Ripstop on the Record

Send us Fan Mail 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 und...

Send us Fan Mail 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 🛒 Shop all of our ne...

Send us Fan Mail 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?...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Lightspee...

Send us Fan Mail 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 specializa...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 technique...

Send us Fan Mail 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®Wo...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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, Woo...

Send us Fan Mail 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,...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 sh...

Send us Fan Mail 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:  ZP...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Find Us on Social Medi...

Send us Fan Mail 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.  Oveja Negra Pleas...

Send us Fan Mail 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....

Send us Fan Mail 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 asso...

Send us Fan Mail This episode is a little different than most. Instead of skipping this week, we decided to give you a short episode because we have some exciting news! Tune in to hear about, the hardest pack Jameson has ever made, stories from behind the scenes of our newest fabrics, as well as the details on our maker meet up next month. New Products:  Shop the New Year New Gear Sale  https://ri...

Send us Fan Mail Many people know the joys of hammock camping and sleeping in an elevated system. But there are perils as well. For example, plummeting to the earth in the middle of the night. In this episode, we talk with Matt Smith from Dream Hammock about how to choose the right fabric and avoid injury, improve your sleep, and keep your base-weight down. Guest: Matt Smith https://dream-hammock....

Send us Fan Mail If you want to become a better maker, understanding the nuances of fabrics and fabric attributes is crucial to your development. We still hear a lot of people mention old or disproven theories about what fabrics can and cannot do. Don't be left in the dark. Listen to hear about 8 common fabric myths and how they impact your projects. The Myths 1. Technical Fabrics are uncomfo...

Send us Fan Mail No matter your skill level, all DIYers are trying to save time on their projects, clean up difficult skills, and become better makers. One way that you can cut time is by using gadgets. However, not all gadgets are the silver bullet you're hoping for. In this episode, Matt Evans joins us to share his experience using sewing and DIY gadgets. PLUS, we list 5 items you MUST have...