Help? Canyoneers opinions needed.
Fellow canyoneers, I'd love to have your input. Since I started canyoneering and fell in love with the sport four or five years ago, I have wanted clothing tailored to our sport. As you know, except for the 5.10 canyoneering shoes, there is nothing out there. I figured I might as well see if we couldn't get something going. My wife and I stood in the parking lots of Zion and at the trailheads to the a few canyon approaches to survey other canyoneers of their interest in clothing specifically designed for us. It was a blast to talk with other similarly-minded sportsmen and there was great enthusiasm and interest in what we are doing.
So, now, two years later and about $4-5K into the project, we have our third prototype of canyoneering pants/knickers/shorts and other products in earlier stages. I am in the process of establishing a relationship with big US ( yes, US) clothing manufacturing companies to start production of sample runs. This is where is starts to get really expensive.
Before moving any further forward, It would be tremendously helpful to have more input back from you all.
Would you buy clothing specifically designed and marketed to canyoneers?
What features would be important for you to see or have in such clothing?
A few features we currently have:
Made for wearing a harness (no pockets beneath harness, belt/suspension system is flat/non-bulky, closer fit)
Very High abrasion resistance materials, especially on back-side
Fast drying
Some models/designs with knee pads
Ventilation panels to help keep cool
Thigh pockets placed to allow access while hiking or rappelling.
Stirrups on full length pants
The specialized fabrics that tolerate the wear and abuse on sandstone and granite are pretty pricey. What price would you be willing to pay for such specially designed pants?
I'd love as much input as I can possibly get. I'd love a dialogue. I'd love to answer any questions you might have. Love, love, love!
If I get the right feedback and we move forward with the clothing line, I would need a few people that do a lot of canyoneering to test-drive the pants for me and provide detailed feedback. You would be directly involved with making sure this clothing is as close to perfect as possible for other canyoneers. Canyoneering clothing designed by canyoneers.
Goal for sales availability would be before Spring of next year.
Your help would be immensely appreciated.
Bob Watson
Reno, NV