BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles

Paul Forward reviews the Volkl 100Eight for Blister Gear Review|

2018-2019 Volkl 100Eight

The Volkl 100Eight is a lightweight ski that feels surprisingly at home in most snow conditions.

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Jonathan Ellsworth reviews the Rossignol Super 7 RD for Blister Review

2019-2020 Rossignol Super 7 RD

The Rossignol Super 7 RD is a pow ski that offers a very nice blend of quickness, stability, and pop.

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Blister Gear Review reviews the Salomon S-Lab X-Alp boot for Blister Gear Review.

17/18 Salomon S-Lab X-Alp

Here are our initial thoughts on the downhill performance of the new Salomon S-Lab X-Alp.

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Branham Snyder reviews the Five Ten Freerider EPS for Blister Gear Review

Five Ten Freerider EPS

The Five Ten Freerider EPS is a very versatile shoe for those too attached to their bikes to let a bit of bad weather put them down.

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Cy Whitling reviews the Salomon MTN Explore for Blister Gear Review

2nd Look: Salomon MTN Explore AT Boot

After more time in the Salomon MTN Explore, we’ve got a durability update.

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Andrew Forward reviews the NOW Recon snowboard binding for Blister Gear Review

2020-2021 NOW Recon Snowboard Binding

The NOW Recon binding delivers a uniquely powerful AND playful ride.

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Blister Gear Review reviews the Salomon S-Lab X-Alp boot for Blister Gear Review.

2017-2018 Salomon S/Lab X-Alp Touring Boot

Salomon waited to make an entry into the ultralight touring boot category, but their first effort looks very promising. Check out our first impressions of the S/Lab X-Alp.

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Brian Lindahl reviews the Fischer Ranger 98 Ti for Blister Gear Review.

2018 -2019 Fischer Ranger 98 Ti

The Fischer Ranger 98 Ti is light, snappy, and energetic. It’s easy to ski, but it also responds very well to solid technique. And it’s a good option for those looking for a ski to pull 50/50 duties in the resort and backcountry.

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Jonathan Ellsworth reviews the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD for Blister Gear Review.

2018-2019 Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130

The new Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 is gunning to shake up the whole world of ski boots. We’ve been putting time in it, and here is our initial take.

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Jonathan Ellsworth reviews the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD for Blister Gear Review.

17/18 Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130

We put the new Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD 130 head-to-head against the Salomon MTN Lab. So who won?

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Cy Whitling reviews the La Sportiva Spectre 2.0 for Blister Gear Review

2019-2020 La Sportiva Spectre 2.0

The La Sportiva Spectre 2.0 occupies a very versatile niche in the current landscape of touring boots and should appeal to a wide range of skiers.

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Julia Van Raalte reviews the Patagonia women's Fjord Flannel Shirt for Blister Gear Review's Flannel Roundup

Flannel Shirt & Jacket Collection

Few things beat a good flannel, so here are a few of our favorite men’s and women’s flannels from this season.

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BLISTER — Outdoor Gear Reviews, Podcasts, Buyer’s Guides, Giveaways

2021-2022 Dynastar M-Pro 105

The Pro Rider is a beautiful throwback that offers a ride quality that most “modern” skis don’t.

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Cy Whitling reviews the K2 Catamaran for Blister gear Review.

17/18 K2 Catamaran

If you like really playful skis, you’re going to want to read our initial on-snow report of K2’s newest pow ski, the Catamaran.

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Cy Whitling reviews the G3 ION 12 for Blister Gear Review

2020-2021 G3 ION 12 Binding

We looked at the G3 ION 12 in our Touring Binding Shootout, but after nearly two years on the ION 12, we’ve got our long-term review.

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BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:

Sam Shaheen reviews the Outdoor Research Refuge Air Hooded Jacket for Blister

Outdoor Research Refuge Air Hooded Jacket

“Active insulation” midlayers are designed to be warmer than fleece, but more breathable than traditional puffies. And despite strong competition in this growing category, Outdoor Research’s new Refuge Air Hooded Jacket clearly stands out. Check out our review.

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Sam Shaheen reviews the 2019 Petzl Meteor Helmet for Blister

Petzl Meteor Helmet

The Meteor has served as Petzl’s lightweight climbing helmet for more than 20 years. This year, they made their most significant update yet — making it dual-certified for both climbing and ski touring. Check out our full review of this versatile helmet.

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Sam Shaheen talks to Bivy's Pitt Grewe about personal GPS devices on Blister's GEAR:30 podcast.

GPS Devices & Backcountry Safety with Bivy (Ep.51)

GPS communication devices can be the difference between life and death in remote places. So we talk with Bivy’s Pitt Grewe about the different types of technology and devices on the market; how these devices can affect decision making; satellite networks; complicated payment plans; and … Pitt’s impressive skills as a DJ.

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Luke Koppa and Sam Shaheen review the 4FRNT Inthayne for Blister

Deep Dive: 4FRNT Inthayne

We compare the Inthayne to the Moment Deathwish, Faction Candide 4.0, Armada ARV 116 JJ, Moment Wildcat / Blister Pro, Blizzard Rustler 11, Atomic Bent Chetler 120, Dynastar PR-OTO Factory, Rossignol Black Ops 118, Line Outline, Prior CBC, Icelantic Nomad 115, Folsom Trophy Carbon, Blizzard Spur, and Line Sick Day 114.

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win men's or women's Norrona fjora flex1 mountain biking shorts; Blister Gear Giveaway

Win Norrona’s Men’s or Women’s MTB Shorts

Need a new pair of MTB shorts? If so, you’re in luck…

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Luke Koppa reviews the Armada Tracer 98 for Blister

2020-2021 Armada Tracer 98

Armada is tweaking their Tracer 98 for 19/20 in order to be more competitive with the growing class of ~100mm-wide backcountry and 50/50 skis. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions to see what they changed.

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Kristin Sinnott reviews the Strafe Sunnyside Alpha Anorak for Blister

Strafe Sunnyside Alpha Anorak

If you’re looking for a good-looking and versatile midlayer that you can use for a bit of everything, we highly recommend giving the Strafe Sunnyside Alpha Anorak a look. Check out our full review.

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Luke Koppa reviews the Fischer Ranger 94 FR for Blister

2021-2022 Fischer Ranger 94 FR

When Fischer announced a narrower version of their excellent Ranger 102 FR, we were instantly intrigued. Now you can check out our full review to see how the new Ranger 94 FR performs, and what type of skier will like it most.

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Luke Koppa reviews the Fischer Ranger 94 FR for Blister

Deep Dive: Fischer Ranger 94 FR

We compare the Ranger 94 FR to the Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Fischer Ranger 99Ti, Moment Commander 98, J Skis Masterblaster, Nordica Enforcer 100, Renoun Endurance 98, Armada ARV 96Ti, Rossignol Black Ops 98, Dynastar Menace 98, Liberty Origin 96, 4FRNT MSP 99, Blizzard Rustler 9, Atomic Bent Chetler 100, ON3P Wrenegade 96, and Blizzard Brahma.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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Jonathan Ellsworth discusses James Buehler's snowboard descent of Ciochetti's Ribbon on the BLISTER Podcast

James Buehler on Riding the Ribbon, Devil’s Castle (Ep.90)

You may have seen last week some pretty mind-blowing (and terrifying) footage of a snowboarder negotiating the Ribbon on Devil’s Castle at Alta. So we talked to James Buehler about his apparent first descent with Alex Gavic of the Ribbon on a snowboard, and James walks us through the technical aspects of the route; his preparation for the line; the mental and physical demands it imposes; encountering multiple cruxes; the “Ronald McDonald Grin”; and what’s next on his list.

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Luke Koppa reviews the Arc'teryx Rush LT Jacket for Blister

Arc’teryx Rush LT Jacket

Arc’teryx’s Rush LT Jacket brings lightweight protection to a snowsports-oriented design, but we think it’s worth a look for a wide range of people, not just those who like to slide down snow. Check out our full review.

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Sam Shaheen discusses how to gear up for big days in the mountains on Blister's GEAR:30 Podcast

Gearing Up for Big Days in the Mountains (Ep.50)

Last Saturday, Sam Shaheen skied three different lines in one day on the Colorado 14er, Torrey’s Peak. Jonathan Ellsworth sits down with Sam to discuss the details of this “Torrey’s Peak Triple Crown”; the ‘D-Scale’ of rating ski descents; the gear, apparel, and food he used on the mountain; and the safety and decision-making process throughout the day.

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