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

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.
Ibex Woolies Pro Tech Base Layer Review
a runner runs along a wooded trail in a black base layer.

Ibex Woolies Pro Tech Base Layer Review

Author
This base layer is redefining merino wool success with new spinning methods that boost warmth and durability. It’s also the lightest base layer on our list.
Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew Base Layer Review
a hiker stands on a wooded trail wearing a light blue base layer and a backpack

Arc’Teryx Rho LT Crew Base Layer Review

Author
Designed for cold weather activities, this base layer delivers some of the best warmth-to-weight ratios and comfort that we’ve seen.
Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie Base Layer Review
a hiker in a black hooded base layer stands in an alpine environment and raises the hood on his shirt

Outdoor Research Alpine Onset Merino 150 Hoodie Base Layer Review

Author
With its integrated hood and facemask, this base layer makes for a perfect sleep or active shirt in frigid weather.
7 Best Base Layers of 2026
a hiker in a hooded black base layer stands with a coffee mug in an alpine environment

7 Best Base Layers of 2026

Author
We’ve got your layering system covered starting with our trail-tested and reviewed guide to the best base layers around.
MSR Guardian Water Filter Review
A hiker pumps with the msr guardian filter. the pre filter is submerged in murky water and a nalgene bottle is attached to the bottom of the filter.

MSR Guardian Water Filter Review

Author
When confidence in water quality is of the utmost importance, there is no better tool than this portable water purifier.
Katadyn Hiker Water Filter Review
A close up of a hiker pumping water next to a creek with a hand pump filter

Katadyn Hiker Water Filter Review

Author
This pump filter comes in a lightweight package while eliminating the hassle of squeezing water bladders or weighting on chemical treatments to work.
Lifestraw Peak Straw Water Filter Review
A close up of a hand holding a straw water filter

Lifestraw Peak Straw Water Filter Review

Author
This filter was specifically designed for drinking straight from the water source. No need for extra bladders, bottles, or hydration packs!
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