BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
2018 Rockshox Pike RCT3
We put the new 2018 Pike RCT3 up against the 2017 fork, and weigh in on what’s different, what’s better, and what isn’t.
Patagonia’s Newest Campaign
Patagonia is spending nearly $700,000 on an ad campaign — and it’s not for one of their products.
MSR WindBurner Stove System
The MSR WindBurner might be the best canister stove currently on the market. Check out our full review and comparisons to find out why.
Deep Dive: 4FRNT Raven
We compare the 4FRNT Raven to the HEAD Kore 105, LINE Tourist 102, Volkl BMT 109, Black Diamond Helio 105, Blizzard Zero G 108, Faction Candide 3.0, Salomon QST 106, and G3 FINDr 102.
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New Tech — Down “Fabric”?
Eddie Bauer’s new midlayer — and the insulation it utilizes — is a significant departure from traditional down jackets.
2020-2021 Spark R&D Surge Splitboard Binding
Spark R&D updated their Surge binding for the 17/18 season. So how burly is it, and how does it compare to other lightweight, stiff splitboard bindings like the Karakoram Prime Carbon?
New Grade300 wheelset from Industry 9
Industry Nine has debuted a new downhill wheel, the Grade300. Here are more of the details…
What’s Up with K2? And Rossignol Mtn Bikes? (Ep.50)
To mark the occasion of our 50th episode, we bring back our very first guest on the podcast, Jed Yeiser, to talk about what’s going on at K2, Rossignol’s move into mountain biking, and more.
2020-2021 Parlor Skis Mountain Jay
The Parlor Skis Mountain Jay has a unique shape and rocker profile that immediately got our attention, and you can now read our full review.
Rossignol Introduces … Mtn Bikes?
One of the largest, most historic ski manufacturers in the world is introducing a collection of mountain bikes.
2017-2018 Head Monster 88
Here’s our full review of the new Head Monster 88.
Patagonia Alpine Houdini Jacket
Patagonia’s Alpine Houdini is the waterproof version of their extremely popular Houdini jacket. We weigh in on its fit differences with the original Houdini, its versatility, and which version of the Houdini you should consider.
Strafe Pyramid Jacket
Strafe’s new Pyramid Jacket features an updated Neoshell membrane, and Strafe says it is equally at home in the backcountry as it is in the resort. So is this really a true “50/50” piece?
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2019 Nicolai / GeoMetron G16
Every brand is now making longer and slacker bikes, but few have taken this approach to the extremes of Nicolai. So, how does their ultra-long and ultra-slack G16 Enduro bike actually perform on trail, and how does it compare to the more moderate competition? Check out our full review of the G16.
T-Shirt Roundup — 2019
A t-shirt can be a lot of things: burly bike jersey, ultralight running top, or the coziest loungewear best reserved for your couch. We’ve rounded up a ton of options that cover that whole spectrum — check them out here.
2021-2022 Salomon QST Stella 106
The overhauled Salomon QST Stella 106 now looks like it stands out a lot more in the women’s ski market. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions to see why.
A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 3: Racers & Race Boots (Ep.60)
How do elite ski racers like Marcel Hirsher, Mikaela Shiffrin, Bode Miller, and Daron Rahlves “feel” their gear, and their ski boots in particular? We talk to Matt Manser about this; forward lean; ‘static’ power straps vs. ‘elastic’ Booster Straps; whether WC skiers or WC DH mtn bikers are pickier about their equipment; and more.
Win a Bike Rack from Kuat
Win Kuat’s flagship bike rack, the NV 2.0 — a hitch-mounted bike rack with capacity for two bikes.
Promising or Pointless? 5 Weird New Bike Products (Ep.6)
Sometimes “different” is better. Other times, it’s just dumb. So we discuss a number of very unconventional new products: the Trust Message linkage fork; Structure Cycleworks’ SCW1 linkage fork / frame system; high-pivot trail bikes and the Forbidden Druid; Starling Cycles’ ‘Jack Drive’ bikes; and Tannus Armour tire inserts.
La Sportiva Cobra Eco
La Sportiva recently released a new, more environmentally friendly version of their classic Cobra shoe, and we’ve now spent a year in the new Cobra Eco to see how it compares.
Meghan Hicks, managing editor, iRunFar (Ep.11)
Brendan Leonard and Jonathan Ellsworth talk to Meghan Hicks — who is one hell of a trail runner in her own right — about her background; covering the “puke fests and the transcendental moments” of trail running; how iRunFar.com came to be; what motivates her to run; what she thinks is the most misunderstood thing about ultra races; and more.
2021-2022 Moment Deathwish Tour 112
Moment just released a new version of their Deathwish — the Deathwish Tour. And after spending time on it this past season, we think the new ski stands out in the touring market. Check out our full review.
Up & Coming: Skier AND Mtn Biker, Dylan Siggers (Ep.96)
Today we’re launching our new Up & Coming series, where we’ll be highlighting some athletes who, if they aren’t already on your radar, they should be. And first up is Dylan Siggers, because few people out there are this good on skis and on a bike. Plus, Dylan is also involved in filmmaking and music, so we talk to him about skiing, biking, filming, music, and more.
19/20 Atomic Backland 107
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of Atomic’s wider touring ski.
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.)
Win a Blanket from Rumpl
Get Rumpl’s new, recycled, and very versatile NanoLoft blanket.