BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Brendan Runs the Bighorn 100 (Ep.5)
This past weekend, our Off The Couch co-host, Brendan Leonard, ran the Bighorn Trail 100 Mile Endurance Run. So Jonathan Ellsworth talks with him about why he decided to run it; how he prepared; the highs and lows of the experience; his advice for anyone thinking of running a 100; and whether or not he plans on running another 100 miler.
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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Win any Sunglasses You Want from Dragon
Win a new pair of shades from Dragon!
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.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
New Volkl Mantra M6; Burly Chargers; & Movement Skis (Ep.130)
Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth offer their initial thoughts on the new Volkl Mantra M6 & Secret 96; reviewer, Drew Kelly, makes his GEAR:30 debut to compare the Volkl Katana 108 vs the HEAD Monster 108 vs the Blizzard Cochise 106; Luke discusses some of the Movement skis he’s been getting time on; & more.
Flash Review: 20/21 Movement GO 106 Ti
Check out our initial thoughts on Movement’s lightweight, titanal-laminate freeride ski.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Gear of the Year, 2020 (Ep.48)
Blister’s bike editor, David Golay, talks about some of the gear he’s recently been testing; some of the most surprising products of the past year; some of the standout products of 2020; and a few predictions for 2021.
Blister Brand Guide: Arc’teryx Trail Running Shoe Lineup, 2021
Best known by many for their high-end outerwear, Arc’teryx has been working for the past few years to expand their lineup of high-end trail running shoes. Check out our Brand Guide to learn more about their current options and how they stand out from each other.
Flash Review: 20/21 Sego Big Horn 106
Check out our initial thoughts on the updated Big Horn 106, and how it compares to several other all-mountain-freestyle skis.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Volkl Announces New M6 Mantra & Secret 96
Volkl just announced new versions of their Mantra & Secret skis. Check out what they’re changing with the latest M6 Mantra & Secret 96.
2021-2022 Volkl Revolt 104
Two of our reviewers have been skiing all over Mt. Crested Butte on Volkl’s new Revolt 104. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Volkl Revolt 104
We compare the Revolt 104 to the K2 Reckoner 102, Line Sir Francis Bacon, Dynastar Menace 98, Nordica Soul Rider 97, Prior Northwest 100, Whitedot Altum 104, Moment Wildcat 108, Sego Big Horn 106, Rossignol BLACKOPS Holyshred, Black Crows Atris, Dynastar M-Free 108, and ON3P Jeffrey 108.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Reviewers’ 2020 Highlights & 2021 Resolutions (Ep.157)
For our first Blister Podcast of 2021, we asked a few of our reviewers to share one highlight of the past year; one thing they’re most looking forward to in 2021; and one new year’s resolution. We got quite a range of answers — and apparently Kristin Sinnott and Jonathan Ellsworth will be starting up a new reality TV show? Please enjoy, and Happy New Year!
Flash Review: 20/21 DPS Pagoda Piste 90 RP
Update 1.4.21: check out our thoughts on how the Pagoda Piste 90 RP performs off-piste.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Flash Review: 20/21 Whitedot Ragnarok ASYM
Check out Paul Forward’s initial thoughts on Whitedot’s big, asymmetrical pow ski.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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