Born in Wisconsin, Ryan forged a deep connection with the outdoors and specifically wildlife by spending time with white-tailed deer and elk on his Grandfather Boone’s mini game farm. At 18, Ryan moved out West to Steamboat Springs where the mountains — and skiing — captured his heart. Since then, the places he’s traveled — from Grand Teton to Great Sand Dunes National Park and many spots in between — have brought great adventures on skis, bikes, and by foot.
For years, Ryan has worked in the ski industry, first within ski resort operations and then as a boot fitter and ski tech, helping people find the perfect gear for their adventures and helping them dial in comfort so they could enjoy it all even more. Ryan currently works as a wildlife guide in Grand Teton and Yellowstone where he brings his passion for Nature and wildlife to every client he meets.
Number Of Products & Number Of Hours Expert Has Tested: 1,000+ products, 2,000+ hours
Experience
Born in Wisconsin, Ryan forged a deep connection with the outdoors and specifically wildlife by spending time with white-tailed deer and elk on his Grandfather Boone’s mini game farm. At 18, Ryan moved out West to Steamboat Springs where the mountains — and skiing -— captured his heart. Since then, the places he’s traveled — from Grand Teton to Great Sand Dunes National Park and many spots in between — have brought great adventures on skis, bikes and by foot.
For years, Ryan has worked as a ski bootfitter and a ski tech, helping people find the perfect gear for their adventures and helping them dial in comfort so they can enjoy it all even more. Ryan also works as a wildlife guide in Grand Teton and Yellowstone where he brings his passion for Nature and wildlife to every client he meets.
Career Highlights
Working as a wildlife guide for Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures
Starting his own wildlife and landscape photography business with his partner, Chris Kassar
Being honored with multiple awards for photography
Being honored as ski resort employee of the year for his time at Monarch Mountain
Getting certified as a ski tech and master bootfitter in the ski industry
A Word From Ryan Kempfer
I am lucky to have found a career that melds so many of my loves together. I get to spend my days showing people the amazing animals and scenery of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Getting to be a gear tester and writer for GearJunkie allows me to use my expertise from my previous career in the ski industry to help readers find the products that will best suit them.
When I’m not guiding or writing about the latest outdoor gear, I’m out using it. I ski over 100 days per year, most of that in the backcountry, so I know what works and what doesn’t, and I definitely put gear through the wringer. I am so grateful to live in Jackson, Wyo., with my lovely wife, Chris, and our 10-year old yellow lab, Nala (who is also a gear tester!).
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