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 Chains Traction Device Review
A hiker showing the bottom of his shoe which has an ice cleat caked with snow.

Yaktrax Chains Traction Device Review

Author
This budget buy provides the traction you need for casual winter outings on the trails around town. These cleats are tough on ice but gentle on your wallet.
Kahtoola K10 Hiking Crampons Review
A hiker kneels in snow, showing the bottom of his foot wearing an aggressive trail crampon.

Kahtoola K10 Hiking Crampons Review

Author
These trail crampons are a great intro to mountaineering gear at a fraction of the price. Their giant spikes and rigid design gives you the confidence you need on steep icy terrain.
Kahtoola NANOspikes Traction Device Review
A person runs away from the camera on a frozen lake wearing a pair of ice cleats.

Kahtoola NANOspikes Traction Device Review

Author
Whether you’re on a casual dog walk or training for a marathon, these cleats provide just the right amount of extra traction on ice and packed snow.
Hillsound Trail Crampon Traction Device Review
A hiker pulls on a pair of ice spikes against a snowy, rocky background.

Hillsound Trail Crampon Traction Device Review

Author
If you need serious traction on trail, these bad boys can tackle it all – from steep, snowy slopes to icy ridge scrambles.
Kahtoola EXOspikes Traction Device Review

Kahtoola EXOspikes Traction Device Review

Author
Ditch the spikes that you constantly constantly take on and off and equip yourself with these babies for the entire trail.
Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction Device Review
A hiker walks away from the camera on a frozen lake while wearing a pair of ice cleats.

Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction Device Review

Author
Thanks to their affordability, user friendliness, and firm traction, these spikes earned ‘best overall hiking spikes’ on our list.
Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Device Review
A hiker runs on snowy ground with a pair of ice cleats on a desert background.

Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Device Review

Author
For the most serious winter trail-runners, these lightweight and aggressive cleats provide confident traction on steep and challenging terrain.
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.
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