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
Primus Essential Trail Backpacking Stove Review
MSR WhisperLite Backpacking Stove Review
BRS 3000T Backpacking Stove Review
Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 20 Backpacking Sleeping Bag Review
Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo Tent Review
SOTO WindMaster Backpacking Stove Review
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Tent Review
REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent Review
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent Review
Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2025