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Steve Graepel

Steve Graepel

Contributing Editor (and Gear Junkie Idaho Bureau Chief) Steve Graepel is allegedly a crook and a thief, conning his friends to steal away time from their families in pursuit of premeditated leisure, which typically involves a bike, a pack-raft, skis, running shoes, climbing rack, or all of the above.
Best Work Boots Review & Guide

The Best Work Boots of 2021

February 17, 2021 | By Steve Graepel

Intense work can tread over sharps, hot surfaces, high voltage, and dangerous objects. Protect your feet with one of our picks for the best work boots!

The Best Winter Running Shoes of 2021

The Best Winter Running Shoes of 2021

December 8, 2020 | By Steve Graepel

From mud to snow, we found the best winter running shoes for 2021.

Fjallraven Best Flannel for Men 2

The Best Men’s Flannel Shirts of 2021

October 5, 2020 | By Steve Graepel

We tested and reviewed the best men’s flannel shirts of 2021. From wool to organic cotton, we found the perfect pick for any budget.

Testing Mens Travel Pants in Columbia

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2020

August 4, 2020 | By Steve Graepel

We’ve tested the best wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and comfortable men’s travel pants of the year. Pack your bags and get ready for adventure.

The Best Men's Hiking Pants of 2020

The Best Men’s Hiking Pants of 2020

July 30, 2020 | By Steve Graepel

With a focus on comfort, durability, and performance, we’ve found the best men’s pants for hiking and trekking. Get ready to hit the trail.

Bryce Thatcher

Founded in Fast and Light: Interview With UltrAspire’s Bryce Thatcher

July 17, 2020 | By Steve Graepel

Moving fast and light has defined Bryce Thatcher’s career. We caught up with the UltrAspire founder to learn how he helped shape a movement.

The Best Minimalist Running Shoes of 2020

The Best Minimalist Running Shoes of 2020

July 16, 2020 | By Steve Graepel

We’ve tested the best minimalist running shoes of 2020. Because barefoot running fans know that sometimes less is really more.

Bikepacking Gear: 10 Essentials for an Epic Ride

Bikepacking Gear: 10 Essentials for an Epic Ride

July 2, 2020 | By Steve Graepel

Champions Jay Petervary and Josh Kato share with GearJunkie what essential bikepacking gear is in their kit on race day.

Best Bike Packing Bags 2019

The Best Bikepacking Bags of 2020

June 17, 2020 | By Steve Graepel

From single-day rides between hotels to monthlong singletrack assaults, these five bags will help launch you into bikepacking.

The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2020

The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2020

May 13, 2020 | By Steve Graepel

From rocky mountain runs to muddy spring trails, we tested the best trail running shoes for every use and budget.

The Best Running Shoes for Men in 2020

The Best Running Shoes for Men in 2020

May 4, 2020 | By Steve Graepel

We’ve logged hundreds of miles in the latest shoes this spring to help you find the best running shoes. These kicks fit every style and budget.

How I Stay Fit: Contributing Editor Steve Graepel

How I Stay Fit: Contributing Editor Steve Graepel

February 3, 2020 | By Steve Graepel

From climbing mountains to running marathons, a job at GearJunkie requires a solid level of fitness. Our ‘How I Stay Fit’ series profiles editors and contributors on our staff for a peek at their fitness habits and idiosyncrasies working out and adventuring in the outdoors.

The Best Men's Base Layers of 2020

The Best Men’s Base Layers of 2020

January 16, 2020 | By Steve Graepel

Base layers, ultralight to heavyweight, are critical pieces in your winter kit. We sifted through the heap to find 27 to find the best men’s base layers for every budget.

Sena R1 Helmet Review: Intercom Connects Cyclists on the Road

Sena R1 Helmet Review: Intercom Connects Cyclists on the Road

October 14, 2019 | By Steve Graepel

Motorcycle helmet brand Sena brings a Bluetooth speaker and mic intercom system to the cycling market. We give the Sena R1 helmet a road test.

Bike-Touring Colombia's 'Coffee Triangle' Region

Bike-Touring Colombia’s ‘Coffee Triangle’ Region

June 19, 2019 | By Steve Graepel

The Colombian highlands have towering palms, active volcanoes, and the best coffee in the world. And the region is rapidly becoming a premier destination for adventurous cyclists looking for next-level tours.

The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2019

The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2019

June 19, 2019 | By Steve Graepel and Tom Puzak

This review/buyer’s guide covers the best cycling bibs of 2019, including top men’s bike shorts from Rapha, Pearl Izumi, Velocio, and more.

Custom Skis: Why You Should Consider Buying a Pair

Custom Skis: Why You Should Consider Buying a Pair

January 21, 2019 | By Steve Graepel

Custom skis can help you become a better skier and cost less than you think. We got in touch with Romp Skis out of Crested Butte, Colo., to learn more.

Wahoo ELEMNT Review: Bike Navigation On Road and Off

Wahoo ELEMNT Review: Bike Navigation On Road and Off

November 20, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

Datavores rejoice! Virtual reams of cycling metrics are delivered to your handlebars with the Wahoo ELEMNT bike computer. In this review, we focus on the ELEMNT’s utility for bikepacking and route navigation.

Rapha

Pedal, Rest, Repeat: Rapha Launches Sleep System for Bikepackers

October 23, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

From bike bibs to sleeping bags, Rapha expands to keep cyclists comfortable from the starting line to the campsite.

REI Co-op Tarn 40 Review: Pack Grows With Your Child

REI Co-op Tarn 40 Review: Pack Grows With Your Child

September 21, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

REI built the Tarn 40 for kids. But while the REI Tarn 40 is a starter backpack meant to grow with children, it’s still made with durability, comfort, and utility in mind.

Schooled By Gravel: Lessons Learned From a 3-Day Bikepack Race

Schooled By Gravel: Lessons Learned From a 3-Day Bikepack Race

September 21, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

Preparation can get you to the start line, but a 400-mile bikepack race is far from in the bag. Here are the lessons learned from the school of bikepack ultraracing.

Tested: Sierra Designs Backcountry Quilt With 'Hideaway Hood'

Tested: Sierra Designs Backcountry Quilt With ‘Hideaway Hood’

September 17, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

Quilts are lighter, cheaper, and nearly fail-safe. The zipperless down throws have become synonymous with fast-and-light endeavors. And now, Sierra Designs offers a hooded quilt.

Bikepacking tools and hacks

Bikepacking Hacks: Tooling Up for Backcountry Adventure

September 4, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

We asked our favorite bike mechanic what to bring and what to know before departing on a bikepacking adventure.

Maximize Your Training for Epics: How to Be Ready on Race Day

Maximize Your Training for Epics: How to Be Ready on Race Day

August 15, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

Preparing for an epic physical challenge — like biking self-supported for 400 miles — comes down to dialed training secrets. Our own coach tells us how to prepare for race day and what to watch out for.

Heat exhaustion

The Gruesome Realities of Overheating (and How to Prevent Them)

July 31, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

I flirted with death due to heatstroke once, and it will never happen again. Heat-related illness can be deadly serious, so here are all the gory details.

Teton Tested: Salewa Raven 2 GTX Review

Teton Tested: Salewa Raven 2 GTX Review

July 27, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

Salewa offers a solid climber at a reasonable price point with its Raven 2 GTX. Out of the box and onto the mountain, we brought the Ravens out for a spin up (and down) the Grand Teton.

Gear Overhaul: Mountain Hardwear Doubles Down on Climbing for 2019

Gear Overhaul: Mountain Hardwear Doubles Down on Climbing for 2019

July 16, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

Mountain Hardwear hits the reset button for 2019, harking back to its alpine roots. Nothing on its equipment line goes untouched for the reboot. We joined the brand on the Grand Teton to get the story first.

Bucketfeet Artistic Travel Shoes

Best Travel Shoes of 2019

June 8, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

Whether packing your bag to head to the hills, walk around the museums, or hit up the beach, we scoured the market, tested, and compiled the best travel shoes of 2018.

How to Choose a Tent: An Explainer

How to Choose a Tent: An Explainer

May 24, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

With camping season upon us, we’re here to help you find the best tent for your outdoor pursuits. From tent features to sleeping capacity, we cover it all.

Outdoor Hazard: How to Avoid a Cougar Attack

Outdoor Hazard: How to Avoid a Cougar Attack

May 23, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

Cougar attacks are rare, but it pays to play defensively in mountain lion territory. Here, we provide some tips on how to avoid these encounters and what to do in the rare event of an attack.

2 Months, 2 Chairlift Accidents: Should You Worry?

2 Months, 2 Chairlift Accidents: Should You Worry?

April 20, 2018 | By Steve Graepel

Speeding up, running backwards, even being left overnight in mid-air – a few weird things have occurred on ski lifts of late. But how dangerous are they really?

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