BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Angel Collinson on Her Retirement from Skiing, Processing Change, & More (Ep.189)
We talk to one of our all-time favorite skiers (and people), Angel Collinson, about her recent announcement of her retirement from professional skiing; why she felt that now was the time; the factors that led to her decision; how she thinks about and processes change; what she’s up to now, and what might be next.
Vorsprung Secus Fork Air Spring Upgrade
We’ve now tested the Vorsprung Secus in the RockShox ZEB, and have only grown more impressed. Check out our full review to find out what makes this air spring upgrade so good.
What We’re Watching — November 2021
This month’s What We’re Watching features a baker’s dozen ski, bike, and freedive(?) videos for your viewing pleasure.
Nordica Announces New Santa Ana & Enforcer Unlimited Skis
Nordica just announced their first line of touring-oriented skis. We’ll be spending time on them soon, but in the meantime, learn more about the new skis here.
Shop Talk: Vertical Playground, Oppdal Norway (Ep.169)
Once upon a time, a couple of friends who were scheming to get some gear for their own adventures ended up creating a phenomenal outdoor shop. We talk to Trygve Sande and Rune Kvalsnes about the origins of Vertical Playground; their trip with Hoji where the idea of the 4FRNT Raven was born; some of their favorite gear; and more.
Women’s Bike Jersey Roundup — 2021
Whether your jerseys are looking pretty worn after a long summer or your bike season is just starting, this roundup is for you.
Win The New J Skis Masterblaster
This week the winner will get J Skis’ updated, metal-laminate all-mountain ski!
Reviewer Reports: Santa Cruz Bronson, Norco Range, We Are One Arrival, & More (Ep.90)
We’ve been testing a lot of bikes of late, so we sat down to give a rundown of what we’ve been riding, including the Santa Cruz Bronson, We Are One Arrival, Norco Range, and more.
Reserve Fillmore Tubeless Valves
Tubeless valves aren’t typically the most “exciting” things out there, but Reserve Wheels have made a genuinely better one, dubbed the Fillmore. Check out what makes them so special.
Hope Evo Crankset
Hope’s updated Evo crankset is reportedly designed for everything from XC to DH, and it stands out from most aluminum cranks due to its low weight & made-in-UK design. Check out our review for more on how it compares to the competition.
10 Barrel Brewing x Protect Our Winters: PRAY FOR POW
Here’s our take on this great beer for a good cause.
adidas Terrex Two Ultra
The Terrex Two Ultra is designed to offer comfort during long trail runs, and for the right person, it could be excellent. Check out our review to see if you should have it on your list.
Full Stack Supply Co. (Faction Skis & FW Apparel) Announces New Ski Boot Brand
Today it was announced that the parent company of Faction Skis & FW Apparel will be launching a new ski boot brand next season.
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (Oct 2021) (Ep.188)
Cody and Jonathan discuss ‘fast pass’ programs at ski areas; Angel Collinson’s retirement announcement; the recent climate change / energy bill; bighorn sheep terrain closures in the Tetons; what we’re reading & watching; and more.
Stuff We Like: October 2021
Our latest Stuff We Like roundup features everything from paddleboards to beer, MTB tires to water bottles, a whole lot of apparel, and more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Sage Flow Motion
The Sage Flow Motion is a beautifully constructed titanium Trail hardtail, but unlike the XC-oriented options of yesteryear, it’s got modern, aggressive geometry and 29’’ wheels, and the result is a whole lot of fun.
Inov-8 Parkclaw G 280
Road-to-trail shoes are becoming an increasingly popular option for runners who might not have immediate access to trails from their front door. Asking a shoe to feel smooth on pavement and grip on dirt is a tall order, but after testing Inov-8’s Parkclaw G 280, we think it’s up to the task. Check out our full review for the whole story.
Rae Morrison on 8 Years on the EWS, Race Strategies, & Forging Her Own Path (Ep.129)
We sat down with EWS racer Rae Morrison to chat about her mental approach to racing and dialing in when to push and how hard; staying positive and returning from injuries; her unique team setup and having her husband as her mechanic; and much more.
2022-2023 K2 Mindbender 130
Here are the specs, images, and our initial impressions of the K2 Mindbender 130 boot.
Danielle Snyder on Rewarding Failure, Taper Tantrums, & Mental Health in Ultrarunning (Ep.131)
You’ve probably encountered the adage that running is 90 percent mental, yet despite this feeling (and how true it may be), most runners dedicate the majority of their training to making sure they’re physically fit. But the brain fatigues too, so we talked with running coach and licensed clinical social worker, Danielle Snyder, about the importance of mindset training and the connection between mental well-being and physical performance.
Reviewing the News w/ Cody Townsend (July 2022) (Ep.220)
We cover Gunstock Mountain Resort’s fight to operate; access issues & potential solutions; WC DH MTBers forming a union; mountain-town advice; what we’re reading & watching (answer: TOP GUN!) and more.
Blister Brand Guide: The North Face Trail Running Shoe Lineup, 2022
While trail running shoes are not new to The North Face, the brand recently gave their lineup a complete overhaul to showcase “VECTIV,” the patented technology system driving their footwear design process. Check out our Brand Guide to learn more about VECTIV, how it’s expressed in each of The North Face’s shoes, and which one might make the most sense for how and where you run.
Domestic Apparel Manufacturing, Supply-Chain Logistics, & More (Ep.207)
Domestic production of apparel has all but disappeared from the US, but Kitsbow is leading the charge to bring it back and hopes to be a blueprint for how other brands can do the same. And their CEO, David Billstrom, has a lot to say about how it’s been good for their brand, their customers, their community, and the planet.
Black Diamond Issues Voluntary Recall of Certain PIEPS & Black Diamond Avalanche Transceivers
Black Diamond has issued a voluntary recall for several Black Diamond and PIEPS avalanche transceivers — learn more here, including what to do if you have one of the affected models.
Flash Review: 22/23 Fischer Ranger 102
Update 7.29.22: We spent more time on the new Ranger 102 this past spring, and have some updates on it, including how it performs at some different mount points.
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Win Merino Wool Apparel from Ibex
The TWO lucky winners this week will each get a sweet prize pack from Ibex, including four of their high-end merino wool layers.
Five Ten Trailcross Clip-In
Five Ten’s new Trailcross Clip-In is the first, well, clip model in their Trailcross line, and Five Ten talks as much about its hiking performance as the on-bike portion of the program. So what does that mean for its performance as an actual bike shoe, and who is it going to work best for?