Sam Shaheen talks with Gore's Sara Ellis about synthetic fibers, their pros and cons, how they compare to natural fibers, Gore's new fabric with Under Armour, and more on Blister's GEAR:30 Podcast

What You’re Wearing, Part 1: Synthetic Fibers (Ep.57)

How much do you actually know about the clothes in your closet, and the stuff we all wear to go play in the mountains? In our new “What You’re Wearing” miniseries, we’re shining a light on the most foundational part of apparel: the fibers. And in part 1, we dive into the world synthetic fibers with Sara Ellis from Gore (the makers of GORE-TEX).
Sam Shaheen reviews the G3 ROAMr 108 for Blister

2021-2022 G3 ROAMr 108

The G3 ROAMr 108 is specifically designed for both inbounds skiing and backcountry touring, and with its two layers of titanal and a relatively low weight, we think it will work well for a lot of skiers interested in a “50/50” ski.
Sam Shaheen reviews the G3 ROAMr 108 for Blister

Deep Dive: G3 ROAMr 108

We compare the ROAMr 108 to the G3 SENDr 112, Blizzard Zero G 105, Line Sick Day 104, Salomon QST 106, Renoun Citadel 106, K2 Wayback 106, Elan Ripstick 106, Liberty Origin 106, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Moment Commander 108, Faction Dictator 3.0, Scott Scrapper 115, and Blizzard Rustler 11.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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Blister's recap of the 2019 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market trade show

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2019 (Ep.53)

Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa discuss mind-boggling new technologies like titanium-coated fibres; inventive sustainability stories involving recycled medical supplies; and the noteworthy trends — both good and bad — that they saw this week at the OR show.
Sam Shaheen reviews the Scarpa Maestro Mid Eco for BLISTER

Scarpa Maestro Mid Eco

While most companies make tons of climbing shoes for bouldering, sport, and gym climbing, there aren’t nearly as many trad-specific shoes out there. But Scarpa recently made an addition to this category, the Maestro Mid Eco, and you can check out our review of this comfort-oriented shoe.
Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa review the 2020 Salomon QST 99 for Blister

19/20 Salomon QST 99

Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Salomon's updated QST 99.

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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Sam Shaheen reviews the 2019 Petzl Meteor Helmet for Blister

Petzl Meteor Helmet

The Meteor has served as Petzl's lightweight climbing helmet for more than 20 years. This year, they made their most significant update yet — making it dual-certified for both climbing and ski touring. Check out our full review of this versatile helmet.
Sam Shaheen talks to Bivy's Pitt Grewe about personal GPS devices on Blister's GEAR:30 podcast.

GPS Devices & Backcountry Safety with Bivy (Ep.51)

GPS communication devices can be the difference between life and death in remote places. So we talk with Bivy’s Pitt Grewe about the different types of technology and devices on the market; how these devices can affect decision making; satellite networks; complicated payment plans; and … Pitt’s impressive skills as a DJ.
Luke Koppa and Sam Shaheen review the 4FRNT Inthayne for Blister

Deep Dive: 4FRNT Inthayne

We compare the Inthayne to the Moment Deathwish, Faction Candide 4.0, Armada ARV 116 JJ, Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro, Blizzard Rustler 11, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Dynastar PR-OTO Factory, Rossignol Black Ops 118, Line Outline, Prior CBC, Icelantic Nomad 115, Folsom Trophy Carbon, Blizzard Spur, and Line Sick Day 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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Sam Shaheen discusses how to gear up for big days in the mountains on Blister's GEAR:30 Podcast

Gearing Up for Big Days in the Mountains (Ep.50)

Last Saturday, Sam Shaheen skied three different lines in one day on the Colorado 14er, Torrey’s Peak. Jonathan Ellsworth sits down with Sam to discuss the details of this “Torrey’s Peak Triple Crown”; the ‘D-Scale’ of rating ski descents; the gear, apparel, and food he used on the mountain; and the safety and decision-making process throughout the day.

Patagonia SnowDrifter Jacket

If you split your time between the resort and the backcountry — or just want an incredibly comfortable ski / snowboard shell — the brand-new Patagonia SnowDrifter Jacket should be on your list. Check out our full review.
Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa review the Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket for Blister

Patagonia Ascensionist Jacket

Patagonia’s new Ascensionist Jacket takes Gore’s excellent Active membrane & C-Knit backer and packages it into a breathable, versatile, lightweight, and sustainable jacket. Check out our full review.
Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa review the Zipline XT Goggle for Blister

Zipline XT Goggle

The Zipline XT features an absurdly quick and easy magnetic lens-swap system typically only seen on goggles twice as expensive. So, what’s the catch? Is there one? Check out our full review
Luke Koppa and Sam Shaheen talk to Patagonia's Senior Materials Developer, Pasha Whitmire, about Patagonia's technical fabric development on Blister's GEAR:30 Podcast

Patagonia’s Technical Fabric Development & Design (Ep.47)

This week we talk to Patagonia’s senior material developer, Pasha Whitmire, about how Patagonia designs, develops, and tests their technical fabrics; myths surrounding waterproof / breathable materials; why the future of fabric development lies in sustainability; the advantages and disadvantages of working with big names like Gore-Tex; and a whole lot more outerwear geekery.
Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa review the Smith I/O Mag XL for Blister

Smith I/O Mag XL Goggle

Smith’s original I/O goggle helped start the trend of lenses with quick and easy lens-swap systems. The I/O line has evolved a lot since then, with the brand-new I/O Mag XL being one of the newest additions. Check out our full review of the I/O Mag XL.
Blister reviews the Blizzard Zero G 105

19/20 Blizzard Zero G 105

Check out some of our initial on-snow impressions of Blizzard's new touring ski.

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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