BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Arc’teryx Sabre LT Jacket
This year Arc’teryx released the Sabre LT Jacket — a lighter and more comfortable version of their classic Sabre Jacket. So how does the “LT” version compare to the original and other options on the market? Check out our full review.
19/20 4FRNT Inthayne
We just finished a pow-filled day on the 4FRNT Inthayne, and here you can check out our initial on-snow impressions.
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Showers Pass IMBA Jacket
Finding the right MTB shell is tricky. It has to protect you from wind and water, breathe during climbs, and shrug off impacts with branches, rocks, and occasionally, the ground. So how well does the Showers Pass IMBA Jacket balance these traits? Check out our full review.
Patagona — “Done in R1”
The iconic Patagonia R1 Fleece has now been around for 20 years. To celebrate, Patagonia not only increased the recycled content in the line, but they also released one of the most hilarious product-promo videos we’ve ever seen. Check it out.
2021-2022 J Skis The Vacation
The J Skis Vacation used to basically be a J Skis Metal without the metal. But this year, the updated Vacation is an entirely different ski … and we’d argue that it is better in virtually every regard. Check out our full review of this playful all-mountain ski.
Cody Townsend on The FIFTY Project (Ep.78)
We talk to Cody Townsend about his massive new undertaking to ski 50 classic North American lines. We discuss his approach to the project; how it’s going so far; dealing with its incredibly tricky logistics; which lines are the most daunting; the line he’d just skied; what gear he is using; and more.
19/20 Line Sir Francis Bacon
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the redesigned Sir Francis Bacon.
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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2020-2021 Head Raptor 110S RS W
If you’re looking for a strong, high-performance women’s alpine ski boot, the Head Raptor 110S RS W is worth a good look. Check out our full review.
2019-2020 Amplid Millisurf
The extremely lightweight, powder-oriented Amplid Millisurf splitboard won a “Best Of” award in our Winter Buyer’s Guide this year, and you can now check out our full review to see why.
2021-2022 Blizzard Zero G 105
Blizzard decided to overhaul their Zero G touring skis for 19/20, so the question (as always) is how similar or different are the new skis? Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions of the brand-new Zero G 105.
9th Annual Blister Awards — Outdoor Retailer Snow Show
Check out Part 3 of our Outdoor Retailer awards, including classics like Good or Bad Industry Trends; Best Graphics; Gear We Were Most Tempted to Steal; and the “WTF is that?” award.
19/20 Nordica Enforcer 104 Free
Update 2.8.19: Check out our updated on-snow impressions of the brand-new Enforcer 104 Free, with comparisons to the Fischer Ranger 102 FR.
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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2021-2022 Lange RX 130 LV
Our reviewer is calling the Lange RX 130 LV the best alpine boot he’s ever used when it comes to downhill performance. Check out our full review to find out why.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
The Strangest Bike? Structure Cycleworks founder, Loni Hull (Ep.38)
Structure Cycleworks arguably makes the coolest bikes out there — or the ugliest bikes out there. So we talked to their founder, Loni Hull, about why he introduced a front-linkage suspension design; why rear-linkage designs are everywhere, while front-linkage designs are utterly uncommon; and the pros and cons of bringing such an unorthodox bike to market. So whether you are a true bike dork or you just appreciate outside-the-box thinking and design, consider this a ‘Must-Listen.’
4FRNT SKIS Gets New Owners
Jason Levinthal has sold 4FRNT. Here’s the deal, and some thoughts from Hoji.
Blister Brand Guide: Altra Running Shoe Lineup, 2020
Interested in Altra’s road or trail shoes but not sure where to start? Check out our Brand Guide, where we cover their entire 2020 lineup, highlight what’s changed since last year, and help you differentiate between all of their shoes.
La Sportiva Lycan II
The original La Sportiva Lycan was designed to be a softer, wider, and more cushioned shoe for mellow, smooth trails. But with the new Lycan II, they went in a very different direction, positioning it as a mid-distance shoe for “rocky and highly technical terrain.” So how do the two versions compare, and why should you opt for the Lycan II over Sportiva’s numerous other “mountain running” shoes?
2021 Privateer 141
Today Privateer launched their second bike, the 141, which maintains much of the modern geometry, sensible design, and very competitive price point of their Enduro-oriented 161 bike, but packages it into a shorter-travel, more versatile design for the masses. The result seems very compelling — check out our First Look for more.
Win a Men’s or Women’s Flylow Outerwear Kit
The winner this week will get both a jacket & shell from Flylow’s 20/21 collection!
Men’s Mountain Bike Jersey Roundup — 2020
We’ve rounded up 11 men’s mtb jerseys that our reviewers have been using for the past 1-2 seasons — many of which are currently on sale. Check out our roundup to see how they compare, and which ones might work well for how and where you ride.
Evolving Bike Geometry & the New Trek Slash (Ep.37)
Today, Trek officially released an update of their enduro-focused Slash, so we offer our initial impressions of the new bike and ask what this big new release might be able to tell us about where we are in terms of the evolution of bike geometry. To this end, we also talk about a couple other examples, including the Pivot Switchblade and the Rocky Mountain Instinct BC.
Salomon Sense Ride 3
Now in its 3rd iteration, the Salomon Sense Ride is a shoe that stands out not because it’s exceptional at one particular thing, but because of how well it performs across such a wide spectrum of trails and distances. Check out our full review.
Kelly Roberts on How to Start Running, Keep Running, & Her Badass Lady Gang (Ep.65)
Ever feel like you aren’t — or couldn’t ever possibly be — a “real” runner? Most of us have, which is why most of us need to meet Kelly Roberts. Kelly is good at making us feel fine about the fact that we sometimes hate running. And she’s equally good at helping us continue to run — or walk, or bike, or just keep moving. So we talk to Kelly about her moving (and hilarious) entrance into running; her Badass Lady Gang; angel ghosts; and more.
2020 Rocky Mountain Instinct BC Edition
We’ve now had 3 reviewers on Rocky Mountain’s “aggressive trail” bike, the Instinct BC. Check out our updated review for each of their takes, and how the bike compares to several other options in its class.
Paul Forward on Hunting, Climate Advocacy, & Conservation (Ep.141)
Blister reviewer, Paul Forward, is a lifelong hunter. Jonathan Ellsworth has been a vegetarian for over 20 years. So how much common ground do they share? We discuss that plus Paul’s latest solo hunt; why he only hunts with a bow; what the broader hunting community might learn from skiers & mtn bikers in terms of climate advocacy; and what skiers & mtn bikers could stand to learn from the hunting community about conservation.