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

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.
Osprey Dyna 6 Hydration Vest Review
Close up of a runner wearing the Osprey Dyna 6 Hydration Vest

Osprey Dyna 6 Hydration Vest Review

Author
Made from 100% recycled materials this pack offers plenty of space for hydration, calories, layers, and essentials for runs of a wide variety of lengths.
Salomon ADV Skin 12 Hydration Vest Review
Runner wearing a Salomon ADV Skin 12 Unisex Running Vest

Salomon ADV Skin 12 Hydration Vest Review

Author
Lightweight and streamlined, this pack offers functional minimalism with room to carry a shell, calories, fluids, and technical mountain tools with a close to body fit.
Arc’teryx Norvan 7 Hydration Vest Review
Runner wearing an Arc'teryx Norvan 7 Vest Women's Hydration Vest

Arc’teryx Norvan 7 Hydration Vest Review

Author
Lightweight and streamlined, this pack offers functional minimalism with room to carry a shell, calories, fluids, and technical mountain tools with a close to body fit.
Salomon ADV Skin 5 Running Vest Review
Close-up image of a woman standing in front of greenery wearing a blue running vest. The back of the vest is visible, showcasing the large main compartment.

Salomon ADV Skin 5 Running Vest Review

Author
With a snug fit and convenient storage, this vest is extremely versatile for runs of any length. It offers no-bounce performance and lightly cushioned comfort for easy wearability.
Nathan Pinnacle 12 Liter Hydration Race Vest Review
Close up of the magnetic hose clasp on the Nathan Pinnacle 12 Hydration Race Vest

Nathan Pinnacle 12 Liter Hydration Race Vest Review

Author
This comfortable, no-bounce vest puts hydration and plenty of accessible snack pockets plus tons of organization and secure storage for layers at your fingertips.
Nathan Pinnacle 4 Liter Hydration Race Vest Review
Runner wearing the Nathan Pinnacle 4 Hydration Race Vest

Nathan Pinnacle 4 Liter Hydration Race Vest Review

Author
Lightweight and breathable with a chafe-free fit, this minimal running vest includes two straw-top flasks and is perfect for runs where you need just a bit more room.
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