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

The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Arizona Trail

The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Arizona Trail

Author
A hike on the Arizona Trail (AZT) is a truly unique experience. The AZT will take you on an unforgettable 800-mile trek like no other through an ever-changing landscape.
The 35 Best Ways to Save At REI’s Member Moment Event 2024
A trail runner resting on a boulder in an airy grassy hills setting in the HOKA Speedgoat 5 shoes

The 35 Best Ways to Save At REI’s Member Moment Event 2024

Author
We’ll show you how to save big at REI’s Member Moment Event with coupon codes, member reward information, and sale highlights.
10 Campfire Safety Tips

10 Campfire Safety Tips

Author
Human-caused wildfires impact millions of acres of forest each year. With a little extra prep, attentiveness, and care…
20 Hot Deals at REI’s Holiday Warm Up Sale 2023

20 Hot Deals at REI’s Holiday Warm Up Sale 2023

Author
REI’s Holiday Warm Up Sale is on from December 8-18th. These are the deals you won’t want to miss at this year’s sale.
Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent Review
A hiker adjusting the Zpacks Duplex Zip in a plateau with mountains in the background.

Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent Review

Author
We put 500 miles on the Zpacks Duplex Zip to see how it stacks up against the best ultralight tents on the market.
The 50 Best Deals at REI’s Gear Up Get Out Sale 2023

The 50 Best Deals at REI’s Gear Up Get Out Sale 2023

Author
We scoured REI’s Gear Up Get Out Sale (running Nov 10-20) and put together this list of the deals we’re most excited about. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this one!
20 Ways to Use Your REI 20% Off Coupon

20 Ways to Use Your REI 20% Off Coupon

Author
Get excited REI members – it’s coupon time! This weekend only (September 23-24th) REI members can get 20% off…
Durston X-Mid Pro 2 Tent Review

Durston X-Mid Pro 2 Tent Review

Author
If you’ve been in the ultralight scene for more than a minute, chances are you’ve heard about the Durston X-Mid Pro 2.
Best Trekking Poles of 2024
A female backpacker hiking up to the top of a red, rocky mountain pass in Glacier National Park using the REI Flash Carbon trekking poles

Best Trekking Poles of 2024

Author
We’ve rigorously tested these trekking poles over thousands of miles to find the sturdiest and most lightweight options. Get more stability on tough terrain…
Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Loop Backpacking Guide

Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Loop Backpacking Guide

Author
The Strawberry Mountain Wilderness Loop is one of our favorite hikes we’ve ever done in Oregon. Out in this Eastern Oregon paradise, you’ll encounter crystal clear lakes, vibrant fields of wildflowers, ample opportunities to view wildlife, and sweeping views of the Blue Mountain Range.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT Sleeping Pad Review

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT Sleeping Pad Review

Author
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT has one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios of any sleeping pad on the market, but is it worth the spendy price tag? We put the new Xtherm NXT to the test to see how it holds up to real-world conditions.
REI Co-op Flash 2 Tent Review

REI Co-op Flash 2 Tent Review

Author
Spoiler alert: we really dig the REI Co-op Flash 2. This tent is ultralight, has a convenient design, and is very well-priced for the specs and quality. Read our full review to find out why this tent is earning high marks on our list of the Best Backpacking Tents.
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