As a cross country and track runner in high school, college, and beyond, Nick started training year-round in a brutal Wisconsin climate at the age of 15. After starting his running career in cotton sweatshirts and sauna-like warmup suits, Nick appreciates how utilizing the proper clothing and shoes can affect an athletes comfort, performance, and enjoyment of a sport, which helps him relate to the high school runners he coaches today.
After moving to California in 2008, Nick was able to deeply connect with his love of the outdoors, and transitioned from an avid runner to a devoted and obsessed outdoorsman. His repertoire currently includes trail and road running, road cycling, golfing, paddling, hiking, camping, backpacking, mountaineering, climbing, and skiing. Among his favorite experiences in the last two years are trekking in Nepal, completing a 3-week ski mountaineering leadership and guide course in Alaska, summiting and skiing Mt. Rainier and two other 14ers, solo climbing Mt. Whitney’s Mountaineers Route in snowy conditions, and introducing his fiancé to Yosemite backpacking and Colorado skiing.
Bitten by the online shopping bug around Christmas 2007, Nick has scoured the ends of the internet to find the best-looking and fitting, best constructed, and most cost-effective pieces of clothing and equipment. As a civil engineer in his day job, Nick appreciates the objective, methodical approach we take to our gear testing and review process here at OutdoorGearLab.
Author Profile
Nick Bruckbauer
Review Editor
Showing 1-15 of 95 by Nick Bruckbauer

10 Best Bike Seats
GearLab has put more than 50 bike seats through our extensive testing process. In this review we share our findings on...
Best Road Bike Helmets | Impact Tested
After testing the top bike helmets on the market evaluating impact test, comfort, weight, ventilation, and usability...
The Best Hydration Packs
Are you ready for a new hydration pack? Whether you're replacing an older model or looking to try one for the first...
The Best Duffel Bags
A dependable duffel bag will take you and all your gear on the best adventures and will also make everyday travel a...
The Best Bike Panniers
We bought and tested 11 of the best bike panniers on today's market to help you determine which model is right for...
The Best Inflatable Paddle Boards
We bought some of the best inflatable stand up paddle boards and tested them in a variety of conditions to reveal...
Top Pick
The North Face Base Camp Review
Long proven and well-loved through the years, this duffel has withstood the test of time with its rugged and...
Top Pick
Osprey Transporter Review
With a backpack harness system whose comfort is unmatched among other duffel bags, this high performer stands out for...
The Best Running Jacket
To find out which running jacket is the best, we selected the highest-rated offerings in the market and put them to...
How To Choose an Inflatable Paddle Board
The paddle board marketplace has lots of different shapes, styles, and terminology that can be very confusing! We...
Editors' Choice
Bedrock Cairn Adventure Review
Securing our highest award once again, this sandal provides excellent lightweight performance. Sturdy enough to handle...
How to Choose the Right Duffel Bag for Travel
With large storage capacities and excellent durability, duffel bags are perhaps the most versatile pieces of luggage...
Hala Carbon Straight Up Review
A very rigid, lightweight board that provides great all-around performance and is easy to inflate and transport with...
Isle Explorer Review
Impressive construction and admirable all-around performance all at a moderate price land this SUP among the top...
Top Pick
Ortlieb Vario Review
This innovative pannier and backpack combo features tough waterproof construction with a comfortable backpack harness...
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