Canyon Woodward on “Rural Runners,” Life on the Campaign Trail, and the Value of Showing Up (Ep.143)

The key to both trail running and politics is mostly about just showing up, something Canyon Woodward knows well. As a seasoned political strategist, passionate climate activist, trail runner, and published author, he’s been asked to do that quite a bit. So, we sat down with Canyon to hear about how his new film, Rural Runners, captures what it takes to show up for yourself and your country, rain or shine; the importance of grassroots organizing; and a whole lot more.
Luke Koppa reviews the Artilect Jacket for BLISTER.

Stuff We Like: October 2022

The October edition of our "Stuff We Like" series offers an assortment of items, from packable chairs to cozy yet breathable midlayers, casual pants, headlamps, bike bibs, and more. Check it out to see the latest gear our reviewers have been digging.
David Golay reviews the Santa Cruz Nomad for Blister

Flash Review — 2023 Santa Cruz Nomad

The new Santa Cruz Nomad looks a lot like a mulleted Megatower on paper, but our early impressions of the V6 Nomad are pretty surprising.

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Blister Bootfitting 101

Bootfitting 101: Sizing

Ski boots are arguably the most important bit of gear when it comes to enjoying your time on snow, but they're also probably the most difficult to get *just right*. In our Bootfitting 101 series, we're trying to make this process easier, kicking things off with a foundational, but not so straightforward, step — figuring out the right size.

Shop Talk: Hickory & Tweed (Ep.219)

We talk with Skip and Mac Beitzel, the owners — and father / son duo — from Hickory & Tweed, located in Armonk, New York. We go over the history of the shop; Skip’s background in ski ballet and hot dogging; seasonal lease programs; personal ski quivers; & more.
David Golay reviews the Fezzari La Sal Peak for Blister

Flash Review — 2022 Fezzari La Sal Peak

The Fezzari La Sal Peak is billed as a "versatile" Enduro bike, but how does that mean it stacks up to its competition?

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

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Rab Talus Ultra Shorts & Phantom Jacket

As part of Rab’s Skyline Collection, the Talus Ultra Shorts and Phantom Jacket are gram-conscious pieces of trail running apparel intended for moving quickly through rugged terrain. By pairing a minimalist design with ultralight premium materials, Rab has created activewear that still manages to be protective and comfortable while weighing as little as possible. Check out our full review to learn more.

Deep Dive: Salomon Ski Boots Brand Lineup, 22/23

Our Deep Dive series on ski boot lines is back for the 22/23 season, starting with Salomon's expansive collection, including their brand-new S/Pro Alpha and MTN Summit series. We discuss all notable specs, features, most similar boots from other brands, and more. Become a Deep Dive subscriber or Blister Member to check it out.

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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Eric Freson and Dylan Wood review the Intense Tracer 279 for Blister

2022 Intense Tracer 279

The Intense Tracer 279 is a capable and intuitive Enduro bike best suited for going fast and pushing your limits downhill, but its mixed-wheel configuration also helps make it stand out in a few key ways. Check out our full review to see how it compares to the latest batch of Enduro bikes on the market.
For BLISTER's CRAFTED podcast, This week Jonathan Ellsworth was back at The Alchemist in Stowe, VT, to sit down with its founders, Jen and John Kimmich, to dive into their philosophy on sustainability — in all of its forms — and to hear how they created a company that is leading the way on a number of these fronts. It’s an impressive story driven by shared principles, and we hope this conversation serves as an inspiration to other companies across many sectors. (And of course, along the way, we also talk a good bit about making great beer and keeping the bar high.)

The Alchemist, Pt. 3: Sustainability, Beer, & the Bigger Picture (Ep.10)

This week Jonathan was back at The Alchemist to sit down with its founders, Jen & John Kimmich, to dive into their philosophy on sustainability — in all of its forms — and to hear how they created a company that is leading the way on a number of these fronts. It’s an impressive story driven by shared principles, and we hope this conversation serves as an inspiration to other companies across many sectors.

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.

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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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.