Ian Krammer profile photo with him smiling on a hiking trip with a canyon wall in the background
Ian Krammer
Lead Gear Analyst

Ian is a peak bagger and gearhead who loves sharing his passion for big adventures and playing in the outdoors. His deep connection with nature, attention to detail, and years of experience as a professional researcher are what drive Ian’s thoughtful review process.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, he grew up visiting the Canadian Rockies before his family moved to Colorado Springs in 1998, where he fell in love with the Colorado Rockies. He went to school for Philosophy and English and is thrilled to spend his days thinking deeply about the most exciting outdoor gear for hiking, backpacking, and beyond.

Ian spent 4 years hitchhiking across all 50 states, living and working everywhere from the 200-foot-high canopy of the California Redwood trees to a short commute from the White House. After returning to Colorado, he climbed the state’s 58 14,000-foot peaks and hasn’t stopped chasing summits since. He’s currently on a mission to climb all 768 ranked and unranked 13,000-foot peaks, with about 100 left.

Off the clock, Ian looks forward to rambling around with his best friend Blodgett, a spry blue heeler named after a mountain, obsessing over his next route, or looking for the best cheeseburger in town.

Articles by Ian Krammer

Best Rain Pants of 2024
A hiker sitting on a mossy old growth log in the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants

Best Rain Pants of 2024

Author
Any weather is hiking weather with the right gear! We’ve trekked thousands of miles in the best rain jackets to narrow our list down to the most protective, versatile, and comfortable options out there.
REI Magma 15 Sleeping Bag Review
A man sits up in a sleeping bag with the hood over his head. He is smiling and looking off camera.

REI Magma 15 Sleeping Bag Review

Author
This sleeping bag is ultra comfy, warm, and much easier on your wallet than others with similar specs.
SlingFin Portal 2 Tent Review

SlingFin Portal 2 Tent Review

Author
This tent excels in stormy weather with features borrowed from 4-season mountaineering designs like reinforced internal guylines, the ability to attach trekking poles for more stability, and thicker dedicated poles.
REI Magma 30 Trail Quilt Review
A man sits with a sleeping quilt wrapped around his back looking over an alpine lake with mountains behind it.

REI Magma 30 Trail Quilt Review

Author
This quilt has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, packs down small, and is priced fairly for its quality.
How to Wash a Down Sleeping Bag
Nikwax Down Wash Direct and Tx. Direct Spray-On Waterproofing with tennis balls and a Feathered Friends down sleeping bag

How to Wash a Down Sleeping Bag

Editor
A down sleeping bag can be a backpacker’s greatest ally in the wilderness. If treated with care, a down sleeping bag can…
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Review
A man stands on the banks of a large alpine lake shaking out a purple quilt.

Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt Review

Author
Bottom Line The Enlightened Equipment Revelation Quilt 20 straddles the line between a sleeping bag and quilt, and it’s at the top of our list for the best lightweight sleeping bags for good reason. With its flexible design, best-in-class warmth-to-weight ratio, and customizable features, this quilt has become one of our favorites after hundreds of […]
Best Hiking Daypacks of 2024
A hiker sitting next to the REI Trail 25 daypack on a mountain ridge

Best Hiking Daypacks of 2024

Author
Whether you are bagging peaks or packing a picnic, our trail-tested recommendations for the best daypacks will help you keep all your essentials close at hand.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2024
A backpacker sitting on a rock in the REI Magma 30 sleeping bag at sunset

Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2024

Author
From summer summits to winter wanderings, our trail-tested list of the best backpacking sleeping bags will keep you warm and cozy in…
ZPacks Duplex Tent Review
The Zpacks Duplex pitched near a red rock arch in Coyote Gulch.

ZPacks Duplex Tent Review

Author
The price tag on this shelter may seem like highway robbery, but if you’re an avid backpacker, it’s worth every penny and then some.
1 3 4 5