Steve Graepel
179 articles

Steve Graepel

Contributing Editor

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.

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 Best Men’s Travel Pants of 2026

A carry-on luggage sits in front of a window in an airport

Best Men's Flannels Hero

Helicopter over skiers on trip hosted by Eleven

the author wearing the field grand flannel while testing

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

A Dialed Pack for Big Backcountry Adventures: Raide Research LF 30L Review

Invisible Suspension Smooths Gravel, Saves Speed: Moots Routt YBB Review

Parkas for men

VERO X-Realtree Tide Tracker Review: Time and Tide With Affordable Elegance

the author wears the western rise evolution 2 travel pants while standing on the hood of a classic landrover

Plaid That Performs: Pladra Workhorse Wool Flannel Review

The Best Trail Running Shoes of 2026

Minimalist Aesthetic, Pockets Galore: Bluffworks Envoy Lightweight Travel Pants Review

Testing the Ornot Cargo bibs on a gravel ride

Review author Jeremy Benson testing gravel bike shoes

The Best Travel Pillows of 2026

Best Wallets for Men

sterling pacific cabin travel case

Wool Wardrobe for a Weekend Getaway: Huckberry ‘Proof’ 72-Hour Travel Kit Review

A man stands next to an ultralight tent at an overlook

man on Kana Libre bike

Iconic Vietnam-Era Field Watch Reissue: Benrus DTU-2A/P Review

‘Dirty Dozen’ Redux: Timor Heritage Field WWW Watch Review

Salewa Ortles

The Moots Routt RSL

Best Gravel Cycling Helmet: Specialized Prevail II Vent Review

GearJunkie best gravel bike selection, Specialized Diverge Pro Carbon

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

Roundup of best men's ski jackets