Title: Camp, Hike & Backpack Section Editor, Asst. Ski Editor Email: wbrendza@gearjunkie.com Location: Glenwood Springs, Colo. 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: 10+
Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
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
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.
A Colorado thru-hiker is establishing a new long-distance trail that traverses the northern part of Colorado. If you’re looking for a new adventure this summer,…
The Pursuit Sleeping Pad is the first pad from Sea to Summit with a self-inflating valve. It’s comfortable, durable, and quiet for backpackers who value…
Scientists have confirmed a deadly bat disease in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here’s how climbers are helping expand their data on bat populations to better…
A new race in New York City launches this weekend. It will blend traditional road racing with unsanctioned, underground running in a festival-style setting.
Climbing has historically been a very male-dominated sport. But, as access to the sport grows, that’s starting to change — and quickly. These four female climbers…
Details are slowly emerging, after two bodies were discovered on Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park, in an extremely remote and hard-to-reach campground.
Search and rescue operations are skyrocketing in one Washington county. Now the sheriff is proposing a fine for “negligent or reckless” behavior that results in…
In this film from Teton Gravity Research, Parkin Costain and Jake Hopfinger return to Corbet’s Couloir where they landed the venue’s first-ever double backflips, and…
Difficult Campground in White River National Forest has lifted its prohibition on tents and soft-sided campers, after a black bear swatted a tent in the…
Two professional mountaineers are taking their ‘disaster style alpinism’ and applying it to parenting. Watch Patagonia’s first episode following the Hart–Turgeon family.
Peak Design took the architecture of its fan-favorite Travel Tripod and worked with Jimmy Chin to refine and design the pinnacle of premium camera tripods…
Few races in Europe are more intense than the 205-mile, 78,740-foot elevation gain Tor des Géants — but when François D’Haene signed up, he wasn’t going to…
Opinel launched three capsule collection National Parks No.08 knives, that benefit Leave No Trace and support conservation and protection of these spectacular natural places.
A new twist in the ongoing trial of embroiled ultrarunner Michelino Sunseri calls into question whether he’s been ‘overcriminalized’ for cutting a switchback.
With America’s National Parks facing political turmoil, Intrepid Travel has come up with two unique new travel packages centered around national parks and their advocacy.
