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 XTherm Review

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Review

Author
Tired of tossing and turning in your tent because you’re too cold to sleep? Give the Therm-a-Rest XTherm a try. With an R-Value (insulation value) of 6.9 and weighing in at under a pound, this pad is perfect for 4-season adventures and for those who tend to sleep cold.
7 Great Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals from Outdoor Brands We Love

7 Great Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals from Outdoor Brands We Love

Author
The holiday season is all about spending time with friends and family (even if it’s just a video call), taking time to relax, and… getting amazing deals on the outdoor gear you love! There are a lot of awesome sales happening right now, so we compiled this list of the best deals available.
Pros and Cons of Hiking With Trekking Poles

Pros and Cons of Hiking With Trekking Poles

Author
Whether you’re thru-hiking across the country or heading out on a quick weekend jaunt, trekking poles can add a lot of stability and…
Hydro Flask Lightweight Trail Series Wide-mouth Vacuum Water Bottle Review

Hydro Flask Lightweight Trail Series Wide-mouth Vacuum Water Bottle Review

Author
Hydro Flask’s Lightweight Trail Series Vacuum Water Bottles are seriously awesome. These bottles are 25% lighter than…
35 Great Deals at REI’s Member Rewards Sale

35 Great Deals at REI’s Member Rewards Sale

Author
REI has shut its doors for the time being for the safety of retail employees (who are still being paid), members, and guests. That said, REI.com is still open and all REI members should have just received their dividends. REI’s annual Member Rewards sale goes from March 20-April 6th and it’s chock full of good online deals.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Ultralight Fanny Pack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Ultralight Fanny Pack Review

Author
Hyperlite Mountain Gear makes some of our favorite ultralight backpacks, tents, and accessories, and they’ve done it again…
First Look: Therm-a-Rest’s New Valve System

First Look: Therm-a-Rest’s New Valve System

Author
Therm-a-Rest is introducing their new WingLock air valve for 2020 and we were fortunate enough to get to test a first run sample. The new valve system is a great upgrade for the already awesome NeoAir sleeping pad line.
A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

A Quick Guide to Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail

Author
Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail can be one of the most rewarding and powerful things you do in life. Overcoming the challenges of a thru-hike requires a lot of research, planning and dedication, so we put together this guide to help get you started.
Are Hiking Sandals Really a Thing?

Are Hiking Sandals Really a Thing?

Author
Boots and shoes are still mainstays of the trail, but hiking sandals have a lot of merits that might just make you a convert.
Do You Really Need a Tent Footprint & How to Choose

Do You Really Need a Tent Footprint & How to Choose

Author
Tents are expensive, so do you really need to spend another $40 on a footprint to protect its floor? Here’s our expert take
North Coast Route Backpacking Guide – Olympic National Park

North Coast Route Backpacking Guide – Olympic National Park

Author
The North Coast section of Olympic National Park – from Shi Shi Beach to Rialto Beach – is not your ordinary walk on the beach. This route features some of the most rugged and isolated coastal landscapes in the country. From tidepools full of life to sea stacks miles out in the ocean, every headland you round offers another breathtaking view.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol vs. NEMO Switchback Review

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol vs. NEMO Switchback Review

Author
Closed-cell foam sleeping pads are a popular option among thru-hikers and lightweight backpackers on a budget, and the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol has dominated that market for many years with very little competition. New in 2019, the NEMO Switchback offers some long overdue updates. We were curious to see how the two matched up, so we tested them side by side to determine a winner.
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