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Jeff Ward

Skier // Camper // Hiker

Jeff Ward: #935 of 174,454 More Information

27 Reviews:

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20 Yes

2 Questions:

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1 Yes

20 Answers:

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14 Yes

9 Photos:

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4 Yes

0 Videos:

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0 Yes

7 Comments:

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7 Yes

3 Wishlists:

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0 Yes

0 Field Tests:

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  • Stomping Grounds:

    Boone, NC
  • Bio:

    I'm a student at App State, I love being outdoors every chance I get.

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Asolo Fugitive Gore-Tex Boot - Men's

December 17, 2010

I literally wear these 8 months out of the year straight-that means every day these get laced up. I live in the mountain town of Boone, NC, and with the wet weather, uneven terrain, and snow randomly...these are a must. I put a different insole in them because of my extremely flat feet, but other than that these are extremely comfortable for daily wear and provide good support and protection. Be sure to open them all the way up at night to avoid odor issues, but you should be good to go with these. Not too heavy for daily wear and are pretty easy to break in...if you could even call it breaking them in...very comfortable boot.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Cruchy PB-Great

Clifbar Clif Bars - 12 Pack

Clifbar Clif Bars - 12 Pack

Rating for this product: 5 December 17, 2010

I eat these whether I am hiking or just stuck at school working in the lab on a project. Professors don't mind these in the computer labs and the Crunchy PB ones are really good.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Marmot Mesh Bivy

March 12, 2010

the whole thing in 96" long, here is an image of the layout from Marmot for you to check out, hope this helps.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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The best way to stay off the ground

Eagles Nest Outfitters SlapStrap Pro - 20mm

Eagles Nest Outfitters SlapStrap Pro - 20mm

Rating for this product: 5 March 1, 2010

This product makes it super easy to set up your hammock in no time flat. The loops take a minute to figure out the first time but after that, it's easy. Dont worry about strength either, they hold up 2 people in the doublenest no problem. Great product.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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AWESOME

Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock

Rating for this product: 5 February 28, 2010

This is a great way to sleep in the warmer months, the double is great if you plan on using a pad and bag as it allows for a less confining feel while still holding you in. Get the pro straps either the mini or regular pros because they are longer and pack smaller. Also I chose to upgrade the beaners to ultra lightweight dovals as listed one the ENO website. Super comfortable, easy to set up, great for a nap or camping.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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Good Water Bottle

Nalgene Wide Mouth Tritan Bottle - 32oz

Nalgene Wide Mouth Tritan Bottle - 32oz

Rating for this product: 5 January 10, 2010

BPA free, simple design. Overall a great product, easy to fill with ice. I own like 4 of these and they live in my Jeep and all over my house. Cant go wrong.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Simple but great

Nalgene HDPE Narrow Mouth BPA-Free Bottle

Nalgene HDPE Narrow Mouth BPA-Free Bottle

Rating for this product: 5 January 10, 2010

This is a simple product, it works wonderfully though. I like the narrow width bottles in general because you can freeze them about halfway with water and then when you go hiking the ice will stay in the bottle longer and you wont spill all over yourself.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Byer of Maine Samba Deluxe Hammock

January 8, 2010

If you intend to just use it yourself in a non-camping way, go for this one. If you will be sleeping in it with a pad go for the salsa because it is a double hammock. I use the Eagle Nest Outfitters(ENO) Double nest hammock for camping and I use a 20" wide 2" thick pad under my sleeping bag.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Pretty Good Shorts

Columbia Omni-Dry Silver Ridge II Cargo Short - Men's

Columbia Omni-Dry Silver Ridge II Cargo Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 January 8, 2010

These are pretty good shorts, they are very cool in the summer and dry very fast. The fit is a little weird for a bigger guy, I can't pinpoint what the issue is, there is just something weird feeling. The belt is crap though in my opinion, I took it off the 3 pairs I have.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Asolo Fugitive Gore-Tex Boot - Men's

January 7, 2010

I would like to add to AC's comments, the basic insole is worthless, it never made it out of the store. Also the heat isn't an issue, I wore these every day during an internship for a construction company. The project was on a sand covered army base where the temperature was 90 daily and humidity was 90%. They did great, the key is wearing wicking socks.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Setting the Standard

Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free Bottle - 32oz

Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free Bottle - 32oz

Rating for this product: 5 January 7, 2010

There isn't much to be said about this bottle that hasn't already been said. It is a great size, BPA free, and can easily be filled with ice cubes no matter what shape and size. This doesn't really absorb flavors from sports drinks and works well overall.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Very Comfortable

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

Rating for this product: 5 January 7, 2010

I bought this on closeout at REI last year, they had the larges for like $9 so my dad bought several for the family. I use is strictly for car camping as the large is somewhat large to carry around/backpack with. Pretty comfortable, does take a beating and about 20 minutes to fully decompress. Great for when space isnt an issue.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

January 7, 2010

I agree with Bryan, I have the large as well and it is a little too big for a mummy bag hood. I think the Med would be better suited to your needs and you would be saving some space and weight.

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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Take some getting used to but now my Favorite

Patagonia Stand Up Short - Men's

Patagonia Stand Up Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 January 6, 2010

Ok so let me first say that I originally bought these out of curiosity as many of my friends had them. They are SHORT...but that being said...I have never had a more comfortable, easy to hike in, durable, and just overall great. The shortness allows for a wide range of movement and keeps you cool down below. They are a thick duck material but its not so thick that it becomes hot. The pockets are a little weird at first but the big back pockets are easy to stick larger items in and the wallet pocket still feels good. Plus the big back pockets are loved by the ladies hands...dont ask me why but apparently they call out to them...I dont get it but I am certainly not complaining. These hold up great and are a great short for hot summer weather hiking or just around town.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Great Pants

Mountain Khakis Teton Twill Pants - Men's

Mountain Khakis Teton Twill Pants - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 January 6, 2010

these are great pants, they fit loose, but still look good enough to wear with a collared shirt if need be or to work in. They are a somewhat heavy material but it really cuts the wind and cold well.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Solid Helmet

Smith Variant Helmet

Smith Variant Helmet

Rating for this product: 4 January 3, 2010

This is a good helmet, doesnt fit the best with my goggles, but not bad. It isnt too hot/cold with its vent system. I did manage a concussion last year when wearing this, but I hit really hard on ice so I cant blame the helmet. Comfortable...and as we all know, if you dont wear it its useless....wear your helmet.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great Product

Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Rain Tarp

Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Rain Tarp

Rating for this product: 5 January 3, 2010

This thing is great, keeps you dry in the worst weather and packs up pretty small.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Thule Caravan Cargo Carrier

January 2, 2010

You should be fine driving the posted speed limit even on the highway, it will decrease your mileage by 4mpg or more so plan accordingly.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Nalgene Wide Mouth Tritan Bottle - 32oz

January 2, 2010

REI had some as of today when I was in there, I would try to avoid ones with printing on them, it makes me nervous as I'm sure it comes off at some point.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Not bad, just different

Nuun Nuun Tube - 8 Pack

Nuun Nuun Tube - 8 Pack

Rating for this product: 5 January 2, 2010

I had the berry flavor, it is interesting, I didn't care for the fizzyness that occurs for a while after you make it. It has a light flavor, I'm not sure its my favorite but I will keep trying it and see if it grows on me. Absolutely healthier than Gatorade though so I cant complain too much.....All this being said, drink 1 serving while drinking and no hangover in the morning, absolutely the best thing to avoid an unpleasant morning.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad

January 1, 2010

This is a solid pad, I am 200+ and 6', it fits well and is more than comfortable for camping.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Good Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Typhoon Jacket - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Typhoon Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 January 1, 2010

I have had this jacket for a while, bought it to pack when fly fishing. I now use it for everyday rain, works great, only issue I have had was that after 30+minutes with the zipper not all the way to the top, water tends to soak down the inside and get you chest wet. I may be the only one with this problem, but still it is annoying. Also the hood is a little weird, I have had trouble adjusting it just right, but with a hat, it provides great coverage. Packs down pretty small and is lightweight.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Black Diamond Transfer 7 Shovel

December 27, 2009

Can anyone compare this to the Transfer 3, is there really a significant difference? Thanks.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Brunton Solaris Flexible Personal Solar Panel

December 27, 2009

Does anyone have average times for charging item such as a cell phone or a camera, I saw the laptop below but I never take mine with me camping. Thanks.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Eagles Nest Outfitters OneLink Hammock Shelter System

December 27, 2009

The pro is slightly smaller than the single, it wont be as easy to fit a sleeping pad in, but for a 3 season deal it might be acceptable, I personally have a Double ENO and use it all year round.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Good Nights Sleep

Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest BaseCamp Sleeping Pad

Rating for this product: 5 December 27, 2009

This product is great, I'm a bigger guy and this is a great pad for car camping/campground use. It is very insulating and I use it in tents and in my hammock. Overall great product, just a little to big to hike with, but I didn't buy it for that reason, I bought it for campground use and it does that job well.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Hammock Bliss All Purpose Shelter

December 27, 2009

You can use this as a stand alone tarp shelter by hanging it between 2 tress and staking it out, or even by using 2 hiking/ski poles at the ends and staking it that way.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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I live in this beanie

Mountain Hardwear Lightweight Wool Dome Beanie

Mountain Hardwear Lightweight Wool Dome Beanie

Rating for this product: 5 December 26, 2009

I love this thing, I have an olive color that isnt available anymore on the site, it fits my med sized head well. Its warm but wicks the moisture well, overall great.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Get rid of the bugs

Eagles Nest Outfitters Guardian Bug Net

Eagles Nest Outfitters Guardian Bug Net

Rating for this product: 5 December 26, 2009

This works great for sleeping without bugs flying everywhere and you can drop a jacket in the bottom when you go to bed at night. You also cant see in to this, only out from the inside.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

1 Comment

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Expensive but good

CamelBak Cleaning Tablets - 8 Pack

CamelBak Cleaning Tablets - 8 Pack

Rating for this product: 5 December 26, 2009

This product works great, even if you have growth in the bladder(its college it happens)Somewhat expensive for what it is but still a good product and cleans up any bladder with ease.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Hammock Bliss All Purpose Shelter

December 26, 2009

No, it is only a tarp meant to be used with a hammock. It attaches to the same points as the hammock.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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CamelBak Velocity Hydration Pack - 2.1L

December 26, 2009

I keep a couple of the tablets around in case the bladder has visible growth(its college, stuff happens) but other than that I use it enough to keep it clean and only use water in it.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great Product

Nite Ize Figure 9 Rope Tightener - Small

Nite Ize Figure 9 Rope Tightener - Small

Rating for this product: 5 December 26, 2009

I use these for my ENO Hammock rain fly tie downs. Great product, makes setup fast and easy.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Ok if you never want to put it back to regular length

Yakima MegaWarrior Extension

Yakima MegaWarrior Extension

Rating for this product: 2 December 26, 2009

This is good if you need the extra space, as I do. I only use my MegaWarrior with this. That being said, the screw inserts can be a pain/get stripped making removal a pain(I had to drill the screws out...not a fun process). This needs to be redesigned.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Nalgene Narrow Mouth Tritan Bottle - 16oz

December 26, 2009

Not unless you have skinny half crescent shaped ice cubes...then they fit with some force.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Good Choice of Water Bottle

Nalgene Narrow Mouth Tritan Bottle - 16oz

Nalgene Narrow Mouth Tritan Bottle - 16oz

Rating for this product: 4 December 26, 2009

These are good for carrying water when you have the luxury of pre-freezing water, but if you need to be able to put ice cubes in, go with the wide mouth. These are easy to drink out of and tend to stay in pouches better because of the small top(ie The North Face packs)

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Nalgene Narrow Mouth Tritan Bottle - 16oz

December 26, 2009

You could even have it more than half way, just wipe off any water from the threads so you can close it up after frozen.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Good Goggle

Oakley Crowbar Goggle

Oakley Crowbar Goggle

Rating for this product: 4 December 25, 2009

Overall these are good goggles, I tend to prefer a larger/wider goggle and an extremely large field of view. These do a good job of both, however with my particular helmet, a smith something or another, they tend to fog up some. They work great though if I am not wearing the helmet.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Petzl Tactikka Plus Headlamp

December 25, 2009

I have not had this problem either, I've had the headlamp ~1 year now and use it on a regular basis(1x per week)

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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The North Face Borealis Backpack - 1850cu in

December 25, 2009

Yes, make sure they don't put too much weight in it, this is very bad on their backs. I know I carried way more than I should have in middle school because my backpack would allow it, however that being said, this pack has lasted me 2 years already and shows no signs of giving up anytime soon, great product.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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The North Face Borealis Backpack - 1830cu in

December 25, 2009

You can strap gear (shoes or shirts) that is nasty to the outside elastic, I have done it many times and only the outside of the pack gets dirty, not some pocket/pouch inside the pack that will be a pain to clean later, just brush off the outside of this pack instead.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Sold Out

The North Face Borealis Backpack - 1830cu in

December 25, 2009

No, I have tried and could not find a good way to make it work...sorry.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great Light

Petzl Tactikka Plus Headlamp

Petzl Tactikka Plus Headlamp

Rating for this product: 5 December 25, 2009

This thing lives in my Jeep and backpack, I have used it a ton and have yet to replace the batteries on it. LEDs are plenty bright for camping/hiking use and the red is nice at night. Solid light, a little expensive but well worth the money, very comfortable on the head.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Petzl Tactikka Plus Headlamp

December 25, 2009

I have beat the crap outta this light, you wont break it. The only thing I would caution you about is to keep the red lens over the leds, I'm not sure if this is really necessary, but I do it anyway.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Eagles Nest Outfitters Guardian Bug Net

December 25, 2009

This hooks onto an included line that you tie to both hammock straps or directly to the trees you use.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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Solid Bag

The North Face Cat's Meow Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Climashield Prism

Rating for this product: 5 December 25, 2009

I purchased this sleeping bag about a year ago and have used it on several occasions now, it has worked great. It is definitely a warm bag, not the best for summer use, but it is great the rest of the year (I just use a hammock in the summer anyway). The size fits me great(6', 200lbs). A solid choice if you camp in the fall, winter, or spring.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

1 Comment

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Great Shades

Oakley Bottlecap Sunglasses - Polarized

Oakley Bottlecap Sunglasses - Polarized

Rating for this product: 5 December 25, 2009

These are great sunglasses, I bought these ~5 years ago and have worn them every day since. I have replaced the lenses once already and they are about due for another replacement. It is worth the money to get the polarized, especially if you spend any time at all on the water. They fit my face great and are lightweight enough to wear all day without even remembering they are on your face. Great pair of sunglasses.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Best Boots Ever

Asolo Fugitive Gore-Tex Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 December 25, 2009

These started out as a pair of hiking/wet weather boots for college in the mountains, but quickly turned into the only foot covering that I wear except for sandals in the summer(1.5 years now). They stay dry up until you stand in a creek all day, been there, done that and are lightweight. Overall a great boot, I would buy again in a heartbeat.

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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