BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
On New Forms of Adventuring
In this edition of our Open Mic series, Paul Forward shares some thoughts on the rise of packrafting and exploring new forms of adventuring.
Travis Soares on Setting the Sierra Peaks Section List FKT (Ep.134)
The Sierra Peaks Section List includes 247 of the most prominent peaks scattered throughout California’s Sierra Nevada Range. Reaching every summit is a lifetime’s work for most, and up until recently, no one had completed the list within a calendar year. But Travis Soares did — in a record 117 days — so we sat down with him to hear all about how things shook out on the roof of the Sierra.
Flash Review — Canfield Jedi 29
We’ve been spending time on the Canfield Jedi 29, and it’s an excellent update to a longstanding classic. Check out our Flash Review for our early impressions.
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Blister Brand Guide: Altra Running Shoe Lineup, 2022
While all Altra shoes share their signature zero-drop platform and “FootShape” fit, there’s still a ton of variation within both their road and trail lineups, including several new models for 2022. Check out our Brand Guide for a full breakdown of what sets each shoe apart from the others, and which ones best match your running style.
Giro Latch Flat Pedal Shoe
The Giro Latch is a flat pedal shoe designed for all-around use, going squarely head-to-head with the venerable Five Ten Freerider Pro, and the Latch succeeds at being a compelling alternative with good grip, solid durability, and a comfortable fit.
Mountain Towns & Local Food Systems, Pt. 2: Regenerative Farming, Cow Cuddling, & More (Ep.223)
We talk with Lynsey Gammon of Gracie’s Farm in Park City about topsoil health and climate change; turning barren soil into a thriving farm; farm-to-restaurant connectivity; bee dinners; cow cuddling; women and farming; and more.
Optics & the Eyewear Industry with Julbo CEO, Dave Crothers (Ep.210)
You do your research when it comes to your ski & bike & trail gear. But what about your eyewear? Julbo CEO, Dave Crothers, makes the case that there’s a whole lot more to lens technology that everyone ought to be considering, and that lenses are not all the same.
Win Strafe Rain Jackets
The TWO winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will each get Strafe’s new Scout Jacket!
RockyMounts GuideRail
RockyMounts’ new GuideRail looks quite a bit like the venerable 1Up hitch rack, which has been a longtime favorite of many, but having now spent a lot of time with both, the Guiderail is significantly nicer to use in several key ways.
Trail Running Glossary of Terms: Trail Running Shoe Materials & Tech
As much as footwear brands try to simplify how they market the technology that goes into their shoes, making sense of all the different types of plastics, fabrics, and foams out there can be confusing. So, in our second installment in our Trail Running Glossary of Terms series, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common materials used to construct shoes, along with some of their benefits and drawbacks.
Reynolds on the Environmental Footprint of Bike Manufacturing (Ep.131)
We chatted with Reynolds about their new environmental impact study and what they learned about the emissions output from making bike frames. We also get into recycling & why some materials are better suited to it than others; how Reynolds hopes to be a blueprint for other brands to take studying their own output more seriously; and touch on everything from Spitfire airplanes to Roman swords and classic Jaguar race cars along the way.
2023 RockShox ZEB
RockShox recently gave their longest-travel single-crown fork, the ZEB, a major overhaul, and the new fork is a big improvement in several key areas — without really compromising what the previous version already did very well. Check out our full review for the rundown, including how it compares to the Fox 38 and Öhlins RXF38.
A Very Deep Dive on Coffee w/ Sam Higby of First Ascent (Ep.2)
We discuss the difference between very good and very bad instant coffee; light roasts vs. dark roasts; the brewing process; brewing coffee at altitude; how to make great coffee on a budget; and more.
The Other 99%
Kicking off our Open Mic series is Angel Collinson, who shares some of her thoughts on purpose, mindfulness, and leaning into 100% of life — not just the peak experiences.
Reviewer Reports: On Running vs. Skiing, Go-to Gear, & Ramen Bombs (Ep.133)
Matt Mitchell and Drew Kelly sat down to compare notes on how their summer mountain runnings seasons have played out, including the ways Drew sees his skiing translate to the trails, gear picks for all-day epics, the (in)famous “Ramen Bomb,” and more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Deep Dive: Nordica Unleashed 108 W
We compare the Nordica Unleashed 108 W to the Nordica Unleashed 98 W, Blizzard Sheeva 10, Blizzard Sheeva 11, Nordica Santa Ana 104 Free, Coalition Snow Rafiki, Salomon QST Stella 106, Armada ARW 106 UL, Faction Dancer 3X, Fischer Ranger 102, K2 Mindbender 106C, & Majesty Vadera Ti.
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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Blister Brand Guide: The North Face Trail Running Shoe Lineup, 2023
With the addition of several new and updated models, The North Face’s 2023 trail lineup continues to build on “VECTIV,” the patented technology system driving their footwear design process. Check out our Brand Guide to learn more about VECTIV 2.0, how it’s expressed in The North Face’s shoes, and which one might make the most sense for how and where you run.
Corrine Malcolm on Running Media, Barkley Marathons Coverage, & Trail Trend Forecasting (Ep.165)
adidas TERREX Athlete Corrine Malcolm returns to our Off The Couch podcast for a grab bag conversation on topics like the pros and cons of the way mainstream media outlets cover trail running; the Barkley Marathons; fitness trends; and much more.
Starling Murmur Enduro
The Starling Murmur, with its steel construction and single-pivot suspension, doesn’t ride like most bikes, but those differences just might be what certain riders are looking for. Check out our full review to hear what sets the Murmur apart and how it compares to nine other bikes in its class.
Flash Review: 23/24 Fischer RC4 Pro MV BOA ZipFit
For the 23/24 season, Fischer is launching two new “Pro” versions of their redesigned RC4 alpine boots, both of which feature just about all the bells and whistles you could ask for. Check out our initial on-snow impressions.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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SRAM Eagle AXS Long-Term Durability
SRAM’s new Eagle Transmission is a big change to their mountain bike lineup, but what does the demise of the derailleur hanger mean for long-term durability, and is electronic shifting just an unnecessary gizmo or a genuine benefit? Blister Editor Simon Stewart reflects on four-plus years with the original Eagle AXS drivetrain.
Mountain Gazette’s Mike Rogge on Winter in Tahoe; Urban Thru Hikes; Mutton Busting; & More (Ep.253)
Mountain Gazette editor / owner, Mike Rogge, is back to discuss this historic winter in Tahoe; urban through hikes; mutton busting; and more.
Flash Review: 23/24 Head Oblivion 116
We’ve been spending time on Head’s new Oblivion 116, and it is proving to bring something a little different to the table than most powder skis. Check out our initial thoughts.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Win an Ortovox Ski Touring Pack
This week the two winners of our Gear Giveaway will get the Haute Route 32 or the Haute Route 30S ski touring pack from Ortovox!
2022-2023 Folsom Cash 93
Folsom added a new shape to their lineup this season, with the new Cash 93 bringing their wider Cash skis’ off-piste maneuverability to a narrower package. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to see how it fits into the narrower all-mountain category.
Flash Review: 23/24 RMU North Shore 114
We’ve been spending time on RMU’s newest powder ski, the North Shore 114. Check out our initial on-snow impressions, including how it compares to RMU’s Apostle 106, North Shore 110, and Professor 121.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Deep Dive: Folsom Cash 93
We compare the Cash 93 to the Folsom Spar 88, K2 Mindbender 89Ti, Volkl M6 Mantra, Blizzard Rustler 9, J Skis Fastforward, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Fischer Ranger 90, Line Blade Optic 92, DPS Pagoda 90 RP, Black Crows Serpo, Armada Declivity 92 Ti, Atomic Maverick 95 Ti, Head Kore 93, Blizzard Brahma 88, & Nordica Enforcer 88.
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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