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

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review

Author
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite has been one of our favorite backpacking sleeping pads for years, and the best just got better with the introduction of the new XLite NXT version. This pad is still made with the high-quality construction that Therm-a-Rest is known for, but it’s warmer and much quieter than its predecessor.
REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent Review

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent Review

Author
The REI Half Dome SL 2+ is one of the absolute best value tents money can buy. It’s easy to set up, spacious, and made with high-quality materials, yet it costs significantly less than most tents in its class. We think one of the Half Dome’s best assets is its versatility – it’s large enough for car camping and light enough for backpacking.
Big Agnes Zoom UL Sleeping Pad Review

Big Agnes Zoom UL Sleeping Pad Review

Author
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better pad than the Big Agnes Zoom UL in this price range. This rectangular sleeping pad is plenty warm for most three-season adventures, and its compact, ultralight design will help keep your pack weight and bulk to a minimum.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Backpack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Backpack Review

Author
Made with thru-hikers in mind, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 backpack is everything you need and nothing you don’t. This pack is essentially waterproof, incredibly durable for the weight, and has convenient pockets galore. We put our Unbound pack to the test over hundreds of miles in the Sonoran Desert, and we think it’s a big win for long-distance hiking and ultralight backpacking.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 Tent Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2 Tent Review

Author
Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Unbound 2 tent is a fresh take on a tried-and-true ultralight design. We’ve put ours through the wringer over hundreds of miles in the Sonoran Desert, and we found it to be a spacious retreat after hard days of hiking.
Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain jacket Review

Enlightened Equipment Visp Rain jacket Review

Author
The Enlightened Equipment Visp (men’s / women’s) is among the best value ultralight jackets on the market for its price, protection, and adjustability. We’ve worn this jacket for hundreds of miles, including stints in Colorado’s monsoon season and the first snow of the year in the Pacific Northwest. We hope our experience helps you decide if the Visp is the right jacket for you.
Zpacks 7×9 Flat Tarp Review

Zpacks 7×9 Flat Tarp Review

Author
f you’re looking for the lightest possible shelter that doesn’t compromise on space, the ZPacks 7×9 Flat Tarp is just about as light as they come. This minimal rectangular tarp packs down small, provides a ton of room for a single hiker, and is a bit more affordable than other tarps in its weight class.
10 Best Hydration Mixes & Electrolyte Powders of 2024
A backpacker drinking from a water bottle filled with pink hydration mix

10 Best Hydration Mixes & Electrolyte Powders of 2024

Author
Sip, sip, hooray! We’ve trail-tested the most flavorful, nutritious, and delicious hydration mixes out there so you can stay fueled up on your adventures.
10 Best Stuff Sacks of 2024
A hiker holding an orange REI Lightweight Drawstring Stuff Sack with a backpacking tent and a mountain peak in the background

10 Best Stuff Sacks of 2024

Author
Toiletries, electronics, extra clothes, food – all the little bits and bobs in your backpack can become a mess if you don’t have a way…
Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

Aquamira Water Purification Drops Review

Author
Aquamira purification drops are a popular water treatment option among backpackers because they’re affordable, lightweight…
7 Best Sun Shirts of 2024

7 Best Sun Shirts of 2024

Author
Ready for some fun in the sun? Stay protected with our trail-tested expert recommendations for the best sun shirts available.
Best Vegan & Vegetarian Backpacking Meals of 2024

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Backpacking Meals of 2024

Author
Zucchini and mushrooms and black beans, oh my! We’ve once again donned our fancy food critic pants and ate all the food…
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