Stuff We Like: August 2025

From high-end coolers and rain jackets to ultralight trail pants, fishing sunglasses, and even youth outdoor gear, this month’s Stuff We Like roundup highlights the products our team has been testing and loving. Whether you’re traveling, biking, fishing, or just gearing up for everyday adventures, here are the standout picks for August 2025.
David Golay reviews the Chromag Reazon for Blister

Flash Review: Chromag Reazon

Chromag’s full-suspension lineup is growing, and the new Reazon is the mid-travel bike meant to be the most versatile option within it. Here are our early impressions.

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Zack Henderson reviews the Salsa Spearfish for BLISTER

Deep Dive: Salsa Spearfish

We compare the Salsa Spearfish to the Trek Top Fuel, Specialized Epic Evo, Pivot Trailcat SL, and Yeti ASR.

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David Golay reviews the Shimano XTR M9220 Trail Pedals for Blister

Flash Review: Shimano XTR M9220 Trail Pedals

Shimano’s new XTR Trail pedals are a big departure from earlier iterations, and they’ve got a new SPD cleat to go with them, too. So has Shimano messed with a good thing, improved a longstanding favorite, or something else entirely? Here’s our early take.

Blister’s Flash Reviews and Deep Dives are accessible to those who purchase one of our paid subscriptions

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Pivot Shuttle AM v2

Pivot just released an updated version of the Shuttle AM. Featuring the same geometry as the Shuttle AM v1 we loved, but with Bosch's new Gen 5 Performance Line CX and CX-R motors, the Shuttle AM v2 seems to be a refined version of what was already a winner in our books. Check out what's new with the v2, as well as our Full Review of the v1.
David Golay reviews the Industry Nine Hydra2 Trail Carbon Wheels for Blister

Industry Nine Hydra2 Hubs & Trail Carbon Wheels

Industry Nine’s Hydra hubs have long been super popular for their ultra-fast engagement and plethora of color options, and now there’s a new Hydra2 that’s meant to improve some of the downsides of the original — while also engaging even faster. Check out how they’ve fared, and how the Hydra2 Trail Carbon wheels we’ve had them laced to perform.

Santa Cruz Hightower 4

The 4th-generation Santa Cruz Hightower isn’t just a mid-travel All-Mountain bike — it’s a confident descender that could have been a true Enduro bike just a few years ago. With stable, versatile geometry and plush suspension, the Hightower 4 stands out as a capable one-bike quiver option.

Deep Dive: Santa Cruz Hightower 4

We compare the Santa Cruz Hightower 4 to the Santa Cruz Hightower 3, Santa Cruz Bronson 5, Santa Cruz Megatower 2, Santa Cruz Tallboy 5, Specialized Stumpjumper 15, Ibis Ripmo V3, Spot Mayhem 140, Cannondale Habit, Pivot Shadowcat, Transition Sentinel V3, and Trek Fuel EX Gen 7.

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.

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