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

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
Hiking sandals might just be the wave of the future. Though traditional boots and shoes are still mainstays of the trail, 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
Let’s face it, tents are expensive. You want your tent to last as long as possible, but spending another $40+ on something you…
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.
Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025
Closeup of the Sawyer Squeeze water filter in front of an alpine lake

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Author
We’ve filtered out the nonsense to bring you our purest recommendations of the best water filters around.
Best Ultralight Tents of 2025
The Zpacks Duplex and Tarptent Motrail ultralight backpacking tents in front of a jagged mountain peak at sunset

Best Ultralight Tents of 2025

Author
Every gram counts when finding the best ultralight tent. Our hand-picked list of UL shelters passed the test from our scale to the trail.
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