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Summary Embark on an outdoor odyssey with Chris, co-founder of Loop Alien, as he unravels the company's evolution. Loop Alien, a hardware marvel within the Ripstop by the Roll family, crafts tools and kits, transforming hammock setups and tarp rigging into a breeze. Chris delves into the early Ripstop days, his role in the company, and the intricate design process behind Loop Alien's game-changing products, featuring materials like aluminum and titanium. This podcast journey navigates through the customization and material properties of composites, cautioning on 3D printing limitations for load-critical applications. Chris envisions a future merging 3D printing with RBTR fabrics, exploring innovative uses of magnets and the exciting prospects of outdoor hardware. Calling all outdoor enthusiasts – tune in for Chris's insights, where gadgets meet the great outdoors! https://loopalien.com/ Instagram: @LoopAlien Takeaways Loop Alien is a hardware company that provides tools and kits to make outdoor activities easier and more accessible.The design process for Loop Alien's products involves careful consideration of functionality, finishing, and material choice.Loop Alien's focus on flatware design allows for cost-effective manufacturing and efficient use of materials. While 3D printing is becoming more accessible, it is important to be cautious when using 3D printed items for load critical applications.The combination of 3D printing and RBTR fabrics offers opportunities for customization and innovation in outdoor gear.The future of outdoor hardware lies in solving problems and addressing pain points, with an emphasis on user-driven innovation. Chapters 00:00- Introduction and Background 02:13- Early Days of Ripstop by the Roll 04:11- Background and Role of Chris 07:26- Formation of Loop Alien 09:55- Loop Alien's Products and Mission 19:14- Loop Alien's Design Process 23:55- Importance of Flatware in Loop Alien's Designs 27:25- Materials Used in Loop Alien's Hardware 31:07- The Cord Winder and Other Loop Alien Products 36:01- The Guideline Tensioner (GLT) 40:15- The Importance of Finishing in Loop Alien's Hardware 44:04- The Choice of Aluminum and Titanium in Loop Alien's Hardware 50:48- Customization and Material Properties in Composites 53:06- Limitations of 3D Printing for Load Critical Applications 54:25- Benefits of 3D Printing for Prototyping and Tinkering 55:54- Examples of 3D Printed Outdoor Gear 57:48- The Potential of 3D Printing and RBTR Fabrics 59:47- Innovative Uses of Magnets in 3D Printing 01:01:39- The Future of Outdoor Hardware and Problem Solving 01:03:06- The Role of 3D Printing in Democratizing Manufacturing 01:04:57- Recommended Resources for 3D Printing and Materials 01:06:20- Favorite Filament for 3D Printing 01:07:38- Target Demographic for Loop Alien Products 01:09:06- The Beginner Version of the Target Demographic Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

In the backcountry, your insulation pieces are your lifeline. It's important to select them intentionally and care for them carefully so you can use them freely. In this episode, we talk with down expert, Chad Houghton from UGQ about how to care for your down products and how they fill their quilts in the shop. UGQ Shop UGQ Quillow UGQ Instagram UGQ YouTube UGQ TikTok Takeaways UGQ Outdoor Equipment has recently undergone changes, with Chad Houghton taking over as the new owner.Chad's go-to backpacking trip is North Manitou Island in Michigan, and his favorite gear includes a hammock from Dream Hammock.UGQ's latest product is the Quillow, which combines a blanket, pillow, quilt, and liner into one versatile item.Chad recommends hand washing and air drying down products and emphasizes the importance of conservative temperature ratings.Chapters 00:00- Introduction and UGQ Overview 01:35- Excitement of Taking Over a Cottage Company 03:03- Favorite Backpacking Trip and Gear 05:01- Go-To Backpack 06:16- Funny Story of Working with Down 08:14- Dealing with Down Clinging and Cleaning 10:25- Introduction to the Quillow 15:06- Quilt Production Process 18:13- Duck vs Goose Down 20:30- Conservative Temperature Ratings 23:28- Fabric with Best Balance of Weight and Durability 29:17- Missing Fabric in the Market 34:30- Missing Insulation in the Market 39:02- Principles of Down Care 40:55- Importance of Down Care 42:30- Natural vs Synthetic Insulation 45:19- Fabric Care for Down Products 46:37- Recommended Down Wash 48:53- UGQ Outdoor Links and Podcast 51:57- This or That Game Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Summary Dan Gerken, the founder of ANDA, shares his journey of starting a cottage company and his participation in the Embark program. He explains the meaning behind the name ANDA and the challenges of working with different fabrics. Dan also discusses the importance of justifying the cost of eco-fabrics and the difficulties of running a one-person show. He concludes by sharing his plans for future products and revisions. In this conversation, Dan Gerken discusses his new product ideas, expansion plans, companies and inspirations, favorite non-ANDA gear, missing fabric in the market, and how he got his trail name Hot Pink. Shop  ANDA Ultralight Follow ANDA on Instagram Takeaways Starting a cottage company requires wearing multiple hats and balancing different roles.Working with challenging fabrics, such as silpoly, can be difficult but rewarding.Justifying the cost of eco fabrics is important for customers who value sustainability.Running a cottage company involves challenges in marketing and reaching the target audience.Future product development can involve revisions and improvements on existing designs. Daniel Gerken is working on new product ideas, including a bug bivvy and a single-pole tarp with doors.He plans to expand his product line to include backpacks and hopes to offer customers a lightweight and compact backpacking system.Daniel finds inspiration from companies like ULA, Mountain Laurel Designs, and Yama Mountain Gear.His favorite non-Anda gear is a Patagonia R1 fleece that he has had for over 10 years.Daniel would like to see more eco-friendly fabrics in the market, such as the ultra TNT by Challenge.He got his trail name Hot Pink because he carried a hot pink hairbrush on the Pacific Crest Trail. Chapters 00:00- Introduction and Program 03:38- Starting Onda and the Embark Program 14:09- Meaning Behind the Name ANDA 25:48- Working with Challenging Fabrics 29:01- Justifying the Cost of Eco Fabrics 33:16- Challenges of Running a Cottage Company 37:15- Balancing Different Roles in the Business 40:34- Future Products and Revisions 42:42- New Product Ideas 50:07- Companies and Inspirations 53:12- Favorite Non-ANDA Gear 55:14- Missing Fabric in the Market 57:26- Maker Game Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Good design is what sets great products apart from competitors. The problem is that good design can be hard to come by. In this episode we talk about how you can design your products even better and take your at home creations to market. We're joined by a design expert, fellow MYOGer, and Senior Soft Goods Developer Daniel McKewen. Also, stick around to hear how Daniel's job might be the coolest job for an avid MYOGer.  Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

This is not your average award show. This is the Rippies. We debate and select the top products of the year. From fabrics that we released, components we used, and even products we've seen from cottage companies. Stay tuned for the end to play along in our brand new listener game 'Guess the fabric.' Products Mentioned:  Ultra 100X1.0 Dyneema Composite FabricPolartec Alpha Direct 4004UL Venom Stretch Mesh ECO 0.66 oz MEMBRANE 10 Taffeta NylonSlim Strap KeeperCottage Company Product of the Year:  Tread Lite Gear (UK) - Dyfold WalletSuluk46 Silky Saw (prototype)Rowdyalls Hermitic Gear denim packDD Hammock Bikepacker Tent  Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction 01:01 Favorite Products of the Year 05:18 Challenges in Bringing Products Onboard 07:09 Pride in Product Development 10:23 Products of the Year 12:48 Top Materials/Fabrics of the Year 26:47 Favorite Component of the Year 33:17 Favorite Cottage Product of the Year 48:00 Favorite Personal Project of the Year 58:00 Guess the Product Game 01:15:14 Closing Remarks Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

allmansright does things a little differently than most cottage companies. Where many companies lead with products and dreams, allmansright leads with vision and passion. We talk with allmansright about how they make their vision pay the bills and why they think it's been so successful. We also talk about their approach to new products and about Liv's early MYOG projects.  Episode Notes: https://allmansright.com/Follow allmansright on InstagramLiv from allmansright is recording in his sewing studio, so you might hear some sewing background noise :)Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

In this episode, we're going inside the mills where our fabric is made. We sit down with Kyle Baker (CEO at RBTR) about his trip to see where our fabric is made, what machines they use, and why a 7 step process helps us be better makers/designers. Links:  10 Fabric Terms You Need to Know - Blog10 Fabric Terms You Need to Know - Podcast How We Make Fabric - Blog  Associated Products:  3.9 oz Venom™ TPU  5.0 oz Dyneema® Composite Fabric  Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Car camping is awesome but the cost can be prohibitive for many people. Isaac and Jameson talk about projects that they have made, are planning out, or are inspired make for their car camping rigs. Including the best fabrics, materials, and components for this genre. Projects:  Jameson: Window covers Awning Door matRoof Straps Isaac: Truck bed drawer systemUnder-seat storage bagsCast-iron griddle coverTailgate bike cover Best Fabrics/Materials:  Jameson: Not about weight it’s about packability You don’t have to go UL, but be cognizantX-Pac RX Line, Silpoly, MONOLITE, 1.9 PU Ripstop Isaac: Cordura, UVX40, CSM PolyThink about the sun exposure Poly fabrics will have better UV resistance  Non-fabric resources: Jameson: Magnets CAMP Carabiners, mini carabinersAustere Buckles Wooden dowels Isaac:Suction cup hooks/mountsRivnutsFind Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

DIY pros Matt and Francesca share their secrets to help make you a better DIYer. These tips could be tools that are a must have, philosophies you need to share, or tips that have saved us time. Guests: Francesca Hall - Maker Extraordinaire  @madeby_francescaMatt Evans from Red Paw Packs @redpawpacksredpawpacks.comShow Notes: Fiber Optic ScissorsSeam Ripper  Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Whether you're making or buying a framed pack, it's important to understand how that frame works and what type you might want. In this episode, we talk about the different frame types that are out there and how you can make them yourself. Or know what to look for from a pre-made product. Our guest today is a good friend of the show, Brandon McIntyre. As co-founder of Superior Wilderness Designs, Brandon has a lot of experience sourcing, shaping, and using pack frames. Buy pre-shaped stays: https://www.ula-equipment.com/product/circuit-aluminum-stay/https://sockdolagerequipment.com/products/ultralight-frame-stays-custom?variant=44916036895025https://www.virgapacking.com/backpacks/p/7075-t6-flatbar-aluminum-pack-staysBuy the Materials 1/4" Aluminum Round RodHolstex Therform SheetMcMaster-CarrOnline MetalsSomeone who shares good insight: https://www.stitchbackgear.com/articles/frame-sheet-with-stayFind Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

There are a lot of words in the fabric business. If you don't know the lingo, it can be really frustrating, especially when you're just starting out. That's why we've put together a list of the top ten fabric terms that you need to know. In this episode, Carter and Jameson will run you through the definitions, acronyms, common mistakes, and uses for each of the 10 terms. Blog Read the blog here The music on this episode was written and produced by Elæneus.  Hear more from them here on IG @elaeneus.  Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com

Chances are that you want to make apparel. And we want to help you get there. In this episode, we sit down with two prolific makers who help simplify the fear and figure out where to start. Francesca Hall and Delaney Dangerfield are experienced makers who also teach sewing lessons at Delaney's shop. Their expertise, camaraderie, charisma, and personalities make for a fun episode that is also extremely informational. **Sewing Machine Giveaway Starts Monday, SEPTEMBER 18th.  Listen to hear about:  Machine tipsTools for apparel Sewing techniques Fabrics What to start withRecommendations Links: Follow Delaney on Instagram @her.two.handsSalt Lake Sewciety for Fabric, Patterns, and ClassesFollow Francesca on Instagram @madeby_francescaHelen's Closet PatternsThread TheoryInkscapeRoad Trip Pattern Co.Pattern Adventure The music on this episode was written and produced by Elæneus.  Hear more from them here on IG @elaeneus.  Find Us on Social Media 🚀 @RipstopbytheRoll www.ripstopbytheroll.com