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

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 Review
a hiker leans out of a light grey tent

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Review

Author, Tester
An ultralight semi-freestanding tent that hits an excellent balance of trail weight, usable space, and everyday convenience.
REI Trailmade 2 Review
a tent is setup with no fly, doors open, and a mountain view

REI Trailmade 2 Review

Author, Tester
A beginner-friendly budget tent with excellent durability and easy setup, best for short backpacking trips and crossover car camping.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Review
a hiker sits in a tent with the awning deployed during sunset

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Review

Author, Tester
A highly livable freestanding tent that keeps weight low without stripping away the features backpackers use every day.
Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2026
A hiker wearing the Hillsound Flexsteps with trail running shoes

Best Winter Ice Cleats & Traction Devices 2026

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 Review
one hiker lays in a tent while another reaches into an upper pocket above him

NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 Review

Author, Tester
A spacious, weather-resistant crossover tent for backpackers who value room, easy setup, and comfort more than shaving every ounce.
MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2 Review
An MSR tent is pitched on dirt with pine trees in the background.

MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2 Review

Author, Tester
A sturdy, easy-to-pitch freestanding tent for backpackers who prioritize weather protection and durability over minimum weight.
Best Tent Stakes of 2026
A backpacker's hand holding a set of Vargo Titanium Shepherds Hook tent stakes in his hand with a NEMO tent in the background

Best Tent Stakes of 2026

Author
Though they may seem trivial, tent stakes are vital to keeping your shelter secure – a sudden midnight storm will quickly remind you how important they really are.
Best Backpacking Cookware of 2026
Closeup of a backpacker peaking under the lid of the TOAKS Titanium 750ML backpacking pot

Best Backpacking Cookware of 2026

Author
Everyone has their own cooking style in the backcountry. Whether you’re a cold soaker or gourmet chef, we’ve tested various cookware to help guide your choice.
Snow Peak Litemax Stove Review

Snow Peak Litemax Stove Review

Author
This is one of the lightest and most compact backpacking stoves on the market. This tiny powerhouse can boil a liter of water in just under five minutes, and then it folds away nicely to fit into pretty much any cookpot when you’re done.
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