BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
What’s The Most Painful Sport?
Yesterday, a bunch of runners completed the Tahoe 200, a 205-mile race that a couple participants finished in under 50 hours. Which is insane. So that got us wondering: What’s the most painful sport to be the best at? We came up with a few contenders, and we want to hear yours.
Black Diamond Shadow
Black Diamond entered the climbing-shoe market only a year ago, and the Shadow is their most aggressive offering. So how does it compare to similar shoes like the Scarpa Instinct VS and La Sportiva Testarossa & Kataki? Check out our review.
Hoka One One Evo Mafate
The Hoka Evo Mafate is the newest and most race-oriented version of Hoka’s original trail shoe, and we think many runners could get along well with it — even non-racers. Check out our review, including comparisons to the Hoka Speedgoat 2 and Torrent.
Win Men’s & Women’s Down Jackets from TREW
Summer is officially over, so it’s time to start thinking about staying warm. The two winners of our Gear Giveaway this week will each win a Super Down Shirtweight Jacket from TREW.
2019-2020 Blizzard Brahma 88
The more time we’ve spent on the Blizzard Brahma, the more dialed we think it is. Check out our full review
2018 Pivot Firebird 29
Our reviewer calls the Pivot Firebird 29 the “Firechicken,” because it’s a long-travel 29er that descends like it’s on fire, and has a speed limit that’s primarily defined by how chicken you are. Check out our full review.
Eric Freson
Age: 36 | Vitals: 5’’10” 165 lbs | Years biking: 31 | Current Residence: Gunnison Valley, Colorado Background I grew up in small-town Vermont, and was encouraged to get outside from a very young age. My first bike was a 20” BMX bike that our
Elyse Saugstad, Big Mtn Skier (Ep.74)
We talk with Elyse about filming the new MSP movie, All In; growing up in Alaska; her work with Safe As Clinics; figure skating and fantasy football (?); and the value of repeatedly finding new ways to challenge yourself.
Matt Pincus of TrainingBeta (Ep.16)
Matt Pincus is the head coach/trainer at TrainingBeta, and he has a strong resume both as a coach and a climber. We talk to Matt about balancing his climbing goals with full-time work; the most important lessons he’s learned as a coach and trainer; and some of the key things most of us get wrong when it comes to progressing.
Kenda Nevegal 2 Pro Tire
We thought the old Kenda Nevegal left a lot to be desired. But the Nevegal 2 Pro is far more compelling. Check out our review.
Nathan Williard
Age: 23 | Vitals: 6’’0” 165 lbs | Years (seriously) biking: 7 | Current Residence: Santa Fe, New Mexico Background: I have always been drawn to (or rather, obsessed with) sports, mountains, and exploring. Whether it was hiking, skating, skiing, or backpacking with my dad,
Win a Mystery Ranch Backpack
For a while now, Mystery Ranch has been making some of the best packs out there. And the winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get one of their new packs, the Robo Flip.
CAST Freetour Upgrade Kit
The CAST Freetour is the only option out there that lets you ski down on a dedicated alpine binding, and skin up with a tech toe. Check out our full review, including comparisons to the Atomic / Salomon SHIFT binding and other touring bindings.
Deep Dive: K2 Pinnacle 95 Ti
We compare the Pinnacle 95 Ti to the Blizzard Rustler 9, Elan Ripstick 96, J Skis Masterblaster, ON3P Wrenegade 96, and more…
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2018-2019 Black Crows Orb
If you want your ~90mm-wide ski to perform well even when there isn’t fresh corduroy anywhere in sight, the Black Crows Orb is worth a look. Check out our full review.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Why & How Chris King Became a B Corp (Ep.23)
What, exactly, does it mean for a company to be a Certified B Corporation business, and why should anyone care? To learn more, we reached out to Chris King Precision Components — which just completed the process of becoming one of the very few B Corp manufacturing companies in the bike industry — and asked about what the process of becoming a B Corp entails, why they decided to do it, and we also discuss Chris King’s approach to manufacturing out of their homebase of Portland, Oregon.
Flash Review: 20/21 J Skis Slacker
Update 4.30.20: we’ve spent a bit more time on J Skis’ touring ski and have updated our on-snow 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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Women’s Hiking / Outdoor Pants Roundup
Need a new pair of hiking pants for your next excursion … or trip around the block? Check out our women’s pant roundup, with options from light and breathable pants for summer hikes to comfy leggings that feel equally at home on the trail, rock, or bike (plus one for the little ones).
Black Diamond Mission Ski Shell & Mission Pants
We’ve put in more than 100 days between the Black Diamond Mission Ski Shell & Mission Pants, and they quickly became some of our favorite outerwear pieces for inbounds skiing. Check out our full review.
Random Review: Beastie Boys Story
The Beastie Boys just dropped a “live documentary,” and we explain why everyone needs to see it.
Rickey Gates on Running across America (Ep.48)
In 2017, Rickey Gates set out on an odyssey to run across America — 3,700 miles from South Carolina to San Francisco. We talked to Rickey about this cross-country adventure and what he learned along the way, and how it fits in with his other projects, like his “Every Single Street” initiative; “Hut Run Hut” and “Bus Run Bus”; and “50 Classic Trails.”
Flash Review: 20/21 Sego Condor 108
Update 4.28.20: Jonathan Ellsworth adds some of his thoughts on the Condor 108 and how it compares to the 4FRNT Raven & Salomon QST 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.
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2021-2022 Dalbello Lupo Pro HD
We’ve now put more than 60 days in Dalbello’s Lupo Pro HD, and tried it with a variety of tongue & liner combinations. Check out our full review for an in-depth look at the boot, how it compares to a variety of other touring and alpine boots, and who we think would most appreciate it.
Hoka One One EVO Speedgoat
If you’re someone who’s strayed away from maximal trail shoes because they’re often too heavy or bulky — or you’re just looking for a lighter, well-cushioned shoe — the Hoka EVO Speedgoat should be on your radar. Check out our full review.
Flash Review: 20/21 Rossignol BLACKOPS Sender
Check out our thoughts on the BLACKOPS Sender and how it compares to the BLACKOPS Sender Ti.
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 Volkl Secret 102
The Volkl Secret 102 definitely stands out in the current women’s ski market and it might be just what some aggressive skiers have been looking for, though it won’t be for everyone. Check out our full review.
Mystery Ranch Backpacks: From Special Ops to Backcountry Skiing (Ep.97)
Mystery Ranch has a long history of working with and making packs for the US military, fire departments, and law enforcement. They also make everything from backpacks for everyday use, to packs for backcountry skiing, and the company has quite a unique culture. So we sat down with product designer, Alex Rich, to discuss what it’s like to design packs for US special forces; how their military designs trickle down to outdoor packs (and vice versa); how their design ethos reflects their sustainability culture; and more.