Sam Shaheen
Things kind of go off the rails in our latest GEAR:30 episode, with topics ranging from the ON3P Woodsman 108, K2 Mindbender 99Ti, new ski boots, and heat-moldable hiking shoes, to very contentious debates about Hard Seltzer, energy bar flavors, and Smashburger.
Petzl Meteor Helmet
The Meteor has served as Petzl's lightweight climbing helmet for more than 20 years. This year, they made their most significant update yet — making it dual-certified for both climbing and ski touring. Check out our full review of this versatile helmet.
GPS Devices & Backcountry Safety with Bivy (Ep.51)
GPS communication devices can be the difference between life and death in remote places. So we talk with Bivy’s Pitt Grewe about the different types of technology and devices on the market; how these devices can affect decision making; satellite networks; complicated payment plans; and … Pitt’s impressive skills as a DJ.
Gearing Up for Big Days in the Mountains (Ep.50)
Last Saturday, Sam Shaheen skied three different lines in one day on the Colorado 14er, Torrey’s Peak. Jonathan Ellsworth sits down with Sam to discuss the details of this “Torrey’s Peak Triple Crown”; the ‘D-Scale’ of rating ski descents; the gear, apparel, and food he used on the mountain; and the safety and decision-making process throughout the day.
Patagonia SnowDrifter Jacket
If you split your time between the resort and the backcountry — or just want an incredibly comfortable ski / snowboard shell — the brand-new Patagonia SnowDrifter Jacket should be on your list. Check out our full review.
Skiing in Iceland + New Ski Reviews (Ep.49)
Jonathan Ellsworth talks about testing the ON3P Woodsman 108 and Black Crows Navis while heli skiing with Eleven Experience in Iceland, and Sam Shaheen and Luke Koppa talk about their time on the Volkl Mantra 102 & Revolt 121, Faction Candide 5.0, and more.
Zipline XT Goggle
The Zipline XT features an absurdly quick and easy magnetic lens-swap system typically only seen on goggles twice as expensive. So, what’s the catch? Is there one? Check out our full review
Patagonia’s Technical Fabric Development & Design (Ep.47)
This week we talk to Patagonia’s senior material developer, Pasha Whitmire, about how Patagonia designs, develops, and tests their technical fabrics; myths surrounding waterproof / breathable materials; why the future of fabric development lies in sustainability; the advantages and disadvantages of working with big names like Gore-Tex; and a whole lot more outerwear geekery.
Smith I/O Mag XL Goggle
Smith’s original I/O goggle helped start the trend of lenses with quick and easy lens-swap systems. The I/O line has evolved a lot since then, with the brand-new I/O Mag XL being one of the newest additions. Check out our full review of the I/O Mag XL.
2021-2022 Line Sakana
Spring skiing is here, so we figured it'd be a good time to look back on one of the most fun skis we've been on for spring conditions — the Line Sakana. Plus, we've added some updates about how it performs as a 50/50 ski.
19/20 Blizzard Zero G 105
Check out some of our initial on-snow impressions of Blizzard's new touring ski.
2019-2020 Moment Blister Pro / Wildcat
We've had three reviewers spending a lot of time on two lengths of the current Blister Pro / Wildcat, and you can now check out our full review.
Avalanche Airbags, Close Calls, & Backcountry Safety (Ep.45)
Near-death experiences, avalanche airbags, and changing risk tolerance — this week on GEAR:30 we talk to mountain guide and Mammut’s safety expert, Doug Workman, about life and survival in the mountains.
Deep Dive: Dynastar Menace 98
We compare the Menace 98 to the Rossignol Black Ops 98, Armada ARV 96 Ti, Atomic Bent Chetler 100, Liberty Helix 98 & Origin 96, J Skis Masterblaster, Blizzard Rustler 9, Nordica Enforcer 100, 4FRNT MSP 99, Moment Commander 98, and ON3P Wrenegade 96.
Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs
The brand-new Patagonia SnowDrifter Bibs replace their well-loved Descensionsist Pants. So how do the SnowDrifter Bibs compare to their predecessor and the rest of the ski / snowboard pants on the market?
New Skis, New Goggles, & Random Reviews (Ep.44)
Sam Shaheen, Luke Koppa, and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about new goggles; new skis; which ski companies made the biggest impressions on us this season; funniest answers so far to our BLISTER Survey; and more.
Sweet Protection Firewall Goggle
Sweet Protection has been making high-quality helmets and outerwear for years, and for 19/20, they're breaking into a new category — goggles. Check out our review of their new budget-oriented Firewall Goggle.
Patagonia R1 TechFace Pullover
Last year Patagonia released what quickly became one of our favorite layers for high-output activities in the mountains — the R1 TechFace Hoody. This year, they released a more minimal Pullover version, and for some people, it could be even better than the original. Check out our review.
Avalanche Beacons & Backcountry Safety with BCA Co-Founder, Bruce Edgerly (Ep.43)
Avalanche beacons might not be sexy, but their proper use and design can be the difference between life and death. So we sat down with BCA’s co-founder, Bruce Edgerly, to talk about avalanche transceiver design, backcountry safety research, and the most important — yet often overlooked — aspects of a rescue.
2021-2022 Folsom Spar 88
Building a narrower “all-mountain” ski that actually works well all around the mountain is trickier (or, at least rarer) than you might think. But the Folsom Spar 88 does, and you can now check out our full review.