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

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.
UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest Review
Close-up image of a woman wearing a blue running vest with a forest trail in the background.

UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest Review

Author
Ultralight but heavy on features, this highly breathable, ergonomic hydration vest has everything you need to stay organized and hydrated during long runs and races alike.
Black Diamond Distance 4 Hydration Vest Review
Runner wearing a Black Diamond Women's Distance 4 Hydration Vest

Black Diamond Distance 4 Hydration Vest Review

Author
Engineered to support your hydration needs without slowing you down, this vest is comfortable, lightweight, and breathable and supplies everything you need and nothing that you don’t.
Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 Review
Runner wearing the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0 Hydration Vest

Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 Review

Author
This organizational champ will keep all your essentials, calories, gear and layers dialed in whether you’re racing an ultra or racing up a peak.
Best Running Hydration Vests & Packs of 2026
Runner wearing a Black Diamond Women's Distance 4 Hydration Vest

Best Running Hydration Vests & Packs of 2026

Author
Whether you’re looking for a hydration companion for race day or a workhorse storage solution to keep you powering along in the mountains, we’ve got the running vest for you.
Women’s Brooks Catamount 4 Review
Brooks Women's Catamount 4 close up on trail

Women’s Brooks Catamount 4 Review

Author
Built for speed with plenty of cushion and just enough traction to grip a wide variety of terrain without compromising weight, these shoes will propel you up and down the trail.
Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam X Trail More v3 Review
New Balance Women's Fresh Foam X Trail More V 3 close up on trail

Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam X Trail More v3 Review

Author
Taking cushioning to new heights, these shoes are designed to not just protect your feet from trail debris, but raise them above it while still maintaining a minimal 4 mm drop.
Women’s Nike Zegama 2 Review
Nike Women's Zegama 2 on a hiker

Women’s Nike Zegama 2 Review

Author
With extra cushion, ZoomX foam in the midsole, and a Vibram Megagrip outsole these shoes are ideal for long days on trail, fast trots through the woods, and daily training miles.
Women’s Topo Terraventure 5 Review
Runner wearing the Topo Terraventure 5

Women’s Topo Terraventure 5 Review

Author
This update to a rockstar shoe features a sturdy build, minimal drop, moderate cushion, and incredible traction that will take you anywhere you want to run.
Women’s Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Review
Nike Women's Pegasus 5 close up

Women’s Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Review

Author
Fast, responsive, and perfectly cushioned, this trail runner is going to make you feel light on your feet as you zoom down the trail.
1 2 3 4