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

Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew Base Layer Review
A hiker crouches by a creek to fill a water bottle while wearing the Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe base layer. Rocks and trees are in the background.

Helly Hansen Lifa Stripe Crew Base Layer Review

Author
Perfect for high-output activities, this base layer provides just enough warmth while keeping you dry and comfortable.
Icebreaker Merino Oasis 200 Base Layer Review
A hiker crosses a bridge with trekking poles, a pack, and wearing the Icebreaker Oasis 200 base layer. Trees are in the background.

Icebreaker Merino Oasis 200 Base Layer Review

Author
This base layer offers a balance of insulation, merino wool comfort, and natural odor resistance, making it great for many outdoor activities.
Smartwool Classic Thermal Base Layer Review
A hiker shoulders his pack while wearing the Smartwool Classic Thermal base layer. Trees are in the background.

Smartwool Classic Thermal Base Layer Review

Author
With moisture-wicking merino wool, odor resistance, and thoughtful design, this base layer is a “classic” for active adventurers.
Arc’teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip-Neck Base Layer Review
A hiker zips up the neck on the Arc'teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip Neck base layer. Trees are in the background.

Arc’teryx Rho Heavyweight Zip-Neck Base Layer Review

Author
This is a top-of-the-line base layer offering fleece-like warmth for cold campsites, alpine starts, or that long chairlift.
Ortovox 185 Rock’n’wool Base Layer Review
A hiker hiking through the woods with a pack and trekking poles while wearing the Ortovox Rock'n'Wool base layer. Trees and a trail are in the background.

Ortovox 185 Rock’n’wool Base Layer Review

Author
This midweight base layer features ultra-soft fine wool fibers and a comfortable, but snug fit making it feel warmer than other base layers of similar weight.
REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Review
A hiker climbing down some rocks in a desert landscape wearing the REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer

REI Midweight Half Zip Base Layer Review

Author
If you’re only going to buy one base layer, this midweight budget friendly and comfy top is a great option. No base layer can do it all, but this one comes close.
Smartwool Classic All-Season Base Layer Review
A hiker stands in the woods wearing the Smartwool Classic All-Season base layer. Trees are in the background.

Smartwool Classic All-Season Base Layer Review

Author
The value of this base layer is right in the name—“classic” and “all-season.” It utilizes a timeless design without overcomplicating things. The moderate warmth and excellent breathability make it an appropriate choice all year round.
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie Base Layer Review
A hiker walks down a trail with mountains and trees in the background. He is using trekking poles and wearing a pack and the Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie Base Layer Review

Author
This is an ultimate layer. The one that you will always bring on every trip “just in case” and end up wearing everyday.
Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Review
A hiker sips from a water bottle while wearing the Patagonia Capilene base layer. Trees are in the background.

Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew Review

Author
A breathable wool base layer that nails the sweet spot for midweight warmth.
SOTO Amicus Cookset Review
A backpacking stove with a pot on top sits on a stump in front of a mountain lake on a sunny day.

SOTO Amicus Cookset Review

Author
This cookset provides you with the hardware you need to prepare a comforting backcountry meal at an affordable price.
Snow Peak Gigapower 2.0 Backpacking Stove Review
A low angle view of the Snow Peak Gigapower 2.0 sitting on a rock with trees in the background. The stove is installed with a small fuel canister, and a small cook pot is on the pot stand.

Snow Peak Gigapower 2.0 Backpacking Stove Review

Author
This is a stable, durable stove that gets the job done with few moving parts and packs down small, making it one of our favorites.
Primus Essential Trail Backpacking Stove Review
A close up of the whole Primus Essential Trail stove on a fuel canister with pine needs in the background.

Primus Essential Trail Backpacking Stove Review

Author
If you’re looking for a reliable backpacking stove that is as simple as it gets and nearly unbreakable, look no further.
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