Insulation Tips with UGQ

• The senior projects and standout projects from students showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills.
• The final show and exhibit provide an opportunity for the public to see the students' work and for companies to find new talent.
• Job placements for graduates of the program are diverse, with opportunities in both outdoor and non-outdoor industries.
• The Outdoor Recreation Archive is a valuable resource for exploring the history of outdoor gear and brands.
• The Highlander Podcast features conversations with gear pioneers and provides insights into the outdoor industry.
• Books mentioned: Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, The Design Of Everyday Things: Norman, Don Norman , Design for a Better World: Meaningful, Sustainable, Humanity Centered, Don Norman, The Future of the Responsible Company: What We've Learned from Patagonia's First 50 Years
• 2024 Senior Exhibit
• Outdoor Recreation Archive Online File Search

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Summary
Several years ago, you could point to any cottage company and they would likely have several products made out of X-Pac®. Nowadays, it seems like X-Pac® is less used than ever before. In this episode, we talk about why that is and why we feel like its decrease in market share is making it one of the most underrated materials to makers and cottage companies.  Plus, we talk about their new X-Pac® Ultra-PE UL pack material.

Takeaways

• X-Pac® has experienced a decrease in prominence due to the emergence of new materials and shiny object syndrome.
• X-Pac® offers high waterproofness and durability, making it suitable for applications such as packs, bags, and outdoor gear. X-Pac® has a high hydrostatic head rating, making it very waterproof.
• X-Pac® has good abrasion resistance and  lamination techniques and has a long history of experience in the field.
• X-Pac® is climate-neutral in its production, offsetting emissions from various sources.
• X-Pac® offers a wide range of printing options through the Outdoor Ink program.
• When working with X-Pac®, it is recommended to store it on a roll to prevent creasing, use a sharp needle and longer stitch length, and consider binding or taping for finishing.
• X-Pac's Project 85 is a new material in development that offers a lighter-weight option.
• The hosts play a game called 'Make, Stash, or Trash', where they choose which materials to use for different projects.

Chapters

00:00- Introduction

01:13- What Happened to X-Pac®?

05:32- Decrease in Usage of X-Pac®

07:26- Quality of X-Pac®

10:22- Cottage Companies and X-Pac®

11:40- DIYers and X-Pac®

23:41- Applications of X-Pac®

26:58- Examples of Projects with X-Pac®

30:09- LiteSkin® Line

34:18- Applications of X-Pac®

40:35- Pros of X-Pac®

46:01- Hydrostatic Head and TEP Abrasion Resistance

49:53- Lamination and Environmental Focus

54:07- X-Pac® Climate Neutrality

58:46- OutdoorINK Printing Options with X-Pac®

01:03:26- Tips for Working with X-Pac®

01:07:34- Why Choose X-Pac® and Other Materials

01:11:38- X-Pac® Project 85

01:13:59- Make, Stash, or Trash Game

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Summary

Embark on an outdoor odyssey with Chris, co-founder of Loop Alien, as he unravels the company's evolution. Loop Alien, a hardware marvel within the Ripstop by the Roll family, crafts tools and kits, transforming hammock setups and tarp rigging into a breeze. Chris delves into the early Ripstop days, his role in the company, and the intricate design process behind Loop Alien's game-changing products, featuring materials like aluminum and titanium. This podcast journey navigates through the customization and material properties of composites, cautioning on 3D printing limitations for load-critical applications. Chris envisions a future merging 3D printing with RBTR fabrics, exploring innovative uses of magnets and the exciting prospects of outdoor hardware. Calling all outdoor enthusiasts – tune in for Chris's insights, where gadgets meet the great outdoors!

https://loopalien.com/
Instagram: @LoopAlien

Takeaways

• Loop Alien is a hardware company that provides tools and kits to make outdoor activities easier and more accessible.
• The design process for Loop Alien's products involves careful consideration of functionality, finishing, and material choice.
• Loop Alien's focus on flatware design allows for cost-effective manufacturing and efficient use of materials. 
• While 3D printing is becoming more accessible, it is important to be cautious when using 3D printed items for load critical applications.
• The combination of 3D printing and RBTR fabrics offers opportunities for customization and innovation in outdoor gear.
• The future of outdoor hardware lies in solving problems and addressing pain points, with an emphasis on user-driven innovation.

Chapters

00:00- Introduction and Background

02:13- Early Days of Ripstop by the Roll

04:11- Background and Role of Chris

07:26- Formation of Loop Alien

09:55- Loop Alien's Products and Mission

19:14- Loop Alien's Design Process

23:55- Importance of Flatware in Loop Alien's Designs

27:25- Materials Used in Loop Alien's Hardware

31:07- The Cord Winder and Other Loop Alien Products

36:01- The Guideline Tensioner (GLT)

40:15- The Importance of Finishing in Loop Alien's Hardware

44:04- The Choice of Aluminum and Titanium in Loop Alien's Hardware

50:48- Customization and Material Properties in Composites

53:06- Limitations of 3D Printing for Load Critical Applications

54:25- Benefits of 3D Printing for Prototyping and Tinkering

55:54- Examples of 3D Printed Outdoor Gear

57:48- The Potential of 3D Printing and RBTR Fabrics

59:47- Innovative Uses of Magnets in 3D Printing

01:01:39- The Future of Outdoor Hardware and Problem Solving

01:03:06- The Role of 3D Printing in Democratizing Manufacturing

01:04:57- Recommended Resources for 3D Printing and Materials

01:06:20- Favorite Filament for 3D Printing

01:07:38- Target Demographic for Loop Alien Products

01:09:06- The Beginner Version of the Target Demographic

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In the backcountry, your insulation pieces are your lifeline. It's important to select them intentionally and care for them carefully so you can use them freely. In this episode, we talk with down expert, Chad Houghton from UGQ about how to care for your down products and how they fill their quilts in the shop.

UGQ Shop
UGQ Quillow

UGQ Instagram
UGQ YouTube
UGQ TikTok

Takeaways

• UGQ Outdoor Equipment has recently undergone changes, with Chad Houghton taking over as the new owner.
• Chad's go-to backpacking trip is North Manitou Island in Michigan, and his favorite gear includes a hammock from Dream Hammock.
• UGQ's latest product is the Quillow, which combines a blanket, pillow, quilt, and liner into one versatile item.
• Chad recommends hand washing and air drying down products and emphasizes the importance of conservative temperature ratings.

Chapters

00:00- Introduction and UGQ Overview

01:35- Excitement of Taking Over a Cottage Company

03:03- Favorite Backpacking Trip and Gear

05:01- Go-To Backpack

06:16- Funny Story of Working with Down

08:14- Dealing with Down Clinging and Cleaning

10:25- Introduction to the Quillow

15:06- Quilt Production Process

18:13- Duck vs Goose Down

20:30- Conservative Temperature Ratings

23:28- Fabric with Best Balance of Weight and Durability

29:17- Missing Fabric in the Market

34:30- Missing Insulation in the Market

39:02- Principles of Down Care

40:55- Importance of Down Care

42:30- Natural vs Synthetic Insulation

45:19- Fabric Care for Down Products

46:37- Recommended Down Wash

48:53- UGQ Outdoor Links and Podcast

51:57- This or That Game

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Summary

Dan Gerken, the founder of ANDA, shares his journey of starting a cottage company and his participation in the Embark program. He explains the meaning behind the name ANDA and the challenges of working with different fabrics. Dan also discusses the importance of justifying the cost of eco-fabrics and the difficulties of running a one-person show. He concludes by sharing his plans for future products and revisions. In this conversation, Dan Gerken discusses his new product ideas, expansion plans, companies and inspirations, favorite non-ANDA gear, missing fabric in the market, and how he got his trail name Hot Pink.

Shop  ANDA Ultralight
Follow ANDA on Instagram

Takeaways

• Starting a cottage company requires wearing multiple hats and balancing different roles.
• Working with challenging fabrics, such as silpoly, can be difficult but rewarding.
• Justifying the cost of eco fabrics is important for customers who value sustainability.
• Running a cottage company involves challenges in marketing and reaching the target audience.
• Future product development can involve revisions and improvements on existing designs. Daniel Gerken is working on new product ideas, including a bug bivvy and a single-pole tarp with doors.
• He plans to expand his product line to include backpacks and hopes to offer customers a lightweight and compact backpacking system.
• Daniel finds inspiration from companies like ULA, Mountain Laurel Designs, and Yama Mountain Gear.
• His favorite non-Anda gear is a Patagonia R1 fleece that he has had for over 10 years.
• Daniel would like to see more eco-friendly fabrics in the market, such as the ultra TNT by Challenge.
• He got his trail name Hot Pink because he carried a hot pink hairbrush on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Chapters

00:00- Introduction and Program

03:38- Starting Onda and the Embark Program

14:09- Meaning Behind the Name ANDA

25:48- Working with Challenging Fabrics

29:01- Justifying the Cost of Eco Fabrics

33:16- Challenges of Running a Cottage Company

37:15- Balancing Different Roles in the Business

40:34- Future Products and Revisions

42:42- New Product Ideas

50:07- Companies and Inspirations

53:12- Favorite Non-ANDA Gear

55:14- Missing Fabric in the Market

57:26- Maker Game

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Good design is what sets great products apart from competitors. The problem is that good design can be hard to come by. In this episode we talk about how you can design your products even better and take your at home creations to market. We're joined by a design expert, fellow MYOGer, and Senior Soft Goods Developer Daniel McKewen. Also, stick around to hear how Daniel's job might be the coolest job for an avid MYOGer. 

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This is not your average award show. This is the Rippies. We debate and select the top products of the year. From fabrics that we released, components we used, and even products we've seen from cottage companies. Stay tuned for the end to play along in our brand new listener game 'Guess the fabric.'

Products Mentioned: 

• Ultra 100X
• 1.0 Dyneema Composite Fabric
• Polartec Alpha Direct 4004
• UL Venom Stretch Mesh ECO 
• 0.66 oz MEMBRANE 10 Taffeta Nylon
• Slim Strap Keeper

Cottage Company Product of the Year: 

• Tread Lite Gear (UK) - Dyfold Wallet
• Suluk46 Silky Saw (prototype)
• Rowdyalls
•  Hermitic Gear denim pack
• DD Hammock Bikepacker Tent 

Episode Timeline:
00:00 Introduction
01:01 Favorite Products of the Year
05:18 Challenges in Bringing Products Onboard
07:09 Pride in Product Development
10:23 Products of the Year
12:48 Top Materials/Fabrics of the Year
26:47 Favorite Component of the Year
33:17 Favorite Cottage Product of the Year
48:00 Favorite Personal Project of the Year
58:00 Guess the Product Game
01:15:14 Closing Remarks

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allmansright does things a little differently than most cottage companies. Where many companies lead with products and dreams, allmansright leads with vision and passion. We talk with allmansright about how they make their vision pay the bills and why they think it's been so successful. We also talk about their approach to new products and about Liv's early MYOG projects. 

Episode Notes:

• https://allmansright.com/
• Follow allmansright on Instagram
• Liv from allmansright is recording in his sewing studio, so you might hear some sewing background noise :)

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• 10 Fabric Terms You Need to Know - Blog
• 10 Fabric Terms You Need to Know - Podcast 
• How We Make Fabric - Blog 

• 3.9 oz Venom™ TPU  
• 5.0 oz Dyneema® Composite Fabric  

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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 mat
  • Roof Straps 
• Isaac: 
  • Truck bed drawer system
  • Under-seat storage bags
  • Cast-iron griddle cover
  • Tailgate bike cover

Best Fabrics/Materials: 

• Jameson: 
  • Not about weight it’s about packability 
    • You don’t have to go UL, but be cognizant
  • X-Pac RX Line, Silpoly, MONOLITE, 1.9 PU Ripstop 
• Isaac: 
  • Cordura, UVX40, CSM Poly
  • Think about the sun exposure 
    • Poly fabrics will have better UV resistance 

Non-fabric resources:

• Jameson: 
  • Magnets 
  • CAMP Carabiners, mini carabiners
  • Austere Buckles 
  • Wooden dowels 
• Isaac:
  • Suction cup hooks/mounts
  • Rivnuts

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