Stuff We Like: May 2022

In the May edition of our "Stuff We Like" series, we've got some puffy layers ideal for camping, bike accessories, casual apparel, and more. Check it out to see the latest gear our reviewers have been digging.

Hoka Tecton X

Hoka has a reputation for taking risks, and their first carbon-plated trail shoe, the Tecton X, benefits from the brand’s willingness to experiment with design and forgo the conventional. While the shoe has some drawbacks that limit its versatility, it's nonetheless a worthy entrant into the hyper-performance trail shoe category and a model we expect to see on plenty of start lines this summer. Check out our full review for more.
Luke Koppa reviews the Nordica Enforcer Unlimited 104 for Blister

2022-2023 Nordica Enforcer Unlimited 104

The Nordica Enforcer Unlimited 104 shares a lot in common with the original Enforcer 104 Free, it just ditches a whole lot of weight — and the upsides and downsides that come with it. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to learn more about this new touring ski.
Gordon Gianniny in the La Sportiva Akasha II

La Sportiva Akasha II

The best decision La Sportiva made when updating the Akasha, their long-distance trail shoe, was not to change much about it. The Akasha II is strikingly similar to its predecessor, and will work really well for certain runners for the same reasons as before.
Luke Koppa & Dylan Wood review the Faction Dancer 2 for Blister

2022-2023 Faction Dancer 2

The Faction Dancer 2 isn’t a super easy-going, “made-for-everyone” ski, but it is a unique ski that could make certain people extremely excited to be on the mountain. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons to learn more.
Dylan Wood and Luke Koppa review the Moment Deathwish 104 for Blister

2022-2023 Moment Deathwish 104

The Deathwish is one of Moment's longest-standing models, and this season they released a new, narrower version. Check out our Full Review & Deep Dive comparisons of the Deathwish 104 for more on this unique all-mountain ski.
David Golay reviews the Orbea Occam LT for Blister

2022 Orbea Occam & Occam LT

“Longer” and “slacker” might be the go-to buzzwords for modern Trail bikes, but the Orbea Occam LT makes a very compelling case for why a lot of riders might want to pick something a little more moderate. It’s an outstanding take on a quicker-handling long-travel Trail bike that feels thoroughly modern despite bucking a lot of current trends. Check out our full review for more, including comparisons to nine other Trail & Enduro bikes.
Kara Williard, Dylan Wood, and Luke Koppa review the Armada ARW 106 UL for Blister

2022-2023 Armada ARW 106 UL

The ARW 106 UL is a playful ski offered in lengths ranging from 164 cm all the way to 188 cm, meaning there are a whole lot of skiers who could potentially enjoy it. We had three reviewers testing it out this season — check out all of their thoughts in our full review.
David Golay reviews the SCOR 4060 LT mountain bike for Blister

SCOR 4060

SCOR says their new 4060 LT is “just seriously fun.” But it’s still a 160 / 170 mm travel Enduro bike, so just how game-on is it, really? Check out our full review for the rundown, including comparisons to 11 other bikes in its class.
Luke Koppa, Drew Kelly, & Dylan Wood review the K2 Mindbender 99Ti for Blister

Sample Deep Dive: K2 Mindbender 99Ti

We compare the 22/23 Mindbender 99Ti to the previous Mindbender 99Ti, K2 Mindbender 89Ti, K2 Mindbender 108Ti, Volkl M6 Mantra, Faction Dancer 2, Blizzard Bonafide 97, Fischer Ranger 102, Black Crows Camox, 4FRNT MSP 99, Moment Commander 98, Dynastar M-Pro 99, Wagner Summit 97, Black Crows Justis, J Skis Masterblaster, Salomon QST 98, Nordica Enforcer 100, Dynastar M-Free 99, Line Blade Optic 96, Salomon Stance 96, Atomic Maverick 100 Ti, & Renoun Endurance 98.
David Golay reviews the Öhlins RXF38 m.2 for Blister

Öhlins RXF38 m.2

Öhlins has joined Fox and RockShox in offering an extra burly 38mm-stanchioned single crown fork, and their take on the genre — the RXF38 m.2 — is now our bike editor's personal favorite of the category. Check out our full review to see why.
Paul Forward reviews the Norse Freeride for Blister

2021-2022 Norse Freeride

Norse is a relatively new company that launched with two skis, including the 110mm-wide Freeride, which is designed for soft snow — whether that's found in a resort or in the backcountry. Check out our full review.
Matt Mitchell in the Salomon Ultra Glide

Salomon Ultra Glide

The Ultra Glide is Salomon's first foray into the maximal trail shoe category, and it does not disappoint. Check out our review to hear from two of our reviewers about their experience with the shoe, and how it compares to the competition.
Speedland SL:PDX

Speedland SL:PDX

Speedland calls their SL:PDX, “the world’s first hyper-performance trail shoe,” which is a lot to live up to. Our review takes a closer at whether or not the shoe is worthy of that title.
On Off The Couch, We caught up with Devon after her overall win and course record run at the Umstead 100, the first race of her “DY DIY Slam” project to run 5 100-mile races within the span of just a few months. We discuss that plus the performance-enhancing effects of techno music; the history of the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning; what led Devon to invent her own “DY DIY Slam”; and much more.

Devon Yanko on the Umstead 100; Techno Music; & Doing What Excites You (Ep.115)

We caught up with Devon after her overall win and course record run at the Umstead 100, the first race of her “DY DIY Slam” project to run 5 100-mile races within the span of just a few months. We discuss that plus the performance-enhancing effects of techno music; the history of the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning; what led Devon to invent her own “DY DIY Slam”; and much more.