BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
National Brotherhood of Skiers co-founder & U.S. Ski Hall of Fame inductee, Art Clay (Ep. 137)
Art Clay is the co-founder of the National Brotherhood of Skiers, and he and his NBS co-founder, Ben Finley, are the first African Americans elected into the US Ski-Snowboard Hall of Fame. This past weekend, Jonathan Ellsworth sat down with Art at his home in Chicago to talk about growing up in Chicago in the 1940s; his first time skiing; the idea to start the National Brotherhood of Skiers; cutie pies; the Black Summit; and more.
EVOC Capture 7L Camera Pack
For those who like to ride bikes and take pictures on the trail, you’re often left with the choice of slugging around a bulky backpack or leaving your camera gear vulnerable. The EVOC Capture 7L Camera Pack aims to solve that dilemma, offering camera protection and storage in the form of a compact, breathable hip pack. Check out our review of this impressive, purpose-built product.
What We’re Watching — July, 2020
Another week, another batch of cool videos. This week we’ve added 9 videos from legends of biking and skiing, as well as several exciting newcomers.
Win Pocket Knives from SOG
This week 3 people will get SOG’s Aegis AT pocket knife.
Aprch, CBD, & the Story Behind an Emerging Category (Ep.107)
This week we’re switching things up a bit and taking a close look at a massive emerging category — CBD products in general — and one specific company, Aprch. And to walk us through some of the relevant science, regulations, production processes, and the trajectory of this industry, we talk with Aprch co-founder, Adam Hunter.
2020-2021 DPS Pagoda Piste 100 C2
For 20/21, DPS is launching not only several new ski shapes, but also two brand-new ski constructions. They’re making some pretty bold claims about their new Pagoda Piste & Pagoda Tour designs, and you can check out our First Look of the Pagoda Piste 100 C2 to learn about their rationale for those claims and how the design of the ski compares to the rest of the market.
The New RockShox ZEB with Chris Mandell (Ep. 32)
David Golay and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss the backstory of the new ZEB fork and why RockShox built it; who it’s for; its available configurations and compatibility; the ZEB vs. the Lyrik and more, with RockShox’s Chris Mandell.
Salomon S/Lab Ultra 2
Last week we reviewed the Salomon Ultra /Pro and now we’re chiming in on its lighter, more race-oriented sibling, the S/Lab Ultra 2. After spending several 20+ mile days in this S/Lab shoe, we’ve come away impressed by its versatility and think that it could work for a lot of people — not just those who are trying to win the next ultramarathon.
Amelia Boone on Mtn Lions, Trail Running, & Mental Health (Ep. 59)
Brendan Leonard and Jonathan Ellsworth talk to Amelia Boone about being a world champion obstacle racer; transitioning into trail running & racing; mental health & eating disorders; ElliptiGos, mtn lions, & more.
2021-2022 Elan Ripstick 116
During this coming season we’ll be reviewing Elan’s big-mountain ski, the Ripstick 116. Check out our First Look to see what it shares in common with the other Ripsticks, what it does not, and how its design compares to the rest of the market.
Win a Tent from The North Face
Enter for a chance to win The North Face’s new Eco Trail 3-person tent!
Blister Brand Guide: On Running Shoe Lineup, 2020
On’s shoes are instantly recognizable due to their unique, bulbous midsoles / outsoles. But how do each of their shoes differ, and which one should you get? Check out our Brand Guide to find out.
Claudio Caluori on Chasing Nino & Going All-Electric (Ep. 31)
Everybody’s favorite bike-POV-commentator is back to talk about chasing Nino Schurter down trails in Switzerland; his thoughts on e-bikes (now that he’s been riding one frequently); his company, Velosolutions’ first “all-electric” build; the status of the Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships; and more.
Mtn Bike Chamois Roundup
Whether you use one for every ride or just for those extra-long days in the saddle, a good chamois can make your time on the bike much more enjoyable. We’ve rounded up 9 women’s and men’s options we’ve been using — from thin liners, to ones that can work as standalone shorts.
2021-2022 Majesty Superwolf
We’ve spent much of this past spring & summer on the new Majesty Superwolf, and think it warrants strong consideration from anyone seeking an intuitive, versatile, narrower touring ski. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Cannondale on the Jekyll, Dual-Shock DH Bike, & Keeping it Weird (Ep.96)
We’re joined by Cannondale’s Scott Vogelmann and Travis Tomczak to talk about their latest bikes, and their development process; what’s next for the brand (including some upcoming product teasers); keeping Cannondale weird; and more.
Olympic Champion Kikkan Randall on Running, Racing, Longevity, Motherhood, & More (Ep.101)
Before Kikkan Randall was winning Olympic and World Cup gold medals in XC skiing, she was a runner, and she has never stopped being a runner. In this conversation, we discuss running and how she got into XC skiing; some of the keys to her longevity; becoming a mother while also being a professional athlete (and how much attitudes still need to change for women in a similar position); and going from winning an Olympic gold medal to being diagnosed with cancer, and how she is doing today.
TRP Trail Evo Brakes
There’s a lot to like about TRP’s new Trail Evo brakes, but they’re not perfect. Check out our full review for all the details.
2-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (21/22)
Check out Part Two of our reviewers’ 2-ski quiver picks, with additions from Jonathan Ellsworth, Kristin Sinnott, Eric Freson, Paul Forward, Sascha Anastas, & Drew Kelly.
Baby / Toddler Wool Baselayer Roundup
The benefits of wool baselayers are well known by many, and these days, there are lots of good options for the little ones, too.
Flash Review: 21/22 Season Kin
Freestyle ski? Carver? Both? Season’s new ski is unique, and it’s been a lot of fun so far. Check out our initial thoughts.
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Lou Dawson: Ski Mountaineer, WildSnow.com founder, & Author (Ep.194)
Lou Dawson is a ski mountaineer, founder of WildSnow.com, author, and the first person to ski down all 54 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks. We discuss all of the above; the current state of backcountry skiing; and his new guidebook, Light Tours of Colorado.
Topic of the Week: On Motivation
Our Bike Editor has been doing a lot of riding in terrible weather lately, and he’s learning how to love it — or at least talking himself into it — and has some thoughts on how you can, too.
The Blister Summit was created for YOU
In this post, we wanted to underscore who the Blister Summit was designed for — spoiler alert: it’s you.
Shop Talk: Backcountry Skis, Boots, & Bindings (Ep.174)
John Weir from Bentgate in Golden, CO, is back to discuss advances in backcountry skis; draw comparisons between some high-profile touring boots; and reassess the pros, cons, & compromises of various AT bindings.
Win Any WNDR Alpine Ski
This week the winner will get a pair of WNDR Alpine’s algae-derived backcountry skis!
Blister’s Holiday Gift Guide 2021 — In The Garage
Check out our reviewers’ picks for the big-ticket gift ideas this year.