BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
7 Generations Film — Kickstarter Campaign
The management of public lands has been a very hot topic lately, and in northern Minnesota, two proposed sulfide-ore copper mines have people questioning their impact on the massive nearby wilderness areas. Now, two filmmakers are hoping to shed more light on the issue. Learn more here.
Mountain Equipment Tupilak 37+ Pack
The new Mountain Equipment Tupilak 37+ is one of the best climbing packs we’ve used. Check out our review, including comparisons to the Patagonia Ascensionist and Osprey Variant 37.
Bolt Restrictions, Hardware Committees, and Threatened Access (Ep.14)
Climbing is growing — really fast. At some crags around the country, that means that our impact has also been growing, which has forced the critical question of how best to manage the increased traffic on public lands. So today we’re talking about best practices, controversial approaches, and how climbing culture could be affected if oversight from outside of the climbing community becomes the new norm.
Hoka One One Torrent
Hoka is known for their max-cushioned shoes, but their brand-new Torrent is different. So how does this more moderately-cushioned trail shoe perform, and how does it compare to Hoka’s other trail shoes like the Speedgoat 2 and Evo Mafate? Check out our review.
Mountain Biking 101: DIY Tubeless Tire Sealant
Tubeless tire sealant can get expensive, especially when you’re swapping out tires often, so our bike editor gives the rundown on mixing up your own sealant at home.
Win Men’s & Women’s Sandals from Teva
Enter to win new sandals from Teva.
Deep Dive: Faction Candide 3.0
We compare the 18/19 Candide 3.0 to the ON3P Kartel 108, Faction Prodigy 3.0, Moment Meridian 107, Sego Big Horn 106, Line Sick Day 104, and more…
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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18/19 DPS Alchemist Cassiar 79
The Alchemist Cassiar 79 is DPS’ narrowest ski, it has a 12.5 m radius, and the longest length it’s offered in is 167 cm. The result? Check out our initial 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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Five Ten Hiangle
Five Ten says that the Hiangle is “relaxed enough for all-day climbing” and “aggressive enough to tackle steep, overhanging routes.” But how comfortable and how aggressive is it really? Check out our full review with tons of comparisons to other shoes.
Mammut Ultralight Removable Airbag 3.0
Avalanche airbags can provide significant safety benefits, but they can also be prohibitively expensive or discouragingly heavy. But the Mammut Ultralight Removable Airbag 3.0 is one of the lightest and one of the least expensive airbag packs on the market, so is the problem finally solved?
Trans BC Enduro Stage Race — Recap & Bike Build Review
Our bike editor recently completed the Trans BC Enduro Stage Race — 6 days, ~145 miles, ~31,000 feet of climbing, ~45,000 feet of descending. Check out his recap of the event; how and why he picked his bike and build; and how everything performed. (This writeup is awesome, BTW.)
2019-2020 Armada Invictus 89 Ti
The Armada Invictus 89 Ti is the narrowest metal-laminate ski in Armada’s revamped Invictus lineup, and while it has two layers of titanal, it isn’t heavy, and it has lots of tip rocker. So what sort of ski is it? Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions.
Altra Duo
The Altra Duo is a really uncommon shoe that aims to combine the greater efficiency of a racing flat with the greater comfort of a maximally cushioned trainer. So what’s the result? Check out our review.
Fox Float DPX2 Rear Shock
If you like the sound of a lighter, more pedal-friendly shock that will improve the downhill performance of your Trail bike, the Fox Float DPX2 warrants a very serious look.
Sample Deep Dive: Black Crows Daemon
Curious about our Deep Dive comparisons? Check out this sample Deep Dive of the Black Crows Daemon, including the new Volkl Mantra, the Blizzard Bonafide, Nordica Enforcer 100, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, J Skis Masterblaster, Liberty Origin 96, and more…
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
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.
Win Men’s & Women’s Hiking Kits from Eddie Bauer
Enter for a chance to win a softshell jacket, baselayer, & pants from Eddie Bauer!
Best / Worst Ideas for Our Blister ‘Crash Course’ Videos (Ep. 22)
As a way to show our appreciation for our Bikes & Big Ideas listeners, we discussed our best / worst ideas for the bikes edition of our Blister ‘Crash Course’ video series — and some of the ideas are truly magnificent. So check it out, and then please feel free to suggest your own best / worst ideas for our ‘Crash Course’ bike videos.
Flash Review: 20/21 Majesty Havoc
Check out Paul Forward’s initial impressions of the new Majesty Havoc.
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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(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.)
2020-2021 Majesty Havoc
We’re reviewing a number of Majesty’s new 20/21 skis, including the 110mm-wide, freeride-oriented Havoc. Check out our First Look for more info.
Houdini Shelter Anorak
Anoraks: one of the most controversial topics at Blister. Well, our managing editor has decided to continue to anger our editor-in-chief by testing more of them, and Houdini’s Shelter Anorak has become one of his all-time favorites. Check out his review of this minimal, waterproof shell.
2020-2021 K2 Recon Pro
We’ve seen a lot of companies making lighter and lighter alpine boots over the past few years, but that category hadn’t extended past the 130-flex realm. That changes for 20/21 with the introduction of the K2 Recon Pro — a lightweight boot with a stated flex of 140 and several unique features. Check out our First Look.
Jenny & Scott Jurek on Cooking, Running, & Kids (Ep.47)
Late last week, Brendan Leonard and Jonathan Ellsworth talked with Jenny and Scott Jurek. This probably wasn’t the conversation that you ought to have when you get to talk with a running icon like Scott Jurek and someone who is as accomplished and interesting as Jenny, but, whatever. We had fun, and you will, too. Among other things, we talk about Scott’s very first race; Jenny’s transition from climbing to running; Scott’s love of cooking; Jenny’s ambition to set the Slowest Known Time on the Pacific Crest Trail; and the process of co-writing their wonderful book, North.