Alice Hafer
Gear Analyst

Alice studied creative writing at Florida State University and has an MA in Creative Writing and Screenwriting from both Goldsmiths and City University in London. Simultaneously pursuing a career as a professional rock climber and outdoor journalist, she’s lived in more than 12 countries to write and climb and was a semi-finalist on the first-ever rock climbing reality television show on HBO Max, The Climb, with Jason Momoa and Chris Sharma. In her free time, she founded Mind Strength Coaching to help extreme sport athletes improve their mindset and has been invited to coach at events around the world. Her writing has been featured in UKClimbing, Climbing, Outdoors, Project Magazine, and more. Her debut sport documentary STUCK won the People’s Choice Award at ShAFF in 2017.

She spent her childhood outdoors in Florida dreaming of mountains while hiking, canoeing, and getting sunburned at the beach. Her passion for peaks only escalated on family thru-hiking trips on the Appalachian trail and on the Chilkoot Trail in Alaska. Now migrated back to the U.S., Alice lives a short drive from the Sierras and the Pacific Crest Trail and is always planning her next day outside.

Articles by Alice Hafer

Women’s Houdini Wadi Shorts Review
A gear analyst wearing lightweight blue houdini wadi shorts at sunset on a clear evening

Women’s Houdini Wadi Shorts Review

Author
These shorts are a standout choice for those seeking a soft, lightweight, ultra-breathable pair.
Women’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts Review
a hiker posing next to a fence in a field of rabbit brush and sage in the sunny high desert

Women’s Outdoor Research Ferrosi Shorts Review

Author
All-around performance shorts with a lightweight, breathable fabric, this option offers a streamlined fit that’s both functional, durable and quick-drying.
Women’s Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts Review
a women hiking on a dirt road with a black dog in the patagonia multi-trails shorts

Women’s Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts Review

Author
These shorts are incredibly lightweight and packable, ideal for minimalist hikers who need to save space and weight. Despite their featherweight feel, they’re durable with great zip pockets.
Janji 3″ AFO Middle Shorts Review
a women in the desert wearing the janji afo middle shorts in black

Janji 3″ AFO Middle Shorts Review

Author
These shorts offer impressive comfort and a lightweight design. They’re a solid value for eco-conscious hikers who prioritize comfort and breathability.
Women’s Patagonia Quandary Shorts
a women hiking in dry desert fields in orange patagonia shorts

Women’s Patagonia Quandary Shorts

Author
A great pair of shorts for hikers who want a technical short that looks like casual streetwear.
Women’s Altra Lone Peak 8 Review
close up of a hiker wearing altra lone peak 8's on small boulders

Women’s Altra Lone Peak 8 Review

Author
Lace up and go farther with this versatile shoe. With a refined ripstop mesh upper, grippy outsole, and responsive midsole, and a roomy toe box and zero drop design, it’s perfect for thru-hikers and trail runners alike.
Women’s Saucony Peregrine 14 Review
picture of a hiker wearing peregrine 14's walking over a log and dry grass

Women’s Saucony Peregrine 14 Review

Author
We think these hiking shoes are a fantastic pick for ultralight backpackers, trail runners, and hikers who value speed and breathability.
Women’s Merrell Moab 3 Review
hiker's feet wearing the merrell moab 3 on loose gravel

Women’s Merrell Moab 3 Review

Author
A no fuss shoe with comfort, durability and versatility, now even softer, grippier and more supportive.
Women’s Merrell Moab Speed 2 Review
a woman walking in the high desert brush

Women’s Merrell Moab Speed 2 Review

Author
We loved wearing this light and agile pair from Merrell on day hikes and a long-weekend backpacking trip.
Women’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review

Women’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review

Author
This is a high-performing technical pair of trail shoes. They effectively make you feel solid on the ground, yet light on your feet as you devour the trail before you.
Best Hiking Shorts for Women 2024
A female backpacker wearing the Nike Dri-FIT Tempo shorts on a mountain pass along the John Muir Trail

Best Hiking Shorts for Women 2024

Author
From ultralight to baggies, only the most comfortable, stylish, and high-quality hiking shorts made our list of top picks.
Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2024
Knee-down view of a hiker standing on a white granite rock in a pair of teal Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 hiking shoes in front a lake in Glacier National Park.

Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2024

Author
Looking for the most comfortable, durable women’s hiking shoes around? Our team of experts tested dozens of the most promising pairs over thousands…