Apparel | BLISTER Outdoor Media & Gear Reviews

2024 Ortovox Ski & Snowboard Gear | Blister Summit Brand Lineup Video

October 9, 2023 by Kara Williard

At Blister Summit 2023, we sat down with Ortovox’s Alexander Cernichiari to discuss the brand’s path from making avalanche transceivers to just about everything you’d wear / use in the backcountry. We cover their 2024 apparel collection; how and why they use merino wool; their wide-ranging outerwear lineup, and more.

Fox Proframe RS

April 27, 2023 by Zack Henderson

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.

Lazer Coyote Kineticore

April 3, 2023 by David Golay

The Lazer Coyote is the newer, less-expensive addition to their line of Kineticore helmets (after the Jackal that we reviewed last year) and it’s an especially impressive offering for the price — at exactly half the cost of the top-tier Jackal.

Ski / Snowboard Outerwear Mega Roundup — Women’s

August 14, 2023April 3, 2023 by Kara Williard

In this updated mega roundup, we discuss over 30 different pieces of ski / snowboard outerwear that we've been testing over multiple seasons, from lightweight touring shells to insulated jackets and pants for cold resort days, including several new pieces for the upcoming 23/24 season.

Kara Williard reviews the Flylow Domino Jacket and Siren Bib for BLISTER.

Flash Review: New Outerwear Update: Women’s Flylow & Trew

January 18, 2025February 1, 2023 by Kara Williard

We’ve been testing some updated and interesting kits from Trew and Flylow this season — check out Kara Williard’s initial impressions.

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 an active 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.)

Flash Review: 22/23 New Outerwear Update: 686, Beringia, & Trew

January 18, 2025January 8, 2023 by Luke Koppa

We’ve been testing a few very interesting new ski / snowboard kits from 686, Beringia, and Trew — check out Luke Koppa’s initial impressions and apparel nerdery.

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 an active 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.)

Ski / Snowboard Outerwear Mega Roundup — Men’s (2022-2023)

January 4, 2024December 27, 2022 by Luke Koppa

In this updated mega roundup, we compare and contrast more than two dozen pieces of ski and snowboard outerwear, from burly resort shells to breathable touring kits.

Kara Williard reviews the OR Shadow Insulated Hoodie for BLISTER.

Midlayer Roundup 2022

December 20, 2022 by Kara Williard

If you're in the market for a new midlayer, be sure to check out this roundup — our reviewers compare and contrast 19 different men's & women's insulators, ranging from ultra-breathable fleeces to a variety of puffies and softshells. We've just updated it with 7 new additions from Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Strafe, Le Bent, & Artilect.

Kristin Sinnott ripping in the Flylow Penny Insulate Flannel.

Flannel Shirt Roundup — 2022

August 31, 2022August 31, 2022 by Drew Kelly

Flannels — they’re basically the unofficial uniform of fall, and for good reason. Cozy enough to lounge in at home, and (usually) nice-looking enough for town. Check out our roundup for a bunch of options for women and men.

Bike Pant Roundup — 2022

June 22, 2022June 22, 2022 by Kara Williard

Modern bike pants vary a lot, from lightweight options for warm days to burly, waterproof heavyweights for when conditions aren’t so favorable. Check out our updated bike pant roundup for more info on fourteen of the men's & women's options we've been testing.

David Golay reviews the Lazer Jackal KinetiCore for Blister

Lazer Jackal KinetiCore Helmet

June 6, 2022 by David Golay

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.

Dylan Wood and David Golay review the POC Kortal and Kortal Race MIPS for Blister

POC Kortal & Kortal Race MIPS Helmets

April 15, 2022April 14, 2022 by David Golay

We’ve been testing both versions of POC’s new Kortal helmet, and it’s an excellent option for riders looking for a notably burly, high-coverage Trail / Enduro helmet. Check out our full review for more details, and how they stack up against a bunch of their competitors.

Blister's toddler / baby wool base layer roundup

Baby / Toddler Wool Baselayer Roundup

January 27, 2022December 13, 2021 by Kristin Sinnott

The benefits of wool baselayers are well known by many, and these days, there are lots of good options for the little ones, too.

Fox Rampage Pro Carbon MIPS

December 8, 2021December 8, 2021 by Noah Bodman

Fox’s Rampage Pro Carbon MIPS is a nicely made, well designed DH helmet. Just check the sizing before you buy one.

Women’s Bike Jersey Roundup — 2021

November 5, 2021 by Kara Williard

Whether your jerseys are looking pretty worn after a long summer or your bike season is just starting, this roundup is for you.

Women’s Blister Mountain Bike Review on the Short Roundup — 2021, Part 2

Women’s Mountain Bike Short Roundup — 2021, Part 2

October 9, 2021October 6, 2021 by Kristin Sinnott

We're back with another roundup of women's mountain bike shorts, this time with six options from Dakine, Club Ride, 7mesh, Machines For Freedom, Wild Rye, and Flylow.

Dylan Wood Blister mountain bike review on the Rudy Project Crossway

Rudy Project Crossway Helmet

October 6, 2021 by Dylan Wood

Rudy Project's Crossway Helmet is a lightweight, well-ventilated option for XC and Trail riding. Check out our review to see how it compares to the competition, and if it'd make sense for you.

Blister Men's Mountain Bike Review Jersey Roundup — 2021

Men’s Mountain Bike Jersey Roundup — 2021

July 12, 2021 by David Golay

We've been testing 11 different MTB jerseys, from standard options to casual-looking ones to some that you could even wear to a pretty nice dinner. Check out our roundup to see how they all compare.

Women’s Rain Jacket Roundup — 2021

August 2, 2021June 30, 2021 by Kristin Sinnott

A reliable, packable rain jacket is always nice to have — especially when you never really know what the weather is going to throw at you. We've been testing five women's rain jackets (plus one for kids) and in this roundup, we discuss what sets each one apart.

David Golay Reviews the Fox Speedframe Pro for Blister

Fox Speedframe Pro Helmet

June 16, 2021 by David Golay

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.