Drew Zieff

Title: Contributing Writer
Email: drewzwords@gmail.com
Location: Tahoe City, CA

Expertise

• Topics of Expertise: Snowboarding, Splitboarding, Van Life, Camping, Backpacking, Outdoor Gear
  
• Years in This Expertise: 20 years
• Number Of Products & Number Of Hours Expert Has Tested: 750+ products, 5,000+ hours

Education & Certifications

• Education: Bachelors of Arts, Colorado College
• Years of Writing: 10
• Certifications: Avalanche 2, WFA
• Awards or Recognitions: Backcountry Magazine’s Rider in Chief, 3x Furriest Man on the Skin Track
• Previous Publications: Outside, Backcountry, REI, Whitelines Snowboarding, Snowboarder’s Journal, Popular Mechanics, Gear Patrol

A Word From Drew Zieff

After years of bouncing from mountain town to mountain town, I’ve been putting roots down in Tahoe, which brings my journey full circle: I originally learned to snowboard in the Sierra.

I got into writing through a fondness for hip hop. I love to travel, particularly if chasing surf or snow is involved. My partner and I used to live full-time in our custom-built Chevy Express—now I call it our “beach house,” and I’ll take it to the coast whenever there’s swell (and I have a spare minute).

Much of my year revolves around winter: chasing snow and stories, testing snowboards, splits, and other gear, then writing about it once the snow melts. In addition to covering snowboarding and splitboarding, I focus on vanlife, camping, outdoor gear, apparel, and more. From a more casual perspective, I also enjoy surfing, mountain biking, and fly fishing.

I’m a gear head and I’ve always loved working for GearJunkie. In particular, I dig the stories that combine travel aspects with outdoor gear.