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Steve Graepel

Steve Graepel

Title: Contributing Editor
Email: graepel@loladigitalmedia.com
Location: Biose, Idaho

 

Expertise

  • Topics of Expertise: Trail Running, Mens wear, Skiing, Climbing, Cycling, Running, Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Outdoor Gear, Mountaineering, Packrafting, Bikepacking
  • Years in Expertise: 30+
  • Number of Products & Number of Hours Tested: 1,000+ products, 5,000+ hours

Education & Certifications

  • Education: Masters of Art, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  • Years of Writing: 10+
  • Certifications: CPR (expired), Avalanche 1 (expired)
  • Awards/Recognitions: Polartec Performance Grant (Mt. Crillon Expedition), American Alpine Club scholarship (Mt. Vancouver Expedition); Anatoli Boukreev Memorial Scholarship (Kazakhstan Sport Climbing Club Exchange), Eddie Bauer Be First Grant (Idaho Speed Traverse), Superior Ultra 50 (first place)
  • Previous Publications: Gear Patrol, Idaho Tourism, Patagonia, National Geographic Adventure Online, BikeRumor, Trail Runner

A Word from Steve Graepel

I love to play outside. As a writer and gear tester for GearJunkie and Lola Digital Media, I get to play in the biggest sandbox with the best toys.

I submitted an article to Patagonia’s The Cleanest Line where I met a great mentor and editor, Mike Colpo. Mike graciously shared his time to help me hone my rough skills into a passion of storytelling.

My personal interests include Trail Running, Camping, Cycling, Skiing, Fly Fishing, Parenting.


The Moots Routt RSL

The Moots Routt RSL: This Could Be the Last Gravel Bike You Will Ever Buy

May 25, 2022 |  By Steve Graepel

The titanium Moots Routt RSL is the most speed-oriented geometry in the Routt lineup. But is it the last gravel bike you’ll have to buy?

Hiker walking with trekking poles

The Best Hiking Pants for Men of 2022

May 25, 2022 |  By Justin La Vigne and Steve Graepel

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

Testing Mens Travel Pants in Columbia

The Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2022

May 24, 2022 |  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.

Columbia-zero-rules-lifestyle

The Best Men’s Trail Running Shoes of 2022

May 5, 2022 |  By Steve Graepel

We tested and ranked the best trail running shoes for every style and budget. And for more help choosing, check out our buyer’s guide.

group of gravel bike helmets

The Best Bike Helmets of 2022

April 22, 2022 |  By Steve Graepel

Our experts found the best bike helmets of 2022. Whether gravel biking, commuting, or pedaling for the first time, we’ve got you covered.

gear tester and author Steve Graepel wearing the Ortovox Rockn Wool base layer long sleeve as he carries skis

The Best Men’s Base Layers of 2022

January 28, 2022 |  By Steve Graepel & Austin Beck-Doss

We tested the best men’s base layers of 2022 with options for every budget. Top picks include Patagonia, SmartWool, and more.

The Best Winter Running Shoes of 2022

The Best Winter Running Shoes of 2022

September 29, 2021 |  By Steve Graepel

From mud to snow, we found the best winter running shoes for 2022.

Fjallraven Best Flannel for Men 2

The Best Men’s Flannel Shirts of 2022

September 16, 2021 |  By Steve Graepel

We tested and reviewed the best men’s flannel shirts of 2022. From wool to organic cotton, we found the perfect pick for any budget.

Best cycling bibs for men

The Best Cycling Bibs for Men in 2021

July 20, 2021 |  By Steve Graepel and Tom Puzak

This buyer’s guide covers the best men’s cycling bibs of 2021, including top bike shorts from Rapha, Pearl Izumi, Velocio, and more.

Best Gravel Cycling Helmet: Specialized Prevail II Vent Review

Best Gravel Cycling Helmet: Specialized Prevail II Vent Review

July 7, 2021 |  By Steve Graepel

Have a mind to get out on some gravel this summer? Put a lid on it. Our choice for the best gravel cycling helmet is another gem from Specialized.

Testing the best gravel bike shoes

The Best Gravel Bike Shoes of 2021

May 28, 2021 |  By Steve Graepel

Steering your bike down chunky backroads in your future? Saddle up with one of the best gravel shoes on the market today.

GearJunkie best gravel bike selection, Specialized Diverge Pro Carbon

Our Favorite Gravel Bike: Specialized Diverge Pro Carbon Campagnolo LTD Review

May 26, 2021 |  By Steve Graepel

Specialized’s Diverge Pro Carbon is an adventure-ready bike, hungry for road, gravel, single track, and more.

State 6061 Black Label Review: The Best Gravel Bike Under $2,000

State 6061 Black Label Review: The Best Gravel Bike Under $2,000

May 7, 2021 |  By Steve Graepel

We tested State Bicycle Co.’s 6061 Black Label All-Road. Spoiler: It’s a capable gravel bike offered at an affordable price.

man on Kana Libre bike

The Best Gravel Bikes of 2021

May 4, 2021 |  By Steve Graepel

Looking to grab adventure by the drop bars? From roguish roads to multiday bikepacking trips, we’ve swung a leg over the best gravel bikes of 2021.

The Best Men's Ski Jackets of 2022

The Best Men’s Ski Jackets of 2022

April 13, 2021 |  By Steve Graepel

If skiing is your therapy, a waterproof ski jacket can make your time on the slopes the best days of the year. Check out our picks for the best men’s ski jackets of 2022.

best parkas for men

The Best Parkas for Men in 2021

April 8, 2021 |  By Steve Graepel

If you regularly venture outside into the single digits, there’s really nothing better than a big, fat, over-insulated, oversized parka. Check out our picks for the best parkas for men.

Made-in-the-USA Work Boots That Walk the Talk

Made-in-the-USA Work Boots That Walk the Talk

March 10, 2021 |  By Steve Graepel

America’s story is built on the heels of solid work boots. But are your boots made in the USA?

Craft CTM Ultra Carbon Running Shoe Review: Turn It to 11

Craft CTM Ultra Carbon Running Shoe Review: Turn It to 11

March 10, 2021 |  By Steve Graepel

Craft enters the super shoe market with the CTM Ultra Carbon. The ultradistance racer caters to a broader group of runners.

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!

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

The Best Minimalist Running Shoes

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 2021

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 Running Shoes for Men

The Best Running Shoes for Men

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.

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.

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.

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