This episode is part of the Meet the Maker series where we highlight an entrepreneur who is making specialty gear for ice climbers. If you’ve ever wanted to hear the story behind some of your favorite – and soon to be favorite – products, that’s what today’s conversation is about.

We’re doing this because we believe that thoughtfully-designed gear is more than the sum of its parts: they are crafted by folks who have decades of experience in the sport, are refined through countless iterations and testing, and brought to life with genuine passion to solve real problems.

Said another way, these folks represent the heart and soul of product innovation.

🎙 Today we chat with Kyle Willis of High Mountain Gear

Kyle Willis of High Mountain Gear, who creates specialized equipment for alpinists, guides, and climbers.

I mean specialized too, like 4 oz. ice hammocks or ski guide tarps — gear that most businesses run away from making. But not Kyle. That’s because he’s driven to fill gaps in the outdoor market — his product decision process always starts with the question, "Why doesn't this exist?"

🎁 Giveaway

Specific to ice climbers, Kyle is generously giving away a few crampon bags and a rare pink Ice Screw Cannon to listeners.

Here’s how to enter:

In the conversation, be on the lookout for the answer to the following question:

👉 Which climbing couple did Kyle work with to create the ice hammock?

Once you have the answer to the question:

Follow @highmountaingear and @ice_ice_beta on Instagram
DM the answer to the question to @ice_ice_beta
Comment on the giveaway post on our Instagram: “#whydoesntthisexist?” once you’ve sent in your answer
Share the giveaway post to your story for an extra entry
Winners will be randomly selected from submissions that meet all the rules on Monday, December 2!

Credits:

Intro music by Hannah Noelle Enomoto (thanks, sis!).
This episode was edited by Andrew Salomone of salomonesound.com.
And of course, a big thanks to our sponsors, Aniiu Gloves and Furnace Industries!

Become a member:

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the conversation and want to help us do many more episodes like this, please consider becoming a member.

(For less than the price of a bougie beer per month!).

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Meet the Maker: Kyle Willis of High Mountain Gear