BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
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?
New Tech & Trends in Outerwear (Ep.49)
We talk to Blister’s outerwear editor, Sam Shaheen, about the most important new tech & trends in apparel; how & why he first got involved with Blister; starting his own outwear company at the age of 15, and more.
Salomon Bonatti Pro WP Jacket
We were impressed by Salomon’s Bonatti jacket last year, and there are some key improvements to the new Bonatti Pro WP that make it even better.
A Nearly Fatal Birthday, Part 2 (Ep.48)
On our last podcast, we told you about a serious ski accident that Blister founder, Jonathan Ellsworth, was fortunate to survive. But the crash itself was only part of the story, and the weeks after the crash have been full of a number of very consequential events, decisions, and lessons, and we discuss them here.
Boreal Mutant
The Mutant is yet another shoe that is said to “excel in all areas,” but where does it really shine, and how does it compare to the competition?
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
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.
Deep Dive: DPS Foundation Koala 119
We compare the Koala F119 to the Rossignol Black Ops 118, Prior CBC, Dynastar Menace Proto, J Skis Friend, ON3P Jeffrey 116, Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro, Volkl Revolt 121, Nordica Enforcer Pro, Icelantic Nomad 115, Faction Candide 5.0, and Faction Candide 4.0.
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.)
Biotech hits the Backcountry: Checkerspot & WNDR Alpine (Ep.98)
What does biotech have to do with backcountry skiing? And what does microalgae have to do with skis? And why did the founder of 4FRNT Skis, Matt Sterbenz, agree to get involved with a new startup ski brand, WNDR Alpine? We sat down in Blister HQ with Checkerspot co-founder and CEO, Charlie Dimmler, and WNDR Alpine founder, Matt Sterbenz, to talk about the creation of WNDR Alpine; its relation to and the mission of Checkerspot; and more.
What You’re Wearing Part 2: Wool (Ep.62)
Why are more and more companies making products out of wool? What makes it unique from other fibers? And how is merino wool different from regular wool? We talk to Icebreaker’s Josh Vaughan about these questions; wool’s environmental impact; the variety of wool types and how they differ; and he provides some amazingly in-depth insight about wool’s unique properties.
La Sportiva TX3 Shoe
Approach shoes vary a lot, from casual sneaker styles to others that are basically toned-down mountaineering boots. So where does La Sportiva’s TX3 fall, and how does it compare to the competition? Check out our full review.
2019 BTR Ranger 27.5
“Enduro Hardtail” — sound like an oxymoron? Well BTR, a custom builder out of England, makes them, and one of our reviewers has spent the past 2 years riding their long and slack steel hardtail, with some surprising conclusions. Check out the full review of the BTR Ranger.
Runner, Cat Herder, Garbage Man, & Mad Moose Events Director, Justin Ricks (Ep.13)
We talk to Mad Moose race director, Justin Ricks, about walking away from running; returning to running — and leaving a secure corporate job and moving his family into a camper to do so; putting on 20+ race events a year with his family; scoring impressive results when he himself decides to race; and how running is very much a whole family affair for the Ricks’.
Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5
A lot of running shoes are marketed as being good for “all terrain,” though few actually deliver. But we think the Hoka Challenger ATR5 truly does, and you can check out our full review to see where this shoe shines in particular.
How to Change the World with Bikes: World Bicycle Relief (Ep.97)
For many of us, bikes are primarily fun. But for many others, bikes are major drivers of economic development, educational opportunity, health care, and equality. World Bicycle Relief was started by the founder of SRAM to provide bikes to developing countries, and we talk with WBR’s CEO, Dave Neiswander, about the origins of World Bicycle Relief; its trajectory and challenges; all the product design that goes into their bikes; and what each of us can do to support the WBR mission.
Crosson Skis founder, Chase Englehart (Ep.61)
Crosson Skis is a small, new company that’s making some very big claims. So we talk to their founder, Chase Englehart, about the origins of Crosson; what makes their skis different — and better; building skis outside of Seattle; working with athletes like Bobby Brown and Banks Gilberti; and their 19/20 lineup.