25 Years: The Evolution of The North Face Summit Series w/ Sage Cattabriga-Alosa & TNF’s Head of Innovation, Cory Olson

25 Years: The Evolution of The North Face Summit Series w/ Sage Cattabriga-Alosa & TNF’s Head of Innovation, Cory Olson

Author: BLISTER January 9, 2026 Duration: 1:34:08
The North Face’s iconic Summit Series collection has not only been a part of some of the greatest athletic feats of the past 25 years, it’s also had a major influence on the technical apparel we all use today. In this 2-for-1 conversation, Luke Koppa dives into its backstory, major milestones, and standout pieces with The North Face’s Global Head of Innovation, Cory Olson. He also talks with the one and only Sage Cattabriga-Alosa to get his perspective as an athlete who’s been involved with this series for its entire run — including how he went from hitting backcountry booters in the baggiest clothes he could find, to summiting high-altitude peaks in the most technical gear on the market. RELATED LINKS: Episode Sponsor: Snowbird Episode Sponsor: OpenSnow Enter Our Weekly Gear Giveaways Our Blister Recommended Shops Join Us At Blister Summit 2026 For BLISTER+ Members: Discounted Blister Summit Registration Get Yourself Covered with BLISTER+ CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS: Blister Studios (our new channel) Blister Review (our original channel) TOPICS & TIMES: OpenSnow (2:09) Snowbird (4:25) Weekly Gear Giveaway (6:03) Sage's History w/ The North Face (7:10) Sage’s Ah-Ha Moments w/ Apparel (23:00) Layering Evolution (36:30) Sage’s Standout Products (40:56) Cory Olson’s Role at The North Face (49:52) Historic and Throwback Pieces (54:14) Standouts Materials (56:36) Athlete Feedback & Design Impact (1:01:11) PFAS-Free Apparel: Present & Future (1:05:19) Care & Washing (1:10:20) Himalayan Suit (1:18:58) Summit Series x Streetwear (1:23:30) Future Projects (1:32:01) CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS: Blister Cinematic CRAFTED Bikes & Big Ideas Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
What You're Probably Getting Wrong about Ski Width [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:18
When it comes to the question of ski width, there are some very strong opinions held by skiers, and lots of them aren’t true. Are lots of people on skis that are too wide? Will a skinnier ski always carve better than a w…
Reviewer Reports: Paul's New Pow Ski Design; Carving Skis; & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:34
Luke, Koppa, Paul Forward, and Jonathan talk about some of the gear they've been reviewing; discuss topics related to that gear; and dive deep into the ideas behind a new pow ski design that Paul has been thinking about…
Rewriting the Rules of Ski Boots? K2 Ski Boots’ Tom Pietrowski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:59
(1) Why is it that typically, only the stiffest ski boots have all the best features and get the best liners and all the bells and whistles? (2) What are boot manufacturers doing about the fact that many of the best skie…
Gear of the Century, Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:04
What are the most significant developments in snowsports gear of the 21st century? We’ve already covered the ‘Best Skis of the Century’ on GEAR:30, and now, we’re ranking the most important gear and / or technological de…
Gear of the Century, Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:18
What are the most significant developments in snowsports gear of the 21st century? We’ve already covered the ‘Best Skis of the Century’ on GEAR:30, and now, we’re ranking the most important gear and / or technological de…
Ski Testing, Ski Technique, & Data Analytics with Carv [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:54
What can you learn when you analyze hundreds of thousands of ski turns? What does it tell you about ski technique? And what can be learned about the gear you use to make those turns — and the gear we test and evaluate? L…