Reviews

Best Skis for Beginners: Our Top Picks, 2022-2023

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In Part 2 of our top picks for skis that are well-suited to less experienced skiers, we've added several women-specific all-mountain skis; some that are worth considering for those getting into backcountry touring; and others for those who will be skiing deeper snow.
David Golay reviews the Kavenz VHP 16 for Blister

Kavenz VHP 16

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There are a lot of good Enduro bikes out there these days, but the Kavenz VHP 16 manages to package an unusual combination of traits in a way that still feels very coherent as a whole. Check out our full review to find out just what the VHP 16 does so well, and how it stacks up to a whole bunch of its competitors.

Blister Brand Guide: Merrell Running Shoe Lineup, 2022

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Over their 40-year history making hiking boots, Merrell has learned a thing or two about crafting footwear for trails, much to the benefit of their running shoe line. Sturdy, hard wearing, and protective, many of Merrell’s models fall back on the design principles that brought the brand so much early success, and continue to do so today. Check out our Brand Guide to get the rundown on all of their 2022 trail running shoes.
Kara Williard reviewing the kora Shola Zip 1.0 Yak Basleayer for BLISTER

Stuff We Like: September 2022

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The September edition of our "Stuff We Like" series is packed with an assortment of items, from bike shoes, bike gloves, and bike shorts, to ultralight tents and hiking apparel, running socks, anti-chafe products, and much more. Check it out to see the latest gear our reviewers have been digging.

Jennifer Strong McConachie on “Go Far,” Dostoevsky, and the Four Corners of Endurance (Ep.138)

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Beyond a genre of sport, endurance is also a fundamental part of living, so we sat down with author and athlete, Jennifer Strong McConachie, to talk about her new book, "Go Far: How Endurance Sports Help You Win At Life," a collection of stories that encapsulate the life philosophy she’s formed from running long, climbing high, and swimming deep.

Petzl Iko Core

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Trail running can be a turbulent sport, and traditional headlamps that rely on elastic bands often fail to provide a secure enough fit to stay in place over the course of an outing. With the Iko Core, a reimagined headlamp that uses rubberized plastic to form a semi-rigid frame designed to rest comfortably on top of the head, Petzl offers a versatile, ergonomic, and powerful lighting option specifically for runners.
Drew Kelly reviews the La Sportiva Mutant for BLISTER.

La Sportiva Mutant

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The La Sportiva Mutant is aptly named — it’s a shoe designed to shape-shift between a comfy trail cruiser and a sturdy, bombproof option for technical scrambling. There are plenty of reasons why it’s the first choice serious mountain runners reach for, and in our full review, we’ll explain each of them.
Eric Freson and Dylan Wood review the Intense Tracer 279 for Blister

Flash Review — Intense Tracer 279

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Update 9.13.22: Dylan Wood adds his initial impressions of the Intense Tracer 279.

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