BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Evolv Supra
The Evolv Supra is a compelling option as a workhorse sport-climbing shoe, and offers an effective blend of performance and comfort.
Smith Rover Helmet
The Smith Rover is a very breathable Trail helmet, but that breathability seems to come at the cost of durability.
Deep Dive: Faction Dictator 3.0
We put the Faction Dictator 3.0 up against the HEAD Kore 105, Line Sick Day 104, Faction Candide 3.0, Black Crows Corvus Freebird, Moment Belafonte, ON3P Wrenegade 108, and Blizzard Cochise.
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2018-2019 Faction Dictator 3.0
Faction claims their “Dictator” series is designed for hard-charging “lunatics” and “maniacs.” Here’s our full review of the (pretty unusual) 105mm-wide Dictator 3.0.
10 Notable Things We Saw at Interbike
There’s lots of talk *about* Interbike these days, but what were the most noteworthy things we saw at Interbike? Here’s our Top 10.
Camo is the New Black: Interbike 2017 (Ep.56)
On location in Las Vegas, we talk to Blister bike editor, Noah Bodman, about the current state of Interbike; the most intriguing bikes we rode; the most interesting products we’ve seen; and the most bizarre stuff on the trade show floor.
DPS’ The Shadow Campaign: “The Space Within”
Missing deep days? Check out the new video from DPS Cinematic.
Down vs. Synthetic: Ethical & Environmental Issues
Is down insulation a “green” material? How do synthetics compare? We discuss the environmental and ethical impacts of insulation in our Topic of the Week.
17/18 Blizzard Rustler 11
Here are our initial on-snow reports on the Blizzard Rustler 11 from three different Blister reviewers.
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.)
Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody II
Want to ditch your slimy sunscreen? Want sun protection that works year-round, and not just for the dog days of summer? If so, the Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody II is worth a look …
Edelrid Mega Jul Belay Device
The Edelrid Mega Jul offers an intriguing combination of assisted braking functionality and minimal weight, and though it’s not the best all-around belay device, it performs well in particular climbing situations.
Peter Bauer on the Past, Present, & Future of Snowboarding (Ep.55)
We talk to Peter Bauer (4-time world champ, freeriding pioneer, and co-founder of Amplid) about the history and culture of snowboarding, its inextricable ties to skiing, and the current health of the sport.
2017 YT Capra AL Comp
The Capra is a very downhill-oriented bike that offers a huge margin for error when things go awry. While it’s not a do-everything Trail bike, YT succeeded in making the Capra a bike that does exactly what a lot of riders want out of their long-travel rigs. And compared to just about every brand out there, the bang for the buck that YT offers is unbeatable.
Big vs. Small Ski Companies — Who’s Building Better Skis?
When it comes to building the best skis, do the big brands have the edge, or is there an advantage to being the little guy?
Numinous (featuring Kye Petersen)
The latest from Dendrite Studios features rowdy lines and their signature stunning visuals.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Everyday Backpack Roundup — 2019
Need a new everyday backpack? We’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite options, with everything from clean, simple bags that are great for work or school to packs that can also work for casual hikes and travel.
What You’re Wearing, Part 3: Down (Ep.64)
Misconceptions about down are everywhere — fill power, proper care, and animal welfare are all often wildly misunderstood. So today, we’re talking with Matthew Betcher from Allied Feather & Down to shed some light on this fascinating material.
Win Men’s and Women’s Slippers from Olukai
It’s almost fall, or as we like to call it — slipper season. Enter to win any pair of Olukai slippers you want!
Zach Bitter on His New 100-Mile World Record (Ep.15)
On Saturday, August 25th, Zach Bitter set an incredible world record for the fastest time in which a human being has run 100 miles: 11 hours, 19 minutes, 13 seconds. And for an encore, he kept running … and also set the 12-hour distance world record. So we talked to Zach after his big day about the logistics of the event; training for it; why he considers it his masterpiece; his perspective on this world record and others; and a whole lot more. Whether you are a runner or not, you should not miss this one.
Up & Coming: Slopestyle Mountain Biker, Ming Goetz (Ep.99)
Aside from her unassuming disposition, everything about Ming Goetz is extraordinary — her name; her background; her favorite discipline; her competing recently in the Crankworx Whip Off Challenge; her participation this season in the 1st ever Women’s Slopestyle Tour; her plans for the future (competing in Red Bull Rampage) and, of course … her abilities on a bike. So ladies & gentlemen, get ready to meet Ming.
Sunglasses Roundup — 2019
End up breaking or losing your sunglasses this summer? Still looking for a new pair of shades? We’ve just updated our sunglasses roundup with even more options, several of which are on sale now.
2020-2021 DPS Foundation Koala 119
UPDATE: After we published our review of the DPS Koala F119, Dash Longe — who had a large role in the creation of the ski — shared his assessment of our review, then offered his own take on the ski and its purpose. Check out what Dash had to say.
Win a Blister Membership
Need advice on gear? Want discounts on brands like ON3P, Moment, J Skis, 4FRNT, Folsom, Prior, and more? Enter to win a Blister Membership!
WNDR Alpine’s New Skis (Ep.63)
We talk to WNDR Alpine’s founder, Matt Sterbenz, and brand manager, Xan Marshland, about the creation of and the future plans for WNDR Alpine; its relation to the biotech company, Checkerspot; and we dive deep into the details of their new ski, the Intention 110.
How to Have a Constructive Conversation about e-Bikes (Ep.8)
Like politics and religion, e-bikes are a topic that get people extremely worked up, often result in name calling, and rarely are productive. And this needs to change, because e-Bikes are not going away. So we talked to Dave Wiens, the executive director of the International Mountain Biking Association, to help clarify what all the fuss is about; identify what the biggest issues are with e-mountain bikes; present the concerns that the advocates of — and the opponents of — e-bikes need to understand; and lay out what the best way forward looks like.
Shorts Roundup — 2019
Companies are now making lots of shorts that not only look great, but that can also handle days on the trails, wall, water, or bike. We’ve collected a number of our favorite options for men and women — check them out here.
David Roche on the Philosophy Behind His Coaching (Ep.14)
David Roche is one of the most successful running coaches out there, but he is definitely not the most conventional running coach out there. So we explore with David the philosophy and principles that undergird his coaching; how he went from being a 200 lb. football & baseball player to two-time national champion in the 10k; what new training ideas seem most promising to him; and more.