Paul Forward
Age: 40 | Vitals: 6’0″, 190 lbs. | Years Skiing: 36 | Current Residence: Girdwood, Alaska
Background
I grew up in Eagle River, Alaska and my pare…
Black Diamond First Light Hoody
Most of the major apparel brands are now making some sort of “active insulation” mid layer, so how does Black Diamond’s offering, the First Light Hoody, compare?
2018-2019 Blizzard Rustler 10
We now have more time on the new Blizzard Rustler 10 in a broader range of conditions. Check out our update.
Ski The Wild West
Drew Petersen’s new film, Ski The Wild West, is a refreshing take on ski mountaineering, and is certainly worth a watch.
2017-2018 Line Mordecai, 193 cm
We’ve already reviewed the 186 cm Line Mordecai, so it's time now to weigh in on how similar or different the 193 cm Mordecai is, and what sort of skier the 193 is best suited for.
Rab Alpha Flash Jacket
Rab’s Alpha Flash Jacket is one of the lightest, most breathable mid layers we’ve ever tested. Check out our review.
Flannel Roundup, 2018
We think everyone should have at least one good flannel, so we’ve laid out a few of our personal favorites.
DIN Settings, Age, & Related Questions
How do you decide when to run your DIN settings higher or lower than the chart recommends? And how much of a factor should age really be?
Sweet Protection Delirious Jacket
A good shell is essential for cold and / or wet bike rides, and the Sweet Protection Delirious Jacket is one of the best cycling shells we’ve ever used.
The North Face Ventrix Hoodie
The North Face Ventrix Hoodie is a very good breathable mid layer that, the more we use it, the more often we're grabbing it for skiing, climbing, or heading to town.
2019-2020 K2 Ikonic 84 Ti
We figured we’d end 2017 talking about one of the new skis that’s impressed us the most, and why it earned a Blister “Best Of” award — the K2 Ikonic 84 Ti.
2019-2020 K2 Ikonic 84
Ski: 2019-2020 K2 Ikonic 84, 177 cm
Available Lengths: 156, 163, 170, 177 cm
Blister’s Measured Tip-to-Tail Length: 177.2 cm
Blister’s Measured Weight p…
Black Sheep Sports, Sebastian Steinbach (Ep.6)
Back in 2010, Sebastian Steinbach had the crazy idea to defy traditional European ski culture and open a freeride-specific ski shop in Munich, Germany. We talk to Sebastian about what he was thinking (???), differences between European & North American ski culture, and some of his current favorite products for skiing in the Alps.
Norrona Lyngen Hybrid Jacket and Pants
Norrona’s soft shell / hard shell Lyngen Hybrid Jacket and Pants are excellent options for those looking for a touring kit that effectively blends weather protection and breathability.
On the Fritschi Tecton & Vipec Evo (Ep.5)
We talk to blister reviewers Brian Lindahl and Cy Whitling about their experiences testing the Fritschi Tecton & Vipec Evo alpine touring bindings, and how they would rank them among some other popular AT bindings.
Winter Outerwear & Apparel: Reviewers’ Choices (17/18)
We’re wrapping up our series on layering for different winter activities and locations. Check out our reviewers’ selections for everything from ice climbing to heli skiing.
2020-2021 Fritschi Tecton 12
We’ve got another update on the Tecton 12 with a lot of new information, including our on-snow comparisons of the Tecton vs. an alpine binding.
Hoody Roundup, 2017
We love hoodies, and here are some of our favorite more casual options (though you’ll still find us running, skiing, biking, etc. in some of them too).
2020-2021 Fritschi Vipec Evo 12
We weigh in on the new Fritschi Vipec Evo 12, and discuss why we think it is such a good option for a wide range of skiers.
2018-2019 HEAD Wild Joy
The HEAD Wild Joy is a stiff, powerful, and precise all-mountain ski that’s looking for a pilot who knows how to work a ski from edge to edge and has a thing for laying down train tracks.