Advertise on podcast: Ripstop on the Record

Send us a text Traditional tailoring might seem worlds away from technical gear—but the principles are the same. In this episode, Alasdair Leighton-Crawford of Cimoro shares how skills learned on Savile Row translate directly into better-fitting apparel, smarter pack design, and more intentional making. We talk about: Why tailoring is one of the fastest ways to truly understand fitHow athletic thinking and craft obsession shape better gearWhat most makers overlook when designing packs and apparelBalancing bespoke work, scalability, and running a small businessWhy making by hand still matters in an age of automation and AICimoro Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text Factories aren’t just about scale—they’re classrooms for better design, smarter workflows, and more durable products. In this episode, Douglas Davidson shares lessons from global manufacturing floors and explains how makers at any level can apply factory thinking to make better gear, whether sewing at home or building for production. Announcements:  Maker Meet-Up Spring 2026New ProductsGuest Links: Douglas Davidson | Canvas Worker & The Brown BuffaloHolubar Mountaineering backpack Bruce Johnson - History of GearHiroshi fujiwara (Goodenough)Dan Green, Arcteryx VP of DesignWilson bag factory  Clarification: Douglas mentions Pungkook as having 100,000 employees in the episode. In the flow of the conversation, that number got mixed up. He meant to say 10,000 employees. Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text Let us know what you want out of the podcast for 2026. Email us: [email protected] Sadly, the episode that was planned for this week had a technical problem and was lost entirely. We're bummed because this was going to be a fun episode. After only missing one week over the 5 years we've been running the show, we suppose it was bound to happen eventually.  Don't worry, we have exciting episodes planned for 2026 and you can expect to hear from us on a regular basis once again.  Thanks for our best year of podcasting! Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text How our guest went from weekend prototypes to leading design work at The North Face, Nike, and Burton. This episode traces what it really takes to get great at designing gear. You’ll hear practical insights on materials, overseas factories, and the decisions that shape products you trust. Guest: Douglas Davidson of Canvas Worker and The Brown Buffalo  Factories Mentioned:  http://www.pungkook.com/AJ Factory, https://www.instagram.com/kcajvn/Meru Documentary  Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text Sewing mistakes happen to everyone. Yes, even the pros. Today we’re breaking down how to actually fix the ones that haunt your workshop. From feeding fabric through the machine to perfecting seam allowances and choosing the right project order, we’re giving you the guide we wish we had on day one. Plus, we answer community questions on binding 3D shapes, PSA tape stitching, machine feed types, and even… what happened to Isaac? 2025 DIY Kit Sale  Ep. 135 with Luke Mathers from Truce Designs Co-Host, Matt Evans from Red Paw Packs | Custom UL Packs built in Tarpon Springs FL Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text Great pack fabrics don't always come right from the mill. Luke from Truce Designs finds some of his fabrics from old sailboats, kites, and scrap bins. Upcycled fabrics aren't just "green" they're durable, functional, and full of old stories. They're the perfect accent to include on a bespoke project. Listen to this episode to hear about what to look for, what to stay away from, and how to upcycle old materials.  Truce Designs Links:  Website Youtube ChannelInstagramNew Products:  Marine Grade VinylFind Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text Good design is more than shapes and stitches. It’s timing, color, and knowing when something is good enough to release. We chat with James from Route Unknown to talk about secrets behind the drop method and how he creates modular, beautiful, and ultra-durable products in his one-man shop. Plus, why the UK doesn't have that many cottage companies.  Listen to the episode to understand the edgy title :) https://www.instagram.com/route__unknown/ https://route-unknown.com/ [email protected] Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text In this episode, we’re separating fact from fiction in the world of technical fabrics and MYOG. We debate 10 true or false statements about technical fabrics, covering topics like seam strength, water leakage, ripstop grids and more. Expect a playful and opinionated conversation that is sure entertain and maybe shock you.  Guest: Matt Evans from Red Paw Packs Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text It’s draft day at Ripstop on the Record! In this episode, we sit down with Francesca Hall and Ryan Campbell for the very first Fabric Draft. Each person builds a six-category roster of technical fabrics, covering packs, bags, quilts/sleeping systems, shelters, apparel, and mesh in a snake-style draft. Which fabrics made the cut? Which powerhouse materials were left on the table? And who built the strongest lineup? From classics like 1000D Cordura® and Silpoly XL to cutting-edge picks like ULTRA™ 200 and Polartec® Alpha Direct with Wool, this episode is a fun (and competitive) deep dive into the world of performance textiles. Guests:  Ryan Campbell | Wandering Goat,  Francesca Hall | @madeby_francesca Drafts Choices: Ryan: Pack/bag: ULTRA 200 Apparel: Alpha with Wool Shelter: 1.1 oz Silpoly XL 2nd GenPack/Bag: 1000D Cordura Quilt: 0.9 oz  MEM 15 ECO Jameson:Mesh: Venom MAXPack/Bag: 210D Venom Gridstop Apparel: alpha 4008 Shelter: 0.67 oz DCFPack/Bag: RVX15Francesca: Apparel: 5.2 oz AIRWAVE 4-Way Ripstop Pack/Bag: EPX200Bag/Bag: 1.9 oz PU Coated Ripstop Quilt/sleeping bag: Mem 15 poly tag printable Apparel: 3.4 oz nylon Taslan Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text Becoming a designer is like being a painter. You have to master the fundamentals while developing a style that’s unmistakably yours. In this episode, we sit down with legendary designer Dan Matsuda to explore how he’s honed his craft, built a distinct design philosophy, and what young designers can do to create original work in a world full of remakes. Sample Matsuda TAD Lightspeed  TAD Parallax Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on our recent trip overseas to meet with production partners—from one-man shops to sprawling 800,000-square-foot mills. We share behind-the-scenes stories, cultural mishaps, and our biggest takeaways from seeing the process up close. You’ll learn why fabric design is more like chess than checkers, how global trade and mill specialization impact what shows up on Ripstop by the Roll’s shelves, and answers to your most pressing customer questions—from dyeing and durability to sustainability and working conditions. If you’ve ever wanted to know what’s really happening on the other side of the supply chain, this episode is your front-row seat. Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text If you’ve ever felt like sewing projects take twice as long as they should, this episode is your shortcut to speed and sanity. Matt and Jameson break down their best tips. From patterns to set-up to tools that will help you sew smarter, avoid mistakes, and finally feel like you’re in control of the clock instead of racing against it. Guest:  Matt EvansRed Paw Packs@Red Paw Packs New Products:  Velcro - Hook and Loop Stainless Steel Thread Snips Venom™ Stretch Mesh ECO MAX Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text Creative freedom is amazing but it can feel lonely not knowing where to turn. After all, there's no MYOG/design guidebook. From time-saving techniques to elite finishing touches, these tips will make every project faster, cleaner, and more professional. We're joined by good friend of the podcast, Matt Evans from Red Paw Packs to unpack and debate the skills and techniques we think are REQUIRED to become a skilled maker/designer. Do you have these skills or can you think of others that we forgot to include?  Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text In this episode, Nash Calvin gives us an inside look at how Hyperlite designs, refines, tests, and produces their products. Although known for their UL simplicity, there is still a lot that goes into each product. You'll even get to hear about what benefits international manufacturing has on the customer. Hyperlite Mountain Gear CrossPeak2 Hyperlite Mountain Gear x Dyneema®Woven Composites  Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a text In this episode, Owen Forbes of ULA Equipment breaks down their full design-to-production process and explains the real-world advantages of keeping manufacturing in-house. You’ll learn how domestic production impacts prototyping speed, product quality, and design flexibility. Plus, what it really takes to run a sewn goods operation without outsourcing. Guest: Owen Forbes - Product Designer at ULA ULA Website  ULA Products Mentioned:  Circuit Circuit SV Custom Packs RBTR Products:  210D Venom™Gridstop ECOULTRA 100XULTRA 200Venom™ Stretch Mesh ECO MAX X-Pac® VX07X-Pac® VX15100D ROBIC210D ROBIC  Big thanks to Chase Anderson at Utah State program for Outdoor Product Design and Development. Listen to Chase on the podcast in Ep. 91.  Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com