What We’re Wearing, Skiing 23/24: Luke Koppa

Most of our reviews and conversations have the goal of helping you, our audience, figure out what gear might work best for you and your particular preferences, circumstances, etc. However, it can be fun (and sometimes, maybe, even illuminating) to occasionally shrug off the cloak of objectivity and just talk about what we personally use and enjoy. In our new “What We’re Wearing” series, we’re doing just that, having several of our reviewers run us through their head-to-toe kits for this winter. First up, our managing editor and self-diagnosed apparel obsessive, Luke Koppa.
Zack Henderson reviews the Fox Proframe RS for Blister

Fox Proframe RS

Fox released the Proframe RS as an evolution of their long-standing Proframe helmet, adding a swath of new features and safety technologies. After a long winter season in the Proframe RS, we think it's a great option for folks looking for a lightweight, highly-ventilated full-face helmet.
David Golay reviews the Lazer Jackal KinetiCore for Blister

Lazer Jackal KinetiCore Helmet

Lazer’s new KinetiCore technology is intended to bring the rotational impact protection benefits of MIPS and other similar systems to a simpler, lighter, more comfortable package, and having now spent a couple of months in their Jackal KinetiCore mountain bike helmet, we think they’re onto something.
David Golay Reviews the Fox Speedframe Pro for Blister

Fox Speedframe Pro Helmet

Fox’s Speedframe Pro is a high-end, broad-coverage Trail / Enduro helmet with a 5-star safety rating from Virginia Tech. And given its solid coverage, it's also been very impressive in terms of ventilation for hot rides. Check out our full review for more, including several comparisons to its competition.
David Golay reviews the Giro Source and Manifest Spherical for Blister

Giro Source MIPS & Giro Manifest Spherical

It’s not hard to spend several hundred dollars on a mountain bike helmet, but should you? And what do you give up, in opting for a less-expensive option? We’ve been doing some head-to-head testing of Giro’s moderately-priced Source and high-end Manifest Spherical helmets to find out, and you can now read our full review to see how they compare.
David Golay reviews the Smith Mainline helmet for Blister

Smith Mainline Helmet

For folks who want full-face protection on the down without the full-face sweatiness on the up, the Smith Mainline should be high on your list. Check out our review of this lighter, more breathable alternative to traditional full-face helmets.
Blister's Winter Headwear Roundup

Winter Headwear Roundup

Keeping your face, neck, and head warm and comfortable during the colder months of the years can be tricky, but we've rounded up a bunch of our favorite options from neck gaiters to headbands to balaclavas and hoods. Check out our roundup to see what sets each one apart from the others.
Luke Koppa reviews the Unit 1 Helmet & Headphone system for Blister

Unit 1 Helmet System

The Unit 1 Helmet System both protects your head and lets you listen to & control your favorite tunes via its integrated headphones. We’ve been using it this season and have come away quite impressed — check out our full review.
Luke Koppa reviews the Sweet Protection Ascender Helmet for Blister

Sweet Protection Ascender Helmet

“Dual-Certified” helmets — designed to protect you both while climbing and skiing / snowboarding — are a growing product category. And for 19/20, Sweet Protection is presenting their own version. Check out our full review for more on their new Ascender Helmet.
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 reviews the Petzl Boreo helmet for Blister

Petzl Boreo Helmet

Climbing helmet standards have typically been focused on protecting against impacts from above (e.g. rockfall). But Petzl’s new Boreo helmet is also tested against the front, side, and rear impacts that are common in actual falls. The idea certainly makes sense, but how well is that idea executed here? Check out our review.
Kristin Van Der Kloot reviews the Black Diamond Vector Helmet for Blister

Black Diamond Vector Helmet

Once upon a time, climbing helmets were pretty much all the same. Not anymore. There are ultralight helmets on one end, and durable but heavy options on the other. The Black Diamond Vector falls in between, making it a versatile option. Check out our full review, with comparisons to several helmets from Black Diamond, Petzl, and Mammut.