BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Scott Spark Plus 700 Tuned
We’ve been quite skeptical of plus bikes in the past, but the Scott Spark 700 Plus Tuned basically changed all of that.
17/18 Atomic Backland FR 109
After our first day on the Atomic Backland FR 109 at Mt Bachelor we’ve got some initial impressions.
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2017 Yeti SB4.5
The Yeti SB4.5 has a blend of efficiency and stability that’s unlike most bikes in its class.
Spring Ski Review Trip – Mt Bachelor
We’re heading back to Mount Bachelor with a heavy-hitting lineup of new skis. Check out what we’re bringing, and why you ought to join us.
New Bike Stuff! (Ep.39)
We talk to Blister’s bike editor, Noah Bodman, about where the most innovations are taking place in the bike world; whether e-bikes are gaining acceptance; several particular bikes (including the YT Jeffsy, the Canyon Spectral, and a couple of “plus” bikes); and the upcoming World Cup DH season.
2020-2021 Rossignol XV Magtek Splitboard
The Rossignol XV Magtek Split is a powerful and versatile splitboard.
2017-2018 Liv Hail Advanced 1
The new Liv Hail is a women’s-specific, all-mountain bike for riders who prioritize fast and aggressive descending.
Arctic Oven Igloo Tent
If you’re looking for ways to spend extended periods of time in the wilderness for ski touring, fishing, surfing, hunting, etc., the made-in-Alaska Arctic Oven Igloo heated tent is one of the very best options we’ve used.
New Release: 2018 Fox Forks and Shocks
Fox just realeased their new shock and fork lineup.
2017 Banshee Phantom
After more time on the Banshee Phantom, we’ve got an update.
DPS Skis Founder, Stephan Drake (Ep.38)
We talk to DPS Skis founder, Stephan Drake, about the early days of DPS, ski design, and the new DPS ski boot that aims to change skiing as we know it.
Tipsy Elves Powder Blaster Ski Suit
Sure, the Tipsy Elves Powder Blaster Ski Suit is awesome, but is it bright enough? And warm? And how many beers does it hold?
2017 Surly Karate Monkey
The Surly Karate Monkey was the cheapest, and the simplest bike we rode at Interbike, but was it the most fun?
2017 Pivot Mach 429 Trail
If “XC with a bit extra” sounds like your cup of tea, the Pivot Mach 429 Trail is a great option.
2019-2020 Liberty Origin Pro
The Liberty Schuster Pro is a fun and versatile powder ski that shouldn’t be overlooked by skiers looking for a more directional ride.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
From Skiing Park to Working for NASA: LJ Strenio (Ep.94)
Last week, LJ Strenio, posted a photo of a letter from NASA congratulating him on being accepted as an intern to the Armstrong Flight Research Facility. But how does a park skier from Vermont, this star of the LINE Traveling Circus, this guy who once served as Vin Diesel’s stunt double, and this guy who has a 29-minute crash reel that is shot after shot of him destroying himself, get accepted to work for NASA? We talked to LJ to get the whole story — and it’s a great one.
19/20 G3 FINDr 102
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of G3’s new magnet-equipped 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.
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Altra Superior 4.0
This year Altra updated one of their long-standing, more minimal trail shoes, and we think the new Superior 4.0 may be a bit more divisive than the previous versions.
2020-2021 G3 FINDr 102
G3’s lightweight 19/20 FINDr series features something that we have never seen before in skis — magnets. Check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions of the new FINDr 102.
2021-2022 Salomon QST 106
We were fans of the popular Salomon QST 106, and it was one of our top picks for “50/50” inbounds & backcountry use. But for 19/20, Salomon has redesigned this ski, and we think it now has a different target demographic. Check out our review of the new QST 106.
Win a Personal GPS Device from Bivy
Win a Bivystick — a personal GPS communication device that lets you stay in touch wherever you go.
Deep Dive: Salomon QST 106
We compare the 19/20 QST 106 to the previous QST 106, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, ON3P Woodsman 108, 4FRNT MSP 107, Rossignol Soul 7 HD, Line Sick Day 104, Nordica Enforcer 104 Free, Salomon QST 99, Liberty Origin 106, Elan Ripstick 106, G3 ROAMr 108, ON3P Wrenegade 108, Prior Husume, Black Crows Corvus, Moment Commander 108, J Skis Metal, Blizzard Cochise, and Faction Dictator 3.0.
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.)
What You’re Wearing, Part 1: Synthetic Fibers (Ep.57)
How much do you actually know about the clothes in your closet, and the stuff we all wear to go play in the mountains? In our new “What You’re Wearing” miniseries, we’re shining a light on the most foundational part of apparel: the fibers. And in part 1, we dive into the world synthetic fibers with Sara Ellis from Gore (the makers of GORE-TEX).
Duncan Callahan on Reaching the Top, Burning Out, & What Comes Next (Ep.9)
There’s a common narrative in the running world about people who are struggling in life, then they are saved by running. But what happens when you’ve been an endurance athlete for over twenty years, and you then find yourself in search of some answers? We talk to Duncan Callahan — 2-time winner of the Leadville 100 and a number of other ultras — about his story, things he’d do different, and what he’s still hoping to learn.
Kuat Highline Trunk Rack
There are plenty of different ways to carry bikes on your car, but not everyone wants (or needs) an expensive, semi-permanent hitch or roof rack. That’s why trunk racks like the Kuat Highline exist, and the Highline is a great choice in this category.
Lightweight Hoody Roundup — 2019
Whether you spend your summers hiking, running, biking, fishing, or even skiing, a good lightweight hoody can make for an extremely versatile layer. Check out our roundup for several of our favorite options for men, women, and even the little ones.
2021-2022 G3 ROAMr 108
The G3 ROAMr 108 is specifically designed for both inbounds skiing and backcountry touring, and with its two layers of titanal and a relatively low weight, we think it will work well for a lot of skiers interested in a “50/50” ski.