BLISTER Outdoor Gear Reviews & Podcasts
Contra Bikes on Building a Bike From Scratch (Ep.118)
Designing a bike frame is hard enough. Taking it to production is an even bigger challenge, but that hasn’t stopped Evan Turpen, and his Contra Bikes high-pivot prototype is extremely impressive. So this week on Bikes & Big Ideas, we sat down with Evan to chat about why he decided to start a bike company, and what he hopes to achieve with the bike; learn all about designing and fabricating frames from scratch (and how he learned to do it), and a whole lot more.
2022-2023 Black Crows Atris
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the new Black Crows Atris.
Hoka Tecton X
Hoka has a reputation for taking risks, and their first carbon-plated trail shoe, the Tecton X, benefits from the brand’s willingness to experiment with design and forgo the conventional. While the shoe has some drawbacks that limit its versatility, it’s nonetheless a worthy entrant into the hyper-performance trail shoe category and a model we expect to see on plenty of start lines this summer. Check out our full review for more.
Trail Running 101: What Do I Need to Trail Run?
Trail runners often like to say that simplicity is one of their favorite aspects of the sport. All you need is a pair of running shoes and you’re ready to go, right? Well, sort of. A pair of trail running shoes alone can get you started, but when you start logging longer miles, you’ll probably find yourself shopping for a few other helpful items. Here’s where to start.
Elan Lieber on the Miwok 100k, Coffee, and Running Fearlessly (Ep.120)
Elan Lieber called his recent performance at the 2022 Miwok 100K, “the run of his life,” but not for reasons you might expect. Shortly before his 2nd place finish, Elan said goodbye to his grandfather for the final time. So we talked to Elan about the role running plays in overcoming loss, how to learn to let go of fear, and much more.
2022-2023 Tecnica Zero G Tour Scout W
The Zero G Tour Scout W is the stiffest women-specific model in Tecnica’s Zero G line — here are our thoughts on it, and how it compares to the Tecnica Cochise Pro W.
2022-2023 Blizzard Hustle 10
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the new Blizzard Hustle 10.
The Guide Life, with Ian Havlick (Ep.211)
Jonathan is in Iceland this week, skiing at Deplar Farm and being guided by AMGA-certified guide, Ian Havlick. They sat down to talk about Ian’s path to becoming a professional guide; the misperceptions about the profession; recommendations for how to get into guiding; the confusion around tipping; and more.
Antidote Carbonjack
Antidote calls their Carbonjack an Enduro bike, but that sells its versatility short — it’s a really good all-rounder that we think will be an especially good fit for certain riders. Check out our full review to find out who.
Spark R&D founder, Will Ritter, on the Current State of Splitboarding (Ep.196)
We talk with Spark R&D founder, Will Ritter, about the current happenings at Spark; compare the splitboarding and backcountry skiing communities and gear trends; go over design highlights from their current lineup; and more.
Win a Sleep System from Thermarest
This week the winner of our Gear Giveaway will get a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and pillow from Thermarest!
2022-2023 Faction Mana 3
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the new Faction Mana 3.
2022-2023 Black Crows Camox Birdie
Last year we reviewed the men’s Camox and found it to be an extremely lively all-mountain ski, and now we’re weighing in on the women’s version, the Camox Birdie.
2023 Line Blade Optic Skis | Blister Summit Brand Lineup
We talk with Line’s marketing manager, Connor Clayton, about Line’s new collection of metal-laminate freeride skis, the Blade Optics. We discuss the origin of the series, how it combines elements of the Line Blade and Line Vision skis, Line’s “Gas Pedal Metal” construction, and the four Blade Optic models.
Trail Running 101: What is Trail Running?
Trail running — it’s only one word away from road running. Is it really that different? Yes and no. While trail running is simply running, just not on pavement, its depth of nuances, styles, and considerations demand a bit more explanation. So in our first installment in our new Trail Running 101 series, we cover some of the basics.
Reviewer Reports: Touring Setups, Resort Skis, & Jelly Bean Bribery (Ep.197)
Kristin Sinnott, Dylan Wood, Kara Williard, Drew Kelly, and Luke Koppa cover everything from the setups Drew used while touring for several weeks in Alaska this spring, to a whole bunch of skis, boots, and bindings from Faction, Blizzard, K2, Nordica, Salomon, and more. We also touch on some new Strafe outerwear, get an update from Kara on some heated socks, and discuss some unique gear and tricks that Kristin’s been using to ski with her son.
Flash Review — 2022 Orbea Rallon
We’ve started spending time on the new Orbea Rallon Enduro bike, and our early impressions are quite positive. Check out our Flash Review for our initial thoughts.
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2022-2023 DPS Pagoda Tour 106 C2
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the DPS Pagoda Tour 106 C2.
Contra Bikes on Building a Bike From Scratch (Ep.118)
Designing a bike frame is hard enough. Taking it to production is an even bigger challenge, but that hasn’t stopped Evan Turpen, and his Contra Bikes high-pivot prototype is extremely impressive. So this week on Bikes & Big Ideas, we sat down with Evan to chat about why he decided to start a bike company, and what he hopes to achieve with the bike; learn all about designing and fabricating frames from scratch (and how he learned to do it), and a whole lot more.
2022-2023 Black Crows Atris
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the new Black Crows Atris.
Hoka Tecton X
Hoka has a reputation for taking risks, and their first carbon-plated trail shoe, the Tecton X, benefits from the brand’s willingness to experiment with design and forgo the conventional. While the shoe has some drawbacks that limit its versatility, it’s nonetheless a worthy entrant into the hyper-performance trail shoe category and a model we expect to see on plenty of start lines this summer. Check out our full review for more.
Trail Running 101: What Do I Need to Trail Run?
Trail runners often like to say that simplicity is one of their favorite aspects of the sport. All you need is a pair of running shoes and you’re ready to go, right? Well, sort of. A pair of trail running shoes alone can get you started, but when you start logging longer miles, you’ll probably find yourself shopping for a few other helpful items. Here’s where to start.
Elan Lieber on the Miwok 100k, Coffee, and Running Fearlessly (Ep.120)
Elan Lieber called his recent performance at the 2022 Miwok 100K, “the run of his life,” but not for reasons you might expect. Shortly before his 2nd place finish, Elan said goodbye to his grandfather for the final time. So we talked to Elan about the role running plays in overcoming loss, how to learn to let go of fear, and much more.
2022-2023 Tecnica Zero G Tour Scout W
The Zero G Tour Scout W is the stiffest women-specific model in Tecnica’s Zero G line — here are our thoughts on it, and how it compares to the Tecnica Cochise Pro W.
2022-2023 Blizzard Hustle 10
Here are our measured specs, rocker profile pics, and flex pattern numbers for the new Blizzard Hustle 10.
The Guide Life, with Ian Havlick (Ep.211)
Jonathan is in Iceland this week, skiing at Deplar Farm and being guided by AMGA-certified guide, Ian Havlick. They sat down to talk about Ian’s path to becoming a professional guide; the misperceptions about the profession; recommendations for how to get into guiding; the confusion around tipping; and more.
Antidote Carbonjack
Antidote calls their Carbonjack an Enduro bike, but that sells its versatility short — it’s a really good all-rounder that we think will be an especially good fit for certain riders. Check out our full review to find out who.