BLISTER Gear Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles
Update: TRP Slate Brakes
The TRP Slate brakes offer a great finish and modulation, and we’ve swapped out brake pads to see if we could boost their stopping power. See our update.
Q: Who is the greatest DH rider ever?
Aaron Gwin’s recent string of remarkable feats prompted a debate about the present and the past of downhill racing. Who you got?
2015 Guerrilla Gravity Megatrail
The Guerrilla Gravity Megatrail is a stiff, stable, adaptable trail bike that delivers an extremely impressive ride.
Petzl Contact 9.8 Rope
The Petzl Contact 9.8 has proven to be an excellent mid-diameter, multi-use rope.
Four Favorite Hoodies
Here are four good looking hoodies ranging from the super casual to the super versatile.
Howler Brothers Feedback Hoodie
Howler Brothers simply makes good looking, comfortable stuff. (Their Harkers Flannel is still an absolute favorite of ours.) The Howler Feedback Hoodie (MSRP: $85) has what I would describe as a relaxed, roomier cut—Howler calls it a “Regular Fit.” On my 5’10”, 180 lb. frame, I could have gone with
Westcomb Ozone Hoody
Westcomb Ozone Hoody Size Tested: Large Features: Polartec Power stretch body-hugging 4-way stretch Athletic hood 2 hand pockets Integrated thumb loops Blister’s Measured Weight: 460 grams Front Zipper Length (measured, size Large): 70 cm MSRP: $180 USD Days Worn: ~150 And our versatility award
Mons Royale Mid Hit Hoody
We’ve already reviewed the men’s and women’s version of the Mons Royale Mid Hit hoody, but we’re talking about it again since it is still one of our favorites. And it isn’t just one of our favorite hoodies, it’s one of our favorite pieces of clothing, period. The Mid Hit has a
United by Blue Men’s Standard Zip Hoodie
While it seems like just about every company nowadays has some sort of environmental mission or “green goals,” United by Blue does things a little differently. Instead of operating as a nonprofit or donating a percentage of their earnings to environmental causes, United by Blue gives
Bike Racks 101
Roof, hitch, or strap-on bike rack? Each style has its pros and cons, some of which aren’t obvious. So before you waste your money, check out the Blister guide to choosing the right rack.
Return of the Rat
Josh Bryceland is back on top, still very much being himself, and doing things on a bike that few have done before.
2015 Race Face SixC Carbon Cinch Cranks
The 2015 Race Face SixC Carbon Cinch Cranks are very impressive on multiple fronts.
SCARPA Furia
The Scarpa Furia is an excellent all-around shoe for bouldering and hard sport climbing, and strikes a good balance between sensitivity and power.
MRP Wave Chainring
The MRP Wave narrow / wide chainring features a unique design that offers some durability and performance benefits.
Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket
The Outdoor Research Helium II is a minimalist rain jacket that’s perfect for sudden storms.
BLISTER Reviews, Podcasts, & Articles:
2018 Pivot Firebird 29
Our reviewer calls the Pivot Firebird 29 the “Firechicken,” because it’s a long-travel 29er that descends like it’s on fire, and has a speed limit that’s primarily defined by how chicken you are. Check out our full review.
Eric Freson
Age: 36 | Vitals: 5’’10” 165 lbs | Years biking: 31 | Current Residence: Gunnison Valley, Colorado Background I grew up in small-town Vermont, and was encouraged to get outside from a very young age. My first bike was a 20” BMX bike that our
Elyse Saugstad, Big Mtn Skier (Ep.74)
We talk with Elyse about filming the new MSP movie, All In; growing up in Alaska; her work with Safe As Clinics; figure skating and fantasy football (?); and the value of repeatedly finding new ways to challenge yourself.
Matt Pincus of TrainingBeta (Ep.16)
Matt Pincus is the head coach/trainer at TrainingBeta, and he has a strong resume both as a coach and a climber. We talk to Matt about balancing his climbing goals with full-time work; the most important lessons he’s learned as a coach and trainer; and some of the key things most of us get wrong when it comes to progressing.
Kenda Nevegal 2 Pro Tire
We thought the old Kenda Nevegal left a lot to be desired. But the Nevegal 2 Pro is far more compelling. Check out our review.
Nathan Williard
Age: 23 | Vitals: 6’’0” 165 lbs | Years (seriously) biking: 7 | Current Residence: Santa Fe, New Mexico Background: I have always been drawn to (or rather, obsessed with) sports, mountains, and exploring. Whether it was hiking, skating, skiing, or backpacking with my dad,
Win a Mystery Ranch Backpack
For a while now, Mystery Ranch has been making some of the best packs out there. And the winner of our Gear Giveaway this week will get one of their new packs, the Robo Flip.
CAST Freetour Upgrade Kit
The CAST Freetour is the only option out there that lets you ski down on a dedicated alpine binding, and skin up with a tech toe. Check out our full review, including comparisons to the Atomic / Salomon SHIFT binding and other touring bindings.
Deep Dive: K2 Pinnacle 95 Ti
We compare the Pinnacle 95 Ti to the Blizzard Rustler 9, Elan Ripstick 96, J Skis Masterblaster, ON3P Wrenegade 96, and more…
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2018-2019 Black Crows Orb
If you want your ~90mm-wide ski to perform well even when there isn’t fresh corduroy anywhere in sight, the Black Crows Orb is worth a look. Check out our full review.
2017 Ibis Ripley LS
Versatility, versatility, versatility. Check out our full review of the Ibis Ripley LS.
Kuat Transfer Bike Rack
When it comes to bike racks, you’re often choosing between expensive options that are secure, or inexpensive options that are unreliable and unstable. But the Kuat Transfer aims to change that. Check out our review.