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

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker looks over a frozen lake while wearing a fully loaded backpacking backpack.

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Ultralight Backpack Review

Author
A favorite amongst thru-hikers and section-hikers alike, this pack’s superior comfort, stability, and design features have made it worthy of the most demanding long-distance hikes.
Atom Packs The Pulse EP50 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker wearing a black backpack with an orange sleeping pad strapped to the top walks along a dirt trail, with red rock formations and scrubby desert vegetation visible in the background.

Atom Packs The Pulse EP50 Ultralight Backpack Review

Author
This thoughtfully designed pack is built for thru-hikers by thru-hikers. The convenient pockets are easy to reach, and the durable, lightweight fabric will keep you going for leagues.
Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 Ultralight Backpack Review
AhikerwearingtheZPacksArcBlastBackpackinZionNationalPark-2

Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 Ultralight Backpack Review

Author
Built by extreme ounce-counters for extreme ounce-counters, this pack prioritizes function and longevity over luxury. It’s one of the lightest packs on the market without compromising on durability or weather resistance.
REI Flash Air 50 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker faces away from the camera while wearing a grey backpack with an orange sleeping pad on top and red rocks in the background.

REI Flash Air 50 Ultralight Backpack Review

Author
Built to ease you into the style of ultralight backpacking, this pack features a sturdy hipbelt, ample airflow, luxurious padding, and a suspension system reminiscent of traditional backpacking backpacks.
Durston Kakwa 55 Ultralight Backpack Review
Side view of a hiker wearing a gray ultralight backpack in a snowy winter landscape. The hiker is wearing a black base layer and green beanie while using a trekking pole. The backpack appears to have mesh side pockets and compression straps, with bare winter trees and patches of snow visible in the background.

Durston Kakwa 55 Ultralight Backpack Review

Author
This ultralight backpack provides unparalleled value for hikers who prioritize durability, ruggedness, and on-trail efficiency at an affordable price point.
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker traversing red rock while wearing the Gorilla 50 backpack.

Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack Review

Author
This comfortable ultralight pack is one of a kind – loaded with unique features, lightweight, and durable only where it matters most.
Pa’Lante V2 Ultralight Backpack Review
A hiker walks away from the camera wearing the pa'lante v2 backpack with trees and blue sky in the background.

Pa’Lante V2 Ultralight Backpack Review

Author
This pack is designed specifically for dedicated ultralight adventurers. The frameless design, functional features, and lightweight construction allow you to go light and fast through the backcountry.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L Ultralight Backpack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L Ultralight Backpack Review

Author
Through functional, lightweight simplicity, this pack keeps your gear safe and dry, carries weight well, and is comfortable to wear.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Ultralight Backpack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Ultralight Backpack Review

Author
Our overall favorite ultralight pack thanks to its versatility and tried and true construction. This pack can handle anything you throw at it and gives back with thoughtful, experience-driven features.
ULA Circuit Ultralight Backpack Review
The ULA Circuit backpack with Three Fingered Jack in the background

ULA Circuit Ultralight Backpack Review

Author
A PCT staple and our favorite for hauling large loads for extended journeys, this pack boasts a wonderful balance between comfort, durability, and huge carrying capacity.
Nashville Pack Ultralight Backpack Review
A profile shot of a hiker wearing the Nashville Pack Cutaway with an orange sleeping pad on top and an orange water bottle in the side pocket.

Nashville Pack Ultralight Backpack Review

Author
This ultralight backpack is built for speed. With comfy vest-style straps, a plethora of reachable pockets, and an ultra-customizable design, this pack is made to go the distance at warp speed.
Yaktrax Diamond Grip Traction Device Review
A hiker looks away from the camera on a frozen lake while wearing a backpack with ice cleats attached to the outside.

Yaktrax Diamond Grip Traction Device Review

Author
These lightweight, low-profile, snow-shedding machines are a great budget buy for confident trail to town traction. The innovative steel bead design sets them apart from other traction devices
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