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 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.
NPS has released the body cam footage of an incident that occurred at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, involving two law enforcement officers and a…
onX rolls out the only off-road app that uses detailed, up-to-date USFS-verified dispersed camping data to help you find free spots away from the crowds.
An Australian mining company has been given the go-ahead by BLM to move forward with mining operations at Mojave National Preserve within NPS land — and…
A lawsuit filed on behalf of a Texas special interest group seeks to dissolve federal protection of California’s Chuckwalla National Monument and return it to…
After 144 hours of continuous running, hundreds of laps on an asphalt course, thunderstorms, and sweltering heat, Megan Eckert smashed the women’s world record by…
REI members made their collective voice heard, voting down REI’s nominations for the board of directors after the brand refused to put union-backed candidates on…
In Patagonia’s short film ‘A River Runs Through Them.’ Albanian activists Besjana Guri and Olsi Nika rally locals against development and diversion on Europe’s first…
Andrew S</a></strong>)</p>
" data-medium-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/03/Yosemite-valley-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/03/Yosemite-valley-700x467.jpg" /> 
