2021-2022 J Skis The Friend
This season we spent time on another length of the J Skis Friend and have added an update on the 183 cm version of J’s pow ski.
Deep Dive: J Skis The Friend
UPDATE: We compare The Friend to the ON3P Kartel 116, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Armada ARV 116 JJ, Moment Wildcat, previous Friend, K2 Catamaran, Rossignol Black Ops 118, Dynastar PR-OTO Factory, Faction Candide 5.0, Faction Candide 4.0, Prior CBC, 4FRNT Inthayne, Line Outline, and Icelantic Nomad 115.
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Scarpa Maestro Mid Eco
While most companies make tons of climbing shoes for bouldering, sport, and gym climbing, there aren’t nearly as many trad-specific shoes out there. But Scarpa recently made an addition to this category, the Maestro Mid Eco, and you can check out our review of this comfort-oriented shoe.
Lab Austere Hydration Pack, Tool Kit, & Wallet
Lab Austere is a new brand that's aiming to make simple — and more importantly, very useful — MTB accessories. Check out our review of their Minimize Hydration Lumbar Pack, Trunk Roll Up Tool Kit, and Simplify Wallet.
2021-2022 Volkl Revolt 121
The new Volkl Revolt 121 stood out this spring across a broad range of conditions and surprisingly deep snow. Check out our full review and Deep Dive on the site for more on this playful pow ski.
Deep Dive: Volkl Revolt 121
We compare the Revolt 121 to the Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro, Rossignol Black Ops 118, Prior CBC, 4FRNT Inthayne, Dynastar PR-OTO Factory, Line Outline, Icelantic Nomad 115, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Faction Candide 5.0, and Faction Candide 4.0.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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The Dumpster Fire Episode (Ep.52)
Things kind of go off the rails in our latest GEAR:30 episode, with topics ranging from the ON3P Woodsman 108, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, new ski boots, and heat-moldable hiking shoes, to very contentious debates about Hard Seltzer, energy bar flavors, and Smashburger.
19/20 Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the Ripstick 106 Black Edition, including notes on how it compares to the standard Ripstick 106.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Father’s Day Gift Guide — 2019
Still looking for a way to thank your dad this Father’s Day? Fear not — we’ve rounded up several last-minute gift ideas that won’t feel last-minute to the dads in your life.
Tecnica Plasma S Shoe
Best known for their ski boots, Tecnica recently launched a hiking line that brings something entirely new to the market: a heat-moldable fit. And after using their new Plasma S Shoe for the past year, you can now check out our full review.
19/20 Salomon QST 99
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Salomon's updated QST 99.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Mark Abma’s Regimen for Skiing Well & Living Well (Ep.91)
For a long time now, Mark Abma has stood right at the center of big-mountain skiing. So we talk to him about living with JP Auclair, Julien Regnier, and Anthony Boronowski; filming with Shane McConkey, Hugo Harrison, and Ingrid Backstrom; serving as a guide for a new generation of skiers; and the specific fitness, dietary, and health regimen that keeps Mark functioning at a high level on and off the mountain.
Outdoor Research Refuge Air Hooded Jacket
“Active insulation" midlayers are designed to be warmer than fleece, but more breathable than traditional puffies. And despite strong competition in this growing category, Outdoor Research's new Refuge Air Hooded Jacket clearly stands out. Check out our review.
Petzl Meteor Helmet
The Meteor has served as Petzl's lightweight climbing helmet for more than 20 years. This year, they made their most significant update yet — making it dual-certified for both climbing and ski touring. Check out our full review of this versatile helmet.
GPS Devices & Backcountry Safety with Bivy (Ep.51)
GPS communication devices can be the difference between life and death in remote places. So we talk with Bivy’s Pitt Grewe about the different types of technology and devices on the market; how these devices can affect decision making; satellite networks; complicated payment plans; and … Pitt’s impressive skills as a DJ.
Deep Dive: 4FRNT Inthayne
We compare the Inthayne to the Moment Deathwish, Faction Candide 4.0, Armada ARV 116 JJ, Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro, Blizzard Rustler 11, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Dynastar PR-OTO Factory, Rossignol Black Ops 118, Line Outline, Prior CBC, Icelantic Nomad 115, Folsom Trophy Carbon, Blizzard Spur, and Line Sick Day 114.
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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2020-2021 Armada Tracer 98
Armada is tweaking their Tracer 98 for 19/20 in order to be more competitive with the growing class of ~100mm-wide backcountry and 50/50 skis. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions to see what they changed.
Strafe Sunnyside Alpha Anorak
If you’re looking for a good-looking and versatile midlayer that you can use for a bit of everything, we highly recommend giving the Strafe Sunnyside Alpha Anorak a look. Check out our full review.