Heather Anderson
Gear Analyst

National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Heather is the first woman to complete the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide National Scenic Trails each three times. This includes
her historic Calendar Year Triple Crown hike in 2018 when she hiked all three of those trails in one March-November season, making her the first female to do so.

She holds self-supported Fastest Known Times (FKT) on the Pacific Crest Trail (2013) and Appalachian Trail (2015). She has logged over 50,000 foot-miles since 2003 including over 16 thru-hikes. She is also an avid mountaineer and trail runner.

As a professional speaker, Heather gives talks regularly about her adventures and the lessons learned on trail. She is the author of Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home (2019) chronicling her Pacific Crest Trail record and Mud, Rocks, Blazes: Letting Go on the Appalachian Trail (2021) about her 2015 AT record. She also co-authored a guide to long-distance hiking preparation with Katie Gerber called Adventure Ready: A Hiker’s Guide to Training, Planning, and Resiliency (2022).

Articles by Heather Anderson

Women’s Altra Lone Peak 9+ Trail Runner Review
Runner on a bridge wearing the Altra Lone Peak 9+

Women’s Altra Lone Peak 9+ Trail Runner Review

Author
The original Foot Shaped toe box trail shoe is in its ninth edition, sporting a refined upper without compromising its renowned roominess. Luggy tread and moderate cushion make this a contender for hikers, runners, and backpackers alike.
Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 Review
Close up of the New Balance Fresh Foam Hiero 9 with ferns

Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 Review

Author
With extra thick cushion from the Fresh Foam X in the midsole, and an extra sticky Vibram outsole these shoes will have you bounding down the trails.
Women’s Altra Experience Wild 2 Trail Runner Review
close up of Hiker in the Altra Experience Wild 2 climbing Mount Monadnock, NH

Women’s Altra Experience Wild 2 Trail Runner Review

Author
Trail ready with plenty of room for your toes and thick cushioning this shoe will take you from trail to summit and back again.
Women’s Topo Athletic Traverse Trail Runner Review
close up of the Topo Athletic Traverse

Women’s Topo Athletic Traverse Trail Runner Review

Author
Truly skilled on all trail types, this durable, low-drop, moderately cushioned shoe provides plenty of space for your toes.
Women’s Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 Trail Runner Review
close up of a runner holding the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4

Women’s Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 Trail Runner Review

Author
This shoe offers incredible traction and comfort by combining a high-cushion midsole with a Vibram outsole, deep lugs, and a secure yet roomy fit.
Katabatic Flex 22 Backpacking Quilt Review
Hiker drinking coffee while in the Katabatic Flex 22 Quilt

Katabatic Flex 22 Backpacking Quilt Review

Author
Versatile, lightweight, warm, comfortable, and made in the USA, this quilt is a solid choice for three-season backpacking.
Hammock Gear Burrow 20 Backpacking Quilt Review
Hammock Gear Burrow 20 Quilt wrapped around someone drinking coffee in camp

Hammock Gear Burrow 20 Backpacking Quilt Review

Author
Durable, warm for its weight, and budget friendly this quilt also offers basic customization options making it a solid choice for a wide range of backpackers.
UGQ Bandit 20 Backpacking Quilt Review

UGQ Bandit 20 Backpacking Quilt Review

Author
Highly customizable, extra fluffy and lightweight, this backpacking quilt offers the comfort you’ll be looking forward to at the end of a long day on trail.
Loco Libre Operator Series Ghost Pepper 20 Backpacking Quilt Review
The Loco Libre Operator Series Ghost Pepper 20 Quilt in camp in the Badlands of South Dakota

Loco Libre Operator Series Ghost Pepper 20 Backpacking Quilt Review

Author
This quilt is a good choice for backpackers looking for a three-season, customizable quilt that will keep them warm on chilly nights, but opens flat for warmer ones.
ZPacks 20F Twin Backpacking Quilt Review
Hiker in a tent in the ZPacks 20F (-7C) Twin Quilt

ZPacks 20F Twin Backpacking Quilt Review

Author
Hiking duos looking for warmth and weight savings will be well served by this lightweight 900 fill power down quilt with a sewn footbox and just the right amount of room to stay cozy without being cramped.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Backpacking Quilt Review
Hiker drinking coffee in the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20 in camp on the Appalachian Trail

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Backpacking Quilt Review

Author
Ultralight fabrics, 1000 fill power down, and slim construction make this quilt one of our top performers with an excellent warmth to weight ratio.
Western Mountaineering AstraLite Backpacking Quilt Review
Hiker sleeping in a Western Mountaineering AstraLite Quilt in a tent at night

Western Mountaineering AstraLite Backpacking Quilt Review

Author
With an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and all the features we’re looking for, our Best Overall Backpacking Quilt is a versatile three-season option.
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