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

Jetboil MiniMo Review
A profile shot of the MiniMo installed with burner, pot, fuel canister, and base support. Trees are in the background.

Jetboil MiniMo Review

Author
This model is one of our favorites for backcountry gourmets and makes our list of the best backpacking stoves.
MSR WindBurner Stove Review

MSR WindBurner Stove Review

Author
This stove system is among the highest quality and best-performing integrated stove systems on the market. We love its exceptional performance in windy weather, its speedy boil times, and great fuel efficiency.
Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025
Closeup of the Sawyer Squeeze water filter in front of an alpine lake

Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

Additional Author
We’ve filtered out the nonsense to bring you our purest recommendations of the best water filters around.
Best Backpacking Tents of 2025
The NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 and Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 backpacking tents pitched in a campsite surrounded by granite peaks in the Sawtooth Mountains

Best Backpacking Tents of 2025

Author
We put the most promising backpacking tents on the market through the wringer to find the ones with the best balance of comfort, weight…
Best Backpacking Stoves of 2025
The MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe backpacking stove in front of a jagged mountain with red bands

Best Backpacking Stoves of 2025

Author
We’ve spent years cooking up this list of the best backpacking stoves around so backcountry chefs and Cup Noodle connoisseurs can find their perfect match.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2025
A backpacker sitting on a rock in the REI Magma 30 sleeping bag at sunset

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2025

Additional Author
From summer summits to winter wanderings, our trail-tested list of the best backpacking sleeping bags will keep you warm and cozy in…
Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2025
a hiker blowing air into a sleeping pad pump sack

Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2025

Author
Whether you’re looking for inflatable or foam, ultralight or ultra-plush, we’ll help you get a great night’s sleep in the backcountry with our trail-tested picks…
Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2025

Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2025

Author
Our team has hiked thousands of miles with varying ultralight setups to save you the hard work and help you find the perfect ultralight pack.
Sawyer Mini Backpacking Water Filters Review
A hiker holds a smartwater bottle with the sawyer mini attached

Sawyer Mini Backpacking Water Filters Review

Author
This is an effective, lightweight, versatile, and economical water filter great for all your backpacking adventures.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter Review
A hiker wears a backpack with the sawyer squeeze attached to a smartwater bottle in the side pocket.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter Review

Additional Author
This water filter has long been our main squeeze for backpacking for its lightweight and efficacy. It is super easy to use and tucks into almost any pocket for quick access.
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