BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2021-2022 Salomon QST 106
We were fans of the popular Salomon QST 106, and it was one of our top picks for “50/50” inbounds & backcountry use. But for 19/20, Salomon has redesigned this ski, and we think it now has a different target demographic. Check out our review of the new QST 106.
Win a Personal GPS Device from Bivy
Win a Bivystick — a personal GPS communication device that lets you stay in touch wherever you go.
Deep Dive: Salomon QST 106
We compare the 19/20 QST 106 to the previous QST 106, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, ON3P Woodsman 108, 4FRNT MSP 107, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Line Sick Day 104, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Salomon QST 99, Liberty Origin 106, Elan Ripstick 106, G3 ROAMr 108, ON3P Wrenegade 108, Prior Husume, Black Crows Corvus, Moment Commander 108, J Skis Metal, Blizzard Cochise, and Faction Dictator 3.0.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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What You’re Wearing, Part 1: Synthetic Fibers (Ep.57)
How much do you actually know about the clothes in your closet, and the stuff we all wear to go play in the mountains? In our new “What You’re Wearing” miniseries, we’re shining a light on the most foundational part of apparel: the fibers. And in part 1, we dive into the world synthetic fibers with Sara Ellis from Gore (the makers of GORE-TEX).
Duncan Callahan on Reaching the Top, Burning Out, & What Comes Next (Ep.9)
There’s a common narrative in the running world about people who are struggling in life, then they are saved by running. But what happens when you’ve been an endurance athlete for over twenty years, and you then find yourself in search of some answers? We talk to Duncan Callahan — 2-time winner of the Leadville 100 and a number of other ultras — about his story, things he’d do different, and what he’s still hoping to learn.
Kuat Highline Trunk Rack
There are plenty of different ways to carry bikes on your car, but not everyone wants (or needs) an expensive, semi-permanent hitch or roof rack. That’s why trunk racks like the Kuat Highline exist, and the Highline is a great choice in this category.
Lightweight Hoody Roundup — 2019
Whether you spend your summers hiking, running, biking, fishing, or even skiing, a good lightweight hoody can make for an extremely versatile layer. Check out our roundup for several of our favorite options for men, women, and even the little ones.
2021-2022 G3 ROAMr 108
The G3 ROAMr 108 is specifically designed for both inbounds skiing and backcountry touring, and with its two layers of titanal and a relatively low weight, we think it will work well for a lot of skiers interested in a “50/50” ski.
Deep Dive: G3 ROAMr 108
We compare the ROAMr 108 to the G3 SENDr 112, Blizzard Zero G 105, Line Sick Day 104, Salomon QST 106, Renoun Citadel 106, K2 Wayback 106, Elan Ripstick 106, Liberty Origin 106, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Moment Commander 108, Faction Dictator 3.0, Scott Scrapper 115, and Blizzard Rustler 11.
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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Enve M730 Wheels — Long-Term Review
We’ve now spent over nine months on Enve’s M730 carbon wheels, and you can check out our full review for our thoughts on their ride quality, notable features, long-term durability, and who should be considering them.
18/19 Ski Video Roundup
The 18/19 season produced some amazing videos, so we’ve compiled a bunch of our favorites to get you excited about next season.
2020-2021 Salomon S/Force Bold
Salomon is launching a whole new line of frontside skis for 19/20, and you can check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions of the S/Force Bold to see how its design compares to the competition.
Six-Time Leadville 100 Champ & IMBA Executive Director, Dave Wiens (Ep.4)
We talk to Dave Wiens about skiing with Doug Coombs; participating in the early days of mountain biking; winning the Leadville 100 six times in a row — while beating Floyd Landis and Lance Armstrong along the way; and we get a fresh update from Dave on the current agenda and plans of the International Mountain Bike Association.
Hoka One One Speedgoat 3
This year Hoka updated one of their most popular trail shoes, and we think the new Speedgoat 3 is a very appealing option for trail runners who appreciate a cushioned ride (and potentially even more appealing than the Speedgoat 2 it replaces).
Western States 100 Champion, Clare Gallagher (Ep.8)
Clare Gallagher just won the Western States 100, and she did so in spectacular fashion. But there is a whole lot more to this story. So we talk to Clare about the details of her epic win, why on earth she agreed to go on an expedition to Alaska with Tommy Caldwell right before her biggest race of the year, and more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Deep Dive: Sego Big Horn 106
We compare the Big Horn 106 to the Moment Wildcat 108, Whitedot Altum 104, J Skis Hotshot, Sego Cleaver Comp, Dynastar M-Free 108, K2 Reckoner 102, Black Crows Atris, Moment Deathwish, Line Sir Francis Bacon, ON3P Woodsman 108, Volkl Revolt 104, 4FRNT Devastator, Season Nexus, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Nordica Enforcer 104, Salomon QST 106, Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, Sego Condor 108, Elan Ripstick 106, Icelantic Nomad 105, Blizzard Rustler 10, 4FRNT MSP 107, & Liberty Origin 106.
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.)
Privateer Bikes: Origins, Philosophy, & Trajectory (Ep.51)
We talk to Sam Meegan of Privateer Bikes, which is a company that has been pushing forward certain aspects of bike design that have been gaining broader acceptance in the bike industry. So come to learn more about Privateer, but stick around to hear Sam’s big idea about how to revolutionize a whole other product category.
Flash Review: Season Forma Ski
We just wrapped up a day on the 118mm-wide, fishtailed ski in Season’s lineup. Check out our initial impressions.
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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Flash Review: 20/21 Tecnica Mach1 130 MV
We’ve now spent about 40 days in Tecnica’s recently revised 130-flex, medium-volume alpine boot. Check out our thoughts.
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.)
Win a Trip to the Blister Summit @ Mt. Crested Butte
This is a very special giveaway — the winner will get 2 spots at the Blister Summit ski demo event + lodging + lift tickets. Enter before Friday, February 5th for your chance to win!
2021-2022 Faction Dictator 3.0
Faction’s original Dictator 3.0 was a radical ski when it was first released. It was stiff, had two layers of metal, and it was also very light. But the ski market has changed since then, and so has the Dictator 3.0. Check out our First Look & Flash Review of the latest Dictator 3.0.
Flash Review: 21/22 Faction Dictator 3.0
Check out our initial thoughts on the latest iteration of Faction’s mid-fat, metal-laminate, directional ski.
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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Cosmo Langsfeld
Cosmo Langsfeld in the La Sportiva Jackal GTX, Crested Butte, Colorado Vitals: 6’2″, 160 lbs / 188 cm, 70 kg Running Background, Style, and General Preferences I grew up in the Gunnison Valley, Colorado. My family lived on 38 acres that bordered National Forest land
Backcountry Travel, Snow Science, & the Art of Avalanche Forecasting (Ep.161)
We talk to Zach Guy, the lead forecaster for the Crested Butte Avalanche Center, about the science of snow, the art of avalanche forecasting, and what every backcountry traveler can be sending in to their local avy center to help them produce more accurate forecasts.
Altra Olympus 4.0
The Olympus has been a reference point in the maximalist trail shoe category for many years now, but the latest iteration includes some significant changes from previous versions. Check out our review of the Olympus 4.0, including how it compares to the Olympus 3.5 and Hoka Speedgoat 4.
Blister Summit: What, When, & How to Join
Here’s an update on our upcoming Blister Summit — check it out to learn more about this first-of-its-kind ski demo event and how to join us.
Win G3 ZED Bindings
The winner this week will get a pair of G3’s lightweight touring bindings!