Brett Kretzer
Gear Analyst

Brett is a writer, hiker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. Growing up in the mountains of western Maryland, with the Appalachian Trail in his backyard, he’s always felt a kinship with dense forests and rolling hills.

From 2014-2021, he toured the US full-time with a bluegrass band. After being absolutely captivated by the rugged ridge lines and boreal forests of New Hampshire and Maine, he decided to dive headfirst into his love for the outdoors. He thru-hiked the Long Trail and the Colorado Trail in 2021 before making the move to Colorado to pursue adventure and work in the great outdoors. He’s backpacked thousands of miles across the US and Europe including the Wonderland Trail and the GR11 in the Spanish Pyrenees.

He loves nerding out about ultralight gear, dialing in his perfect kit, and always trying new and innovative designs. These days, he still calls himself a musician as well as a writer based in beautiful Golden, CO. You can find him bagging peaks, climbing rocks, shredding powder, or jamming at a bluegrass festival.

Articles by Brett Kretzer

Yaktrax Walk Winter Traction Device Review
a hiker walks towards the camera showing the bottom of one shoe with a traction device attached

Yaktrax Walk Winter Traction Device Review

Author
Most people are familiar with these winter traction devices due to their affordability and widespread availability. Whether they are the most durable or capable is a different conversation.
Korkers Ice Runner Ice Cleats Review
a POV view of a hikers feet with trail runners and ice cleats

Korkers Ice Runner Ice Cleats Review

Author
Skiers and boarders will love these ice cleats. They feature a familiar BOA tightening system with durable steel cables and replaceable spikes for superior longevity and a secure fit.
Black Diamond Access Spike Ice Cleats Review
a hiker sits on a rock and shoes the bottom of his shoe with an ice cleat attached

Black Diamond Access Spike Ice Cleats Review

Author
These stable and comfortable ice cleats impressed us with their hiker-focused versatility and give the industry standard a run for its money.
Exped Terra 15 Sleeping Bag Review
a hiker sits up in a tent while tucked into a blue exped sleeping bag

Exped Terra 15 Sleeping Bag Review

Author
This quality down sleeping bag is warm, roomy and rich with features, offering an affordable entry into lightweight backpacking for the casual or first-time adventurer.
Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt 20 Review
a hiker holds up a grey quilt to show the yellow inside to the camera. a lake a mountains are in the background.

Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt 20 Review

Author
Minimalists, ultralighters, and restless sleepers look no further. This quilt provides the warmth you need and extra room to roll around without extra bulk.
Feathered Friends Swallow UL20 Sleeping Bag Review
a hiker tosses a blue sleeping bag into the air

Feathered Friends Swallow UL20 Sleeping Bag Review

Author
This premium goose down sleeping bag is hard to beat for a three-season sleeping bag that provides excellent warmth without extra bulk and weight.
Counter Assault Bear Keg Review
a hiker holds a backpack on the ground with a bear canister on top

Counter Assault Bear Keg Review

Author
When you need the highest level of security, durability, and widespread approval, this bright yellow bear canister is the ticket. Regulating agencies love it and bears hate it.
BearVault BV450 Jaunt Bear Canister Review
a hiker holds a bear canister full of food with a tent in the background

BearVault BV450 Jaunt Bear Canister Review

Author
This popular bear can strikes a great middle ground between capacity and portability. It’s tough enough for most trips, and its transparent design makes it easy to see your food.
REI Traverse Bear Canister Review
a hiker kneels on the ground while holding two separate parts of an orange bear canister

REI Traverse Bear Canister Review

Author
One bear canister to rule them all…its modular design adapts to different trip lengths, saving you from owning a collection of canisters.
BearVault BV500 Journey Bear Canister Review
a hiker stands on a trail with a backpack and a blue bear canister strapped on top

BearVault BV500 Journey Bear Canister Review

Author
This popular bear canister is durable, secure, and reliable, making it one of our favorite, affordable options for most backpackers.
Smellyproof Bags Review
a hiker sits on the ground with his gear and eats from a meal pouch. a clear bag full of food sits next to him

Smellyproof Bags Review

Author
These clever bags provide an affordable way to add extra security to any food storage setup with minimal weight. It’s a simple solution to keep pesky critters out.
Grubcan Carbon 6.6 Bear Canister Review
a hiker kneels to pack a bear canister

Grubcan Carbon 6.6 Bear Canister Review

Author
This is the ultralight bear canister you’ve been looking for. While heavy, bulky bear canisters are no one’s favorite piece of gear, this ultralight version is a bearable necessity.
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