BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Bootfitting 101: Selection, Fine Tuning, & Customization
In this edition of our Bootfitting 101 series, we discuss some of the factors to consider and approaches to take when figuring out which ski boot is best for you, and then cover some of the common methods bootfitters will use to take that boot’s fit from “good” to “great.”
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.
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.
J Skis founder, Jason Levinthal (Ep.232)
Jonathan met up with Jay Lev last week at the new J Skis Intergalactic HQ in Burlington, VT. They discuss J’s new space; predictions for the upcoming season; industry trends, and one big thing that the entire ski industry needs to work on.
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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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.
Win Renoun Skis + POC Helmets & Goggles
This week the winner of our Gear Giveaway will not only get to pick any Renoun ski they want, they’ll also get POC’s sweet new Obex Helmet + Nexal Goggle combo!
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.
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.
A Very Deep Dive on Suspension with EXT’s Franco Fratton, Pt. 1 (Ep.140)
EXT founder Franco Fratton has more experience working on suspension than just about anyone, and we brought him back on Bikes & Big Ideas to kick off a series of episodes where we’ll be going very deep on suspension design and tech.
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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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.
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.
Climbing Skins: A Guide & Comparisons
Climbing skins often receive less attention than skis, boots, & bindings, but the skins you stick to your skis can make or break your days in the backcountry. So in this guide, we go through the qualities to look for in a pair of skins, then directly compare 13 different skins from 5 different brands.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Win La Sportiva Ski Boots
The winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get the Vanguard or Vanguard Women’s ski touring boot from La Sportiva!
2022-2023 Shaggy’s Fun Carver 88
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pictures, and flex pattern numbers for the Shaggy’s Fun Carver 88.
Flash Review — Yeti SB135
The Yeti SB135 might look like a bit of a throwback, as a high-end 27.5”-wheeled Trail bike, but we’ve been spending time on it, and it’s a whole lot of fun.
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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Hoka Challenger 7
With the Challenger 7, Hoka attempts to do more with less. The latest iteration of the brand’s longstanding road-to-trail model benefits from a top-to-bottom overhaul that sees its weight decrease significantly despite adding 2 mm of stack height to a midsole that feels sprightly out of the box. Check out our full review to learn more.
Project Bike Tech on Putting Bike Shops in Schools (Ep.166)
Project Bike Tech has been establishing bike shop classes in high schools for 15 years now, and we sat down with their Executive Director, Mercedes Ross, to hear all about it.
TRP Evo12 and Evo7 Drivetrains
Breaking into the mountain bike drivetrain market is a big task, but TRP is giving it a go — and their second-generation Evo12 and Evo7 drivetrains are now offered as a complete package including a cassette and cranks.
Flash Review: 23/24 Elan Ripstick Tour 104
Here are our thoughts so far on Elan’s lightweight, touring-oriented edition of their Ripstick collection, the Ripstick Tour 104.
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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Flash Review: 23/24 Nordica Santa Ana Unlimited 104
For 23/24 Nordica is transferring their lightweight “Unlimited” construction to a wider women’s ski, the Santa Ana Unlimited 104. Check out our thoughts so far.
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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Ski Binding Design: Past, Present, & Future | Blister Summit 2023 Video
At Blister Summit 2023, we brought together Eric ‘Hoji’ Hjorleifson (Dynafit), Lars Chickering-Ayers (CAST Touring), and Giray Dadali (Daymaker Touring) for an extremely interesting and wide-ranging discussion on the past, present, and future of ski bindings.
2022-2023 Meier Wrangler
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the Meier Wrangler.
On Art & Sport
In our latest Open Mic piece, Angel Collinson discusses the power of art, sport, and straight-lining crud with a skip-proof Walkman.
Preston Cates on Aid Station Dance Parties, Gas Station Go-To’s, & Redefining His Limits (Ep.168)
Nike Athlete Preston Cates just punched his ticket to represent the US at the World Mountain Running Championships in Austria at just 25 years old, so we sat down with him to talk about developing as a young athlete; never paying for shoes again; what he grabs at a gas station mid-run; and more.