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

Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2024
Knee-down view of a hiker standing on a white granite rock in a pair of teal Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 hiking shoes in front a lake in Glacier National Park.

Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2024

Author
Looking for the most comfortable, durable women’s hiking shoes around? Our team of experts tested dozens of the most promising pairs over thousands…
Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2024
A trail runner resting on a boulder in an airy grassy hills setting in the HOKA Speedgoat 5 shoes

Best Trail Running Shoes for Women of 2024

Author
We hit the ground running to find the best trail runners for every type of terrain. From mountain ridges to forest paths, we’ll help you find the right shoe for you.
Best Women’s Hiking Boots of 2024
Waist-down view of a hiker taking a rest break by sitting on some rocks in the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX boots with rocky, high-desert clifs in the background.

Best Women’s Hiking Boots of 2024

Author
After rigorous on-trail testing, we’ve narrowed down our list of the most comfortable, durable, and lightweight hiking boots to keep you moving on…
10 Best Hiking Pants for Women 2024
A waist-down photo of a female hiker wearing The North Face Aphrodite 2.0 hiking pants with the tuft columns of Smith Rock in the distance

10 Best Hiking Pants for Women 2024

Author
We took to the trails to test the most promising hiking pants for women. We looked for the most comfortable, lightweight, and durable options so you’ll feel great in your new ‘fit.
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.
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.
REI Co-op Magma 15 & 30 Sleeping Bag Review

REI Co-op Magma 15 & 30 Sleeping Bag Review

Author
The REI Co-op Magma 15 and Magma 30 sleeping bags are some of our favorite in terms of quality for money. These bags are ultralight, ultra comfy, and much easier on your wallet than most bags with similar specs. Last season’s Magma bags made our top picks list, and these new bags are also at the very top of our 10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags and Quilts list.
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