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.

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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)

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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.
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