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

Bare Boxer Champ Bear Canister Review
a hiker kneels on a trail while packing food into a bear canister

Bare Boxer Champ Bear Canister Review

Author
This ultra-secure bear canister is one of our favorites when security is a top priority and bear activity is high.
Best Bear Canisters for Backpacking of 2026
a yellow bear canister sits next to a fire pit with mountains in the background

Best Bear Canisters for Backpacking of 2026

Author
Proper food storage is essential in bear country, so we’ve broken down every option to help you choose the best system for your next adventure.
Toaks Titanium Long Handle Spoon Camping Utensil Review
a close up of the polished spoon on a titanium long handle spoon

Toaks Titanium Long Handle Spoon Camping Utensil Review

Author
From freeze-dried meals to campfire stews, this polished titanium spoon offers lightweight strength and unbeatable reach.
Humangear GoBites Uno Camping Utensil Review
a variety of plastic sporks rest on a tree stump

Humangear GoBites Uno Camping Utensil Review

Author
This ultralight, ergonomic, and plant-based fork and spoon combo is available in myriad designs and colors to suit the needs of any backpacker.
GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Spork and Sticks Camping Utensil Review
a hand holds a chopstick spork combo on a tree stump

GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Spork and Sticks Camping Utensil Review

Author
From slurping stew to snagging noodles, this spork-and-sticks combo brings fun and flexibility to camp dining without weighing you down.
Snow Peak Titanium Spork Camping Utensil Review
a hand holds a purple titanium spork

Snow Peak Titanium Spork Camping Utensil Review

Author
Durable titanium, ultralight weight, and a do-it-all design make this spork a backpacking icon that’s as reliable as it is versatile.
Toaks Titanium 3-Piece Cutlery Set Review
a 3-piece cutlery set sits on a tree stump

Toaks Titanium 3-Piece Cutlery Set Review

Author
Dedicated utensils, full functionality, and ultralight titanium design make this our favorite complete camping silverware set. You’ll hardly notice that you’ve left the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ust Klipp Camping Utensil Set Review
a 3-piece utensil set stabbed into dirt

Ust Klipp Camping Utensil Set Review

Author
Dine like a king in the backcountry with this stainless steel, home-style utensil set. Instead of sacrificing functionality in a combo utensil, this trifecta maneuvers any meal with ease.
MSR Folding Spork Camping Utensil Review
a hand pinches the handle of a plastic folding spork

MSR Folding Spork Camping Utensil Review

Author
This clever folding spork handles the reach of a full-size utensil while folding down small to save space, and it barely adds any weight to your pack.
Best Utensils for Backpacking & Camping of 2026
the fork end of a plastic spork sticks out of the top of a backpacking meal with a mountain in the background.

Best Utensils for Backpacking & Camping of 2026

Author
Stir things up with our brand new guide to the best camping utensils. From plant-based plastic to finely crafted titanium, we dig into which sporks, spoons and sets have us coming back for seconds.
Outdoor Edge ChowPal Camping Utensil Review
a hiker shows a spoon knife combo to the camera

Outdoor Edge ChowPal Camping Utensil Review

Author
A durable, stainless steel utensil set that actually lets you cut your food. With a real knife blade, long fork prongs, and multi-tool extras, this clever combo brings serious function to camp meals.
Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Review
A hiker tightens the straps on a backpack while wearing it and the Smartwool Intraknit. Sky, mountains, and trees in the background.

Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Base Layer Review

Author
Lightweight, breathable, and mobile, this base layer has everything you need to stay comfortable on your most serious winter adventures.
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