Inside the Innovation of Backcountry Gear | PEAX EQUIPMENT

In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down again with Brice Bishop and Jeff Helm of PEAX Equipment to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to design and build gear trusted by backcountry hunters.

From trekking poles to teepees, titanium stoves to headlamps, Brice and Jeff open up about the multi-year development cycles, product failures, engineering breakthroughs, and the vision that drives PEAX to create gear that isn’t just “me too”—but truly original.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• How PEAX pioneered the hybrid trekking pole design that blends carbon and aluminum
• Why testing in New Zealand confirmed they were onto something new
• The full story behind the PEAX teepee and the Cross Trek Stabilization system
• How early prototypes shredded in the wind—and why that mattered
• The years-long engineering challenge of creating a titanium stove with zero loose parts
• Why forming titanium required new dies, new partners, and a complete redesign
• The inspiration and engineering behind the Origami shelter
• The PEAX headlamp and what makes it the brightest, most intentional hunting light available
• How PEAX approaches innovation without becoming a “meta product” brand
• The role of designer Jason “Sunshine” and how he pushed PEAX to think differently
• The importance of releasing products only when they’re absolutely ready

If you're a gear junkie, hunter, designer, or someone who loves hearing the story behind the equipment you trust in the mountains, this episode delivers.

This is the Mountain Dude Podcast, where we climb higher together.

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