BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
The North Face Ventrix Hoodie
The North Face Ventrix Hoodie is a very good breathable mid layer that, the more we use it, the more often we’re grabbing it for skiing, climbing, or heading to town.
2019-2020 K2 Ikonic 84 Ti
We figured we’d end 2017 talking about one of the new skis that’s impressed us the most, and why it earned a Blister “Best Of” award — the K2 Ikonic 84 Ti.
Black Sheep Sports, Sebastian Steinbach (Ep.6)
Back in 2010, Sebastian Steinbach had the crazy idea to defy traditional European ski culture and open a freeride-specific ski shop in Munich, Germany. We talk to Sebastian about what he was thinking (???), differences between European & North American ski culture, and some of his current favorite products for skiing in the Alps.
Norrona Lyngen Hybrid Jacket and Pants
Norrona’s soft shell / hard shell Lyngen Hybrid Jacket and Pants are excellent options for those looking for a touring kit that effectively blends weather protection and breathability.
On the Fritschi Tecton & Vipec Evo (Ep.5)
We talk to blister reviewers Brian Lindahl and Cy Whitling about their experiences testing the Fritschi Tecton & Vipec Evo alpine touring bindings, and how they would rank them among some other popular AT bindings.
Winter Outerwear & Apparel: Reviewers’ Choices (17/18)
We’re wrapping up our series on layering for different winter activities and locations. Check out our reviewers’ selections for everything from ice climbing to heli skiing.
2020-2021 Fritschi Tecton 12
We’ve got another update on the Tecton 12 with a lot of new information, including our on-snow comparisons of the Tecton vs. an alpine binding.
Hoody Roundup, 2017
We love hoodies, and here are some of our favorite more casual options (though you’ll still find us running, skiing, biking, etc. in some of them too).
2020-2021 Fritschi Vipec Evo 12
We weigh in on the new Fritschi Vipec Evo 12, and discuss why we think it is such a good option for a wide range of skiers.
2018-2019 HEAD Wild Joy
The HEAD Wild Joy is a stiff, powerful, and precise all-mountain ski that’s looking for a pilot who knows how to work a ski from edge to edge and has a thing for laying down train tracks.
Introducing: All Things Climbing
Check out our new weekly climbing podcast, All Things Climbing.
Patagonia Pluma Jacket
If you’re looking for a single jacket to use for everything you do outside, Patagonia’s new Pluma is a great option.
The New Volkl Mantra M5 (Ep.4)
Today, Volkl is announcing their new Mantra M5 and Secret, and last month, we headed to Germany to talk to Volkl’s lead designers of the new skis and to also get some initial time on snow.
4FRNT — Turnagain Pass, AK
It’s not spectacular, but it’s unusually relatable and definitely worth watching.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Casual Shoe & Boot Roundup — 2019
While we love to talk about the newest and most technical footwear, we spend most of our time in much more casual shoes and boots. The good news is that we’re continuing to see casual-looking shoes that are more comfortable, more versatile, and / or more environmentally sustainable, and you can check out our roundup for several of our favorite men’s and women’s options.
2021-2022 Salomon S/Max 130 and S/Max 130 Carbon
Blister reviewer, Eric Freson, spent most of last season skiing the Salomon S/Max 130 & S/Max 130 Carbon, and he offers his take on the two boots, how they differ, and where he thinks they excel.
Win Goggles, Poles, & a Backpack from Zipline
Enter to win some new gear from Zipline!
Nikwax & the Future of DWRs (Ep.76)
DWRs — or “Durable Water Repellent” coatings — play an enormous role in the performance of your outdoor gear, and are used on nearly every waterproof garment on the market. But most DWRs are made with chemicals called PFCs, which can be harmful to you and the environment. Nikwax, however, has never made any of their specialized cleaning, conditioning, or waterproofing products with PFCs. So we talked with Heidi Allen from Nikwax about how DWRs work; the dangers of PFCs; how the industry is attempting to shift away from PFCs; garment care; and more.
2019-2020 Kastle MX99
We recently received the Kastle MX99, and this ski has many of us at Blister very, very excited. Check out our First Look to see why.
What We’re Watching — November, 2019
Today we’re thankful for a lot of things, including all of you — and ski movies. Lots of ski movies. For some pre- or post-Thanksgiving dinner entertainment, check out a bunch of new ski videos that dropped this past week.
Stevie Kremer on the NYC Marathon & More (Ep.27)
Stevie Kremer is back on the show, and she came to BLISTER HQ in Mt. Crested Butte to talk about her experience at this year’s New York City Marathon — including all the gory details and the lessons she learned; the things about running she truly loves and truly hates the most; how many children is too many children, and more.
2020 Trek Fuel EX
This year Trek overhauled their most popular Trail bike, the Fuel EX, and we’ve started spending time on the Fuel EX 9.8 XT. Check out our First Look and initial on-trail impressions.
‘Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season’ with TGR’s Steve Jones (Ep.110)
Most of us know Vonn as one of the greatest ski racers of all time — and probably the toughest. But in the new HBO film, Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season, Vonn pulls back the curtain on her career and the steep price of pursuing the record for most World Cup wins.
So we talked to the film’s co-director and Teton Gravity Research co-founder, Steve Jones, about the making of this film; Vonn’s accessibility and emotional vulnerability; the hidden costs of pursuing greatness; and more.
2019-2020 Spark R&D Women’s Surge Pro Splitboard Binding
Spark recently released women’s versions of their “Pro” line of splitboard bindings, and after spending much of last season on the Women’s Surge Pro, it received our “Best Of” award. Check out our full review to see why.
1-Ski Quivers: Reviewers’ Selections (19/20)
Check out Part 2 of our reviewers’ 1-ski-quiver selections, including additions from Jonathan Ellsworth, Sascha Anastas, Kara Williard, & Paul Forward.
Moment Skis CEO, Luke Jacobson (Ep.75)
We talk to Moment Skis CEO, Luke Jacobson, about Moment’s entire “Commander” series; why we still need to do a better job educating skiers; how the Deathwish got its name; the history of the Bibby and the Blister Pro; some upcoming changes to the Blister Pro; and more.