Ted Hesser on “Chains of Habit” & Destigmatizing the Conversation Around Mental Health (Ep.142)

We spoke to adventure photographer and videographer, Ted Hesser, about his latest project, Chains of Habit, a short film focused on his lifelong battle with depression and the ways trail running has helped fend off its symptoms. We also talk about ways to destigmatize conversations around mental health; steps to take if you’re struggling; and much more.
David Golay reviews the Canyon Spectral 125 for Blister

Flash Review — Canyon Spectral 125

There are a lot of good ~120mm-travel Trail bikes out there, but the Canyon Spectral 125 offers a very different take on the category than most — and we’re having a lot of fun on it. Check out our Flash Review for our early impressions.

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Trail Running 101: How to Choose a Headlamp

For many runners, headlamps are no mere accessory; they’re as indispensable to trail running at night as properly fitting trail shoes are to running during the day. Yet much like footwear, finding a lamp that best suits your needs can be a process cloaked in difficult jargon, numbers, and minutia. So in part eight of our Trail Running 101 series, we help explain some of the main things to look for when choosing a headlamp that will best suit your needs.

Our 22/23 BLISTER Winter Buyer’s Guide Recap (Ep.218)

A bunch of our reviewers discuss why our 22/23 Winter Buyer’s Guide is still unique and still the best resource for your winter gear; what’s new & different this year; some of our personal favorite gear of the season; some industry trends and speculation; and why pumpkin-flavored pastries make Drew Kelly sweat.
David Golay reviews the 2022 Manitou Dorado for Blister

Flash Review — 2022 Manitou Dorado

The Manitou Dorado is one of the few inverted forks left in the MTB market, and we've been spending time on multiple versions of the new one.

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.

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Petzl Bindi

The best pieces of gear are often those you forget about, products that integrate so seamlessly into your experience that they become, quite literally, afterthoughts. With the Bindi, an ultralight, ultra-compact headlamp that doesn’t compromise on features despite its size, Petzl offers a capable lighting option for daily use that does exactly that. Functional, intelligent, and smartly designed, the Bindi will benefit just about every type of runner.

Blue Collar Fine Art: Rob Dickinson of Precise Painting (Ep.9)

In addition to being one of our favorite people and favorite skiers, Rob Dickinson is the owner of Precise Painting, an interior and exterior paint and finishing company that does extremely fine work, and employs 25+ people in the Gunnison Valley of Colorado. We talk to Rob about the craft of painting and finishing homes; what anyone thinking about building, purchasing, or maintaining a home in mountain towns ought to know about exteriors; how to think about aesthetics vs. price v.s durability; and more.
This piece is in honor of the heart, spirit, and legacy of Hilaree Nelson, and is a token of love to all those left behind after our loved ones leave us; Blister Open Mic series

On Death, Life, and Love

This piece is in honor of the heart, spirit, and legacy of Hilaree Nelson, and is a token of love to all those left behind after our loved ones leave us.

David Kilgore talks Pro Trail Teams, On Running, & Leaning Into the Grind (Ep.141)

We sat down with David Kilgore, On Running’s Sports Innovation Manager, budding race director, and professional ultrarunner, to learn about how each of his different roles offer him a unique perspective on a trail running industry that continues to rapidly professionalize. Along the way, we also chat about On’s trail running team; athlete sponsorships; and much more.
David Golay reviews the OChain Anti-Pedal Kickback Device for Blister

OChain Anti-Pedal Kickback Device

OChains — the floating crank spiders meant to mitigate pedal kickback — are everywhere in the World Cup Downhill pits, but do they really work, and are they going to be a benefit for mere mortals? Check out our full review to find out, and take a deep dive into the often-misunderstood topic of pedal kickback.