Sam Shaheen

What You’re Wearing, Part 5: Bison Fibers? (Ep.93)

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On Blister's GEAR:30 Podcast, Sam Shaheen talks to United By Blue apparel designer, Brendan Raugh, about bison wool, bison down, and how United By Blue is using all sorts of bison fibers in apparel and more.

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)

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Picture Organic's co-founder, Julien Durant, and their sustainability manager, Florian Palluel, go on Blister's GEAR:30 podcast to discuss the brand's new XPore membrane, Demain Jacket, and their sustainability practices

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

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Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the Citadel 114.

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Deep Dive: Fischer Ranger 99 Ti

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Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa review the Fischer Ranger 99 Ti for Blister

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 produced for Blister members.

To get our comprehensive deep dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear without waiting for our full reviews, become a Blister 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

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Sam Shaheen reviews the Moment Wildcat Tour 108 for Blister.

Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the Wildcat Tour 108.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are produced for Blister members.

To get our comprehensive deep dives and our initial, unfiltered reports on new gear without waiting for our full reviews, become a Blister 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.)

Sustainable Products Roundup

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Thankfully, “sustainability” is a word that more and more companies are thinking about when it comes to the products they make and sell. So from technical outerwear, to food storage, to everyday items you might not even think about, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite items that represent a step in this more sustainable / less environmentally harmful direction. Check them out here.

SCARPA CEO, Kim Miller, Part 1 (Ep.79)

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Kim Miller talks on the Gear:30 podcast about his role as CEO at SCARPA and the SCARPA Alien RS

This week, Sam Shaheen visited SCARPA’s North American headquarters to talk with SCARPA’s CEO, Kim Miller. Here in Part 1 of the conversation, they discuss Kim’s impressive career in the outdoor industry; SCARPA’s philosophy of ski boot design; their position within the market; the specifics of the new Maestrale XT; Kim’s thoughts on boot/binding compatibility; and more.

Nikwax & the Future of DWRs (Ep.76)

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Nikwax VP of marketing, Heidi Allen, goes on Blister's GEAR:30 podcast to discuss DWR (durable water repellent coatings), the dangers of PFCs, and more

DWRs — or “Durable Water Repellent” coatings — play an enormous role in the performance of your outdoor gear, and are used on nearly every waterproof garment on the market. But most DWRs are made with chemicals called PFCs, which can be harmful to you and the environment. Nikwax, however, has never made any of their specialized cleaning, conditioning, or waterproofing products with PFCs. So we talked with Heidi Allen from Nikwax about how DWRs work; the dangers of PFCs; how the industry is attempting to shift away from PFCs; garment care; and more.

What is The North Face Futurelight? (Ep.74)

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On Blister's GEAR:30 podcast, Sam Shaheen talks with The North Face's Scott Mellin about the brand's new fabric technology, Futurelight

The North Face is attempting to do something that many have tried, but few have succeeded: compete head-to-head with Gore-Tex in the waterproof / breathable fabric category. So we talked with Scott Mellin, the Global General Manager of Mountain Sports at The North Face, about their new fabric technology, Futurelight, the ideas behind it; what sets it apart in the waterproof / breathable fabric market; sustainability practices related to Futurelight; some stories from athlete testing, and much more.

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