BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Helinox Camp & Swivel Chairs
Helinox’s camping chairs strike an excellent balance of stability, comfort, and packability.
Flash Review: Yeti 5.5c
We just got our hands on Yeti’s new SB 5.5c, and so far we’ve been surprised.
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2016 Canfield Crampon Mountain Pedals
Canfield’s new Crampon Mountain pedals offer some exciting upgrades over our old favorites, the Crampon Ultimate.
2018-2019 Fitwell Backcountry Snowboard Boot
The Fitwell Backcountry is a snowboard mountaineering boot that’s optimized for steep climbs and descents.
Mystery Ranch Pitch 40 Backpack
The Mystery Ranch Pitch 40 is one of the most durable, comfortable climbing packs we’ve used, but that comes with a sacrifice in versatility.
2018-2019 Salomon QST 118
For 16/17, Salomon has replaced the much-loved Rocker2 122 with the new QST 118. We’ve already put the 118 through a broad range of conditions, so here’s our take on Salomon’s widest ski.
We’re Heading South — What Should We Review?
Next month, we’re heading to the southern hemisphere for our annual review trip, and we want you to help us decide what to bring.
Luke Jacobson – Moment Skis (Ep.22)
We talk to Moment’s head ski designer and new CEO re: the 16/17 lineup; break exclusive news about 2 other new skis; discuss how the “Deathwish” got its name, and much more…
Buero Newen Sunglasses
Buero’s Newen Sunglasses are high-quality shades that also eliminate some of the waste that pollutes our oceans. See how.
Race Face Agent Jacket
Race Face’s Agent Jacket is a versatile, packable jacket that’s well suited to most riding situations.
Maxxis Aggressor Tire
Maxxis’ new Aggressor has proven to be a great all-around tire, and we compare it to the High Roller II, the Minion family, and more.
Stone Glacier Cirque 6200 Internal Frame Pack
The Stone Glacier Cirque 6200 is the best lightweight, big-load-hauling backpack we’ve used.
Catahoula Ergonomics Saddle
Catahoula is a small, semi-custom saddle company in Montana that makes every part of the saddle in shop. They are gearing up for their first broader production run, and we’ve been spending time on one of their seats.
Pearl Izumi Women’s Elevate Short, Liner Short, & Launch Jersey
Pearl Izumi’s new women’s trail kit is well-designed and has a great fit.
Xavier de le Rue, Snowboarder (Ep.21)
We talk to one of the all-time greats about riding and risk, why faster = safer, the current state of snowboarding, and much more.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2021-2022 Line Outline
The new Outline is the latest addition to Eric Pollard & Line’s venerable series of pow skis, and it’s time now for our full review.
Semi-Rad — “Chart Imitates Life”
Brendan Leonard (semi-rad.com) has been making our favorite drawings and observations for years, and now he’s compiled a bunch of them in one place. Learn more about how to get the best book ever for your coffee table, tent, or bathroom.
2019-2020 Icelantic Maiden 101
Icelantic is updating their women’s Freeride collection for 19/20, and you can now check out our measured specs, rocker pics, and initial impressions of the 1-ski-quiver candidate in the line, the Maiden 101.
19/20 Armada ARV 96 Ti
Check out our initial on-snow impressions of the ARV 96 Ti.
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 R1 TechFace Pullover
Last year Patagonia released what quickly became one of our favorite layers for high-output activities in the mountains — the R1 TechFace Hoody. This year, they released a more minimal Pullover version, and for some people, it could be even better than the original. Check out our review.
We’re Hiring
We are looking to bring on an editor to direct the bike side of BLISTER. If you really know bikes and you really know how to write, learn more here.
Win an Avalanche Rescue Kit + a Pack from Ortovox
Spring touring season is here, and now’s your chance to get a full avalanche rescue kit + a backpack from Ortovox!
Avalanche Beacons & Backcountry Safety with BCA Co-Founder, Bruce Edgerly (Ep.43)
Avalanche beacons might not be sexy, but their proper use and design can be the difference between life and death. So we sat down with BCA’s co-founder, Bruce Edgerly, to talk about avalanche transceiver design, backcountry safety research, and the most important — yet often overlooked — aspects of a rescue.
Filmmaker, Sanjay Rawal, on the World’s Longest Race (Ep.2)
Brendan Leonard and Jonathan Ellsworth talk with filmmaker, Sanjay Rawal, about a 3,100 mile-long race that takes place on a sidewalk in Queens, NY; the attempt to save the traditional ways of life of the San Bushmen of Botswana; the long-distance (and extremely consequential) rituals of a Buddhist monastic community in Japan, and a whole lot more.
Deep Dive: Folsom Spar 88
We compare the Spar 88 to the Blizzard Brahma, Head Monster 88 Ti, Nordica Enforcer 93, J Skis Masterblaster, Renoun Z-Line 90, Atomic Vantage 90 Ti, Armada Invictus 89Ti, K2 Ikonic 84Ti, and Black Crows Orb.
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.)
2021-2022 Folsom Spar 88
Building a narrower “all-mountain” ski that actually works well all around the mountain is trickier (or, at least rarer) than you might think. But the Folsom Spar 88 does, and you can now check out our full review.
Holden M-51 Fishtail 3 Layer Jacket
Look good, ski good. The Holden M-51 Fishtail Jacket definitely brings a lot of style to the table, and it doesn’t skimp out on technical features, either. Check out our review.