Your go-to resource for all things backpacking, hiking, and camping
Our mission is to connect people with nature by providing information and inspiration.
CleverHiker is a website that encourages backpackers, hikers, and campers to experience nature at its finest.
Cleverhiker’s Mission
Our mission is to connect people with nature by providing information and inspiration. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the wilderness. We are committed to making outdoor recreation easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.
We do this by providing:
We hope our resources help you plan your next unforgettable outdoor adventure.
OUR STORY
CleverHiker was created in 2012 by outdoor enthusiast Dave Collins as a resource for backpackers and hikers of all levels. Dave had recently completed a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, and he wanted to share his knowledge and experience with others.
CleverHiker started with two tutorial video series: Lightweight Backpacking Basics and Essential Backpacking Skills. These videos quickly became popular, and Dave soon expanded the site to include comprehensive trip guides and in-depth gear reviews.
Today, CleverHiker is one of the leading backpacking, hiking, and camping resources online. With hundreds of articles and videos, CleverHiker has something for everyone, from first-time campers to experienced thru-hikers.
Who we are
Dave Collins
Dave is CleverHiker’s founder and he oversees day-to-day operations of the site. This includes content creation, gear testing, photography, web design, social media, advertising, strategic planning, employee management and more.
Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Ben has over a decade of leadership experience in the outdoor industry and oversees CleverHiker’s content creation and operational systems. He brings a practical perspective combining qualitative field testing and rigorous quantitative analysis to his process.
Casey Handley
Heather Eldridge
As a Staff Writer at CleverHiker, Heather contributes to all aspects of our content creation, including research, analysis, testing, writing, photography, and more. Heather also leads the CH communications department, answering reader questions and building relationships with innovative outdoor brands.
Our Responsibility
CleverHiker is a website that encourages backpackers, hikers, and campers to experience nature at its finest. We believe that everyone has a responsibility to protect the wilderness, and we do our part by providing resources on low-impact travel, Leave No Trace methods, wilderness conservation, and trail maintenance volunteer opportunities.
We also regularly donate to trail organizations and environmental conservation groups. We hold great reverence for Mother Nature and those who safeguard our wild places. We believe that all of us need to be stewards of the natural world to protect our wilderness for generations to come.
Here are some of the ways you can help:
- Pack light. The less weight you carry, the less impact you’ll have on the trail.
- Leave no trace. Follow the Leave No Trace principles to help keep our wilderness clean and pristine.
- Donate to trail organizations. Your donations help to maintain and improve our trails.
- Volunteer for trail maintenance. Give back to the wilderness by helping to keep our trails in good condition.
- Educate others about Leave No Trace. Share your knowledge with other backcountry travelers to help them protect the wilderness.
Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for being a part of the CleverHiker community.
Tested. Trusted. Trail Ready.
We provide honest and unbiased recommendations. We don’t accept payments for reviews, our site is free from distracting advertising, and we thoroughly test every product we recommend.
Earning your trust through authenticity is what we’re all about.
CONNECT WITH US
We hope you find our resources to be helpful, direct, and inspirational. Though we are highly experienced outdoor experts, we also consider ourselves lifelong learners. So if you ever have feedback on how we can improve any of our resources, please know that your suggestions will be welcomed with open arms.
The best way to stay connected is to sign up for our newsletter below. Also, follow us on social media and you’ll never miss a trip guide, gear review, or tutorial video.
