We see new brands pop up all the time, but what happens when your idea is so novel that it essentially births an entire sport and industry? That was the case when Thor Tingey and his mom, Sheri, started Alpacka Raft.

So today, Thor and Luke Koppa discuss the unique challenges and advantages this scenario presented; how and why Thor and Sheri were able to craft these ultralight rafts themselves; the ways in which the packrafting industry has evolved and grown over the years; Alpacka’s manufacturing operation in the United States and how that’s changed with the recent shakeups to worldwide trade; and a whole lot more. This is an origin story unlike most in the outdoor gear world, and Thor does a great job telling it.

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Alpacka Raft

TOPICS & TIMES:

Thor’s Unique Upbringing (3:33)

When & Why Did Packrafts First Come About? (6:02)

Making a Better Packraft (13:39)

From Homemade to Commercial Products (17:34)

Who Are Pack Rafts For? (21:20)

Whitewater Demand & Evolution (33:39)

Notable Advancements Over the Years (35:43)

Making Gear for a New Sport: Pros & Cons (37:08)

Alpacka’s U.S. Manufacturing Today (41:03)

Predictions: Future of Packrafting (54:36)

Info for Packraft-Curious People (57:03)

Evolution of Packrafting Gear vs. Mtn Biking, Skiing, & Surfing (58:22)

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Bikes & Big Ideas

Blister Podcast

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Today we’re spilling the beans on the new dates - and new location — of Blister Summit 2026. Then we give a quick update on our Winter Buyer’s Guide Update, and wrap up with an important challenge to all outdoor brands.

Note: We Want to Hear From You!

Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on GEAR:30. Or if you’d like to nominate yourself for a ‘Gear Therapy’ episode, let us know that, too! You can email us at info@blisterreview.com

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Order Our 25/26 Winter Buyer’s Guide

Get Our Newsletter & Weekly Gear Giveaways

TOPICS & TIMES:

Blister Summit 2026 Announcement (2:59)

Winter Buyer’s Guide Update (5:47)

Challenge to the Outdoor Industry (6:47)

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Bikes & Big Ideas

Blister Podcast

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Today’s episode contains a number of “firsts”; like the fact that we are going to be talking about a product launch that we didn’t know was happening until we sat down to record this conversation, and that’s just the beginning. So tune in to hear about a new collab between the splitboard binding company, Spark R&D, and ATK bindings. Or tune in to hear Jonathan caught completely off guard multiple times.

Note: We Want to Hear From You!

Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on GEAR:30. Or if you’d like to nominate yourself for a ‘Gear Therapy’ episode, let us know that, too! You can email us at info@blisterreview.com

RELATED LINKS:

BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered

Get Our Newsletter & Weekly Gear Giveaways

Order Our 25/26 Winter Buyer’s Guide

TOPICS & TIMES:

A New Collab: Spark R&D + ATK Tech Toes (3:35)

Significance of the Blister Summit (5:54)

Mysterious Photos & JE's Avalanche Hazard (14:41)

Innovations in Tech Toe Bindings for Hardbooting (18:45)

Hard Boot vs Soft Boot Debate (22:55)

Collaboration with ATK: A New Era for Spark R&D (27:05)

Challenges in the Design & Manufacturing Process (29:08)

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Blister Cinematic

CRAFTED

Bikes & Big Ideas

Blister Podcast

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