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

Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

Zpacks Vertice Rain Jacket Review

Author
The Zpacks Vertice (men’s / women’s) is one of the lightest rain jackets available. This featherweight shell provides excellent coverage, is incredibly breathable, and is surprisingly durable for how light it is.
A Complete Guide to Hiking the Colorado Trail

A Complete Guide to Hiking the Colorado Trail

Author
From the flower-filled alpine meadows of the Sawatch Mountains to the dramatic craggy peaks of the San Juans, a hike on the Colorado Trail is sure to be a journey full of challenges and rewarding experiences.
Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles Review

Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles Review

Author
Drop + Fizan Compact 3 Trekking Poles are strong, comfortable to hold, and – best of all – they’re super affordable.
Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag Review

Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag Review

Author
The Zpacks Classic Sleeping Bag is a quilt/sleeping bag hybrid with one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios we’ve seen. This hoodless bag packs down super small, weighs next to nothing, and can be cinched tight to keep you cozy when the temperature drops.
Katadyn Micropur Water Purification Tablets Review

Katadyn Micropur Water Purification Tablets Review

Author
Katadyn’s Micropur Water Tabs because they take up almost no pack space, they weigh next to nothing, and they…
10 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

10 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.
10 Best Fanny Packs for Hiking of 2024
Closeup of a female hiker wearing the Patagonia Black Hole Mini fanny pack with a backpack

10 Best Fanny Packs for Hiking of 2024

Author
Fanny packs may have been considered a fashion faux-pas at one point, but nowadays it seems like we don’t make it a mile…
10 Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2024
A runner eating a Clif Bar

10 Best Energy Bars for Hiking & Protein Bars of 2024

Author
We’ve taste-tested the best energy bars for hiking and they’re almost as satisfying as finally reaching the summit. Let your snacking adventure begin!
NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Tent Review

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Tent Review

Author
The incredibly spacious NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 is an excellent choice for those wanting a tent that’s comfortable for any type of adventure – it’s light enough for backpacking and roomy enough for frontcountry camping. As always, NEMO has designed a ton of useful features into this tent.
MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent Review

MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Tent Review

Author
The long-time crowd favorite MSR Hubba Hubba 2 tent has had a makeover, and there’s a lot to love about this newest iteration. Some of the most noticeable changes include a significantly lower weight, an updated color scheme that meshes nicely with natural surroundings, and a reimagined ventilation design.
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles Review

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles Review

Author
Black Diamond’s Trail Ergo Cork trekking poles are some of our favorites for hiking on rugged trails where…
10 Best Tent Stakes of 2024
A backpacker's hand holding a set of Vargo Titanium Shepherds Hook tent stakes in his hand with a NEMO tent in the background

10 Best Tent Stakes of 2024

Author
Tent stakes are some of the smallest, but most important items in your outdoor kit. Your tent stakes will secure your shelter…
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