This makes a lot of sense. To @UXAndrew's point, I never go camping, in part because I don't have a tent, mobile BBQ, etc.
That said, since this is targeted for the recreational/infrequent camper, it may be challenging to turn Outdoors into a big business. You might rent equipment once or twice a year but as soon as you become a serious camper, you're likely going to purchase your own gear.
@rrhoover Aside, if you're camping around the Bay Area and want equipment for every now and then use, the cool kids at Alite will lend you theirs for free: http://alitedesigns.com/ranger-s...
@rrhoover Good point. As an avid camper, I see the opportunity here for situations where you take non-camper friends or colleagues with you.
A bunch of friends of mine saw my Sequoia trip photos and said, "Take us with you!" I have my own equipment, but not enough for them. In that case, I would direct them to _______ (equipment rental). Currently, Sport Chalet does tent rental, but not sleeping bags (for sanitary reasons).
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@rrhoover@uxandrewhttps://www.zent.com/ is a similar concept which is now live in beta mode; at the present moment, Zent offers outdoor, sports gear and gadgets.
While the idea is appealing, it's tough to execute. I highly recommend reading this 'self depricating' post by gearcommons founder. https://medium.com/@MichaelBrown...
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Hunter
@rauston meet @alyraz ! ....Cooperation between you two would be killer!! Not only could I rent an amazing campsite, bu I could bring some sick gear as well!
@eriktorenberg we believe that it's not about the things you have, it's about the things you have done.
I've been fortunate to have some great experiences so far in my life...everything from hiking the Appalachian Trail for a week, running a half marathon on the Great Wall, to simply doing a mountain bike ride at 2am on Green Mountain in Golden, CO. The challenge is that you need gear for the experience to even happen, but it's not the gear that you remember. It's the stories around the campfire, standing in awe on top of the Great Wall, and the 3 inch scar on your elbow that make up the stories of your life.
Our vision is to be an outdoor "experience enabler." Gear is the foundation, but community (who with) and discovery (where) are built upon that foundation. We are focused on gear right now, but you will soon see us move into new areas with the simple goal of making it easier for you to have outdoor experiences.
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Hunter
I think gear has a lot to do with the experience!
Actually, at least for me, building a campsite was always as enjoyable as being in nature.
I don't love nature (Inside is the best side!!), but I do love building a tent and making a fire.
Having been in the army, I know how much poor gear impacts performance too.
I wish they had your product here!
Let me know if I can ever help you :-)
@UXAndrew absolutely...just thinking about building a campsite brings me back to some great memories growing up camping on Lake Michigan.
Where are you located? We are currently focused on Denver and Northern Michigan...why Northern Michigan you might ask? We are at a startup accelerator called Coolhouse Labs this summer.
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Pumped to be working with @rauston and team @ Coolhouse Labs
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Hunter
I posted this because about once or twice a year I think "Wow, I should go camping..." and I never do because it's always such a production. I don't own a tent or a sleeping bag, only some of my friends do, etc. etc. etc.
I wish there was a service near me that had this kind of thing so I could just rent some equipment for a weekend and go have a nice time. Outdoors equipment is expensive, but renting it shouldn't have to be.
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