Ripstop on the Record

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Any project is a serious undertaking—but sewing everything for your thru-hike is next level. That’s exactly what Eliza did for the CDT. She breaks down what it actually takes to design, sew, and trust a full 15-piece kit when failure isn’t really an option.
In this episode: 
Where to start when you want to make something big 
Why the failed prototype helped in the long run 
How Eliza approached fabric selection
What she did this project for
Listen in to get inspired and see where your next build can take you. 
Guest: 
Eliza Sweeney
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The line between professional gear and great DIY gear is hard to define. Instead of guessing, we brought in a pro. A product developer with Patagonia and Yeti experience breaks down what actually matters and what makers can learn from the big companies. 
In This Episode, We Cover:
 The real difference between product design and product development—and why it matters for makers / cottage companies 
 How big companies turn rough ideas into finished products (and what you can steal from that process) 
 Simple ways to define your project upfront so you don’t get stuck, overbuild, or lose direction 
 How to handle feedback, check your ego, and iterate like a pro without burning out your creativity 
 Listen in and start building with more clarity, confidence, and intention before you even sit down at the machine.

Guest: 
Kyle Rogers - Project Waterloo, LinkedIn
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Stop rushing your photos and start making your gear look as good as it actually is. Cinematographer and maker Chris Ellison breaks down how to think about composition, environment, and presentation so your projects hit differently the moment people see them. 
In This Episode, We Cover:
Why most maker photos fall flat—and the simple shift that instantly improves them 
How to use environment, framing, and depth to make your gear the clear focal point 
Practical tricks like stuffing, shaping, and staging your bags so they photograph clean and intentional 
How real-world use, travel, and feedback loops shape better design (and better visuals) over time 
Listen in and start taking photos (and making gear) that actually do your work justice.
Explore Ellison Handmade: 
Website 
Instagram 
Shop our latest products here
X-Pac®
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Not every upgrade happens at the sewing machine. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or unsure why your work isn’t improving, this episode breaks down the mindset shifts that actually move you forward.
Filip Raboch joins us to share what he’s learned building custom gear at a high level. Listen so you can avoid the common traps and start making smarter, more intentional decisions in your own process.
Why identifying a specific use is most important 
How to say no and why you have to 
The hidden reality of being a custom gear maker for a living 
Guest: 
Filip Raboch Custom Gear

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Foam might not be the flashiest material in gear making, but it’s responsible for some of the biggest performance upgrades in your packs and bags. In this episode, we break down how experienced makers actually use foam. Covering real techniques, hard-earned lessons, and the small tricks that make projects come out better. 

In This Episode, We Cover:
When and why to add foam to a project—from shoulder straps and back panels to laptop sleeves and structured bags 
How thickness, density, and foam type change comfort, structure, and sewability in real builds 
Practical techniques for cutting, shaping, ventilating, and installing foam cleanly in your projects 
Maker-tested tips for working with foam on home machines, avoiding common mistakes, and getting better results the first time 
If you’ve ever struggled with straps, structure, or padding in your projects, this episode will change the way you do your next build.
Guests: 
Ryan Campbell from the Wandering Goat
Matt Evans from Red Paw Packs 
Products: 
New X-Pac® Fabrics 
New Challenge ULTRA 200X Colors
XLPE Foam
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@RipstopbytheRoll
www.ripstopbytheroll.com