Reviews

What We’re Wearing, Skiing 23/24: Luke Koppa

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Most of our reviews and conversations have the goal of helping you, our audience, figure out what gear might work best for you and your particular preferences, circumstances, etc. However, it can be fun (and sometimes, maybe, even illuminating) to occasionally shrug off the cloak of objectivity and just talk about what we personally use and enjoy. In our new “What We’re Wearing” series, we’re doing just that, having several of our reviewers run us through their head-to-toe kits for this winter. First up, our managing editor and self-diagnosed apparel obsessive, Luke Koppa.

Layering 101: Types of Outdoor Apparel & How to Layer for Different Activities & Climates

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There are a zillion new baselayers, insulators, and shells out there — and the options are constantly evolving and diversifying. So in our updated "Layering 101" guide, we sort out what makes certain types better / worse than others, and outlined how we think about layering for various cold-weather outdoor activities.
Blister reviews the Raide LF 40L backpack

Raide LF 40L Backpack

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Raide is the newest player in the ultralight snowsports category and their first product, the LF 40L backpack, is a very interesting initial offering. Check out our First Look for more on this UHMWPE (aka, Dyneema) pack and the brand behind it.
Zack Henderson reviews the Five Ten Trailcross XT for Blister

Five Ten Trailcross XT

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Five Ten’s Trailcross line is meant to blend functionality from bike and trail running shoes into a lightweight, breathable package that works well both on and off the bike. The updated Trailcross XT now uses recycled materials extensively, in a design that’s pretty different from the original. So how does it all pan out on the trail?
David Golay reviews the Shimano GE900 Shoes for Blister

Shimano GE900 Shoes

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As part of their recent MTB shoe overhaul, Shimano replaced the longstanding and ultra-popular ME7 and AM9 models with a single new shoe: the GE900. But has that bold move paid off, or has Shimano messed with a good thing too much? We’ve been spending a lot of time in the new GE900 and are ready to weigh in.
At Blister Summit 2023, we sat down with Phantom Glide’s Shaun Spacht to discuss the origins, evolution, and future of Phantom Glide’s permanent base treatment. We cover how Phantom Glide differs from wax; how Phantom Glide permanently affects the performance of ski and snowboard base materials; the ways in which the folks at Phantom Glide have shifted how they think and talk about their base treatments, and more.

Phantom Glide: Rethinking Ski & Snowboard Bases | Blister Summit Brand Lineup Video

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At Blister Summit 2023, we sat down with Phantom Glide’s Shaun Spacht to discuss the origins, evolution, and future of Phantom Glide’s permanent base treatment; how it differs from wax & permanently affects the performance of ski and snowboard base materials; the ways in which the folks at Phantom Glide have shifted how they think and talk about their base treatments, and more.
Dylan Wood reviews the Astral Green Jacket LE for BLISTER.

Stuff We Like: September 2023

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For September’s edition of Stuff We Like, our reviewers have submitted everything from denim overalls and a wide assortment of clothing to fishing waders, glasses, hip packs, and more. Check it out to see all the latest gear our reviewers have been digging.
Zack Henderson and David Golay review the Canyon Torque:ON for Blister

Canyon Torque:ON CF

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The Torque:ON is Canyon’s burliest eMTB, with lots of suspension travel and a massive battery to match. After several months aboard this 54+ pound giant, it has proven to be an interesting take on the ever-diversifying long-travel eMTB category.
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