Editors

Chris Carter and Will Brendza

CONNECT:

/

Chris Carter
Senior Editor

Wrought from a somewhat unconventional childhood in rural Kenya, Senior Editor Chris Carter derives his journalist inspiration from a life lived under the brutal but beautiful African sun. From a young age, he was exposed to an adventurous, nomadic lifestyle in the purest sense — and he strives to reflect that in his writing, art, and videography.

After moving to America for college, Carter threw himself into the outdoor community as a way to connect with his roots overseas, and craft relationships with like-minded adventurers. Climbing, hiking, slogging through the rain — you name it. As long as it got him outside.

Since coming to the States he has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails — the Pacific Crest Trail (2018), Continental Divide Trail (2021), and Appalachian Trail (2021) — and continues to pursue long-distance trekking and exploring around the world. Aside from hiking, he is an avid big-wall rock climber, motorcycle rider, and ultra-marathon runner.

His background in Africa not only gave Carter a desire to vehemently pursue unique, diverse experiences but also showed him the value of traveling light and efficiently. To that end, he is perpetually streamlining his kits and loves helping others make informed, wise decisions about the gear that keeps them comfortable and safe in the wild.

Carter comes from a history in video production and journalism in the outdoor industry. As a Senior Editor for GearJunkie, he is responsible for managing and creating content in the backpacking, hiking, and rock climbing categories. These days you can expect to find him dangling off tiny sandstone crimps, bopping along dusty trails, hopping planes — and trying to capture it all with either a lens or pen.

‍

Will Brendza
Camp, Hike & Backpack Section Editor, Ski Section Editor

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.

Chris Carter
Senior Editor

Wrought from a somewhat unconventional childhood in rural Kenya, Senior Editor Chris Carter derives his journalist inspiration from a life lived under the brutal but beautiful African sun. From a young age, he was exposed to an adventurous, nomadic lifestyle in the purest sense — and he strives to reflect that in his writing, art, and videography.

After moving to America for college, Carter threw himself into the outdoor community as a way to connect with his roots overseas, and craft relationships with like-minded adventurers. Climbing, hiking, slogging through the rain — you name it. As long as it got him outside.

Since coming to the States he has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails — the Pacific Crest Trail (2018), Continental Divide Trail (2021), and Appalachian Trail (2021) — and continues to pursue long-distance trekking and exploring around the world. Aside from hiking, he is an avid big-wall rock climber, motorcycle rider, and ultra-marathon runner.

His background in Africa not only gave Carter a desire to vehemently pursue unique, diverse experiences but also showed him the value of traveling light and efficiently. To that end, he is perpetually streamlining his kits and loves helping others make informed, wise decisions about the gear that keeps them comfortable and safe in the wild.

Carter comes from a history in video production and journalism in the outdoor industry. As a Senior Editor for GearJunkie, he is responsible for managing and creating content in the backpacking, hiking, and rock climbing categories. These days you can expect to find him dangling off tiny sandstone crimps, bopping along dusty trails, hopping planes — and trying to capture it all with either a lens or pen.

‍

Will Brendza
Camp, Hike & Backpack Section Editor, Ski Section Editor

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.

Stories by the Author

Gear Junkie: The Best Backpacking Water Filters

We put the best backpacking water filters and purifiers to the test so you can stay safely hydrated on your next trip into the great outdoors.

Chris Carter and Will Brendza

|

June 26, 2026

Gear Junkie: The Best Backpacking Water Filters

We put the best backpacking water filters and purifiers to the test so you can stay safely hydrated on your next trip into the great outdoors.

Meet the experts

Meet some of our contributors

Get advice, reviews, outdoor lessons and expert feedback from a supportive community.

American Gun Works Admin

Alisha McDarris

Follow us on Instagram

More Than an Outdoor Company.

@sawyerproducts

Follow us on Instagram