Built for the Backcountry - A Conversation with Eric Bender of Kifaru

What makes outdoor gear actually good? And what happens when the people designing it are the same people out there beating it up in wild places?In this episode, Ross sits down with Eric Bender, lead equipment designer at Kifaru International, to talk about what goes into building gear for serious backcountry use and why so much of the fly fishing world still misses the mark. From packs, shelters, and load systems to chest rigs, sidearm carry, and the importance of durability over gimmicks, this is a deep dive into the intersection of design, function, and wilderness use. Eric shares the story behind Kifaru, how his own life in the outdoors shaped his approach to product design, and why truly good gear should disappear into the background and simply do its job when things get hard. The conversation also explores the growing overlap between hunting, backpacking, and backcountry fly fishing and why more companies are beginning to recognize that serious anglers need equipment built for more than just standing next to the road. If you’ve ever cursed a zipper, broken a pack, or wondered why outdoor gear so often feels like it was designed by people who don’t actually use it, this one’s for you.Because in the backcountry, gear isn’t just gear. It’s part of whether the whole thing works.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/