Will Brendza

Title: Camp, Hike & Backpack Section Editor, Asst. Ski Editor
Email: wbrendza@gearjunkie.com
Location: Glenwood Springs, CO
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/juanwilder/

Expertise

• Topics of Expertise: Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Skiing, Mountain Biking
• Years in This Expertise: 15+
• Number Of Products & Number Of Hours Expert Has Tested: 200+ products, 2,000+ hours

Education & Certifications

• Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of Colorado at Boulder
• Years of Writing: 8+
• Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR (expired), CPR (expired)
• Club or Association Memberships: 10th Mountain Division Hut Association
• Awards or Recognitions: Awards from Society of Professional Journalists for articles from 2019, 2020 and 2022; Nominated for AAN best column award in 2022; winner of Camp Cold’s “Happy Camper” award in 2020
• Previous Publications: Boulder Weekly, Rooster Magazine, Elevation Outdoors, Men’s Journal, iExplore, Travel Mindset, Eat Magazine, Vail Daily

A Word from Will Brendza

I’m a writer, journalist, and professional misfit based out of the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. I grew up on the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains, reenacting “Survivorman” episodes and studying books like “Hatchet,” “The Monkey Wrench Gang” and “Into the Wild”. I’ve written on topics ranging from cannabis to local news, the environment and, of course, outdoor gear and adventure. If I’m not banging stories out on my computer, you’ll probably find me skiing or mountain biking (depending on the season)—or drinking beer at some remote craft brewery.