Intro to Hammockpacking

**hacktorious** · 07-14-2009, 19:18

I thought you might be interested in learning we are offering the first of several courses and adventure trips, which are specific to hammocks.

Here is a link to the first course we will be offering:
http://yourfunadventures.com/index.p...list&Itemid=78

**beep** · 07-14-2009, 19:28

Originally Posted by hacktorious

I thought you might be interested in learning we are offering the first of several courses and adventure trips, which are specific to hammocks.

Here is a link to the first course we will be offering:
http://yourfunadventures.com/index.p...list&Itemid=78

The course looks interesting and certainly on point with this forum.

I note with some interest that one of the mandatory requirements is hiking boots. I haven't worn hiking boots in a LOOOOONG time. Trail runners work quite nicely for me and save a huge amount of weight/energy/effort. YMMV, so pick what works for you. Lighter loads consistent with today's gear translates to lighter footwear being a good solution. As is often the case in these forums, try it out. See if it works!

**hacktorious** · 07-14-2009, 20:14

I will have to get more details from the insurance policy, but I am pretty sure they require complete ankle and foot protection.

**beep** · 07-14-2009, 20:53

Originally Posted by hacktorious

I will have to get more details from the insurance policy, but I am pretty sure they require complete ankle and foot protection.

You may be right, but I'd be curious to see research citations to back up the insurance company requirement. I don't have any research at my fingertips that I can cite for either side of the discussion, but anecdotally, a well-designed trail shoe (trail runner or approach shoe) is no more injury prone for a healthy hiker than a traditional boot in my experience.

**Ramblinrev** · 07-14-2009, 21:08

Originally Posted by beep

You may be right, but I'd be curious to see research citations to back up the insurance company requirement. I don't have any research at my fingertips that I can cite for either side of the discussion, but anecdotally, a well-designed trail shoe (trail runner or approach shoe) is no more injury prone for a healthy hiker than a traditional boot in my experience.

excuse my sarcasm but these are insurance people who probably have never even set foot on a trail let alone hiked any distance with a full pack.

**JayS** · 07-14-2009, 21:37

Neat, Scott! I'll check the website often. Looks like you've put a lot of work into this.
JayS

**hacktorious** · 07-14-2009, 22:01

Haha, they probably have never seen the shoes. Their description is pretty vague so I changed my webpage info.

I could not agree more. In fact I was in the store the other day checking out sandals. Personally I have always been partial to boots, but in recent years I've been curious to try sandals. Maybe I'll get a pair to try out on day hikes.

I have used decent hiking sneakers before, but never sandals. I've been told it takes some getting used to. In my suburban life I tend to wear sandals everywhere so maybe it wouldn't be that different for me.

I'm more concerned about scuffing my ankles on sharp rocks and stuff.

**hacktorious** · 07-14-2009, 22:03

Originally Posted by JayS

Neat, Scott! I'll check the website often. Looks like you've put a lot of work into this.
JayS

Yes, I've been working pretty hard. There is a lot more too it than just a fancy website too....

I do have a bit more work to do on the site before it will be complete.

Now I just have to get people posting in the forum to attract attention and get interest... hint, hint....

Can you guess the hammocks I chose for the customers?

**HappyCamper** · 07-15-2009, 07:24

Hey! How fun is this! Congrats on your new adventure. Here's my question. Is there any way to rephrase that "top physical condition." Is this true? How many people out there who are going to sign up for a one day "beginners course" consider themselves in top physical condition.

This might put off quite a few potential customers. Just looking at it from a marketing standpoint.

**Perkolady** · 07-15-2009, 08:05

Originally Posted by HappyCamper

Hey!
Here's my question. Is there any way to rephrase that "top physical condition." Is this true? How many people out there who are going to sign up for a one day "beginners course" consider themselves in top physical condition.

This is a good point. I think there may be more people in 'somewhat' good shape than in 'top physical condition' out there. Depending on the mileage and terrain, this could narrow the customer gap quite a bit. On first impression, it leaves a question as to possibly needing to be somewhat of a marathon type hiker. This could be intimidating and limiting to some.

What is the mileage on this hike? Some folks might be up to a short hike, but not a long one. There's a big difference between a 5mi. hike and a 10miler for a lot of folks. I think listing even a ball park mileage would help people decide if they're up to it or not.

By the way, this is a really cool and fun idea! I wish you loads of success with it!

Perkolady