GEAR:30

Raide founder, Kyle Siegel, always has hot takes on backcountry gear, the problems it can create, and interesting ways to go about solving them. And with Raide recently launching their latest line of snowsports apparel and packs, it’s the perfect time to hear all about how and why they made things like the lightest backpanel-access backpack on the market; the warmest-for-weight down jacket; a new take on active insulation; a new way to use merino wool in baselayers; and more. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS: Register for Blister Summit 2027  BLISTER+ Members: Register for the Summit for $100 Become a BLISTER+ Member Raide’s Slack Community CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: Recap of Raide’s Past Year (3:52) New Packs (7:20) New Apparel Overview (17:33) Waterproof Laminates (24:05) Down Insulation (29:06) Active Insulator (45:38) Baselayers (56:06) Beanies & Gloves (1:01:21) Kyle’s Take on the Backcountry Gear Market (1:08:52) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast

Jonathan Ellsworth has a wide-ranging conversation about ski gear and product trends for the upcoming season with The Ski Monster owner, George Michaelsen. We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS:  Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide BLISTER+: Get Yourself Covered: Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways The Ski Monster - Boston, MA  The Ski Monster - Twin Cities, MN TOPICS & TIMES Shoutout: New BLISTER+ Members (1:35) Big Updates at The Ski Monster:  Boston (3:10) Twin Cities, MN (9:15) Gear Trends for 26/27 Season (14:04) Boots and Boa (20:49) Narrow Skis (41:00) Needed Change in the Ski Industry? (44:07) Specific Products You’re Excited About (56:23) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast

Today one of the best skiers on the planet is back on the podcast, 2025 Freeride World Tour champion, Marcus Goguen, to talk with Jonathan about skiing in Chile this summer and testing skis; training for the upcoming season; Freeride in the Olympics; and what Marcus is up to with Adrenaline Performance. We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS:  Adrenaline Performance - use code: BLISTER20 livemomentous.com - use code: Blister Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide BLISTER+: Get Yourself Covered: Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios Blister Review TOPICS & TIMES: Skiing in Chile (1:05) Gear Testing (9:31) Adrenaline Performance 2.0 (15:22) How It Works (32:36) The Freeride World Tour (39:17) Freeride in the Olympics (45:47) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast

ON3P Skis founder, Scott Andrus, is back to talk with Jonathan Ellsworth about their 26/27 lineup and a whole lot more. We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS:  factormeals.com - code: BLISTERGEAR50OFF Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide BLISTER+: Get Yourself Covered: Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios Blister Review TOPICS & TIMES: ON3P background (2:30) It All Starts w/ the Mount Point (5:50) Park Skis (15:18) Jeffrey 92,98,106,112,118 (19:21) Woodsman 92,100, & 108 (28:31) Billy Goat 114 & 118 (29:54) Cease & Desist (32:55) Touring Skis (35:30) Metal Constructions: Torsion Bar vs Leaf Spring (39:12) Women’s Skis (48:47) Youth Skis (50:03) The Upcoming ‘Change Log’ (50:45) Scott’s Latest Obsession (56:29) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast

The first dusting of snow has covered mountains from Colorado to Alaska, and that’s all the excuse we need to chat about deep days and big powder skis with reviewer and heli-guide, Paul Forward. Luke Koppa has Paul run us through the standout skis he got on last season; his latest takes on the evolution of powder-ski design; a ski boot that blew him away; and more. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS: Contact Paul about 3rd Edge Heli Trip Openings Read our digital 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide BLISTER+: Get Yourself Covered Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: Paul’s Winter Plans (2:18) Dynastar M-Free 112 (8:24) Atomic Maverick 115 CTI (11:50) Salomon QST X (16:58) Heritage Lab HB122 V2 (25:32) Folsom S-Class (38:29) Ski Durability (44:11) Heritage Lab HB135 & Guide 135 (48:21) K2 Pon2oon (53:51) Lange Code 140 (59:26) Vintage Ski Gear (1:03:19) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast

Sydney Sweeney? January 6th? Those files that were promised to be released? Luke Jacobson is back on GEAR:30 to stir the pot, light up the comment sections, offend the too-easily offended ... and talk about Moment's 26/27 lineup of skis. #catscratch We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS:  livemomentous.com - code: BLISTER factormeals.com - code: BLISTERGEAR50OFF Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide BLISTER+: Get Yourself Covered: Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: Winter Buyer’s Guide Update (0:52) Shoutout to JBobb’s Sister! (1:47) Plug Boot Rage Baiting (3:30) Moment’s 26/27 Ski Lineup (7:31) * Wildcat vs Countach (15:17) Hot Take: Japan (23:11) January 6th, Sydney Sweeney, Tarrifs (31:31) * Deathwish Series (44:15) Luke’s Wedding Ban (48:43) Product Timelines & Development (50:29) * Sierra & Siren Skis (1:01:42) * Touring Skis (1:04:53) * Chipotle Banana (1:09:21) * Meridian 107 & 117 (1:11:47) Favorite Conspiracies & Wrap Up (1:18:10) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast

At Blister Summit 2026, we had professional athletes & product developers talk with Jonathan about their own approaches and best tips for how to evaluate gear. You'll hear from Chris Rubens (Atomic); Lauren Samuels (Salomon); Shane Chappell (Burton); and Will Ritter (Spark R&D).  Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS:  DraftKings.com - code Blister Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide BLISTER+: Get Yourself Covered: Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: Blister Summit 2027: Save the Date (1:41) Winter Buyer’s Guide Update (2:20) BLISTER+ News (3:02) Panelists’ Experience Testing Gear (5:07) Process of Testing (12:45) The Value of Breaking Things (17:13) Rubens’ Approach to Testing (19:45) Declaring it ‘Done’ & Releasing to the Public (22:31) Consensus on Testing Results / Lack Thereof (25:36) Best Tips for How to Test Gear (27:25) Audience Questions (40:08) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast

Luke and Jonathan give some updates about our Winter Buyer’s Guide, then share some thoughts on ski boots, hiking boots, and other types of footwear. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS:  FactorMeals.com - code: BLISTERGEAR50OFF DraftKings.com - code Blister BLISTER+: Get Yourself Covered: Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: News at BLISTER (1:01) Cam McCaul News (2:34) Buyer’s Guide Update #1 (5:32) Factor Hiking Boots & Ski Boots (10:02) Hiking Shoes, Running Shoes, & Ski Boots (19:55) DraftKings Buyer’s Guide Update #2 (26:21) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast

G3 — aka, ‘Genuine Guide Gear’ — everyone who ventures into the backcountry knows them, but you’ve probably wondered what happened to them? Today, you'll get the full story — with all of its twists and turns — from the new head of G3, Cameron Shute. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS:  DraftKings.com - code Blister LiveMomentous.com - code: Blister BLISTER+: Get Yourself Covered: Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: G3 origin story (3:05) success can hide failure (16:11) G3 2014 - 2020 (27:53) G3's Second Lap (35:07) New Ideas and Problem Solving (40:30) First Haiku on Gear 30 (50:42) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast

Scott Gaffney is one of the most accomplished ski-movie directors of all-time, and in this highlight from The Blister Vault, we’re sharing this clip where Jonathan Ellsworth got Scott to (try to) narrow down the most mind-blowing sessions he’s witnessed, and the skiers that made even the other pros watch in awe. And listening to this clip from 2017 today, it’s amazing how accurately Scott predicted who would be the next big thing in skiing. Note: We Want to Hear From You! We’d love for you to share with us the stories or topics you’d like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. Email us at: info@blisterreview.com RELATED LINKS:  livemomentous.com – use code: Blister OneSkin: oneskin.co/BLISTER  Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+ Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways For the Full Episode: Scott Gaffney – Skier & Director, Matchstick Productions (Ep.60) Blister Cinematic: 20th Anniversary of ‘Yearbook’ w/ Murray Wais & Scott Gaffney (Ep.22) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: Blister Podcast Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas GEAR:30

After the book, ‘Born to Run’ came out, minimalist, low-profile shoes were all the rage. But now, maximalism is the big trend. So who’s right and who’s wrong? Blister’s running editor, Gordon Gianniny, talks with Jonathan about the various trends and pendulum swings in the world of footwear — shoes made for running, hiking, trail-running, and walking. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS:  Momentous: livemomentous.com use code: Blister BLISTER+: Get Yourself Covered: Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: The Rise of Maximal Trail Shoes (2:44) Minimalists vs Maximalists: Who's Right? (6:16) ‘High Stack’ Vs ‘High Cushion’ (17:23) Upgrade Culture (22:02) Toe Boxes (27:44) Trickle-Down Tech (30:41) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast

GPS sports watches are impressive little devices that are able to track and measure more and more things each year. But how do these devices actually work? How accurate are they? And what are the important differences among all the options? Today, Darian Allberry from COROS joins us and provides an outstanding overview of this entire product category. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS:  Momentous: livemomentous.com use code: Blister OneSkin: oneskin.co/BLISTER Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+ Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES:  What Should We Call This Product Category?? (3:08) How Hardware Differs (4:31) COROS History (10:26) Accuracy (16:57) Over-the-Air Updates (10:20) Displays (25:24) OLED vs AMOLED Displays (29:19) Darian’s Background (32:20) Data: How Much is Too Much? (34:53) Prices / Price Ranges (41:03) Size (46:06) What Feature is Most Underutilized? (49:35) A.I. (53:53) Durability & Care (58:26) What's Next at COROS? (1:02:31) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nutrition apps? Body Composition Scales? Sleep Trackers? The category of home health & fitness tech is exploding, and Kristin Sinnott & Jonathan Ellsworth talk about the gear they've been using — or are currently avoiding — and why.  Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here RELATED LINKS:  Momentous: livemomentous.com code: Blister  Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+ Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES:  Kristin’s Upcoming Trip (3:10) Nutrition Apps - Cronometer (5:28) Body Composition Scales - InBody Dial H40 (23:59) Sleep Trackers - Coros Pace Pro (38:22) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the process like for having a custom ski built for you? What do you need to know? How much do you need to know about ski design? And are you someone who should consider it? Today, we’re going to help you figure out all of these questions, with Folsom Custom Skis owner, Mike McCabe, Jonathan Ellsworth, and Steve Janisch. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS:  Momentous: livemomentous.com code: Blister Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+ Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: Shoutout: New BLISTER+ Members (1:42) The Process of Designing a Custom Ski (5:15) Steve’s Experience Testing Skis at Blister Summit (21:04) Who are You Skiing With? (28:29) Adjusting Rocker Profiles (36:52) Materials (41:33) Mount Position & Stance (49:29) Graphics (51:00) Putting It All Together (54:47) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on The Vault, we’re sharing another momentous Blister moment: a section from the very first episode in a series that went on to become one of the biggest things — and arguably one of the best things — we’ve ever put together at Blister. Note: We Want to Hear From You! We’d love for you to share with us the stories or topics you’d like us to cover next month on Reviewing the News; ask your most pressing mountain town advice questions, or offer your hot takes for us to rate. Email us at: info@blisterreview.com RELATED LINKS:  Momentous: livemomentous.com use code: Blister Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+ Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas GEAR:30 Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Footwear — running shoes, hiking shoes, walking shoes, etc — has never been more high-tech. Or confusing. Or expensive. It’s a wild world. So today, Jonathan talks with Blister’s running editor, Gordon Gianniny, about the current state of technical footwear; “super” shoes; AI; and more. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS:  Momentous: livemomentous.com code: Blister OneSkin: oneskin.co/BLISTER Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+ Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: Gordon’s Background (6:19) The Confusing World of Footwear (9:35) Costs (20:41) The Super Shoe (23:20) Materials & Design (31:16) AI in Running Shoe Design (36:47) Predictions (45:20) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: The Blister Vault Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wild Rye is about to turn 10 years old, so Jonathan caught up with Wild Rye founder, Cassie Abel, to ask her about starting this self-funded, women-focused, technical outdoor apparel company back in 2016, and what has & hasn’t changed in the industry over the past decade. They also discuss product development, fundraising strategies, and how Wild Rye has navigated massive trade challenges. Cassie is a very open book, and today, she shares lots of great stories and insights. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS:  Momentous: livemomentous.com code: Blister OneSkin: oneskin.co/BLISTER Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+ Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide Enter Our Free Weekly Gear Giveaways CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: What is Wild Rye? (3:23) Changes Over the Past Decade (8:02) Category Expansion (13:14) Product Development (15:51) Finding the Fit (18:21) Independent Funding (21:59) Lessons Learned from Fundraising (24:35) The Impact of Tariffs (29:51) Wild Rye Today (38:52) Favorite Wild Rye Products (42:21) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan and Kristin announce the latest new thing at Blister — ‘The Vault’ — then talk about some of their summer adventures, the new sports they’ve been getting into, and the new gear they’ve been using. Give it a listen, then share your favorite moments using the link below. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS: Episode Sponsor: oneskin.co/BLISTER Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: Shoutout: New BLISTER+ Members (1:00) The Blister Vault (4:01) Reviewer Reports: Kristin’s New Sport (14:16) Apparel: (23:33) Curious Creatures Women’s Sun Dog pants Bitterroot Bloom Shorts (12.5” inseam) Eyewear: (26:02) Vallon Watchtowers  Vallon Heron  GPS Sports Watches / Smartwatches (28:26) Mtn Bike Pedals: Flats vs Clips (29:23) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From thru-hikers to ski mountaineers and backpack hunters, Outdoor Vitals’ products have gained a very diverse following. To understand why, Luke Koppa sat down with Brigham Crane, their Product Design Director, to discuss designing products for ‘experiences’ rather than sports, the current state of active insulation, gold-covered down, and more. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS: Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide Outdoor Vitals CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: Brigham’s Background (4:49) Outdoor Vitals Overview (9:36) Versatility vs Specificity (11:40) Collection: Mountain Pursuit (14:51) Prototyping Challenges (22:30) Active Insulations (24:56) ExpeDry Down (30:56) Hunting vs Other Apparel (38:26) Outdoor Vitals Hardgoods (41:43) Biggest Areas for Improvement (45:31) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth break news about our 26/27 Blister Winter Buyer’s Guide, and some other big changes at BLISTER. They also talk about the changing media landscape in 2026, and how BLISTER has been able to remain independent for 16 years — and counting. Note: We Want to Hear From You! Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you’d like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here. RELATED LINKS: Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer’s Guide CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: Shoutout: New BLISTER+ Members (1:46) The Big Buyer’s Guide News (3:57) New Sections: Frontside & On-Piste (9:51) Our ‘Best Of’ Section (13:13) Cover Photo of the Guide (19:36) Other Updates on the Site: (23:10) Blister Access Pass (23:10) More Content, Same Price (26:36) Head-to-Head Comparisons (30:53) Field Reviews (34:59) Media Landscape in 2026 (44:09) How We Operate / Our Principles (50:39) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.