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

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.
MSR WhisperLite Backpacking Stove Review
The Whisperlite stove with pot, heat reflector, and fuel bottle, all on a forest floor with trees in the background.

MSR WhisperLite Backpacking Stove Review

Author
This stove stands up to extremely cold weather, high altitude, and blustery winds, making it ideal for mountaineering and winter treks.
BRS 3000T Backpacking Stove Review
A small backpacking stove boils a pot of water with rugged rocky mountains in the background

BRS 3000T Backpacking Stove Review

Author
This stove is an excellent choice for those looking for a ridiculously lightweight and compact option for long-distance backpacking.
Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 Backpacking Sleeping Bag Review
a hiker stands and holds a sleeping bag

Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 Backpacking Sleeping Bag Review

Author
This bag is lighter than many other synthetic options, packs down decently small, and offers top-of-the-line features – all at a minimal price tag.
Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Tent Review
a hiker lounges in a green trekking pole tent at sunset

Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Tent Review

Author
If you’re looking for a spacious trekking pole tent for your partner and furry friend, look no further. This thing is a castle inside!
SOTO WindMaster Backpacking Stove Review

SOTO WindMaster Backpacking Stove Review

Author
Soto Windmaster is touted as one of the absolute best backpacking stoves for its superior wind performance.
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Tent Review
a hiker leans out of a light grey tent

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Tent Review

Author
As one of the lightest double-wall, 2-door tents on the market, this tent is an ideal backcountry abode for either one or two people on an extended trip.
REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent Review
a tent is setup with no fly, doors open, and a mountain view

REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent Review

Author
If you’re new to backpacking and just need something easy to set up, protective, exceptionally durable, and won’t break the bank, then this tent is for you.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent Review
a hiker sits in a tent with the awning deployed during sunset

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent Review

Author
Even after thousands of miles of testing, this tent remains one of our all time favorites. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and versatile enough for all conditions.
Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2025
A hiker wearing the Hillsound Flexsteps with trail running shoes

Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2025

Author
Whether you’re trekking in the depths of winter or traversing north-facing slopes in spring, a pair of traction devices offers surefootedness and peace of mind in slick conditions.
NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Tent Review
one hiker lays in a tent while another reaches into an upper pocket above him

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Tent Review

Author
This incredibly spacious 2-person tent is a high-quality choice for those wanting a shelter that’s comfortable for any type of adventure.
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