Gear Predictions, 2024

Gear Predictions, 2024

Author: BLISTER January 5, 2024 Duration: 46:03

Today, we’re following up last week’s episode, where we looked back at 2023’s “Gear Of The Year,” and we’re now looking forward to 2024. Jonathan Ellsworth, Kara Williard, Justin Bobb, and Luke Koppa attempt to predict what’s “in” and what’s “out,” what trends will be revived, what categories will see the most change, and spin off into several other tangents.

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Ep. 278: Gear of the Year, 2023

TOPICS & TIMES:

2023 Gear Trends (2:26)

What’s “In” for 2024? (8:05)

What’s “Out” for 2024? (15:27)

What Trends are Coming Back? (25:55)

Categories to See the Most Change? (31:11)

Crashes & Close Calls (38:24)

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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: 398

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
Andrew Alexander King’s Denali Expedition & the Gear He Used [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:37
Andrew Alexander King tells us about his experience on Denali and some of the most important gear he used.TOPICS & TIMES:The planning (1:32)The Between Worlds Project (3:32)The training (5:51)The surprises (11:41)The gea…
Sam Shaheen’s Denali Expedition & the Gear He Used [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This spring, Sam Shaheen and four of his friends took on the very big challenge of a Denali expedition. So in this conversation, we get the debrief from Sam, discuss what he and his crew learned in the process, and go ov…
Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 5: WaveCel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This week we’re talking with the co-founder of WaveCel, Dr. Steve Madey. We discuss the origins of and the development of WaveCel; Steve makes what might be the best case we’ve ever heard about why rotational forces play…
The Mt. Rushmore of “Poppy” Skis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Previously on GEAR:30 we laid out our Mt. Rushmore of Ski Suspension. Now, we’re moving to the opposite end of the spectrum to talk about the poppiest skis we’ve been on. We define some terms, talk about some of the char…
Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 4: POC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:37
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Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 3: Pret [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:12
We talk with the president & CEO of Pret Helmets about Pret’s approach to helmet design; the “dart test” portion of the safety certification process; the prospects of implementing customizable helmet liners; why Pret pla…
Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 2: Giro / Bell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:39
We talk with Rob Wesson about Giro’s approach to various helmet safety standards and certifications; the differences between a $65 helmet and a $260 helmet; the pros and cons of adding a chin bar to a full-face helmet, o…
Current State of Helmet Tech, pt. 1: Sweet Protection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:08
In our new GEAR:30 mini-series, we’re talking to key designers in the world of snowsport and bike helmets to stitch together a current state of helmet tech and helmet R&D.To get things started, we are talking with Ståle…
A Very Deep Dive on Ski Boots, Part 6: Ski Boot Suspension [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:42
Matt Manser is back to talk about bike crashes and ski boot suspension.TOPICS & TIMES:Bike crash stories (2:17)Ski-boot suspension (11:43)Damp vs. Plush (14:25)How to achieve good suspension (21:18)Ski bindings (28:08)“P…
Old Principles & New Challenges of Apparel Design [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:19
Carl Moriarty was the Design Director at Arc’teryx, and is currently the Design Director at Rapha. We discuss his background and career in the outdoor industry, then dive into several principles of technical apparel desi…