This season Patagonia launched a new outerwear line, the SnowDrifter, and we've come away very impressed by the comfort and versatility of the women's SnowDrifter Jacket.
New Skis, Ski Boots, & Bindings with Paul Forward (Ep.80)
We catch up with reviewer, Paul Forward, about some of the skis, AT boots, and an AT binding that Paul has been spending time on in Girdwood, Alaska. Paul and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss the Volkl Mantra 102; the DPS Koala 119; the new Atomic Backland Carbon AT boot; the Fritschi Xenic lightweight touring binding; and more.
2021-2022 Kye Shapes Numinous
Last week we talked about the Metamorph, a new ski from Kye Petersen & Foon Skis’ new brand, Kye Shapes. Now it’s time to talk about the big gun in the Kye Shapes lineup, the Numinous. And for many people, we think there is a lot to like about this big-mountain ski. Check out our video First Look & writeup.
2021-2022 Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105
Shaggy's is a small brand that builds their skis in Michigan, and we've been very impressed by the versatility of their Ahmeek 105. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
How to Design a Great Race (Ep.31)
New running events seem to be popping up all the time, which raises the question: Are there some specific policies, and practices that should be built into all or most running events? To help us think about this, we talked to Caleb Efta, the race director of the High Lonesome 100, about some of the specific policies and requirements of the event that are designed to mitigate its environmental impacts and increase gender equality.
Deep Dive: Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105
We compare the Ahmeek 105 to the Moment Deathwish, Moment Wildcat 108, Icelantic Nomad 105, Blizzard Rustler 10, ON3P Woodsman 108, J Skis Metal, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Liberty Origin 106, Line Sick Day 104, 4FRNT MSP 107, Armada ARV 106Ti, Sego Big Horn 106, Nordica Enforcer Free 104, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Salomon QST 106, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, and Faction Prodigy 3.0.
Blister Brand Guide: Ibis Mountain Bike Lineup, 2020
Ibis started back in 1981, and now makes a variety of bikes from hardtails to Enduro sleds. Check out our Brand Guide for our breakdown of their lineup, and see which bike might be the best fit for you.
New Year’s Resolutions with Brendan Leonard (Ep.113)
A recent conversation with Brendan Leonard (semi-rad.com) about his 2019 goal of running 52 marathons in 52 weeks (!!!) got us thinking that we should take a more creative approach to New Year’s Resolutions and goals. And then very soon, we’ll be posting a series of interviews with some Blister reviewers and other folks about their own take on new year’s resolutions, and some of their own creative goals.
Sustainable Products Roundup
Thankfully, “sustainability” is a word that more and more companies are thinking about when it comes to the products they make and sell. So from technical outerwear, to food storage, to everyday items you might not even think about, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite items that represent a step in this more sustainable / less environmentally harmful direction. Check them out here.
2021-2022 Nordica Enforcer 88
We've now had multiple reviewers on two lengths of Nordica's narrowest Enforcer, the Enforcer 88. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons for our thoughts on this all-mountain ski.
Deep Dive: Nordica Enforcer 88
We compare the Enforcer 88 to the Nordica Enforcer 93, Blizzard Brahma, Folsom Spar 88, Head Monster 88 Ti, Black Crows Orb, Parlor Cardinal 90, Armada Invictus 89 Ti, Atomic Vantage 90 Ti, Salomon XDR 88 Ti, Liberty Evolv 90, K2 Ikonic 84 Ti, & Renoun Z-Line 90.
SCARPA CEO, Kim Miller, Part 1 (Ep.79)
This week, Sam Shaheen visited SCARPA’s North American headquarters to talk with SCARPA’s CEO, Kim Miller. Here in Part 1 of the conversation, they discuss Kim’s impressive career in the outdoor industry; SCARPA’s philosophy of ski boot design; their position within the market; the specifics of the new Maestrale XT; Kim’s thoughts on boot/binding compatibility; and more.
Nordica Announces New Enforcer Skis & HF Boots
Today, Nordica announced that they’re changing one of our favorite skis, the Enforcer 100; they’re releasing a new Enforcer 94; and they’re launching an entire collection of new ski boots. Learn more here.
Winter Baby Accessories Roundup
Keeping your little one warm and dry during the winter can be tricky, so we've rounded up some of our favorite cold-weather accessories for babies & infants.
FW Manifest 3L Jacket & Pants
The Manifest 3L Jacket & Pants from FW, a brand-new apparel company, have tons of features, a modern “freeride” fit, and offer skiers & snowboarders a unique aesthetic. But how do they perform as both an inbounds and backcountry kit? Check out our review.
2021-2022 Blizzard Rustler 10
The updated Rustler 10 looks similar to the old version on paper, but there are some key differences between the two that we think could make the new version a more appealing option for many resort skiers. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Blizzard Rustler 10
We compare the new Rustler 10 to the previous Rustler 10, ON3P Woodsman 108, Moment Wildcat 108, Salomon QST 106, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Nordica Enforcer Free 104, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Line Sick Day 104, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, J Skis Metal, Armada ARV 106Ti, Liberty Origin 106, 4FRNT MSP 107, Black Crows Corvus, Sego Big Horn 106, Faction Prodigy 3.0, Elan Ripstick 106, & Blizzard Cochise.
Brendan Leonard on Running 52 Marathons in 52 Weeks (Ep.30)
For 2019, Brendan Leonard (semi-rad.com) set a goal for himself: run 52 marathons in 52 weeks. He told very few people about this goal, and we are proud to report that Brendan accomplished his goal with several weeks to spare. So we talked to Brendan about what prompted him to create this plan; why he decided to tell very few people about it; exactly what the parameters were for these ‘marathons’; how he handled the logistics; what he learned along the way; and more.