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

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Review

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Review

Author
This microfilter has an incredible flow rate, and it can be cleaned in the field. Because you can drink straight from the top like a sports bottle, you will spend less time squeezing or pumping and more time enjoying the trail.
14 Tips for Hiking & Backpacking with a Dog

14 Tips for Hiking & Backpacking with a Dog

Author
Following the tips in this guide will prepare you and your pooch for the trail and build confidence to take them…
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Backpack Review

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Backpack Review

Author
The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 is one of the most comfortable ultralight backpacks on the market, and we like using it for trips…
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Review

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Review

Author
If you’re looking for one sleeping pad that can keep you warm and comfortable for most of the year, the Therm-a-Rest XLite is it. The XLite boasts an unmatched warmth-to-weight ratio, packs down incredibly small, and is durable enough to last through many seasons of regular use.
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…
10 Best Water Bottles of 2025
Blue and black HydraPak Flux water bottles fitted with Katadyn BeFree Water Filters in front of the clear-blue McKenzie River

10 Best Water Bottles of 2025

Author
Quench your thirst for adventure with our guide to the best water bottles based on versatility, insulation, and weight – without draining your wallet.
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.
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