This episode will never see the light of day...
Ripstop on the Record
Let us know what you want out of the podcast for 2026. Email us: social@ripstopbytheroll.com
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!
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Built by hand, Designed for scale
Ripstop on the Record
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:
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Fix These MYOG Mistakes Before You Start Your Next Project
Ripstop on the Record
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?
Ep. 135 with Luke Mathers from Truce Designs
Co-Host, Matt Evans from Red Paw Packs | Custom UL Packs built in Tarpon Springs FL
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These Materials Tell a Story Beyond the Performance
Ripstop on the Record
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:
New Products:
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Fidlock is gone... Now what?
Ripstop on the Record
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/
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True or False about Tech Fabrics and MYOG
Ripstop on the Record
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
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Fabric Draft 2025: Who Has the Strongest Roster?
Ripstop on the Record
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 Gen
- Pack/Bag: 1000D Cordura
- Quilt: 0.9 oz MEM 15 ECO
- Jameson:
- Mesh: Venom MAX
- Pack/Bag: 210D Venom Gridstop
- Apparel: alpha 4008
- Shelter: 0.67 oz DCF
- Pack/Bag: RVX15
- Francesca:
- Apparel: 5.2 oz AIRWAVE 4-Way Ripstop
- Pack/Bag: EPX200
- Bag/Bag: 1.9 oz PU Coated Ripstop
- Quilt/sleeping bag: Mem 15 poly tag printable
- Apparel: 3.4 oz nylon Taslan
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Creating Original Work in a World of Remakes
Ripstop on the Record
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.
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Secrets from the Mills (in Asia)
Ripstop on the Record
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.
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Get More Projects Done in Less Time
Ripstop on the Record
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 Evans
- Red Paw Packs
- @Red Paw Packs
New Products:
- Velcro - Hook and Loop
- Stainless Steel Thread Snips
- Venom™ Stretch Mesh ECO MAX
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Every maker NEEDS to have these skills
Ripstop on the Record
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?
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Inside Hyperlite's Production Process | Creating Minimalist and Functional Gear
Ripstop on the Record
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
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Inside ULA Equipment with Pack Designer Owen Forbes
Ripstop on the Record
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 Products Mentioned:
RBTR Products:
- 210D Venom™Gridstop ECO
- ULTRA 100X
- ULTRA 200
- Venom™ Stretch Mesh ECO MAX
- X-Pac® VX07
- X-Pac® VX15
- 100D ROBIC
- 210D 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.
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The Blueprint of A Great Sewing Pattern
Ripstop on the Record
Do you know what makes a sewing pattern great? We're not talking about being just usable, but functional, inclusive, and built to last. In this episode, we sit down with Ellie Rivkin of Road Trip Pattern Co to unpack her approach to designing technical apparel patterns, from inspiration and tools to testing and fit.
Ellie has an impressive resume with companies like Gap, Wooland, Northwest Alpine, and now Columbia Sportswear all on her portfolio. We're not even here to talk about those companies because Ellie also makes her own patterns for Road Trip Pattern Co.
Links:
- Wool &
- Wool & Prince
- Gap
- Northwest Alpine
- Columbia Sportswear
- Opitex
- Clo3D
- Tukatech
- Stretch Needle
- Ball Point Needle
- Walking Foot
- Threadloop
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How to Design a Fanny Pack Worth Wearing
Ripstop on the Record
In this episode Carter and Jameson pull back the curtain on fanny pack features. This isn’t advice from the sidelines. It’s hands-on insight from makers who know their way around patterns, materials, and how to build gear for every-day maker. Whether you're trying to choose the panel design, dial in your seam finishing, or avoid features that sound cool but flop in real life, we’ve got you covered.
Show Links:
- Reflective Mesh
- Center Push Magic Buckle
- 210D Venom™ Gridstop
- Fidlock V-Buckle 40mm
- Spacer Mesh
- Venom™ UL Stretch Mesh ECO
- Fanny Pack Pattern
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Dan Durston’s Gear Design Playbook
Ripstop on the Record
In this episode, Dan Durston opens up his gear design playbook — sharing the principles, philosophies, and materials that guide his top-rated products. From the drama behind the X-Dome tent to bold opinions on fabrics like Challenge TNT, Dan doesn’t hold back. If you care about thoughtful design, innovative materials, and what it takes to build gear that actually works, this one’s a must-listen.
Links:
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Stop Making These Amateur Construction Mistakes
Ripstop on the Record
After analyzing thousands of products, we've been able to identify common construction mistakes that are plaguing makers everywhere. We highlight the top 10 problems that can serious impact the durability, longevity, and quality of your products. Listen to this episode to save yourself the headaches that MYOGers before have endured.
Episode Links:
- Scissor Magnets
- Magnetic Seam Guide
- Ep. 106 with Dan McKewen
- Dyneema® Repair Tape
- MIL-SPEC Nylon Grosgrain Ribbon
- Packing Cube Kit
- Sewing Start-Up Check-List
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Why Your DIY Gear Doesn’t Look Pro—And How to Fix It
Ripstop on the Record
You know that moment when someone looks at your MYOG project and says, “I can tell”? Ryan Campbell of The Wandering Goat is sharing 7 tips to make your gear look and feel professional—like it came straight from a factory floor, not your garage.
We sit down with Ryan Campbell, a small-batch bag maker known for highly customized, thoughtfully crafted gear. From bright-eyed beginner to shipping bespoke pieces to international clients, Ryan’s been through the full arc of the MYOG journey—and he’s here to share what he’s learned along the way.
In addition to pro-level tips, we dive into Ryan’s sewing origin story, the machines and gadgets he swears by, and the materials he hopes to see more of in the future.
Links:
- https://www.instagram.com/the_wandering_goat/
- Thread burner
- Slicer craft knife
- Best damn knife
- Heat transfer vinyl
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Ditch paper patterns and try this instead
Ripstop on the Record
Projector sewing is one of the fastest growing trends in the sewing world. In this episode, we break down what projector sewing is, how it works, and why it's gaining popularity in both home sewing and DIY gear-making. From gear recommendations and setup tips to pattern formats and software options, we’re covering everything you need to know to get started.
Plus, Francesca shares her own journey into projector sewing, the challenges she faced early on, and the favorite projects she’s created using this digital method. Whether you're curious, cautious, or completely sold, she offers tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and make the switch with confidence.
Also in this episode:
– Gear you’ll need for the ideal setup
– Troubleshooting brightness, distortion, and calibration issues
– Go-to resources and must-follow accounts for projector sewing
– A special shoutout to Trail Days in Damascus, VA (May 16–18)
– Exclusive giveaways, discounts, and more!
Mentioned Links:
- Projectors for Sewing Facebook Group, Pattern Projector, ProjectorSewing.com, https://projectandcut.com/
- https://projectorsewing.com/
- Accounts to follow: @minimalistmachinist @aaronicabcolestudio @marliesreukers
- @Madeby_francesca
- ThreadLoop
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Can you save money making your own gear?
Ripstop on the Record
Is making your own gear actually saving you money? According to our math, DIYers can sometimes save up to 200%—but we've also seen folks drop $300 on a project they could’ve bought for $250. In this episode, we break down the three tiers of MYOG, what drives costs in each, and what makers are really spending when they go the DIY route.
Products Mentioned:
- Kits/Patterns:
- Fabrics:
Ep. 69 - Making Happy Accidents with Dustin Klein
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How To Read a Fabric Data Sheet
Ripstop on the Record
Data sheets help give quantitative data on how a fabric performs. This data is invaluable but can be confusing if you don't know what you're looking at. That's why we did this episode. Maddie Wilson from NC State's College of Textiles helps us understand how each test is performed and what the test value really means.
Show Links:
- Here is an example of a data sheet.
- You can find data sheets in the photo carousel of most product pages.
- NC State Wilson College of Textiles
- Summer Course for High School Students
- Physical Testing Lab
Products Mentioned:
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Ask Us Anything - March 2025
Ripstop on the Record
We feature as the guest on this "ask us anything" style of episode. Listen to hear us talk about fabric application, sewing tips, business changes, and other things that makers have requested to know.
Product Links:
- Schmetz Universal Machine Needles
- Schmetz Sharp/Microtex Machine Needles
- Gutermann MARA 70
- Gutermann MARA 50
- 210 Venom™ Gridstop ECO
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@RipstopbytheRoll
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5 Keys To A Great Bike Bag - NOT what you'd expect
Ripstop on the Record
If you ask Chat GPT what the 5 keys to a great bikebag are, you'll get a good list. But it may not be vetted from professional bike bag makers like our list is in this episode. We talk with Lane and Steph from Oveja Negra. The so called, Black Sheep, of the bikebag work will surprise you in their keys to the bags that carry us on our two-wheeled adventures.
Please note: Our guests were recording in their sew shop. This makes the conversation feel very organic, like two makers in their element. However, it can be disruptive and a bit loud at times. We want to apologize for the quality being below our standard and assure you that we will make sure this doesn't happen again.
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Industrial Sewing Machines: Your Guide To Buying Used
Ripstop on the Record
Whether you're a DIYer or a small business owner, choosing the right machine can be overwhelming—and buying the wrong one can cost you time, money, and frustration. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know, from researching machine types and trusted brands to spotting red flags in listings and inspecting a machine before you buy.
Maker Meet Up: https://form.typeform.com/to/lH0FEfYJ
Apply for the 2025 Maker Sponsorship: https://ripstopbytheroll.com/pages/maker-sponsorship-2025
Where to Look for Used Machines
Recommended Machines:
- Juki DNU 1541
- Juki 1181
- Juki 8300 - 8700
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6 Items That Improve Your MYOG Projects
Ripstop on the Record
There are DIY gems hiding all around us. From building precision patterns to upcycling materials - we're sharing creative ways to prototype, reinforce, and customize gear so you can optimize your projects. Listen to get inspired, think outside the box, and elevate your gear-making game.
If you want to check out links for the products that are mentioned and read the blog associated with this episode, check that out here.
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This episode will never see the light of day...
4:37
Built by hand, Designed for scale
1:59:31
Fix These MYOG Mistakes Before You Start Your Next Project
1:21:33
These Materials Tell a Story Beyond the Performance
1:03:02
Fidlock is gone... Now what?
1:22:58
True or False about Tech Fabrics and MYOG
1:13:56
Fabric Draft 2025: Who Has the Strongest Roster?
1:24:55
Creating Original Work in a World of Remakes
1:16:40
Secrets from the Mills (in Asia)
1:27:29
Get More Projects Done in Less Time
1:05:50
Every maker NEEDS to have these skills
1:22:50
Inside Hyperlite's Production Process | Creating Minimalist and Functional Gear
52:16
Inside ULA Equipment with Pack Designer Owen Forbes
1:22:00
The Blueprint of A Great Sewing Pattern
1:05:07
How to Design a Fanny Pack Worth Wearing
56:25
Dan Durston’s Gear Design Playbook
1:20:48
Stop Making These Amateur Construction Mistakes
56:52
Why Your DIY Gear Doesn’t Look Pro—And How to Fix It
1:05:28
Ditch paper patterns and try this instead
52:54
Can you save money making your own gear?
44:19
How To Read a Fabric Data Sheet
1:13:46
Ask Us Anything - March 2025
1:04:45
5 Keys To A Great Bike Bag - NOT what you'd expect
50:54
Industrial Sewing Machines: Your Guide To Buying Used
1:05:32
6 Items That Improve Your MYOG Projects
44:10