Raide: Building a Solutions-Based Backcountry Brand

Raide: Building a Solutions-Based Backcountry Brand

Author: BLISTER January 19, 2024 Duration: 50:38

Luke Koppa sits down with Kyle Siegel, the founder of Raide, which is one of the newest players in the backcountry softgoods category. They launched with a lightweight 40-liter backpack that immediately made a splash when it was released, so we sat down with Kyle to learn about how — and why — he started Raide.

We cover the problems he’s looking to solve; how he went about doing so with the Raide LF 40 pack; we do a deep dive on some of the latest high-end, ultralight pack materials; the challenges and benefits of running a new, small business in the category; what we should expect from Raide in the future, and more.

RELATED LINKS:

Episode Sponsor: Pulse Boot Lab & Ski Co.

Join Us at Blister Summit 2024

Become a Member & Get Yourself Covered: BLISTER+

Blister First Look: Raide LF 40L Pack

TOPICS & TIMES:

Kyle’s Background (3:28)

The Problems Raide is Attempting to Solve (6:19)

Prototyping Process & Must-Have Features (12:15)

Deep Dive: Materials (17:00)

Raide LF 40L: Overview (28:07)

Raide’s Future Products (35:57)

Running Lean & Nimble as a Small Business (43:32)

Raide’s Athlete Team (46:17)

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:

Blister Cinematic

CRAFTED

Bikes & Big Ideas

Blister Podcast

Off The Couch


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 391

GEAR:30
Podcast Episodes
New Binding Tech: Tyrolia Protector Bindings with Full Heel Release [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:03
Tyrolia’s Protector bindings with “Full Heel Release” is something that every skier ought to know about. Tyrolia calls it “the safest binding we have ever made,” and exactly how it works and how it’s supposed to reduce k…
Ferreol Skis: Reenvisioning Ski Construction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:24
Ferreol is a relatively new company that designs and builds skis in Quebec, and they are working hard to push beyond conventional ski materials and construction. They created their own “Innovation Lab” to not only test s…
Bikes vs. Skis, 4th Edition (2023): Part 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:50
Ok, you know the drill. Which ski company is most similar to which bike company? What’s the latest incendiary thing that will come out of Dylan Wood’s mouth? This final installment of our 4th edition of Bikes vs Skis is…
Ski Binding Design with Hoji, Lars Chickering-Ayers, & Giray Dadali [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:21
At Blister Summit 2023, we brought together Hoji (Dynafit), Lars Chickering-Ayers (CAST Touring), and Giray Dadali (Daymaker Touring) for an extremely interesting and important discussion on the past, present, and future…
Bikes vs. Skis, 4th Edition (2023): Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:44
Which bike company and which ski company is currently holding the ‘Cool Kids Belt’? Which brand do other companies secretly wish they could trade places with? We debate these questions and more in our latest edition of B…
Safeback SBX: A New Avalanche Survival System [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:53
If you spend any time — inbounds or in the backcountry — skiing or riding in avalanche terrain or near tree wells, then you need to listen to this episode. Because we’re talking about a new system designed to increase yo…
Powder Ski Design w/ Folsom's Mike McCabe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:39
Today we’re talking about skis built for the deepest of days, the ones we dream about — and the kind that Mike McCabe and Jonathan Ellsworth were fortunate enough to ski recently in Alaska. And if you’ve ever heard someo…
Powder Skis in AK with Paul & Jonathan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:36
Jonathan is currently in AK with Paul Forward, Chugach Powder Guides, and a great crew. So he & Paul talk about the skis they’ve been getting time on (from Heritage Lab, Folsom, DPS, K2); some new skis we’d like to see;…
Jonathan’s Gear for AK, Luke’s Latest Crash, & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:13
Jonathan and Luke talk about closing day at CBMR; the gear JE is bringing to AK; liners; the Rossi Sender Free 110, Armada Declivity 102 Ti, Volkl Revolt 114, Luke’s new stitches, & more.TOPICS & TIMES:Closing Day (2:47)…