BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Fixing Dangerous Bolts: Greg Barnes and the ASCA (Ep.6)
When climbing outside, how safe are the bolts we encounter? Should we trust them? Who maintains and / or replaces them? Greg Barnes, the Director of the American Safe Climbing Association, answers all our questions about bolts and more.
Adam Ondra’s “Silence”
What did it take to send the hardest sport route in the world? Watch the remarkable process.
Blister in Telluride: Trip Report
We’re heading back to Telluride on Friday to test a lot more 18/19 gear. So while we mount up more skis, check out our trip report and gallery from the last trip, then come join us!
17/18 Renoun Endurance 98
Here are our initial on-snow impressions of the most unusual ski we’ve ever reviewed.
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2017-2018 Renoun Endurance 98
This is the most mental thing we’ve ever reviewed. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions.
2019-2020 Full Tilt Ascendant
For the 18/19 season, Full Tilt is introducing their first ever touring boot, the Ascendant. Complete with tech fittings, a removable tongue, and a unique touring overlap liner, the Ascendant appears to be the boot that a lot of skiers have been waiting for. Check out our initial on-snow impressions.
Mystery Ranch Saddle Peak Pack
The Mystery Ranch Saddle Peak backpack does an excellent job of balancing the needs of a ski pack, and offers a few features we haven’t seen on any similar packs.
Arc’teryx Procline FL Pant
Arc’teryx says their soft shell Procline FL Pant is for “high output technical climbs and challenging ski descents,” and after over 40 days in it, we weigh in on how the Procline FL handles both aspects of that description.
17/18 Faction Dictator 4.0
After spending some time on it in Telluride, here are our initial on-snow impressions of the Faction Dictator 4.0, with comparisons to the 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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Testing in Telluride: 18/19 Ski Gear (Ep.11)
Today we’re discussing the 18/19 ski gear we’ve been testing at Telluride, including the Line Sakana, ON3P Wrenegade 114, Faction Dictator 4.0, Rossi Soul 7, the Atomic/Salomon SHIFT binding, and more.
Win a Rossi Soul 7 HD or Soul 7 HD W
We’ve been very impressed (and extremely surprised) by the Soul 7 HD. So for this week’s giveaway, the winner will get to pick either the Soul 7 HD or women’s Soul 7 HD W. Learn more about the Soul 7 HD Here, and then enter for your chance to win.
2020-2021 Volkl Mantra M5
We just spent more time on the new Mantra M5 in Telluride, so now, Jonathan Ellsworth gets to weigh in on this latest iteration of the Mantra.
18/19 Rossignol Soul 7 HD
After a couple days on the new Rossignol Soul 7 HD, we have some surprising initial impressions…
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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18/19 Line Sakana
After spending some time on Line’s new swallowtail all-mountain ski, the Sakana, you can now 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
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18/19 Faction Candide 4.0
Jonathan Ellsworth and Sam Shaheen spent time this weekend on the Candide 4.0, so here are their initial impressions, and some comparisons to the Blizzard Rustler 11.
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:
Sanjay Rawal on Running Dumb, Training Slow, & Finding Joy through Exertion (Ep.33)
We talk to Sanjay Rawal about his rather spectacular performance — and even more spectacular meltdown — near the end of the California International Marathon, and discuss the concepts of running dumb; training slow; finding joy through exertion; whether it is possible to run a great time by not caring about running a great time; and more.
Spyder Turret GTX Shell Pants
Spyder recently brought back their “Freeski” collection, designed specifically for freeride and freestyle skiers. Their Turret GTX Pants package proven, high-end materials into a design and style that we haven’t seen from the brand in a long time, and you can check out our review for more.
Ski & Snowboard Industry Predictions for the New Decade (Ep.115)
What will the ski & snowboard industry look like 10 years from now? Will backcountry skiing and splitboarding keep growing? Will indoor ski areas become more common? Will there be fewer or more ski companies in existence 10 years from now? We offer our predictions on all of these questions and more.
La Sportiva Lycan
La Sportiva has made a name for themselves by making shoes specifically designed for technical, mountainous terrain. But their Lycan looks to fill a void in their lineup — a softer, wider, and more comfortable option for moderate terrain and longer distances. Check out our full review.
Flash Review: 19/20 Moment Commander 98
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the new Moment Commander 98.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Best Ski Gear of the Past Decade (Ep.81)
Of the entire past decade, what was the most influential ski, ski boot, and ski binding? What was the best ski? What were the biggest trends? And what was our selection for the Best Product of the Decade? We cover all of this and more.
Flash Review: 19/20 WNDR Alpine Intention 110
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the cambered version of the WNDR Alpine Intention 110.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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2021-2022 Icelantic Nomad 105
We’ve been skiing Icelantic’s best-selling ski, the Nomad 105, and we now understand why it holds that title. Check out our full review & Deep Dive comparisons.
Deep Dive: Icelantic Nomad 105
We compare the Nomad 105 to the Shaggy’s Ahmeek 105, Moment Deathwish, Moment Wildcat 108, Salomon Qst 106, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, 4FRNT MSP 107, Liberty Origin 106, Blizzard Rustler 10, ON3P Woodsman 108, Nordica Enforcer Free 104, Armada ARV 106Ti, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Line Sick Day 104, & J Skis Metal.
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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Blister Brand Guide: Giant / Liv Mountain Bike Lineup, 2020
Giant is the largest bike manufacturer in the world, so it makes sense that Giant and its sister brand, Liv, make a wide range of mountain bikes. Check out our Brand Guide to quickly figure out how each Giant & Liv bike differs, and which one might work best for you.
Loungewear Roundup
Sometimes, all you want is to be comfortable. It’s great to have soft, cozy clothing for those days when the main activity is doing no activity at all, and we’ve rounded up several of our favorite, comfy tops, bottoms, & slippers for men & women.