In our new GEAR:30 mini-series, we’re talking to key designers in the world of snowsports and bike helmets to get a current state of helmet tech and helmet R&D. Today we talk with Ståle Møller of Sweet Protection about the pros & cons of the two different safety certifications; advances in materials & our understanding of head injuries; ventilation; the unique challenges of designing helmets for various activities; and how to know when you ought to replace your helmet.

Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 1: Sweet Protection (Ep.149)

In our new mini-series, we’re talking to key designers in the world of snowsports and bike helmets to stitch together a current state of helmet tech and helmet R&D. Today we talk with Ståle Møller about the pros & cons of the two different safety certifications; advances in materials; our understanding of head injuries; ventilation; the unique challenges of designing helmets for various activities; and how to know when you ought to replace your helmet.
Carl Moriarty, design director for Rapha cycling apparel, goes on Blister's GEAR:30 podcast to discuss the past and future design paradigms of apparel design and development, "breathable" vs "air-permeable" fabrics, DWRs and fluorocarbons, and more

Old Principles & New Challenges of Apparel Design (Ep.147)

We talk with Carl Moriarty (previously the Design Director at Arc’teryx, currently the Design Director at Rapha) about his career path in the outdoor industry; several principles of technical apparel design; the challenge of balancing high performance with sustainability; and how being clear on these things can help us evaluate advertising claims about new pieces.
Blister Outdoor Gear review Crested Butte

Ski Touring Gear & Listener Questions (Ep.146)

Which tech bindings feel the most like alpine bindings? What “very light” skis offer the best suspension and damping? In this episode, Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about a bunch of ski touring gear they’ve been reviewing and answer a number of your touring-related questions.
On Blister's GEAR:30 podcast Jonathan Ellsworth & Luke Koppa discuss one of the most important concepts in ski design: suspension. So what do we mean by “suspension”? Are terms like “plush” or “damp” synonyms, or are there important differences? And what are some of the best skis of all-time when it comes to suspension? Let the debate begin.

The Mt. Rushmore of Ski Suspension (Ep.143)

We discuss one of the most important concepts in ski design: suspension. So what do we mean by “suspension”? Are terms like “plush” or “damp” synonyms, or are there important differences? And what are some of the best skis of all time when it comes to suspension? Let the debate begin.
MADE Custom Apparel co-founders, Cheryl LeBarr, Capri Philip, and Dustin Butcher go on Blister's GEAR:30 podcast to discuss their new custom apparel brand, its background, their custom process, and more

MADE: Custom Technical Apparel (Ep.139)

MADE is a new company that’s setting out to make custom technical apparel. Their 3 co-founders are all veterans of the technical apparel and outdoor industries, and Luke Koppa and I talked to Cheryl LeBarr, Capri Philip, and Dustin Butcher about why they started MADE and how they are making this happen.