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

The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10 Review
Close-up of the back of a black running vest.

The North Face Summit Series Run Vest 10 Review

Author
Whether you’re racing or training, this streamlined vest offers excellent organization, lightweight fabrics, and a breathable construction for hard efforts on the trail.
Osprey Dyna Pro 7 Running Vest Review
Woman running on a flat, forested trail wearing a purple hydration vest.

Osprey Dyna Pro 7 Running Vest Review

Author
This hydration vest offers plenty of space for hydration, calories, layers, and essentials, making it a versatile option for training, racing, and even technical mountain adventures.
UltrAspire Momentum 3.0 Race Vest Review
Close-up image of the front of a black running vest.

UltrAspire Momentum 3.0 Race Vest Review

Author
This vest offers plenty of organization and capacity for running essentials. along with handy water bottle pockets at the front and back – a rarity in the market.
Black Diamond Distance 8 Review
Close-up image of a blue running vest from the back. The person wearing it has her hands on her hips.

Black Diamond Distance 8 Review

Author
Combining the harness system of a running vest with the capacity of a mountain daypack, this design is a standout for fast-paced alpine adventures.
Patagonia Slope Runner Vest Review
Close-up of a woman wearing a black running vest standing in front of greenery.

Patagonia Slope Runner Vest Review

Author
A minimalist vest that doesn’t sacrifice functionality, this well-rounded design offers a streamlined hydration and storage solution for runs of varying lengths.
Best Backpacking Quilts of 2026
A backpacker wrapped up in the Enlightened Equipment Revelation sleeping quilt while sitting on a rocky slab overlooking bare granite mountains across the valley

Best Backpacking Quilts of 2026

Author
From the deep forests of the coastal Pacific Northwest to Arizona’s desert and beyond, we’ve vetted the best backpacking quilts to keep you cozy no matter the climate.
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.
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