BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Race Face Next SL Crankset
The Race Face Next SL Crankset leads its class in weight, and delivers stiffness and durability to match.
Giro Feature MIPS Helmet
Great safety features at a great value: the Giro Feature MIPS helmet comes MIPS equipped – and for less than 100 dollars.
Fly Racing Bike Apparel
Fly Racing’s Ripa Convert Jersey and Warpath Shorts offer simple functionality at a reasonable price.
The Stowehof
The Stowehof, one of Blister’s Recommended Lodges, offers spectacular views and an ideal location for skiing, hiking, and biking in Stowe, Vermont.
Black Diamond Speed 30 Pack
If you want a well-featured, versatile alpine pack that won’t break the bank, check out the redesigned Black Diamond Speed 30.
The Death of the Technical Trail
“Flow” is certainly in these days, and flow trails seem to be coming at the expense of more technical trails. But is that really true? And is this a good thing or a bad thing for the sport of mountain biking? We weigh in.
Patagonia PowSlayer Jacket and Bibs
The updated Patagonia PowSlayer kit might be some of the best freeride-oriented outerwear for resort and backcountry use.
2nd Look: Specialized Enduro FSR Expert Carbon 26
The Specialized Enduro FSR Expert Carbon 26 is being replaced with a 27.5″ wheeled version, but the 26″ model is still worth consideration.
La Sportiva Spectre
Update: the La Sportiva Spectre has stood as one of the most adjustable and best values in AT boots—and it’s been updated to provide a better fit.
Astral Brewess Water Shoe
With a low profile and excellent grip, the Astral Brewess is perfect for women who want a minimalist river shoe.
Ortovox SwissWool Light Tec Vest
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly vest that uses wool for insulation, check out the Ortovox SwissWool Light Tec.
Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Shell
Black Diamond’s Dawn Patrol Shell is an impressively water-resistant and breathable soft shell that will make you second guess the need to always grab your hard shell.
Reviewers’ Rides – 2015
When our reviewers aren’t out testing bikes, what do their own builds look like, and why?
Giro Terraduro
The Giro Terraduro is a SPD-compatible, all-mountain shoe that pedals very well, though durability has been an issue.
Leatt 3DF Airflex Knee and Elbow Guards
Most pads are too hot or bulky to pedal in. The Leatt 3FD Airflex Knee and Elbow Guards challenge that assumption.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
Patagonia Houdini Vest
A lot of our reviewers love the Patagonia Houdini Jacket. But when you ditch the sleeves, how much versatility do you lose? Or gain? Check out our review of the Patagonia Houdini Vest.
Runner Profile: Jaden Anderson
Vitals: 5’10”, 155 lbs Running Background, Style, and General Preference. I stepped into the running world during my Sophomore year of high school. By chance. I joined the cross country team at my small high school late in the season simply because the team needed
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD
When it comes to bike shoes, there are plenty of burly skate-style shoes that sacrifice pedaling performance, and a lot of pedal-oriented shoes that look out of place anywhere except on the bike. In between those two categories sits the Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch SPD, and it’s definitely worth a look for riders looking for some of the best of both worlds.
Luke Koppa
Luke Koppa at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort bike park. (photo by Andrew Arnold) Age: 25 | Vitals: 5’8,” ~155 lbs | Years Biking: 4 | Current Residence: Crested Butte, Colorado Mountain Biking Background Compared to our other reviewers, I’m pretty new to mountain biking.
Women’s Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody
We called the men’s version of the Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody, “just about perfect.” Now we weigh in on the women’s R1 Tech Face Hoody — how well it works across a broad range of activities, and how it compares to the original R1 Hoody.
Alpenglow Mtn Festival + Stuff We Learned during Spring Ski Testing (Ep.20)
We talk with Blister editors, Luke Koppa and Sam Shaheen, about the recent Alpenglow Mountain Festival and running with our hero, Courtney Dauwalter. Then we discuss some of the key takeaways from our spring ski testing, including Domino’s thin-crust pizza, dumb gear, and some great gear.
18/19 Folsom Skis Spar 88
The Folsom Skis Spar 88 reminds us a lot of a ski we really like — the Blizzard Brahma. Check out our initial on-snow impressions to see how they compare.
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Win an Ultralight Sleep System from Sea to Summit
This one is pretty awesome — win a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, liner, and pillow from Sea to Summit.
Deep Dive: Moment Meridian 107
We compare the Meridian 107 to the ON3P Kartel 108, Faction Candide 3.0 & Prodigy 3.0, 4FRNT Devastator, Fischer Ranger 102 FR, Nordica Enforcer 110, and more…
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 Nordica Promachine 130
Nordica is entering the lighter weight alpine boot category for 18/19, and they claim their new Promachine line combines “race-boot performance” with “all-mountain comfort and versatility.” (Yeah, right. Right?) Check out our measured specs, fit notes, and initial impressions of the new Promachine 130.
First Look: 2019 Devinci Troy
Today Devinci announced that they’re changing up one of our favorite Trail bikes, the Troy. So how similar or different is the new bike? Check out our initial impressions.
Alpenglow Sports Summer Mountain Festival 2018
Last week we attended Alpenglow Sports’ Summer Mountain Festival, which is one of the coolest events happening in the outdoor sports world. Check out our trip report to learn more about it — and when to attend their Winter Mountain Festival next year.