BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Petzl Aquila Harness
Petzl’s Aquila harness is everything you need to climb year round, and nothing you don’t.
2017-2018 Armada ARV 106
The new Armada ARV 106 is an all-mountain jib ski that looks very similar to a perennial Blister favorite.
Long Term Update: Giro Terraduro
After almost two years in the Giro Terraduro we’ve got a long term durability update.
Maxxis Minion SS Tire
Maxxis quietly updated the Minion SS, and the new tire is one of our top choices for drier conditions.
Five Ten Danny Macaskill
Danny Macaskill’s new signature shoe from Five Ten is comfortable on and off the bike.
2017 Transition Scout Carbon
We challenge anyone to ride the Transition Scout and not have fun on it.
2016-2017 Moment Blister Pro
The Blister Pro is back for its 3rd season. Take a look and learn more about it here.
Arc’teryx Acrux FL GTX Approach Shoe
The Arc’teryx Acrux FL GTX is a radical departure from traditional approach shoes.
Arc’teryx FL-365 Harness
The Arc’teryx FL-365 is a great option for climbers looking for a comfortable harness that can hold a lot of gear.
Salomon Wings Pro 2 Running Shoe
Salomon’s Wings Pro 2 is a great do-it-all trail running shoe that stretches the boundaries of running, scrambling, and low 5th class climbing.
Race Face Scout Softshell Jacket
The Race Face Scout does a great job of balancing the necessary features of a riding jacket with the style of a casual piece.
Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
The Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody is one of the most versatile soft shells we’ve used.
Outdoor Research Whirlwind Hoody
The Outdoor Research Whirlwind Hoody is an excellent, if somewhat specialized softshell.
Reynolds 29 Enduro Wheels
We’ve got a durability update on the Reynolds 29 Enduro Wheels after a full season of abuse.
Sweet Protection Hunter Enduro Shorts and Chikamin Jersey
Sweet Protection’s Hunter shorts and Chikamin jersey are a nice middle ground between traditional trail and downhill kits.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2021-2022 Salomon S/Pro 130
The Salomon X Pro line is reportedly the best-selling line of ski boots in the world. For 19/20, they’re replacing the X Pro with the brand-new S/Pro series. Check out our measured specs, fit notes, and initial impressions of the S/Pro 130.
Patagonia — “Misunderstood | A Brief History of Hemp in the US”
Hemp has a long, complicated, and evolving history — particularly in the U.S. But with the recent passing of the Farm Bill, hemp now has the potential to make a resurgence, and Patagonia’s new film explains why that’s a very big deal. Check it out here.
2021-2022 K2 Mindbender 106c Alliance
After spending time on it in conditions ranging from fast and firm to steep and deep, the brand-new K2 Mindbender 106c Alliance has proven to be one of the most versatile wider women’s skis we’ve used.
2019-2020 Armada ARV 96 Ti
Take two layers of metal, a nearly symmetrical shape, and a twin tip, and you’ve got the Armada ARV 96 Ti. The result? Check out our full review.
Deep Dive: Armada ARV 96 Ti
We compare the ARV 96 Ti to the Rossignol Black Ops 98, Dynastar Menace 98, Atomic Bent Chetler 100, Fischer Ranger 94 FR, Liberty Helix 98, Liberty Origin 96, J Skis Masterblaster, Moment Commander 98, Renoun Endurance 98, Nordica Enforcer 100, 4FRNT MSP 99, ON3P Wrenegade 96, and Blizzard Rustler 9.
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Win a Down Hoodie from Holden
Enter to win a cozy hoodie packed with high-quality, trackable down insulation.
Patagonia’s Technical Fabric Development & Design (Ep.47)
This week we talk to Patagonia’s senior material developer, Pasha Whitmire, about how Patagonia designs, develops, and tests their technical fabrics; myths surrounding waterproof / breathable materials; why the future of fabric development lies in sustainability; the advantages and disadvantages of working with big names like Gore-Tex; and a whole lot more outerwear geekery.
Claudio Caluori (Ep.1)
We talk to Bikes & Big Ideas co-host, Claudio Caluori, about the origin story of this podcast; his background in XC & DH racing, how Velosolutions got started, experiments with food & diet; the #pumpforpeace project, and more.
Smith I/O Mag XL Goggle
Smith’s original I/O goggle helped start the trend of lenses with quick and easy lens-swap systems. The I/O line has evolved a lot since then, with the brand-new I/O Mag XL being one of the newest additions. Check out our full review of the I/O Mag XL.
David Golay
Blister reviewer, David Golay Age: 28 | Vitals: 6’’0”, 165 lbs. | Years mountain biking: 18 | Current Residence: Seattle, WA I got my introduction into mountain biking in my hometown of Ithaca, NY and began by riding — and quickly racing — XC. By
Dylan Wood
Dylan Wood racing the Santa Cruz Hightower LT, Crested Butte, CO. (photo by Jared Farley) Age: 25 | Vitals: 5’10.5”, 160 lbs. | Years mountain biking: 13 | Current Residence: Gunnison, CO I started mountain biking as a kid and soon built a lot of
Ben Sims
Ben Sims Age: 37 | Vitals: 5’10”, 180 lbs | Years mountain biking: 11 | Current Residence: Monument, CO I grew up in West Georgia and came to Colorado in the summer of 2000. My college years in Colorado introduced me to the world of