BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Sweet Protection Dissenter Helmet
Budget-oriented bike helmets tend to all be pretty similar. But the Sweet Protection Dissenter has a few key features that make it stand out, and you won’t have to take out a second mortgage to afford it.
2019-2020 ON3P Wrenegade 108
Since it’s Independence day, we figured we’d talk about a ski made by an Independent manufacturer, right here in America. Check out our full review of the new ON3P Wrenegade 108.
The North Face Summit L2 FuseForm Fleece ½ Zip Hoodie
The Summit L2 FuseForm Fleece ½ Zip Hoodie is one of The North Face’s most technical, breathable fleeces. So how does it compare to the reference piece in this category, the Patagonia R1 Hoody?
2020-2021 Salomon MTN Pure / Atomic Backland Pure
While the Salomon / Atomic Shift binding is a revolutionary piece of ski equipment, Salomon and Atomic also make a touring binding on the much lighter and simpler end of the spectrum. So is the MTN / Backland Tour as game-changing as the Shift? And how does it compare to the other options in the lightweight touring binding category?
Scarpa Furia S
The new Scarpa Furia S is one of the softest climbing shoes on the market, and is designed to offer ultimate precision and grip for overhung terrain. So does it? And how does it compare to shoes like the Scarpa Drago, Five Ten Team VXI, and La Sportiva Futura? Check out our full review.
18/19 Renoun Z-Line 90
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the Renoun Z-Line 90, with comparisons to the Head Monster 88, Blizzard Brahma, Folsom Spar 88, and more…
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Patagonia Houdini Vest
A lot of our reviewers love the Patagonia Houdini Jacket. But when you ditch the sleeves, how much versatility do you lose? Or gain? Check out our review of the Patagonia Houdini Vest.
Runner Profile: Jaden Anderson
Vitals: 5’10”, 155 lbs Running Background, Style, and General Preference. I stepped into the running world during my Sophomore year of high school. By chance. I joined the cross country team at my small high school late in the season simply because the team needed
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD
When it comes to bike shoes, there are plenty of burly skate-style shoes that sacrifice pedaling performance, and a lot of pedal-oriented shoes that look out of place anywhere except on the bike. In between those two categories sits the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD, and it’s definitely worth a look for riders looking for some of the best of both worlds.
Luke Koppa
Luke Koppa at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort bike park. (photo by Andrew Arnold) Age: 25 | Vitals: 5’8,” ~155 lbs | Years Biking: 4 | Current Residence: Crested Butte, Colorado Mountain Biking Background Compared to our other reviewers, I’m pretty new to mountain biking.
Women’s Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody
We called the men’s version of the Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody, “just about perfect.” Now we weigh in on the women’s R1 Tech Face Hoody — how well it works across a broad range of activities, and how it compares to the original R1 Hoody.
Alpenglow Mtn Festival + Stuff We Learned during Spring Ski Testing (Ep.20)
We talk with Blister editors, Luke Koppa and Sam Shaheen, about the recent Alpenglow Mountain Festival and running with our hero, Courtney Dauwalter. Then we discuss some of the key takeaways from our spring ski testing, including Domino’s thin-crust pizza, dumb gear, and some great gear.
18/19 Folsom Skis Spar 88
The Folsom Skis Spar 88 reminds us a lot of a ski we really like — the Blizzard Brahma. Check out our initial on-snow impressions to see how they compare.
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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Win an Ultralight Sleep System from Sea to Summit
This one is pretty awesome — win a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, liner, and pillow from Sea to Summit.
Deep Dive: Moment Meridian 107
We compare the Meridian 107 to the ON3P Kartel 108, Faction Candide 3.0 & Prodigy 3.0, 4FRNT Devastator, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Nordica Enforcer 110, and more…
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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BLISTER 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.
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 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.
(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.)
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.