Ripstop on the Record

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Factories aren’t just about scale—they’re classrooms for better design, smarter workflows, and more durable products. In this episode, Douglas Davidson shares lessons from global manufacturing floors and explains how makers at any level can apply factory thinking to make better gear, whether sewing at home or building for production.

Announcements: 

• Maker Meet-Up Spring 2026
• Shop New Products

Guest Links:

• Douglas Davidson | Canvas Worker & The Brown Buffalo
• Holubar Mountaineering backpack 
• Bruce Johnson - History of Gear
• Hiroshi fujiwara (Goodenough)
• Dan Green, Arcteryx VP of Design
• Wilson bag factory 

Clarification: Douglas mentions Pungkook as having 100,000 employees in the episode. In the flow of the conversation, that number got mixed up. He meant to say 10,000 employees.

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Let us know what you want out of the podcast for 2026. Email us: [email protected]

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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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: 

• http://www.pungkook.com/
• AJ Factory, https://www.instagram.com/kcajvn/

Meru Documentary 

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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?

2025 DIY Kit Sale 

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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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: 

• Website 
• Youtube Channel
• Instagram

New Products: 

• Marine Grade Vinyl

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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/

https://route-unknown.com/

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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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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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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 Lightspeed 

TAD Parallax

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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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