![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Strawberry-20-300x300.jpeg)
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
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REI Co-op Flash 55 Backpack Review
![A backpacker relaxing on the shore of an alpine lake surrounded by mountains on an inflatable sleeping pad and the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Best-Pillows-16x9-1-300x169.jpg)
Best Camping Pillows of 2024
![Closeup of the Sawyer Squeeze water filter in front of an alpine lake](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Sawyer-Squeeze-16x9-1-300x169.jpg)
Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2024
![The Zpacks Duplex and Tarptent Motrail ultralight backpacking tents in front of a jagged mountain peak at sunset](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Ultralight-tents-16x9-1-300x169.jpg)
Best Ultralight Tents of 2024
![The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe backpacking stove in front of a jagged mountain with red bands](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Backpacking-Stoves-3-300x169.jpg)
Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024
![A backpacker relaxing in a red Eno Ultralight Sub6 hammock near a mountain lake in the Enchantments](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Hammocks-16x9-1-300x169.jpg)
Best Camping Hammocks of 2024
![](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Sawtooths-30-300x200.jpeg)
Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2024
![A backpacker sitting on a rock in the REI Magma 30 sleeping bag at sunset](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Best-Backpacking-Sleeping-Bags-16x9-1-300x169.jpg)
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2024
![A backpacker holding the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite in Yosemite National Park](https://www.cleverhiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sleeping-Pads-16x9-1-300x169.jpg)