Alpenglow Sports
Not only is Alpenglow Sports an excellent shop, it is also at the epicenter of Lake Tahoe outdoor culture.
Sam Shaheen
Layering 101: Types of Outdoor Apparel & How to Layer for Different Activities & Climates
There are a zillion new baselayers, insulators, and shells out there — and the options are constantly evolving and diversifying. So in our updated "Layering 101" guide, we sort out what makes certain types better / worse than others, and outlined how we think about layering for various cold-weather outdoor activities.
Gear West
Gear West is not only one of the largest shops in the midwest, it is also one of the best.
How to Care for Your Waterproof Outerwear & Down Jackets
Ok, people, our outwear nerds / gurus want you to start properly taking care of and cleaning your waterproof jackets & pants, down jackets & mid layers, and other technical apparel to keep them performing at their best. So they’ll tell you how, and recommend several products to use.
2021-2022 Moment Wildcat Tour 108
This past year we spent time on the Wildcat Tour 108 in a wide range of conditions, and you can now check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Moment Wildcat Tour 108
We compare the Wildcat Tour 108 to the Moment Wildcat 108, Moment Deathwish Tour, WNDR Alpine Intention 110, Atomic Backland 107, Blizzard Zero G 105, K2 Wayback 106, Black Diamond Helio 105, Line Vision 108, Amplid Facelift 108, 4FRNT Raven, Renoun Citadel 106, Faction Agent 3.0, & Folsom Cash 106 Carbon.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Mystery Ranch Backpacks: From Special Ops to Backcountry Skiing (Ep.97)
Mystery Ranch has a long history of working with and making packs for the US military, fire departments, and law enforcement. They also make everything from backpacks for everyday use, to packs for backcountry skiing, and the company has quite a unique culture. So we sat down with product designer, Alex Rich, to discuss what it’s like to design packs for US special forces; how their military designs trickle down to outdoor packs (and vice versa); how their design ethos reflects their sustainability culture; and more.
What You’re Wearing, Part 5: Bison Fibers? (Ep.93)
Bison Wool? Bison Down? That’s a thing? Well it’s being used by United By Blue,
who started salvaging otherwise wasted bison fibers, and is now incorporating them into a growing range of products. So we talked with Brendan Raugh at United By Blue about how the company was founded as a waterway cleanup company; how they went on to develop an entire line of apparel around salvaged bison coat fibers; how bison fibers compare to sheep’s wool and goose down; and more.
Sugar Cane, Castor Beans, & Poly Bags — Picture Organic Clothing (Ep.91)
Picture Organic Clothing is going way beyond common sustainability practices with things like castor bean oil waterproof membranes and sugar cane waste-derived polyester, and they are attempting to eliminate polybags from their entire supply chain. So we talked to Picture’s co-founder, Julien Durant, and their sustainability manager, Florian Palluel about these ambitious projects — including their new air-permeable membrane, Xpore, that they are putting in direction competition with Gore Pro and TNF Futurelight.
20/21 Renoun Citadel 114
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the Citadel 114.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.
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Mountain Hardwear Kor Cirrus Hybrid Hoody
The Mountain Hardwear Kor Cirrus Hybrid Hoody has become one of our all-time favorite midlayers for high-output activities like ski touring and mountaineering. Check out our review to see why.
Ski Wax & Waxing Skis: What You Need to Know (Ep.89)
We talk with Graham Lonetto, the Alpine Director for the USA at Swix — the company that invented color-coded waxes, and one of the largest manufacturers of ski wax in the world — about different types of waxes and application methods; the most common mistake made when ski waxing; the FIS’s ban on fluorocarbons in waxes; and more.
2021-2022 Fischer Ranger 99 Ti
If the words "precision," "quickness," and "energy" come to mind when describing your ideal all-mountain ski, the Fischer Ranger 99 Ti should be on your radar. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Fischer Ranger 99 Ti
We compare the Ranger 99 Ti to the Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Salomon QST 99, K2 Mindbender 99 Ti, Volkl Mantra M5, Volkl Mantra 102, Blizzard Bonafide, Nordica Enforcer 100, J Skis Masterblaster, Blizzard Rustler 9 & 10, ON3P Wrenegade 96, Atomic Vantage 97 Ti, Liberty Origin 96, Renoun Endurance 98, Moment Commander 98, and Dynastar Legend X96.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.
If you’re already a member, please log in.
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19/20 Moment Wildcat Tour 108
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the Wildcat Tour 108.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
To get our comprehensive Deep Dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear, become a member and receive many other services, deals, and discounts.
If you’re already a member, please log in.
(If you're already logged in and a member in good standing and seeing this message in error, please refresh this page in your browser.)
From Courmayeur to Chamonix: Testing new SCOTT Skis (Ep.87)
Sam Shaheen was recently testing the new SCOTT Superguide Freetour in the Italian Alps, so in our latest GEAR:30, he talks with SCOTT about their new ski, their new touring boot, the history of SCOTT, and more.
Baselayer Roundup — 2020
A great layering system starts with a great baselayer — check out our baselayer roundup for a bunch of options for men and women, ranging from light and breathable to thick and toasty.
SCARPA CEO, Kim Miller, on the new F1 LT & More (Ep.84)
In part 2 of our conversation with SCARPA CEO, Kim Miller, Kim offers his predictions for the ski industry and how SCARPA is positioning itself for the future; discusses which materials they use in their boots and why; shares the lessons learned from the Maestrale 2017 recall; and unveils a brand-new boot, the F1 LT.
2021-2022 Atomic Backland 107
We've had two reviewers skiing Atomic's Backland 107 on everything from July suncups to deep mid-winter pow. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons of this freeride touring ski.
Deep Dive: Atomic Backland 107
We compare the Backland 107 to the Black Diamond Helio 105, Blizzard Zero G 105, K2 Wayback 106, Line Vision 108, Ampler Facelift 108, G3 FINDr 102, 4FRNT Raven, & Moment Wildcat Tour 108.