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

10 Tips for Hiking with Your Dog in Winter

10 Tips for Hiking with Your Dog in Winter

Author
Taking your dog for a rainy hike or a jaunt in the snow is incredibly fun and a great way to keep them active during the winter. But…
10 Tips for Hiking & Backpacking in the Rain

10 Tips for Hiking & Backpacking in the Rain

Author
There’s no doubt that rainy and cold conditions add an element of challenge to getting outside.
Ultimate Backpacking Checklist & Gear Essentials

Ultimate Backpacking Checklist & Gear Essentials

Author
After years of honing our backpacking gear to find the balance of weight, comfort, and…
10 Best Coolers of 2024
A woman and a puppy sitting in a float tube next to the Rovr Rollr 60 cooler at the river's edge

10 Best Coolers of 2024

Author
Beat the heat with our guide to the top-rated coolers. After putting over 20 models to the test, we’ve handpicked the best for insulation, durability, and price.
How to Prevent and Treat Blisters While Hiking

How to Prevent and Treat Blisters While Hiking

Author
Blisters don’t need to be a bummer on trail. This guide explains how to prevent blisters in the first place, and how to treat them if they do pop up, as well as general foot care tips.
A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Continental Divide Trail

A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Continental Divide Trail

Author
The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) spans over 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada and is one of the most significant trail systems in the world. It’s the highest, most remote, and, in many ways, most challenging of our National Scenic Trails. Thru-hiking the CDT is an adventure of a lifetime, but it’s not for the faint of heart. That said, the effort it takes to overcome the challenges the Trail presents are rewarded with unending panoramic views, deep solitude, and an opportunity to be immersed in true wildness.
Backpacking Meal Recipes & How to Dehydrate Food for Camping

Backpacking Meal Recipes & How to Dehydrate Food for Camping

Author
Making your own backpacking meals can be a fun hobby and a great way to take control of your nutrition while saving money.
The 7 Best Rain Boots for Women of 2024
Closeup of a woman wearing the Bogs Classic High Rain Boots, a rake gathering red autumn leaves, and a dog in the background

The 7 Best Rain Boots for Women of 2024

Author
Don’t let wet weather dampen your spirits! Our team of experts has splashed its way to this list of the best rain boots around.
Best Winter Boots for Women of 2024
Closeup of three women's sitting on some steps in winter boots including the Sorel Slimpack III Lace & Columbia Minx Shorty III

Best Winter Boots for Women of 2024

Author
We’ve braved the winter chill to find top-notch boots that blend function with fashion. These winter wonders will keep you stomping away with confidence.
What to Wear Hiking & Backpacking: The Ultralight Packing Guide

What to Wear Hiking & Backpacking: The Ultralight Packing Guide

Author
We use our combined 100 years of backpacking experience to put together this packing guide for lightweight adventures.
Backpacking & Camping Tent Size Guide

Backpacking & Camping Tent Size Guide

Author
Size is one of the most important considerations you’ll make when choosing a backpacking or camping tent.
20 Tips for Backpacking in the Desert

20 Tips for Backpacking in the Desert

Author
Desert hiking offers some of the most stunning and varied scenery of any ecosystem. In this guide, we offer our tips and tricks for staying safe and healthy in this beautiful but harsh landscape.
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