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Kyle Stephens

Camper/Hiker // Climber // Biker // Backpacker // Hiker // Boulderer // Mountain Biker // Road Biker

Kyle Stephens: #158 of 94,780 Top 200 Gear Guru More Information

9 Reviews:

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0 Questions:

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24 Answers:

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2 Photos:

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0 Gearlists:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    The University of Alabama and the Mountains whenever I can!
  • Bio:

    I'm a bicycle mechanic and trip leader at the University of Alabama Outdoor Recreation Center. I'm majoring in business management with a minor in the outdoors. One day (when i graduate) I will move to colorado.

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Palisades Park

Palisades Park

Mad Rock Flash Climbing Shoe - Men's

April 26, 2009

My Mad Rock's helping me get up the wall in Palisades Park in Alabama. They had good grip here.

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See how warm I am

See how warm I am

GoLite Venture Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Down

March 27, 2009

This was in the smokies on New Years Eve when it got down to 12 degrees

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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GoLite Hydroclutch

May 16, 2009

yes it does, in the tech specs it lists the material and includes the bottle.

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Marmot Eos 1-Person 3-Season Tent

April 30, 2009

You yourself could fit in the actual tent part that zips up, but it would be tight for both of yall. My ground pad is 20 inches wide so if you had one of those and were all the way to one side then your dog would have 20" of width and 90" of length to sleep on. So if he can sleep in the small of space he could sleep in there but it would be cramped. He could definetly chill in the vestibule which is covered by the rain fly but has no floor like the inside of the tent you will be sleeping on. you could bring a tarp and put it down there and he could sleep on that, but then you'd have to bring like a trash bag to put over your pack and extra things so they don't get wet because you'd usually put that inside your vestibule unless you bear bagged it.
Hope that helps
Kyle

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Maui Jim Hawaii Sunglasses - Polarized

April 28, 2009

Call up Maui Jim and ask them how much it would be to send them to them to repair them or if you can replace the pads yourself ask them to send you some extra pads. I would send them in myself, it should be too much to replace pads. Alot cheaper than a new pair.

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CamelBak Cloud Walker Hydration Pack

April 28, 2009

The yellow piece allow you to cut off or turn on the bite valve. If you have it one way you can't get any water through it so if you step on it it or sleep on it you won't get soaked and lose all your water. Then you turn it on and drink. When you put it in the pouch, make sure where the hose meets the bladder is at the bottom so you won't be sucking against gravity trying to get your water out.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Lafuma Cinetik 20 Pack

April 28, 2009

It does not come with a bladder, but your 100oz should be fine. If it is too big then you don't have to fill it to capacity and it'll work fine. I looked everywhere for a size of the hydration sleeve, but I couldn't find anything.

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The North Face Sure Shot Backpack - 2150cu in

April 26, 2009

Man if I were you I would buy the Solaris because 1. It has a better hip belt and this will take alot of the weight off your shoulder when you walking around everywhere and will help alot! 2. It has a lower compartment access so you can get to the stuff in the bottom of your back without having to go through your whole pack. 3. It is hydration compatible so if you want to you can throw you a bladder in there and keep some water with you at all times so you can grab a drink when you need it. 4. Finally the mesh where your back is up against the pack on the solaris is gonna let your sweat evaporate quicker.
Hope that helps

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Coleman RoadTrip Party Grill

April 26, 2009

here are the dimensions of the whole thing.

13.5H x 13.38W x 13.38D"

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Oakley M Frame Heater Sunglasses

April 26, 2009

I had a pair of these glasses in high school. I played baseball for 12 years and had these glasses for 2 of those years. Wish I had had them all 12.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Lafuma Patrol Baby Sleeping Bag - Kids'

April 24, 2009

Product Dimensions:
24" x 48"

fits kids up to approximately 3' 6"

hope that helps
Kyle

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Yakima FullSwing 4

April 24, 2009

Definetly! Well it depends on how much you need to get into the back of your car. I wish mine swung to the side because it is ALWAYS in the way!! Great addition to the rack!!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Yakima Fairings

April 24, 2009

Yeah definetly, the fairing attaches to the bars to it shouldn't matter what kind of towers your have.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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The North Face Ion 20 Backpack - 1200cu in

April 24, 2009

I have a black diamond Bbee and it is 12L and I can fit 2 text books comfortably. If you only have a couple classes you shoudl be able to carry atleast 3 maybe 4 books no problem since this is 20L. But if you have an all day schedule go with something a little bigger. But it is nice to have a waist belt if you bike to class, very handy.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Kelty Backpack Rain Cover

April 24, 2009

You need a large for your pack and it looks like they only have regulars, so you'd either have to wait for them to get largers or just buy another brand raincover. It won't hurt if you buy anothe brand just make sure it's big enough for your pack and it should work the same!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Cheap and Durable

Mad Rock Flash Climbing Shoe - Men's

Mad Rock Flash Climbing Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 April 23, 2009

If you can get a good deal on these go ahead and get them. I got mine on sale for $35 bucks at a climbing comp. They fit small and also they seem to have very little grip compared to other shoes i've tried. I've tried roughing them up with sandpaper and it still doesn't help, I slip off the holds on the wall all the time. So if you can getem cheap then get them, but i would not recommend them at regular price.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Gregory Z65 Backpack - 3600-4332cu in

April 23, 2009

Definetly! in a downpour your pack is gonna get wet in a drizzle it should be fine. If you wanted to you could just use a big trash bag and make it work if your short on cash, but if you have the money I'd say buy it because it helps to be able to hike in the rain and keep your pack and your gear dry!!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Yakima Q Clips - 1 Pair

April 23, 2009

I went on the yakima website for you and saw what you needed. If you already have the q towers and everything then you are going to need Q5 for the front clips and Q35 for the rear clips. If you want to do it yourself here is the website
http://www.yakima.com/Consumer/Step1.aspx
Hope that helps
Kyle

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Santa Cruz Heckler Mountain Bike - X9 AM Build Kit

April 23, 2009

The fork, wheels, and brakes are probably the biggest difference makers. The fork is a fox which is awesome and nicer and the wheels are better and probably lighter and the brakes are probably twice as good as there other juicy 5's and alot lighter. Most of the other components are about the same. They may be different brands like shimano and sram but they are pretty much the same. The front derailleur and the shifters are the only other real difference and they are a step up on the better build. Also one other thing the seat post in this build is a thompson and you can't beat a thompson seat post. Hope that helps.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Does the job

Kelty Crestone Tent 1-Person 3-Season

Kelty Crestone Tent 1-Person 3-Season

Rating for this product: 4 April 23, 2009

This tent is easy to set up and is just the right size. Has a very nice sized vestibule and plenty of room inside for a sleeping pad. This tent has withstood many storms and many trips with high schoolers that wrongly set up the tent many times. Very durable! The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because of the weight, but in actuality I can't even complain about that for the great price!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Decent Hiking Boot

Vasque Breeze GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Vasque Breeze GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 April 23, 2009

Got this boot last year and i still get hot spots like crazy and get blisters on my heel. Beware that water can easily get into the vents. I waterproofed mine with some spray on stuff and I still get a little wet through the vents but nothing too big. I like them but not the best boot i've owned. Probably will go with something different next time.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Warm and Light

The North Face Apex Glove - Men's

The North Face Apex Glove - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 April 23, 2009

I bought these gloves for backpacking and they did the job great. I have snowboarded in these gloves and stayed dry and warm. The only time i was cold was on a mile hike in -5 degrees in Colorado. They hold out water good and are nice and light. Be careful of getting them close to a flame because I burned them pretty bad on my buddies white gas stove.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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The North Face Trailhead 6 Footprint

April 22, 2009

They cannot ship North Face products to Europe. There is a list of what they can and cannot ship out of the US when you go to checkout. But if you are interested in something else and if they can ship it outside the US then yes they can definetly ship it to you! Sorry.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Primus Stainless Field Cutlery Kit

April 22, 2009

You'll probably just have to buy the kit again. Also if you just bought the spoon it would probably be almost as expensive as the kit itself. I'd buy the kit and have extras because every where I looked it was for the whole kit and no way could you just buy the spoon.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Arc'teryx Blade 30 Backpack - 1831cu in

April 22, 2009

Yes, I found on http://www.e-omc.com/catalog/products/5563/Arcteryx-Blade-30-Backpack.html that it will fit a standard 17" laptop.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Durable and Long Lasting

Petzl Tikka Plus Headlamp

Petzl Tikka Plus Headlamp

Rating for this product: 5 April 22, 2009

This is definetly not the brightest headlamp for the money but it is definetly the most indestructible and the batteries last wayyyy longer than any other headlamp. I haven't changed the batteries in who knows how long and my light is still going strong. Very very simple and very light!

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Durable

Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp

Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp

Rating for this product: 4 April 22, 2009

We rent out these headlights throught he University of Alabama Outdoor Recreation and they have definetly withstood the beatings they have been administered. They have been used for caving, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, and even mountain biking. They are kinda like energizer bunnies.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Sleeping Pad - Mummy

April 1, 2009

I have the mummy pad and I have slept in my hammock many times with this pad and I do not have a BA bag. It's a little tricky to put your pad in and get in keeping it straight but i recommend it. Also I deflate the pad a little for the hammock so its a little more comfortable.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Sleeping Pad - Mummy

April 1, 2009

Definetly go with the rectangular! I have the mummy and i wish i had more room so my feet wouldn't fall off. The only reason I would get the mummy is if i had a sleeve in my bag and if my tent would be too small for a rectangular. If I could buy it again i would buy the rectangular!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Light and Just Right

MSR Hubba Tent: 1-Person 3-Season

MSR Hubba Tent: 1-Person 3-Season

Rating for this product: 5 April 1, 2009

I love this tent. I am 6 foot tall and have a good 6 inches of room combined above my feet and a little room on both sides. It packs up small and is very light. I have never gotten wet with this tent and water doesn't even come through when you tough the rain fly. The vestibule is large enough for all my stuff and you can throw your shoes and stuff in the smaller one on the other side. One of the hooks ripped off on mine to attach the tent to the poles but besides that best tent i've ever had by far. Also I love being able to sit up in it and change.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Low Rolling Resistance and Grippy

Panaracer Fire XC Pro MTB Tire - 26x2.1in

Panaracer Fire XC Pro MTB Tire - 26x2.1in

Rating for this product: 5 March 30, 2009

Wow is all I can say about these tires. They have very low rolling resistance on the road for mountain bike tires and grip well. They do well on rocks, roots, and some sand that we have in alabama. Will definetly buy these tires again!!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Light and tough

GoLite Venture Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Down

GoLite Venture Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Down

Rating for this product: 4 March 27, 2009

I have taken this bag on one 5 day trip on the AT. The bag performed well, but the seam came out where the cord is to tighten the bag around your face, but that was a quick fix. Make sure you have it sinched down or it gets a little drafty. Overall good bag, I bought it for $225 last year when they had it that low for some reason. Wouldn't spend $325 on it.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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