Interactive Gear Hike

George,

That sounds like an interesting idea. How would you set it up? Would each person have to pay some sort of fee to be included? How long would the hikes be? How many days? How much gear would have available?

Would you just have a bunch of different pieces of gear or would you try to cater your list to the people that have signed up for the hike? Would you expect the people to buy items from you or from the manufacturer? If from the manufacturer, would you try and develop partnerships or would you make your money from people signing up to try the gear?

It sounds like an interesting idea and I for one could see myself going. Not only for the chance to see a bunch of gear in action, but also to learn from experienced people (some of the members may have extensive experience with a product that I have never used) on how to use items most effectively. I suppose it would be best to have the perfect amount of gear for the group size and just split it up among everyone. That way even if someone didn't particularly care to try something, they may find something they like, or perhaps something they know they hate.. You could change set ups each day so that everyone gets to try different things. Everyone could still see certain stoves in action, even if they aren't the ones using it.

Anyways, it sounds like a neat idea that would be both a fun way to see new gear and a nice way to meet people.

I do something like this whenever I do work outings with the Ozark Trail Assoc. I bring all of my gear and at the end of the day set it up and let people play around with it and ask questions. Its been a lot of fun and I've even had others show up with different gear and we've had a big old expo! I like to take the time to explain why I chose all my gear and how its worked for me. I always wished that I could actually touch a lot of the gear I bought beforehand and figured that other's probably did too and brought it along on a whim. Its turned out to be a lot of fun.
I've never let anyone borrow my SUL gear but I've offered to hike with people so they could actually see it in the field. I don't know that I would trust someone used to a Gregory pack with my little Whisper right off the bat…

Adam

Sounds like an interesting concept.

Andrew,

I'm not interested in charging any fees for the hike. I'm looking for a forum to showcase the stuff I sell on my website (and hopefully maybe a few other cottage guys might want to participate too, hint hint Ron, et al). I'd like to keep the group size managable, and find out what gear people are most interested in ahead of time so they get a shot at using it or seeing it in action. Depending on interest it could be a day hike or a weekend outing. Most likely the gear that is showcased would be cottage gear. Obviously I'll want to show my wares, but hope to generate interest from other cottage manufacturers as well. Maybe a list of participating manufacturers could be posted when the trip is announced, so folks could decide whether or not they'd like to sign up.

I also agree that in the end it would be a great way for BPL members to get together and meet/learn from each other in the field. If there's enough interest I might try one in the next month or so.

Adam,

I'm not concerned about folks using the gear. I feel as though there is a segment out there that is still a little shy about using "fragile" UL gear, that a little field experience and education would change there minds and further lighten their loads.I'm not lending my personal gear, but gear that I will allot specifically for the purpose of these hikes.If I fail to educate somone about the frail nature of a certain piece of gear before I hand it over, shame on me. But at the same time I have to have the confidence that if these are the same people who are going to buy this type of gear, a little education will hopefully make them competent operators and help them to decide whether certain pieces of gear are for them (or not).

George

Awesome George. That sounds like a great service and an excellent way for the cottage manufacturers to introduce their gear to the public. I was thinking you might not be interested in charging for the service and it's nice to hear that is indeed the case.

I think it's a great idea. I think you are dead on about people wanting to try out the more fragile gear before taking it out for themselves. I'd definitely be interested. Perhaps I'm ignorant, but what do you produce George?

George's website is in his profile.

Yup, Clicked on it right after I posted…I'm too impulsive I think..

George thats a very good idea, and i think it makes a lot of sence, not only do you get to go out for a hike, but you get to show off your stuff first hand and make very good connections with people. i live in CT and either in NY or southern NE i'd love to check out that dual flight tarp.
mike!

I was actually thinking CT since I still have Kent to Salisbury to do on the AT and it would make a great overnight…..but I'm not going to set that in stone just yet. I haven't ruled out central Virginia yet, either!