Editor

Kai Burkhardt and Alex Rennie

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Kai Burkhardt joined CNN Underscored in 2019 as an intern and has grown into his role as editor to help readers find the best products under the outdoors, sustainability and pet verticals. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Burkhardt spends his time testing and editing stories about all sorts of products, from bidets and rooftop tents to pet hair cleaners and hiking boots.

Kai earned a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from New York University in 2019 and moved back to Colorado in 2022. When he isn’t finding the latest and greatest products, Burkhardt enjoys slowly trail running, rock climbing and watching his two dogs, Miso and Dashi, compete in dog sports.

Alex Rennie is a staff writer on CNN Underscored’s testing team who specializes in reviewing and evaluating a variety of home, DIY, and outdoor products. As a former residential and commercial carpenter for four years, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews.

Before writing for outlets such as CNN Underscored, Business Insider, Popular Mechanics, and Family Handyman, Alex was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. His expertise also extends to the landscaping and gardening space, supported by experience as a landscaping professional.

Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains of Southern California with his wife and their two dogs.

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Kai Burkhardt joined CNN Underscored in 2019 as an intern and has grown into his role as editor to help readers find the best products under the outdoors, sustainability and pet verticals. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Burkhardt spends his time testing and editing stories about all sorts of products, from bidets and rooftop tents to pet hair cleaners and hiking boots.

Kai earned a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from New York University in 2019 and moved back to Colorado in 2022. When he isn’t finding the latest and greatest products, Burkhardt enjoys slowly trail running, rock climbing and watching his two dogs, Miso and Dashi, compete in dog sports.

Alex Rennie is a staff writer on CNN Underscored’s testing team who specializes in reviewing and evaluating a variety of home, DIY, and outdoor products. As a former residential and commercial carpenter for four years, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews.

Before writing for outlets such as CNN Underscored, Business Insider, Popular Mechanics, and Family Handyman, Alex was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. His expertise also extends to the landscaping and gardening space, supported by experience as a landscaping professional.

Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains of Southern California with his wife and their two dogs.

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Stories by the Author

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

CNN: The Best Bug Out Bags

Bug out bags (also called go bags) are designed to be grabbed and taken with you in the event of an evacuation.

Kai Burkhardt and Alex Rennie

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August 24, 2026

Majina ya Vyombo vya Habari

CNN: The Best Bug Out Bags

Bug out bags (also called go bags) are designed to be grabbed and taken with you in the event of an evacuation.

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