BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Deep Dive: Line Vision 98
We compare the Vision 98 to the Salomon MTN Explore 95, K2 Wayback 96, Dynastar Mythic 97, Armada Tracer 98, G3 FINDr 102, 4FRNT Raven, & Line Vision 108.
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2021-2022 Lange XT3 130
Lange’s XT series of boots have been staples in the “freeride touring” category for many years now, and Lange is overhauling the lineup for 20/21. Check out our First Look & Flash Review of the new XT3 130.
2020-2021 Spark R&D Women’s Arc Pro Splitboard Binding
We’re big fans of the Spark R&D Surge Pro, but what about the lighter, surfier version? Check out our review of the Women’s Arc Pro Splitboard Binding.
Scott Patrol E1 30 Avalanche Airbag Backpack
Blister reviewer Paul Forward has used a *lot* of different avalanche airbag systems, and the electric Alpride / Scott E1 system is his current favorite. Check out our review of the Scott Patrol E1 30 pack for his take on both the backpack itself and the E1 airbag system.
Social Distancing for Outdoor Enthusiasts
As we’re all doing our part to decrease the spread of COVID-19, we polled several of our reviewers to see how they’re spending their time at home, and how they’re staying connected to the outdoor activities we love. Check out some of their recommendations and share your own.
Daymakers Alpine Touring Adapters
There are now loads of ways to walk uphill and ski down, but Daymakers Alpine Touring Adapters are different. They let you skin up and ski down in your regular alpine setup. So … how well do they work?
Ryan Van Duzer on Snakes, YouTube, the Burning Man Ultra, & More (Ep.43)
Ryan Van Duzer has a YouTube series called, Running with Ryan. And last fall, as our Off The Couch co-host, Brendan Leonard, was nearing his goal of running 52 marathons in 52 weeks, Ryan had Brendan as a guest on Running with Ryan. So we thought we’d give Brendan the chance to turn the tables and have him interview Ryan, and that proved to be a good idea. They talk about snakes; biking across the country; starting his YouTube channel; the Burning Man Ultra; and a whole lot more.
Without Precedent: COVID-19, Ski Area Closures, & Ski Towns (Ep.122)
We talk to veteran ski industry reporter, Jason Blevins of the Colorado Sun, about the COVID-19 pandemic and this past weekend’s historic and abrupt mass closure of ski areas. We discuss what, exactly, is going on; what is likely to come next; the impact on ski towns; and what each of us should and shouldn’t be doing right now.
Flash Review: 20/21 Whitedot Altum 114
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the Altum 114, including comparisons to the Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro.
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.
If you’re already an active member, please log in.
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Winter & Spring Baby / Toddler Footwear Roundup
If you have a little one who’s idea of fun is splashing in puddles and slushy spring snow, check out our baby / toddler footwear roundup for plenty of options from cozy slippers to waterproof and insulated boots.
Win Climbing Skins from Montana
Enter for your chance to win any climbing skins from Montana!
2019-2020 Moment Commander 98
We’ve been spending a lot of time on the current iteration of Moment’s Commander 98, and we think this metal-laminate all-mountain ski offers something pretty different from the competition that could make it very appealing to certain skiers. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Moment Commander 98
We compare the Commander 98 to the Fischer Ranger 99 Ti, Nordica Enforcer 100, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Salomon QST 99, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, Volkl Mantra M5, Blizzard Bonafide, Volkl Mantra 102, 4FRNT MSP 99, J Skis Masterblaster, Blizzard Rustler 9, Liberty Origin 96, ON3P Wrenegade 96, Atomic Vantage 97 Ti, Renoun Endurance 98, & Dynastar Legend X96.
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.
If you’re already an active member, please log in.
(If you’re already logged in and a member in good standing and seeing this message in error, please refresh this page in your browser.)
Sugar Cane, Castor Beans, & Poly Bags — Picture Organic Clothing (Ep.91)
Picture Organic Clothing is going way beyond common sustainability practices with things like castor bean oil waterproof membranes and sugar cane waste-derived polyester, and they are attempting to eliminate polybags from their entire supply chain. So we talked to Picture’s co-founder, Julien Durant, and their sustainability manager, Florian Palluel about these ambitious projects — including their new air-permeable membrane, Xpore, that they are putting in direction competition with Gore Pro and TNF Futurelight.
The Basics of Servicing Your Bike, with Simon Stewart (Ep. 18)
For many of us, it will soon be time to dust off our bikes and get back to riding. So what are some of the most important things you can do to your bike if you haven’t been riding it? To answer this, we talked to Simon Stewart, who has a long history in the bike industry, and who currently owns and runs the bike shop, Boneshaker Cycles, in Buena Vista, Colorado.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Dakota Jones on the Footprints Running Camp (Ep.91)
We talk with Dakota Jones about how motivation evolves, different chapters of life, and what led to the launch of the Footprints Running Camp.
Benji Alexander’s Bid to Become Jamaica’s 1st Olympic Alpine Ski Racer (Ep.178)
Benji Alexander is a passionate ski racer and backcountry skier with a stranger-than-fiction backstory. So we talk to Benji about how Burning Man got him into skiing; what inspired his Olympic aspirations; the numerous logistics he has had to navigate to make this happen; the financial hurdles that all Olympic hopefuls have to face; and what motivates him to keep pushing forward.
EXT Era Fork
After making a big splash with their rear shocks, EXT’s first fork is here. There’s a whole lot that’s interesting and unusual about the Era, but how does it all add up on the trail? Check out our full review to find out — now with some additional thoughts from Xan Marshland.
Would You Rather: Dream Hardtail or Mid-Price Full Suspension?
Dream hardtail or more modest full suspension bike as an everyday ride? That’s the question we’re tackling in our new “Would You Rather” series. Check out our reviewers’ individual takes on the site, and let us know what you’d do in the comments.
Fanatik
Fanatik is an outstanding mountain bike-specific shop in Bellingham, WA, with a focus on custom bike and wheel builds, and a large e-commerce presence. They’re the local go-to for parts, service, and complete bikes, as well as an integral part of the Bellingham mountain biking community.
A Very Deep Dive on Coffee (Ep.158)
You had to know we’d do this, right? We sat down with Sam Higby to talk about Sam’s time in the outdoor industry and in the coffee business; the difference between good and bad instant coffee; light roasts vs. dark roasts (and what some dark roasts have in common with hot sauce or double IPAs); the brewing process & brewing at altitude; how to make great coffee on a budget; and more.
Win Packs & Jerseys from RMU
This week TWO people will each get RMU’s Enduro 5L fanny pack + one of their Party Time Tech Tees!
Mountain Bike Tires: A Guide & Comparisons
In this guide, we’re comparing more than a dozen of the most popular Trail, Enduro, & DH tires to each other, highlighting their pros and cons, and helping you figure out which option might work best for you. In our latest update, we’ve got a couple of new additions from Schwalbe and Michelin.
Mtn Biking 201: A Guide to Tire Casings & Rubber Compounds
What are tire casings and rubber compounds — and why should you care? And how do one brand’s casing and compound options compare to another’s? In this Gear 201 article, we answer those questions and more, and we’ve just added our thoughts on the latest rubber compounds and casings from Schwalbe and Michelin.
Steve Vanderhoek on Le Tour de Gnar, Freeride, and Firefighting (Ep.78)
Steve Vanderhoek just put out one of the best video edits of the year, where he & Yoann Barelli rode just about all of the gnarliest features in the Sea to Sky Corridor in one truly wild day. We sat down with Steve to talk about the mental challenges of riding scary, high-consequence lines; filming & riding with Yoann & Remy Metailler; balancing all that with his career as a paramedic and firefighter; & a whole lot more.
Ian Sharman & Dana Kracaw on the Leadville 100; the Art of Pacing; & How to Get Away with Murder (Ep.90)
We talk to Ian Sharman and Dana Kracaw about how they met; the art of pacing; the art of DNF-ing; Tanya Harding; deer costumes; trolling; all-mountain roller skates; and yes, murder.
Flash Review — Canfield Lithium
We’ve been riding Canfield’s new longer-travel 29er — check out our thoughts on the bike so far.
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.
If you’re already an active member, please log in.
(If you’re already logged in and a member in good standing and seeing this message in error, please refresh this page in your browser.)