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 Columbia Sandy River Cargo Shorts Review

Women’s Columbia Sandy River Cargo Shorts Review

Author
If you’re looking for budget-friendly shorts for summer hikes, the Sandy River Cargo shorts are a solid women’s option.
Women’s Nike Dri-FIT Tempo Shorts Review

Women’s Nike Dri-FIT Tempo Shorts Review

Author
These shorts are one of our favorite budget-friendly options for hiking because they’re so lightweight and breathable
Women’s Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts Review

Women’s Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts Review

Author
Look no further than the Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Bermuda Shorts for a pair that’s quick-drying, water repellent, and extremely soft.
Women’s prAna Halle Short II 5″ Review

Women’s prAna Halle Short II 5″ Review

Author
The prAna Halle II is a durable, stylish hiking short that is both hike-able and city-ready according to our tester on the Tahoe Rim Trail
Women’s KUHL Freeflex Cargo Shorts Review

Women’s KUHL Freeflex Cargo Shorts Review

Author
The women’s KUHL Freeflex Cargo Shorts are a worthwhile investment for hikers who want coverage, plenty of storage, and solid durability
Women’s Patagonia Baggies Shorts Review
a women smiling and putting her hair behind her ear with the other hand in her pocket of the patagonia mult trails shorts while on a dirt road in next to sage brush and ponderosas

Women’s Patagonia Baggies Shorts Review

Author
If you’re looking for affordable, durable shorts that work for hikes and casual outings, the Patagonia Baggies 5″ shorts are for you
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

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.
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