Alpenglow Mtn Festival + Stuff We Learned during Spring Ski Testing

Alpenglow Mtn Festival + Stuff We Learned during Spring Ski Testing

Author: BLISTER June 30, 2018 Duration: 33:25

We talk with Blister editors, Luke Koppa and Sam Shaheen, about the recent Alpenglow Mountain Festival and running with our hero, Courtney Dauwalter. Then we talk about some of the key things we learned during our ski testing this spring, including the correct thing to think about Domino's thin-crust pizza, dumb gear, and great gear.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • Luke's recap of the Alpenglow Summer Mountain Festival (2:01)
  • In praise of our hero, Courtney Dauwalter (4:02)
  • Rants & Revelations from our spring ski testing - #1: Domino's thin-crust pizza (7:36)
  • Recommendation #2: Primus Kuchoma Grill (11:05)
  • On Hubris - groomers & pond skims (12:08)
  • Rant #1: waterproof jackets: hard shells vs soft shells (19:05)
  • Rant #2: socks (24:14)
  • Rant #3: waterproof low-cut shoes (26:33)
  • Recommendation #3: Patagonia's new R1 TechFace (28:18)
  • Recommendation #4: the redesigned Flylow Richie Hoody (29:15)

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: 391

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
Gear West on Current Trends + New Ski & Snowboard Gear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:28
We’re talking new gear and gear trends with Lucas Evans and Jeff Perry of Gear West, our Blister Recommended Shop in Long Lake, Minnesota.TOPICS & TIMES:Shop overview & Lucas & Jeff’s backgrounds (2:30)Consumer interest…
Blister Summit Recap & Ski Reviews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:12
Kristin Sinnott, Kara Williard, and Sascha Anastas talk about some of their highlights from the Blister Summit and discuss a bunch of the gear they spent time on from Fischer, Salomon, Dynastar, Renoun, Rossignol, and mo…
Gear Myths & More w/ Cody Townsend [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:08
Cody and Jonathan review some news, then talk about 5 gear myths; cookware; coffeemakers; & more.TOPICS & TIMES:Diversity, Fairness, & the Olympics (10:10)Equal Pay: USA Soccer (17:36)Gear Myths Myth 1: Stiff boots (20:3…
12 New Skis from the Blister Summit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:30
Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth give a quick recap of the Blister Summit, then discuss a dozen of the skis we spent time on at the event.TOPICS & TIMES:Blister Summit (3:20)New (pink) Flylow gear (9:32)Kastle ZX115 (11…
Reviewer Reports: Custom Insoles, Skis Boots, & Skis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:26
Kara Williard spells out the case for custom insoles in your ski boots, and discusses the Blizzard Black Pearl, Volkl Secret 96, & Salomon Stance 88W. Eric Freson talks about his trip to Canada and the WNDR Alpine Reason…
Boot Fitting & How to Get a Proper Ski Boot Fit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:21
How should a ski boot actually fit? What does it feel like to have a “properly fitting” ski boot? And how do you achieve that? We’re discussing these questions and topics with Sebastian Steinbach, who is a boot fitting i…
New 2022/2023 Ski Gear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:59
Luke Koppa and Jonathan Ellsworth discuss a ton of next season’s new products, and some of the most intriguing product categories. TOPICS & TIMES:Lightweight Boots (3:30)Supercapacitor airbags (24:56)Volkl (32:25)Dalbell…