Heather Eldridge
Editorial Assistant

As an Editorial Assistant at CleverHiker, Heather contributes to all aspects of our content creation, including research, analysis, testing, writing, photography, and more. Heather also leads the CH communications department, answering reader questions and building relationships with innovative outdoor brands.

Originally from Oregon, Heather has been exploring the Pacific Northwest since childhood. Heather is an experienced thru-hiker, having completed both the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. With a degree in Outdoor Education, Heather spent years encouraging youth to embrace outdoor recreation through various leadership positions. She has also worked as a backpacking guide, rock climbing instructor, and portrait photographer.

Heather takes a balanced approach to backpacking and camping, emphasizing comfort while keeping the weight and cost of her gear in check. Her love of photography is evident in the stunning images she captures on her adventures, which she uses to inspire others to explore the beauty of the natural world. When Heather’s not working, you can find her hiking with her dog in the local forests or obsessing over plants in her garden.

Articles by Heather Eldridge

Platypus QuickDraw MicroFilter System Review
a backpacker stands near a stream with a water bottle on the ground between their feet for support while they squeeze a quickdraw water bladder through a filter.

Platypus QuickDraw MicroFilter System Review

Author
Outstanding for its fast flow rate, durable build, and easy maintenance, this squeeze micro filter is a great option for treating water in the wild.
Father’s Day Gifts for Outdoorsy Dads

Father’s Day Gifts for Outdoorsy Dads

Author
Father’s Day is the perfect time to show the dad in your life some extra love. We’ve put together a guide with the gifts we know our dads would love to receive.
How to Make Tasty Foil Packet Camping Meals – Recipes & Tips

How to Make Tasty Foil Packet Camping Meals – Recipes & Tips

Author
CleverHiker Tested – Foil packet meals (aka campfire meals) make it easier than ever to enjoy real, hearty food outdoors with good company and on a budget.
MSR Habiscape Tent Review

MSR Habiscape Tent Review

Author
The MSR Habiscape was designed for families and groups who want solid weather protection and convenience for their frontcountry camping trips. It’s spacious without being overkill, easy and intuitive to set up, and has an excellent pocket arrangement to keep you organized.
Mother’s Day Gifts for Outdoorsy Moms 2024
A mom holding her son near a waterfall

Mother’s Day Gifts for Outdoorsy Moms 2024

Author
Mother’s Day is coming up and it’s a great opportunity to show the special lady in your life how much you appreciate her.
Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag Review

Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag Review

Author
The Zpacks Mummy Sleeping Bag offers the warmth of a hooded sleeping bag and the ventilation of a quilt all in one. It has one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios among all the choices on the market, and will surely become a top choice for heat-seeking hikers looking to dial in their gear.
C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe Review

C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe Review

Author
The C.A.M.P. Corsa Ice Axe is one of the lightest ice axes on the market, making it a top choice among weight-conscious backpackers and mountaineers who need the ability to self-arrest while crossing glaciers and steep snowfields.
Our All-Time Favorite YETI Gear

Our All-Time Favorite YETI Gear

Author
We often point people to YETI when they’re looking for exceptionally durable, long-lasting, and stylish gear for frontcountry adventures. YETI products have found their way onto many of our Gear Guides because they’re very high quality and built to last – something that really stands out in today’s market.
10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2024
A blonde backpacker sitting on a rock in front of an icey lake in the Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights

10 Best Hiking Leggings & Tights of 2024

Author
We’ve tested the best hiking leggings and tights to keep you moving effortlessly through any terrain. We tested models with just the right combo of mobility…
Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter Review
a backpacker in yosemite holding up their treated and clean drinking water in a Platypus Gravityworks bladder

Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter Review

Author
With over a decade and 3000-mile thru hike with the Platypus GravityWorks, it remains a favorite water treatment system for backpacking with a partner or group.
10 Best Camping Blankets of 2024
A woman and a dog sitting on the Oceas Sherpa Fleece camping blanket in the Alvord Desert with the Steens Mountains in the background

10 Best Camping Blankets of 2024

Author
Stay cozy at camp with our definitive guide to the best blankets for chilly nights under the stars, concerts on the lawn, and warm campfire snuggles.
ULA Alpha Knife Review

ULA Alpha Knife Review

Author
The ULA Alpha Knife is a ridiculously lightweight knife (just over 1 oz. with the sheath) that was designed specifically for backpackers and thru-hikers.
1 2 3 5