and build confidence to take them…
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Backpack Review

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Backpack Review

Author
The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 is one of the most comfortable ultralight backpacks on the market, and we like using it for trips…
Slingfin Crossbow 2 Four-Season Tent Review

Slingfin Crossbow 2 Four-Season Tent Review

Author
The Slingfin Crossbow is one of the most spacious and versatile 4-season tents we’ve tested. Multiple setup configurations make it an excellent value that can be used in almost any conditions. The Crossbow is a true 4-season tent, but it’s easier to set up, more compact, and more livable than most others.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Review

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Review

Author
If you’re looking for one sleeping pad that can keep you warm and comfortable for most of the year, the Therm-a-Rest XLite is it. The XLite boasts an unmatched warmth-to-weight ratio, packs down incredibly small, and is durable enough to last through many seasons of regular use.
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