BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
17/18 Blister Winter Buyer’s Guide
This is the best — and biggest — Buyer’s Guide you’ve ever seen. Learn what makes ours different, and how to get your copy.
Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions
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Win the Salomon S/Lab MTN
We’re re-launching our Gear Giveaways, and to kick things off, we’re giving you the chance to win a pair of one of our favorite AT boots of all time.
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.
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.)
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.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Blister Speaker Series 2.2: Honnold Foundation ED, Dory Trimble (Ep.105)
When Alex Honnold, was looking for a new executive director for his Honnold foundation, he tapped Dory Trimble. And with the massive success of the film, Free Solo, Dory has guided what started as Alex’s small, personal passion project into a rapidly growing nonprofit working on global solar energy initiatives. So in our latest Blister Speaker Series, we talk to Dory about what it’s like working with Alex; how she’s managed the explosive growth of the Honnold Foundation; and she offers great advice for anyone interested in getting involved with organizations committed to doing social good.
BLISTER Buyer’s Guide, Pt. 2 + Reviews of Other Buyer’s Guides (Ep.69)
We answer a bunch of the questions you submitted, then assess some of the product reviews from several of the other ski review publications — and one gear recommendation website.
Patagonia’s Entire Waterproof Shell Lineup Now Made With Recycled Materials
In Patagonia’s latest step forward toward more sustainable apparel, they’ve made a big announcement regarding their waterproof shells. Learn more here.
Win Ski Boots from Scarpa
Pick any boot you want from Scarpa’s Maestrale & Gea lines!
Blister Brand Guide: Commencal Mountain Bike Lineup, 2020
Commencal is one of a few direct-to-consumer MTB brands, which means many of their bikes are significantly cheaper than their competitors. They also make several bikes that cover a pretty broad range of end uses, so check out our Brand Guide to figure out which of their bikes could be a good fit for you.
Blister Brand Guide: La Sportiva Trail Running Shoe Lineup, 2019
La Sportiva has made a name for itself in many categories, including the trail running world. Their trail running shoes range from minimal race shoes to burly options designed for rough terrain, and you can check out our Brand Guide to see what sets each Sportiva shoe apart from the others.
Which Mountain Bike Pedals, and Why?
We just added more reviewers’ perspectives on the topic of which MTB pedals they use, and why they prefer the ones that they do. Check them out here.
Jason Koop: Runner, Head Coach at CTS Ultrarunning (Ep.20)
Jason Koop is a passionate runner, the author of Training Essentials for Ultrarunning, the head coach of CTS Ultrarunning, and someone who is not afraid to speak his mind. So we talked to Jason about his endurance coaching; “nonsensical” training aids & techniques; his recent running of the 330 km Tor de Geants; the current state of the minimalist / maximalist shoe debate; what he thinks the running scene will look like 10 years from now; and a *whole* lot more.
Blister Brand Guide: Trek Mountain Bike Lineup, 2020
Trek is one of the largest bike manufacturers in the world, and they have an expansive MTB lineup. Check out our Brand Guide for an overview of all of their mountain bikes.
Dash Longe on Skiing, Ski Films, & Ski Design (Ep.104)
Dash Longe is a skier who’s been doing it — and going big — for a long time. So I spoke to Dash about his brand new film, Stone’s Throw, and about ski films in general; his coming up during the heyday of the freeskiing revolution in Tahoe; ski design and Dash’s work on the DPS Koala 119; and more. Check out this post for the whole conversation — and watch Dash’s film, Stone’s Throw.
2019 Alchemy Arktos 29
While there are now lots of “do-it-all” Trail bikes on the market, the Alchemy Arktos 29 brings something a bit different to the table. Check out our full review for more.
Blister Brand Guide: Nike Trail Running Shoe Lineup, 2019
Nike makes hundreds of shoes, and they currently offer several trail-specific running shoes. So what sets each of their trail shoes apart? Check out our latest Brand Guide.