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

BearVault BV450 Jaunt Bear Canister Review
a hiker holds a bear canister full of food with a tent in the background

BearVault BV450 Jaunt Bear Canister Review

Author
This popular bear can strikes a great middle ground between capacity and portability. It’s tough enough for most trips, and its transparent design makes it easy to see your food.
REI Traverse Bear Canister Review
a hiker kneels on the ground while holding two separate parts of an orange bear canister

REI Traverse Bear Canister Review

Author
One bear canister to rule them all…its modular design adapts to different trip lengths, saving you from owning a collection of canisters.
BearVault BV500 Journey Bear Canister Review
a hiker stands on a trail with a backpack and a blue bear canister strapped on top

BearVault BV500 Journey Bear Canister Review

Author
This popular bear canister is durable, secure, and reliable, making it one of our favorite, affordable options for most backpackers.
Smellyproof Bags Review
a hiker sits on the ground with his gear and eats from a meal pouch. a clear bag full of food sits next to him

Smellyproof Bags Review

Author
These clever bags provide an affordable way to add extra security to any food storage setup with minimal weight. It’s a simple solution to keep pesky critters out.
Grubcan Carbon 6.6 Bear Canister Review
a hiker kneels to pack a bear canister

Grubcan Carbon 6.6 Bear Canister Review

Author
This is the ultralight bear canister you’ve been looking for. While heavy, bulky bear canisters are no one’s favorite piece of gear, this ultralight version is a bearable necessity.
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.
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