Standout Backcountry Gear: Past, Present, & Future (ft. Vertical Playground)

Standout Backcountry Gear: Past, Present, & Future (ft. Vertical Playground)

Author: BLISTER March 15, 2024 Duration: 49:56

Luke Koppa and Kara Williard talk with Trygve Sande, one of the founders of Vertical Playground (VPG), which is our Blister Recommended Shop in Oppdal, Norway, to get a read on the past, present, and future of backcountry gear. We discuss current trends; all-time pivotal pieces of gear; the most durable products; the easiest ones to use; gear that helps break down the barriers to entry; skiing in Norway; and last but not least, Trygve’s involvement and collaboration with Hoji and 4FRNT’s new concept ski. 

RELATED LINKS:

Vertical Playground 

GEAR:30 Ep.169: Vertical Playground, Oppdal Norway 

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VIDEOS: Blister YouTube Channel 

TOPICS & TIMES

VPG background (2:19)

Current Backcountry Trends (5:20)

All-Time Pivotal Gear (11:01)

Frame & Tech Bindings (13:09)

Most Durable Products? (20:46)

Top Products: Ease of Use (24:31)

Hoji Lock (25:31)

Dynafit Ridge Binding (31:11)

Performance-to-Weight Ratio (28:06)

Best Gear for Norway (31:26)

Backcountry Accessories (33:38)

Backpacks (35:20)

Backcountry Gear Demos (36:54)

Hoji & the Raven & 4FRNT Concept Ski (41:00)

Summer at VPG (47:19)

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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: 391

GEAR:30
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