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TheNomad

Trail Runner // Backpacker // Hiker // Big Wall Climber // Mountain Biker

TheNomad: #961 of 167,143 More Information

22 Reviews:

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7 Yes

4 Questions:

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9 Answers:

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2 Photos:

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15 Comments:

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  • Bio:

    Nature moves me. I ideally want to be outdoors 24/7 and I want to see it all. I'm an explorer at heart. It is my passion.

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Sole

Sole

Asolo TPS 520 GV Boot - Men's

April 14, 2009

Here you go Garrett.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Best sunglasses I've owned

Costa Del Mar Permit Polarized Sunglasses - Costa 580 Glass Lens

Costa Del Mar Permit Polarized Sunglasses - Costa 580 Glass Lens

Rating for this product: 5 September 2, 2011

I fish a lot and sunglasses make a huge difference on being able to see glare and seeing trees, rocks, etc in the water. These lenses are so brilliant and are the best I've used. I got them today and went out on the boat today, amazing! I've used Maui, solar bats, and Oakley's and I am sold on Costa 580's. I have a large dome and these fit perfect. They don't fit right to my head allowing ventilation and I had no problems at all with fogging or condensation.

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They were awesome...

The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR Boa Hiking Shoe - Men's - Backcountry Exclusive

Rating for this product: 5 August 16, 2011

I've been a fan of the boa lacing system for awhile. I have had no issues what so ever with the boa system so I'm kind of skeptical on the negative reviews. I've owned a few pairs with the boa. I'm not easy on my stuff either.

These shoes are very supportive for low cut hiking shoes. I have over pronated feet and I have no issues with rolling my feet and these are very comfortable. Sizing is accurate. I have 3 herniated discs in my lower back as well as cervical damage and these are very nice to have where I don't have to bend over to tie.

Updated December 15 2011: So I've owned these since May 2011 and I have an issue with the boa. The system itself works great but the rubber part on the knob has come off and the plastic is sharp enough to cut your finger when trying to adjust them. I can no longer wear these until they replace the rubber which I don't know if they will do. Here is a picture

I wanted to update Dec 16 2011: I contacted Boa and they have a really simple replacement part program that is awesome! I am very pleased to get the "FREE" replacement parts to go ahead and fix these. Very happy so far. I'm glad because I really love this shoe and the setup.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Costa Del Mar Permit Polarized Sunglasses - Costa 580 Glass Lens

August 3, 2011

Do you offer these with the matte black frames? Can the gunmetal frames get a different lens color? Also are the lenses 580P or 580G?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Definitely a favorite

Patagonia California Coast T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Patagonia California Coast T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 July 15, 2011

This shirt is super comfy, and the sizing is perfect. I am 6'4, 250 and got an XL. I was skeptical in spending 30 on a t-shirt but I'm happy with it.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Love the shirt

Patagonia Text Logo T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Patagonia Text Logo T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 July 15, 2011

I love this shirt. Its soft and fits perfect. Doesn't shrink much, however mine came with a few little holes in it. I am exchanging for new one! 6'4, 250 and the XL fit great!

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Good but shrinks

Kavu Sierra T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Kavu Sierra T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 July 15, 2011

Love how thin and soft this shirt is. However, it did shrink after the first wash where I don't like the fit.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Awesome

Patagonia Live Simply Clock T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Patagonia Live Simply Clock T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 July 15, 2011

I am 6'4, 250 and this shirt fits me great in XL. I love the softness of Patagonia's t-shirts.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Comfortable but

SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light Micro Sock

SmartWool PhD Outdoor Light Micro Sock

Rating for this product: 1 May 12, 2011

I just got these for my trip, two pair of the hemp color. First day, a hole in the sock on the bottom, just from driving! What the heck! These aren't cheap. I always bought smartwool medium and light weight hiking socks and wanted a better short sock for casual wear. Very disappointed. Will send back and see how long the other pair lasts.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Best option for SUV IMO

Thule Revolver Hitch Bike Carrier with  Retractable Locking Cable - 4 Bike

Thule Revolver Hitch Bike Carrier with Retractable Locking Cable - 4 Bike

Rating for this product: 3 May 12, 2011

I have an FJ and didn't want to try to have my bike on the roof. Wanted to be able to utilize the back while having bikes on a hitch rack. The revolver is the better option. There is no way you could fit 4 full size bikes on. I have a Trek remedy 8 (L) and my wife has a Specialized and I keep them in the 2 middle spots. I just took a road trip from Charleston, SC to Maine and the bikes would jump off the frame holder and scratch the paint a little. Over all I am happy with it.

Update -May 31 2011-

We just got back from a 2800 mile road trip and I have a couple complaints of the rack. One, when we are trying to screw the bolt in that locks it from swinging, we have to lift up on the rack where the bikes sit or it won't screw in. Huge pain if you are by yourself. Also I've noticed paint chips and rust where the chips are. That is poor paint. Considering returning

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Great kayak, parents beware

Old Town Dirigo XT 140 Kayak

Rating for this product: 5 July 13, 2010

So we bought this kayak for it has a toddler seat in the front. My 2 year old loves kayaking and we took my 5 year old niece and when we got to shore we were rocking it. With her extra weight it flipped over and I fell right out but she was stuck underneath has the toddler seat had her legs trapped in the kayak. It was pretty scary for her. The toddler seat is removable and I would recommend you to in case that happens to you.

Otherwise its a great kayak and tracks really well, and despite my incident it is really stable. The cupholder on the console is hard to reach when your sitting right. I love this kayak.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Platypus Cleanstream Gravity Filter System

May 27, 2010

If your worried about the water you are filtering then I would suggest the Sawyer 4L .02 micron gravity filter. Its about 70 dollars more but its filter is guaranteed for 1 million gallons and it purifies rather than filter.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Very nice

Brunton Profile Duo Range/Grill Combo Stove

Brunton Profile Duo Range/Grill Combo Stove

Rating for this product: 5 May 27, 2010

This stove is awesome and it gets hot! We purchased this for our road trip from Maine across country for a month and this stove was amazing. We used only 4 little cans of propane for a month. We've used griddles, cast iron pans and dutch ovens and have boiled 2 L of water in under 3 minutes. Don't keep it high when cooking eggs because this stove is the hottest stove I've ever used.

The setup is simple and the stove is very easy to use. The hose is probably 2 feet long. The starter wouldn't work when it was really cold though but just keep a lighter handy.

Very happy with this stove!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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20F... no way

Mountain Hardwear Switch 20 Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Synthetic

Mountain Hardwear Switch 20 Sleeping Bag: 20 Degree Synthetic

Rating for this product: 3 May 27, 2010

This bag is very comfortable but after using it in 20-30 degree nights I had to use a liner. It was not adequate for those temps. It was comfortably warm when it was 40+ but I would definitely get another bag if I was going to be in those temps again. The zipper that zips up the bag is horrible too and would always snag.

As far as the "Quantum expander", its not a huge difference really. I didn't even notice a difference when I zipped it up actually. I do love the length of the long though. It was perfect for me, as I am 6'3", 240.

The bag is comfortable, but I am not happy with it.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Perfect for my feet

Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Sandal - Men's

Chaco Z/2 Unaweep Sandal - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 March 5, 2010

Off topic: I don't think Ryan Ivy likes these sandals much...I am a over-pronator. It causes lots of feet pain. These sandals were ridiculously comfortable when I first wore them. Then I went on a trip to Bocas Del Toro and hiked over to red frog beach and got the worst blisters on the outer edge of my feet where the straps come out. I don't have wide feet and have no answer to why. They were tight enough to not have friction and not too tight to cut off circulation. Don't base them off my experience as I supinate a lot. The quality on these are great!

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes

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Finally got one

Arc'teryx Bora 80 Backpack - 4390-5000cu in

Arc'teryx Bora 80 Backpack - 4390-5000cu in

Rating for this product: 5 February 14, 2010

So I haven't been able to use this pack backcountry but I am more than happy. First, you can buy this pack from Hiltons tent city for 299 and backcountry wouldn't match the price.

I am 6'3" and 240 and I bought the tall as my torso is 20.5 inches.

The sleeping bag compartment is a must for me. Also being able to get to your gear without opening the top is a must. You can by the front or side zipper. The straps, hip belt and back pad are very padded and comfortable. This pack is a beast and is rugged.

I bought this pack for my month and a half expedition in the Costa Rican rainforest. I will be backpacking and sleeping in a hammock the whole time.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Definitely

Sea To Summit Adaptor Coolmax Travel Liner

Sea To Summit Adaptor Coolmax Travel Liner

Rating for this product: 5 February 8, 2010

Awesome liner. I don't like the silk personally but I love this material. It works really well for tropical conditions and I would recommend to anyone backpacking/camping with 70+ nights or if your staying at a hostel. I also carry the marmot trestles trail bag in case the temp goes below 65(f). I also like the fact that I have a nice wicking liner for colder months. I tend to sweat.

This bag when packed is 3x5 inches. I am 6'3" 250lbs and I fit comfortably.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Patagonia Lightweight Hiking Crew Sock

February 7, 2010

These are made for hiking in warm weather. Please don't leave bs comments if you don't know for sure.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Not for me

Teva Toachi Sandals - Men's

Teva Toachi Sandals - Men's

Rating for this product: 1 January 27, 2010

These are the worst sandals I have ever worn. My feet are regular and these are narrow. Being that they are narrow they have certain spots that stick my feet and it hurts. I felt no support at all.

I'm an active guy and I guess I'll stick with Keen sao paulo

Also they look poorly made. They are an awesome concept but they need some work. You see exposed glue where the mesh in the sole to let water out which if you see exposed glue, they probably aren't going to hold up. I am glad to exchange these.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Arc'teryx Bora 65 Backpack - 3720-4330cu in

December 6, 2009

I'm considering buying the Bora 65, but I've stumbled on a rumor of Arcteryx overhauling the bora for 2010. Is this true?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Mammut Mt. Peak LTH Boot - Men's

October 28, 2009

Mammut products unlike Raichle are made in China.
I wish they would of switched their Chinese products to Romania

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Montrail Helium GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

October 9, 2009

They will definitely handle that. I've gone with 70lbs myself. The only thing I recommend is get some custom inserts that are stiff.

They recommend this boot for hiking but these are my go to boot for backpacking and trekking. They are still the best boot I've purchased.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Excellent

SmartWool Adrenaline Light Crew Hiking Sock

SmartWool Adrenaline Light Crew Hiking Sock

Rating for this product: 5 May 13, 2009

I've worn these for awhile now and tried them against the Adrenaline PHD and I knew immediately when I tried them on that the light hikers were better. They feel a lot more supportive and have the right amount of cushion - not to much and not too little. They breath excellent and retain their snug fit! I've bought 5 more pair since.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Best!

SmartWool Adrenaline Light Crew Hiking Sock

SmartWool Adrenaline Light Crew Hiking Sock

Rating for this product: 5 April 26, 2009

This in my opinion is the better one of them all. I have tried the PHD's and the Adrenaline light hiking is the most comfortable, stays in place, and stays dry. Never received blisters.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Updated Feb 14

Vasque Zephyr Tech Backpacking Boot - Men's

Vasque Zephyr Tech Backpacking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 2 April 23, 2009

This boots are not true to size and should order a half size down. Also after wearing these for a year and a half I hate them. There is not much support at all. My feet never got wet but they were never comfortable either. I wear custom orthotics so it wasn't the insole. The boa lacing system is awesome but until they find a better boot to put it on.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Holy Cozy

Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Fleece Jacket - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man Fleece Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 April 21, 2009

This is by far the softest material I've ever felt. Its very warm, but not wind proof. Still this is definitely a must have. I love to wake up when backcountry with this on while starting a fire. Fits true to size, and love the thumb holes. Compacts well! Awesome!

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Hands down!

Mountain Hardwear Canyon Shirt  - Long-Sleeve - Mens

Mountain Hardwear Canyon Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Mens

Rating for this product: 5 April 20, 2009

Best shirt I've ever worn. Such comfortable material, and lightweight. Its very durable, and breaths extremely well. I wear a wickening t-shirt or long sleeve underneath on breezy days. I am almost certain I am permanently switching from all my shirts to the canyon.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Best boot still! Amazing

Montrail Helium GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Montrail Helium GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 April 13, 2009

I've owned these now for a few more months and wanted to leave another review. I've worn Asolo, Danner, and Lowa's, but they don't compare to these. The ankle and Achilles region has so much support its amazing. I've never owned a pair of boots that support so well. The toe region is rugged, and the soles have lots of traction.

Many people suffer from feet pronation or suppination from birth, injuries, or from recreational use. I have suppination from an injuries in the military. This boot has given me much support where I no longer roll my ankles and the heel pain has diminished. With the right socks (ie smartwool) they breath perfectly. I wear a 25 kilo ruck and jog for 10-15k with no feet problems at all.

Chris Burt below had mentioned not enough padding on the tongue. I disagree. There is atleast a half inch padding. The only thing I recommend is when you lace up make sure your tongue is sealed up for the first 10 times and it should do it correctly after that without having to worry.

Last but not least. Have inserts made for your feet. They are worth every penny.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Finally a boot I can wear

Montrail Helium GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Montrail Helium GTX Hiking Boot - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 March 9, 2009

I bought these boots with the hope I could be on my feet more outdoors. I broke my left foot in the Army and had surgery on the achilles region. I have feet pain all the time from screwing my feet up. These boots have amazing support in the achilles/ankles. The color through me off a little bit but they grow on me more and more everyday. The inserts I didn't find good, but I have special inserts made to my feet anyway. I recommend anyone to have inserts made to contour their feet anyway. Helps prevent injuries.

I can be on my feet all day without the pain I had. Also they fit to size as well. I love Montrail helium!

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes

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