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Ryan Todd

Hiker // Camper // Backpacker // Kayaker // Climber // Ocean Kayaker // Boulderer

Ryan Todd: #219 of 95,031 Top 500 Gear Guru More Information

17 Reviews:

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3 Yes | 0 No

6 Questions:

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17 Answers:

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7 Yes | 0 No

0 Photos:

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0 Comments:

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0 Gearlists:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    K-zoo, MI
  • Bio:

    I love to kayak, hike, camp & climb. And even better than that I love taking photos of that great stuff. Taking photos is my real love. Mix that with the outdoors and outdoor activities & I'm as snug as a bug in a rug.

    I currently reside in the great state of Michigan, but my outdoor adventures take me many other places. I lived in California for awhile, I call it my second home now.

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Nikwax Polarproof

Nikwax Polar Proof Solution

Nikwax Polar Proof Solution

Rating for this product: 5 April 6, 2009

This stuff is great. I used it on my marmot warmlight jacket. It's fantastic to see water bead off a fleece jacket. It doesn't bead as much as other nikwax products but you can't expect it on a fleece jacket. And it makes the ol' fleece dry a heck of a lot faster.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Marmot Alpinist Jacket - Men's

April 1, 2009

I'd say go with the XL. If it doesn't fit, Backcountry is fantastic with their return policy.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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New Balance 920 Water Shoe - Men's

April 1, 2009

per pair (not a dumb question 6 oz. difference in a shoe is pretty massive if they are on the lighter end)

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GoLite Pinnacle Pack - 4400cu in

April 1, 2009

Simon, there is no frame in this pack, No stays or frame sheet at all. I reccomend going to Backpackinglight.com to read some of their really in depth reviews to see if this is the pack for you. They have some very lenthty testimonials.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Marmot Zephyr Backpack - 1600cu in

April 1, 2009

I want to say no. But on the Marmot web site it says "The top of the waist belt is constructed behind both the aluminum frame and the HDPE frame sheet." So I have a feeling the answer is no. if it is behind the frame sheet it usually means it's stitched behind the sheet.

you could go to marmot's website & email customer service also.

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Osprey Packs Argon 85 Backpack - 5100-5500cu in

April 1, 2009

The Osprey UL rain cover in a size large would work perfectly. Or the Outdoor Research HydroLite is also a fantastic pack cover if you don't care about matching brands (I would reccomend this in an XL or L depending how you want it to fit your pack I have one in in XL for my 85 liter Osprey Aether and it works great). Backcountry currently is out of stock of the Osprey Brand cover in the size you need, but does have an XL in the Outdoor Research cover.

hope that helped

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes | 0 No

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Macpac Esprit 65L Pack

April 1, 2009

If its not on the "select options" menu for size & color, probably not. You could always go to the Live Chat option and find out more or if they will be stocking a specific item.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Warmlight

Marmot Warmlight Fleece Jacket - Men's

Marmot Warmlight Fleece Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 April 1, 2009

Warmlight says it all. It's warm & light. The in pocket sinchers are great too. Super warm & great for layering.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Works better than it should

Nikwax Softshell Proof Wash In

Nikwax Softshell Proof Wash In

Rating for this product: 5 April 1, 2009

Wow. I love this, my Marmot DriClime jacket isn't even supposed to be waterproof, I added this stuff to it. And whaddya know, nice & waterproof now. I swear this stuff is genious. I havn't taken it in serious downpours, but it works good for the light stuff.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Water tight

Outdoor Research HydroLite Pack Cover

Outdoor Research HydroLite Pack Cover

Rating for this product: 5 April 1, 2009

I got this for my Osprey Aether 85, fantastic cover. Keeps the rain out just fine. For a Universal cover this is the best without spending too much dough.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Orage Billy Insulated Jacket - Men's

March 31, 2009

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, just spouting off Nikwax stuff. If you want this jacket to be more water resistant, Use Nixwax T.X. direct, either the spray or wash in will work to keep it alive.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

Sold Out

KEEN Targhee ll Mid Hiking Shoe - Men's

March 31, 2009

about 2 lbs. 1 oz. per pair.

hope this helped

Ryan

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Outdoor Research Solvida Sombrero - Women's

March 31, 2009

No this is 100% cotton canvas so it is not waterproof (I'd reccomend Nikwax cotton proof to help with this problem) and it weights 4.3 oz / 122 Grams. And as for floppiness, I have no clue.

hope that helped
ryan

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Merrell Moab Ventilator Hiking Shoe - Men's

March 29, 2009

I know everyone says this runs a half size small. But how does this run compared to other Merrell shoes?

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Osprey Packs Elroy Bag - 1500cu in

March 29, 2009

I have the elroy. It's fantastic. Big & roomy, it seems more urban friendly than the transit.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Osprey Packs Xenon 85 Backpack - Women's - 4700-5100cu in

March 29, 2009

No, it does not. I have the Daylite & I assure you it's not as small as you would think.

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Mountain Hardwear Phantom Down Jacket - Men's

March 29, 2009

If you aren't opposed to other brands. The Marmot Mountain Down jacket would be another great option for you. And it has a hood (you'll want one of those when it get's bitter cold).

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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CamelBak Omega HydroTanium Hydration Reservoir

March 28, 2009

I have also found that warm water with a few table spoons of baking soda works well.

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GoLite Odyssey Expedition Pack - 5500-5800 cu in

March 28, 2009

If you're looking for something of a little better quality I personally reccommend the Osprey Ariel or Xenon series. You will pay more for sure though.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Windshield

Marmot Original DriClime Windshirt - Men's

Marmot Original DriClime Windshirt - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 March 27, 2009

This is possibly the most versatile garment I own. Super light weight & super comfy. I just got mine in the post a few days ago. I can already tell it's going to work great. You'd forget you were wearing it if it weren't for how much wind it were stopping.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Osprey Packs Kestrel 48 Backpack - 2800-2900cu in

March 23, 2009

What I reccomend for checking these sorts of bags are United States Military C-bags. they work great. slip your pack into it to keep all the straps from getting caught.

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Osprey Packs Kestrel 48 Backpack - 2800-2900cu in

March 23, 2009

This pack has two sizes. See the sizing chart to see what size you need.

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Roomy pack

Osprey Packs Aether 85 Backpack - 5000-5400 cu in

Osprey Packs Aether 85 Backpack - 5000-5400 cu in

Rating for this product: 5 March 23, 2009

This sucker is roomy. I bought mine last summer to replace my old, cumbersome, not so comfy pack. It's so comfortable when properly adjusted, it seriously feels like there is NO weight in the pack. I thought the airscape backpanel seemed silly, but it does keep the air flowing to your back to keep the bodily condensation down. There aren't a ton of pockets to speak of, but it's fine the bare minimum is what I prefer. The removable lumbar pack is a bit of a waste of what could have been a cool idea. Everything on the pack just seems to be designed with simplicity & comfort in mind.

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Nothing is better

Nikwax Tech Wash

Nikwax Tech Wash

Rating for this product: 5 March 23, 2009

I would honestly not reccomend anything else to wash your gear in. This is the ONLY product for tech type washes in my eyes. Works better than anything to breathe new life into your smelly gear.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Bullet Proof

Nikwax Tent and Gear Proof

Nikwax Tent and Gear Proof

Rating for this product: 5 March 23, 2009

Not really bullet proof. But it's pretty darn rain proof. I keep my rain cover on my pack. But you could seriously almost entirely do away with rain covers with this stuff.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Icy cold

CamelBak Unbottle Hydration Pack

CamelBak Unbottle Hydration Pack

Rating for this product: 4 March 23, 2009

Just got one of these. It's pretty sweet. Keeps stuff cold for a nice long while. It fits in my Osprey pack a little tightly. The hose is plenty long enough. I just wish there were a magnetic spot on the bite valve like my nalgene bladder. But this bladder is better. A bit more sturdy. I've already put this through the runs.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Marmot Original DriClime Windshirt - Men's

March 11, 2009

I'm 6'1", 170 lbs. with a slim build. Should I get a medium or large?

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Nice Bag, Good Price

The North Face Wasatch Bx Sleeping Bag: 40 Degree Synthetic

The North Face Wasatch Bx Sleeping Bag: 40 Degree Synthetic

Rating for this product: 5 March 5, 2009

Got mine last March, It's stood up well. Extremely comfy. Compresses quite well. With my Outdoor Research compression bag I got it down to amout the size of a large cantaloupe. The stuff sack that it comes with works well too. I am 100% satisfied with mine.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Fantastic Bag

The North Face Wasatch Bx Sleeping Bag: 40 Degree Synthetic

The North Face Wasatch Bx Sleeping Bag: 40 Degree Synthetic

Rating for this product: 5 March 5, 2009

This is a sweet bag for a good price, Northface always makes a great product. Compresses nicely (down to about the size of a large cantaloupe with my OR compression bag), the stuff sack works well too (I use mine for a misc. stuff sack in my pack. All in all I am 100% satisfied with mine.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Good shoe

Teva Karnali Wraptor Sandal - Men's

Teva Karnali Wraptor Sandal - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 March 5, 2009

Not a bad shoe. Good for those hiking trips that involve lots of water. The drain holes are great. But as another reviewer said, rocks tend to get sucked in. And they rub on the heel a little bit at first, But as with most Teva's I have owned the heel rub stops after the shoe is broken in. I use mine all the time for kayak trips. All in all a good shoe.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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Better than Wraptor

Teva Sunkosi 2 Shoe - Men's

Teva Sunkosi 2 Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 March 5, 2009

I have these & the Wraptor's. As much as I love these a bit more. Less heel slippage & no rocks in the shoe. Great for kayaking & light hiking where water will be a factor. The only thing this doesn't have that the Wraptor does is the Microban (which is a fantastic feature). The only other flaw is the lace system, I prefer how the Wraptor buckles, this has quick pull laces which tend to slip a little, where the Wraptor does not slip at all.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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Honestly who doesn't love theirs?

Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free Bottle - 32oz

Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free Bottle - 32oz

Rating for this product: 5 March 5, 2009

I love every nalgene bottle I own. They make nothing but amazing products. Great for every day use & adventuring of all sorts.

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Okay Knife

Gerber Paraframe I Serrated Edge Knife

Gerber Paraframe I Serrated Edge Knife

Rating for this product: 3 March 5, 2009

Not terrible. Does what it should for $20, sharp enough & light weight.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No

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CamelBak Unbottle Hydration Pack

March 4, 2009

Doe's the bite valve have a magnetic point on it?

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Yakima MegaWarrior Basket

March 3, 2009

Is it possible to mount one of these to a Jeep Wrangler?

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Nikwax TX Direct Wash In

March 3, 2009

I have an Osprey Aether pack, would this work well for waterproofing it? Or what combo of Nikwax products would work best for my pack? I know they reccomend Tech wash, UV proof & Tent/Gear proof. It just seems like this would be a great product to add to the lineup for my pack. I am all about getting as much life out of my pack as possible. I guess what I'm asking is, would adding this to the three products I'm already using, be excessive?

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Folding utensils

MSR Alpine Folding Utensils - Set

MSR Alpine Folding Utensils - Set

Rating for this product: 4 March 2, 2009

These are pretty good. They fold up while using once in awhile, but not enough to make them useless. I like that the ladle has measuring incraments.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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best thing under 5 bucks

Nalgene Sport Bottle Assembly Kit

Nalgene Sport Bottle Assembly Kit

Rating for this product: 5 May 1, 2008

I love my nalgene & now I love it more with this little set up. It does pretty well about not spilling too.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes | 0 No

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