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
Exped Terra 15 Sleeping Bag Review
Enlightened Equipment Enigma Quilt 20 Review
Feathered Friends Swallow UL20 Sleeping Bag Review
Counter Assault Bear Keg Review
BearVault BV450 Jaunt Bear Canister Review
REI Traverse Bear Canister Review
BearVault BV500 Journey Bear Canister Review
Smellyproof Bags Review
Grubcan Carbon 6.6 Bear Canister Review
Bare Boxer Champ Bear Canister Review
Best Bear Canisters for Backpacking of 2025