GEAR:30

GEAR:30

Author: BLISTER Language: English Episodes: 391
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.
Episodes
Hoji on Tinkering, Climbing Skins, Monoskiing, & Michael Jordan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:06
In celebration of episode #100, of course we had to have Hoji back on, our patron saint of GEAR:30.We discuss all the tinkering he’s been doing during quarantine; what ski gear has the most room for improvement; snowmobi…
Your Questions + Our Review of PBR’s ‘Hard Coffee’ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:05
What outdoor gear is in need of the biggest improvement? How old is too old to try your first backflip? If you had to opt for skis that are too long or too short, which would you pick? What should I do with my life? How…
Reviewing the Reviewer: Eric Freson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:28
In our “Reviewing the Reviewer” series, we ask various BLISTER reviewers questions about their backgrounds and gear preferences to give you a more complete picture of the people behind our reviews. And since we like to r…
Mystery Ranch Backpacks: From Special Ops to Backcountry Skiing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:26
Mystery Ranch has a long history of working with and making packs for the US military, fire departments, and law enforcement. They also make everything from backpacks for everyday use, to packs for backcountry skiing, an…
AT Binding Shootout, New Touring Skis, & Tiger King [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:01
Luke Koppa, Jonathan Ellsworth, and Luke’s mustache discuss the pros and cons of a number of current AT bindings, including the new Marker Duke PT, the SHIFT binding, Daymaker Alpine adaptors, frame bindings, and tech to…
Crash Course: Telemark Ski Gear, Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:14
Since we now have to learn how to tele ski and shoot a tele video, we’re crowdsourcing a crash course in telemark technique (see Blister Podcast episode 125) and in telemark gear. So here in Tele Gear Part 1, we’re talki…
McConkey’s Spatula, Modern Pow Skis, & Luke’s Mustache [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:09
Reviewers Paul Forward, Luke Koppa, and Jonathan Ellsworth talk about the signs we’re going stir crazy; Shane McConkey’s Volant Spatula vs. other modern pow skis; the DPS Koala 119; the new LINE Vision 118; our current n…
What You’re Wearing, Part 5: Bison Fibers? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:50
Bison Wool? Bison Down? That’s a thing? Well it’s being used by one company, United By Blue, who started salvaging otherwise wasted bison fibers, and is now incorporating them into a growing range of products.So we talke…
Full Tilt Ski Boots: Past & Present [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:20
Full Tilt ski boots are beloved by some (including the likes of Bode Miller, Tom Wallisch, Seth Morrison, and Sammy Carlson), but they get pigeonholed by others who think of them as only being for park rats.So we are joi…
Sugar Cane, Castor Beans, & Poly Bags — Picture Organic Clothing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:41
Picture Organic Clothing is going way beyond common sustainability practices with things like castor bean oil waterproof membranes and sugar cane waste-derived polyester, and they are attempting to eliminate polybags fro…