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

MSR Alpine Stowaway 1.1L Backpacking CookPot Review
A hiker crouches next to a backpacking pot cooking on a stove and begins to lift the lid.

MSR Alpine Stowaway 1.1L Backpacking CookPot Review

Author
This is a classic camping pot because it boasts excellent heat distribution, even cooking, and unparalleled durability. For anyone who abuses their gear or loves to cook over the fire, it’s a no-brainer.
Evernew Titanium Pasta Pot Review
A close up of a hiker holding the evernew pasta pot on a stove with one hand and turning the stove on with the other. The lid of the pot is sticking out of snow.

Evernew Titanium Pasta Pot Review

Author
The ultralight backcountry chef will appreciate the large diameter, minimal weight, and practical features of this titanium pot. It’s fully featured enough to cook a delicious meal, yet light enough not to break a ten-pound base weight.
MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set Backpacking Cookware Review
Two hikers show two different cook pots and a lid against a desert background.

MSR Ceramic 2-Pot Set Backpacking Cookware Review

Author
The pinnacle of ultralight cooking, this 2-pot set features a 4-liter capacity and a non-stick ceramic coating, ideal for basecamp and cooking delicious meals for a small group.
SOTO Thermostack Combo Backpacking Cookware Review
A hiker nests the two pieces of the insulated mug together with a snowy background.

SOTO Thermostack Combo Backpacking Cookware Review

Author
This is a 4-season design for solo backpackers who get after it in any weather. The titanium pot, cozy stuff sack, and insulated mug are perfect for a meal accompanied by a hot beverage.
GSI Outdoors Halulite Boiler Pot Review
The gsi halulite boiler sits on a stove with red rock formations in the background.

GSI Outdoors Halulite Boiler Pot Review

Author
This pure and simple pot features a streamlined design that is perfect for beginners and won’t break the bank. From boiling water to cooking hearty meals, this one liter pot gets the job done.
Snow Peak Ti-Mini Solo Combo 2.0 Backpacking Cookware Review
The-BRS-Ultralight-backpacking-stove-with-the-Snow-Peak-Mini-Solo-Titanium-Cookset.jpeg

Snow Peak Ti-Mini Solo Combo 2.0 Backpacking Cookware Review

Author
This 6.9 oz, nesting two-pot cook set is perfect for ultralight backpackers who require hot water with breakfast or simply enjoy sharing a cup of coffee with a trail buddy.
Toaks Titanium 750 mL Backpacking Cookware Review
Closeup of a hand holding the TOAKS Titanium 750ml backpacking pot in front of granite mountains in Yosemite National Park

Toaks Titanium 750 mL Backpacking Cookware Review

Author
This simple titanium pot is perfect for the ultralight thru-hiker. It takes up minimal pack space, boils water efficiently, and only weighs 4.1 oz!
Stanley Adventure Nesting Two Cup Cookset Review

Stanley Adventure Nesting Two Cup Cookset Review

Author
This rugged cookset has two insulated mugs and a stainless steel pot and it’s not priced like it’s fine china. Stay cozy in winter conditions with its thoughtful features and superior heat retention.
Vargo Bot One Liter Backpacking Cookware Review
A hiker screws off the led to a titanium backpacking pot with rocks in the background.

Vargo Bot One Liter Backpacking Cookware Review

Author
With this pot’s durable titanium construction and screw-on lid, you’ll never have to choose between cold-soaking or a hot meal ever again. This cookpot is stove-compatible and completely watertight.
MSR Trail Mini Solo Backpacking Cookset Review
A hiker crouches and cooks with the trail mini solo on a backpacking stove with a mountainous background.

MSR Trail Mini Solo Backpacking Cookset Review

Author
This fully-featured cook pot is durable, practical, and easy to use. Backpackers of all levels and styles will appreciate its myriad of handy add-ons.
NEMO Tensor Elite Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker stands in the woods and holds up a gray sleeping pad.

NEMO Tensor Elite Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review

Author
With other manufacturers discontinuing their most ultralight options, this sleeping pad emerges as our new top pick as an ultralight option for summer trips.
Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review
a hiker holds an inflated red sleeping pad in the middle of the woods

Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review

Author
This thick, plush sleeping pad is being touted as the most comfortable backpacking sleeping pad ever made. Check out our full review to see if it lives up to the hype.
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