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

10 Best Duffel Bags of 2024
A man walking towards the airport with the Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler 60 duffel bag

10 Best Duffel Bags of 2024

Author
Pack away your worries with our guide to the best duffel bags for any adventure. Find your favorite new carryall based on size, weight and weatherproofing – at prices that won’t weigh you down.
Best Dog Boots & Shoes for Hiking

Best Dog Boots & Shoes for Hiking

Author
Our dogs trail-test their gear too! We have the pick of the litter for the most protective, comfortable, and durable dog boots.
Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2024
A backpacker wearing the Black Diamond Alpine Start Windbreaker while hiking in Glacier National Park in June

Best Windbreaker Jackets of 2024

Author
When the wind whispers, your style should roar! Let one of our trail-tested windbreaker picks lead your next summit push.
The Best Camp Shoes of 2024
A backpacker doing a handstand in a mountain meadow in a pair of pink Crocs Classic Clogs

The Best Camp Shoes of 2024

Author
Our list of the best camp shoes includes only the most comfy crowd-pleasers. Treat your feet to something nice.
Best 4-Season Tents of 2024
The NEMO Kunai 3P four-season tent in a snowy winter camping scene in the woods

Best 4-Season Tents of 2024

Author
The fun doesn’t stop when snow starts to fall. All of our top-rated winter tent picks are trail-tested in the mountains so you can find a trustworthy shelter for 4-season adventuring.
5 Best Glass Water Bottles of 2024
A red-headed woman drinking out of the Yomious 20 oz. water bottle at the airport

5 Best Glass Water Bottles of 2024

Author
Many people are making the switch from plastic to glass water bottles for the health of the environment and their bodies.
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp Review

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp Review

Author
The Black Diamond Spot 350 is one of our favorite headlamps for backpacking because it’s bright, has a long burn time, and it’s full of convenient features. And at only $40, the Spot is a steal for such a powerful and durable headlamp. We named the Spot 350 the best value on our Best Headlamps list.
The Ultimate Guide to Vermont’s Long Trail

The Ultimate Guide to Vermont’s Long Trail

Author
Vermont’s Long Trail rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Green Mountains of Vermont and White Mountains of New Hampshire, spectacular fall foliage in the later months, and a journey they’ll never forget. In this guide, we’ll outline everything you need to know to be successful on the Long Trail.
Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles Review

Gossamer Gear LT5 Trekking Poles Review

Author
If you’re looking for a pair of trekking poles with a great balance of strength and low weight, you can’t go wrong with the Gossamer Gear LT5s.
Snow Peak Litemax Stove Review

Snow Peak Litemax Stove Review

Author
The Snow Peak Litemax is one of the lightest and most compact backpacking stoves on the market. This tiny powerhouse can boil a liter of water in just under five minutes, and then it folds away nicely to fit into pretty much any cookpot when you’re done. Because of how lightweight and compact the Litemax is, it’s one of our top picks on our Best Backpacking Stoves list.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Review

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Review

Author
The Katadyn BeFree water filter has become one of our go-tos for ultralight backpacking. 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. That means, you can spend less time squeezing or pumping and more time enjoying the trail. The BeFree earned a top spot on our Best Water Filters list for its low weight, convenience, and compact size.
Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Tent Review

Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Tent Review

Author
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is one of our favorite ultralight one-person tents. It packs down small, it’s easy to pitch, and it’s got a great amount of space inside for a single hiker and their gear. It also holds up better in bad weather and has less condensation issues than some of our other favorite single-wall tents from our Best Ultralight Tents list.
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