Episodes
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...
Published 11/22/23
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...
Published 11/08/23
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
Published 10/25/23
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...
Published 10/11/23
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...
Published 09/27/23
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...
Published 09/13/23
The majority of MYOG is making new items. And don't get us wrong, they're awesome! But that means we possess a skill that we may not even realize. By knowing how to sew, we can also REPAIR gear. In this episode, we talk with Claire Beaumont. An accomplished seamstress who has made it her job to professionally repair items.  Having sewn with big companies like Filson, Patagonia, and more, she has a wealth of knowledge and stories to share. We get some tips and tricks on how to help your gear...
Published 08/30/23
In this episode, we do a deep dive with Samson Rope. They are the designers and manufacturers behind popular MYOG items AmSteel®, Zing-It, and Lash-It. We wanted to get an inside look at one of the most historic rope companies in the US and understand more about how they do things. Rope and cord is everywhere. From construction sites to campsites, MLB parks and play parks, your families yard to the shipyard, and everywhere in between. Learning more about cords/ropes in this episode will...
Published 08/16/23
OutdoorINK is a specially designed printing process that enables us to print on over 30 technical fabrics. This means your pack, quilt, tarp, or any other project can have limitless colors, patterns, and designs. In this episode, we talk with one of the brains behind the whole process, Justin Oliveri.  We'll pick his brain on how we did this and get some tips on how you can get the most out of your print. Highlights:  Nylon vs Polyester printingRGB Color MapCustom Artwork and RBTR...
Published 08/02/23
Pattern building can be tricky. Despite the perils, knowing how to make a pattern is a really good skill for makers to possess. Through good pattern skills you can start to make more featured projects,  get a lot more specific on your panels, and be more confident in your designs. Listen to this episode to hear about:  The three methods we recommend at-home makers tryPros and cons for each method Tools needed to build patterns Tips and tricksMethods:  Digital Drafting Deconstruction...
Published 07/19/23
Several years ago, Josh Stein was making his own UL backpack at home. Now, Josh is the R&D Coordinator at Hyperlite Mountain Gear. This isn't a rags-to-riches story, but more insight on how one of the biggest names in the cottage industry still has roots in the maker community.  The pioneering post-cottage company has exploded in popularity over the last few years and continues to do so through their new products. Releasing things like one of the finest UL ski mountaineering packs and a...
Published 07/05/23
We made the mistakes so you don't have to... make the same ones. This episode is packed with essential tips and tricks that will save you time, frustration, and potentially even money!  You shouldn't fear the trials because those will be your ticket to new opportunities. But there's no reason to make the same mistakes we have. That's where this episode comes in. Ten whole tips to help you skip the line to your MYOG rollercoaster.  Our List of What NOT to Do: 1. Do not skip research before...
Published 06/21/23
A lot of amazing things happened at Trail Days this year but not everyone got to be in Damascus with us. Using the top of a cooler and a camp chair as our studio we take a live look into the booths, people, and characters that make the hiker community so infectious.  Listen if you want to hear about:  The coolest gear at AT daysThe biggest boothsProduct releases Stories of the event Watch this Episode on YouTube: Coming Thursday, June 8th  Maker Gallery Gear: High Tail Designs:...
Published 06/07/23
If your problem is inspiration, then this podcast is the solution. Lance and Jameson sit down to chat with Creative Director from Carryology, Taylor Welden. Taylor joins the pod as one of the most decorated designers we've ever had on the show. Responsible for some of the biggest drops in the carry world and the mind behind some WILD fabric designs, this podcast will leave your gears spinning.  Listen to this episode if you want to hear about:  New products coming for Carryology What Taylor...
Published 05/24/23
If you're a normal maker, then you likely feel a rollercoaster of emotions while making something. Have you ever thought about why that is? It has a lot to do with the mindset that we bring to the sewing table. I wanted to dig into the mentality of a maker. The good, the bad, the hilarious, tumultuous, infuriating, and the peaceful. Digging into the mindset is where our guest comes in. As a Youtuber, maker, designer, tattoo artist, digital artist, bike builder, (and a lot more) Dustin Klein...
Published 05/10/23
Many of us love the cottage industry because of the stories and people that are behind the gear. They're not faceless companies that we're buying from, they're people, families, and stories that we're buying into. Terra Rosa Gear (Evan Howard) is a great story that we've been fortunate to know for a long time.  This story revolves around a mad scientist in his workshop doing the things he's passionate about. Evan makes gear that brings people joy, uses colors that reflect the earth's...
Published 04/26/23
Shoulder straps are like ***holes, everyone's got one and a lot of them stink. But life is way too short to live with uncomfortable shoulder straps.  In this episode, we're going to give you all the pros and cons when it comes to making your own shoulder straps. Whether you're making your first pack and you need simplicity or looking to fine-tune your thru-hiking rig, you will leave with a much better idea of what you want to make.  Watch the Youtube episode here:...
Published 04/12/23
Wouldn't it be nice if there was a scoring system that gave you quantitative info on what machine might be best for you? Heath Jackson has devoted the last 6 years to creating this tool. Like many makers, he had a dream of making a project to enable his outdoor pursuits. What started as just a tool became his infatuation. Since then he has bought and restored over 30 machines. While working with these machines Heath, kept careful notes on 7 distinctive features. With the help of friendly...
Published 03/29/23
In this episode, we'll dive into important factors to consider when designing for women, such as avoiding the "Shrink it and Pink it" mentality. Our guests will share their insights on this issue and how to approach designing for women in a thoughtful and inclusive way. We'll also discuss common fit issues in women's outdoor gear, such as hip belts, and how they impact comfort and performance. Our guests will share their experiences and tips for addressing these issues and designing products...
Published 03/15/23
This episode is about the gear that you make for everywhere but the backcountry. We're talking about every day carry and travel gear. Hear about the items that we recommend you make to make your life a little easier on the go.  It's not far fetched to say that we talk most about gear for outdoor pursuits. However, that's only part of our purpose. MYOG doesn't have to be for UL nerds and hammock hangers. MYOG can be for anyone including someone who wants to optimize their work bag or make new...
Published 02/28/23
What does it take to design modern gear? In this episode, we're talking with Darwin (yes, that Darwin) and Matt Evans about their collaboration on the brand new Evolved Supply Co. We'll talk about the steps that they went through to design, test, and prototype, re-design, and re-test the products that they are bringing to the market. Including a sneak peak at the products that they haven't announced 👀 yet. Evolved Supply Co. https://evolvedsupplyco.com/ Product's Mentioned:   UL Venom™...
Published 02/15/23
Every so often we like to do a deep dive on a particular topic. In the past, we've meandered down the rabbit holes of tapes that you may see in the MYOG world as well as discussed seams that are crucial for any DIYer. Working with zippers is a must for any MYOGer. However, different projects will require different zippers. And different zippers will require different techniques. In this installment of our growing "Deep Dive" series, we'll talk about all things zippers. You'll leave this...
Published 02/01/23
There's a lot to look forward to in a new year. For our podcast crew, that means plotting the projects we're most excited to work on over the next 12 months. For the first time, we'll be talking about the apparel items we're designing and the gear that's accompanying us on our 2023 adventures. There are three sections that will instruct our 2023 MYOG picks: 1. Apparel 2. Equipment for adventures 3. Every Day Items Stay tuned to hear us drop a hint at new products coming in 2023. Shop...
Published 01/18/23
In this episode, we spotlight San Francisco-Based maker, Amy Guan. Her company, MODOKOT is epitomizing what it means to build a small brand through great design, personal reflection, and familial inspiration. The quality of Amy's products are second to none, but what is even more compelling is being apart of Amy's story. She's the type of person that brings energy and a smile to every aspect of what she does.  What to expect:  Why Amy left her Facebook job What MODOKOT meansWhy building an...
Published 01/04/23
If RBTR had an awards show, this episode would be it. We'll talk about the gear we made, our favorite new materials and components, an unpopular opinion on sewing, and our watch list of companies we learned about in 2022. Show Mentions: Fabrics 1.0 mm Poly/UHMWPE Reflective CordReflective Shock CordPolartec® FleeceX-Pac® RX30Venom™ UL Stretch MeshMicro CordlockSliplok Tri-GlideAustere MFG Cam BuckleOlfa Pro Quilting & Utility ScissorX-Pac® RXTyvek® 1056DCompanies KS...
Published 12/20/22