Inside ULA Equipment with Pack Designer Owen Forbes

Send us a textIn 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 PacksFind Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textIt’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_francescaDrafts Choices:Ryan: Pack/bag: ULTRA 200 Apparel: Alpha with Wool Shelter: 1.1 oz Silpoly XL 2nd GenPack/Bag: 1000D Cordura Quilt: 0.9 oz  MEM 15 ECO Jameson:Mesh: Venom MAXPack/Bag: 210D Venom Gridstop Apparel: alpha 4008 Shelter: 0.67 oz DCFPack/Bag: RVX15Francesca: Apparel: 5.2 oz AIRWAVE 4-Way Ripstop Pack/Bag: EPX200Bag/Bag: 1.9 oz PU Coated Ripstop Quilt/sleeping bag: Mem 15 poly tag printable Apparel: 3.4 oz nylon Taslan Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textBecoming 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 MatsudaTAD Lightspeed TAD ParallaxFind Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textIn 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.Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textIf 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 EvansRed Paw Packs@Red Paw Packs New Products: Velcro - Hook and Loop Stainless Steel Thread Snips Venom™ Stretch Mesh ECO MAX Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textCreative 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 techniques we think are REQUIRED to become a skilled maker/designer. Do you have these skills or can you think of others that we forgot to include? Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textIn 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 CrossPeak2Hyperlite Mountain Gear x Dyneema®Woven Composites Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textIn 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 Designer at ULAULA Website ULA Products Mentioned: Circuit Circuit SV Custom PacksRBTR Products: 210D Venom™Gridstop ECOULTRA 100XULTRA 200Venom™ Stretch Mesh ECO MAX X-Pac® VX07X-Pac® VX15100D ROBIC210D ROBIC Big thanks to Chase Anderson at Utah State program for Outdoor Product Design and Development. Listen to Chase on the podcast in Ep. 91. Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textDo 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, Wooland, Northwest Alpine, and now Columbia Sportswear all on her portfolio. We're not even here to talk about those companies because Ellie also makes her own patterns for Road Trip Pattern Co. Road Trip Pattern CoEllie Rivkin LinkedInCascadia JoggersRoad Trip on InstagramLinks: Wool &Wool & PrinceGapNorthwest AlpineColumbia Sportswear OpitexClo3DTukatechStretch NeedleBall Point NeedleWalking FootThreadloop Find Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com

Send us a textIn 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, we’ve got you covered.Show Links: Reflective MeshCenter Push Magic Buckle210D Venom™ Gridstop Fidlock V-Buckle 40mmSpacer MeshVenom™ UL Stretch Mesh ECOFanny Pack PatternFind Us on Social Media 🚀@RipstopbytheRollwww.ripstopbytheroll.com