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

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…
Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent Review

Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Tent Review

Author
The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is an innovative tent with a lot of unique features to love. It has more headroom than any 2-person backpacking tent in its weight class, which makes it feel a lot more livable than many others. And with other creature comforts, like the light-dispersing Lightbar and adaptable ventilation, the Telos feels like a little slice of luxury in the backcountry.
Slingfin Crossbow 2 Four-Season Tent Review

Slingfin Crossbow 2 Four-Season Tent Review

Author
The Slingfin Crossbow is one of the most spacious and versatile 4-season tents we’ve tested. Multiple setup configurations make it an excellent value that can be used in almost any conditions. The Crossbow is a true 4-season tent, but it’s easier to set up, more compact, and more livable than most others.
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

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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.
MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove Review

MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove Review

Author
The MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is a whole lot of power in a tiny package. With excellent simmer control, stable supports, and an efficient burn, it’s no wonder we named it best overall canister stove on our Best Backpacking Stoves list.
Pros and Cons of Hiking With Trekking Poles

Pros and Cons of Hiking With Trekking Poles

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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…
Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Tent Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 Tent Review

Author
So many ultralight tents save weight by cutting out living space, but that’s not Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s style. The Ultamid 2 Pyramid Tent and Full Mesh Insert come together to make an absolutely ginormous ultralight castle that comfortably shelters two people and their gear.
10 Best Water Bottles of 2024
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 2024

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…
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