Feedback on Hiking & Cycling Cart

[FionaShedden]

From my son Alex:

As a design and technology student, for my HSC, I need to create a major project. I've decided that I'd like to construct a hiking trailer, similar to the Trekker's Friend, that can easily be turned into a bike trailer as well. My goal will be to ensure the product is durable, light, easy to assemble and carry if necessary, as well as being comparable in price to existing hiking trailers and biking trailers. To ensure that there is a reason for this product, I need to collect data from the community about the project itself and it's usefulness, and that is why I have asked you to do this survey for me.
Hiking trailers have been shown to drastically decrease the amount of strain on walkers' and riders' shoulders and backs, and particularly on bikes, lowers the centre of mass of the rider, increasing stability. These trailers are not just useful for hardcore hiking and biking, but even just to use for the grocery shopping, or day-to-day haulage of stuff.

Please note: all personal information will not be distributed; you will remain anonymous

Would really appreciate your feedback!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIp ... sp=sf_link

[Ms_Mudd]

Good luck Alex, what a fantastic idea

[Moondog55]

Filled in. Noting that a ski trailer wasn't an option, as a ski tourer who lumps stuff into a base camp I thought that should be an alternative / add-on option.
Also no details on tyre size and whether or not fat air filled or rigid would be preferred.
Might be worth discussing and perhaps having the form modified

[ChrisJHC]

ski trailer

Also known in some parts as a pulk.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulk

[Moondog55]

NOPE
Pulks and ski trailers are very different Chris.

[ChrisJHC]

NOPE
Pulks and ski trailers are very different Chris.

Okay - haven’t used either so I’ll bow down to your vastly greater knowledge!

[FionaShedden]

Thanks Moondog, good feedback. I'll make sure he readys this thread

At this very early stage of the project it's supposed to be about "customer research" and marketing plans. The next phase is around the actual design and so that hasn't really started yet. I know he has some ideas but nothing firm yet.

I am trying to guide only, it is very much HIS project - he certainly is open and interested in thoughts and experiences from anyone who makes their own gear, or has advice to give. Hoping to get lots of feedback to guide the design stage.

[Moondog55]

Thule make such a cart already
There are several out there where you can swap the wheel assembly for skis
Very light and easy to pull but they have a lower weight limit than a dedicated sled.
https://www.thule.com/en-au/bike-traile ... _-20201401
Always room for one more option

[jafa1970]

At this very early stage of the project it's supposed to be about "customer research" and marketing plans. The next phase is around the actual design and so that hasn't really started yet. I know he has some ideas but nothing firm yet.

I am trying to guide only, it is very much HIS project - he certainly is open and interested in thoughts and experiences from anyone who makes their own gear, or has advice to give. Hoping to get lots of feedback to guide the design stage.

This might be useful to check out as not sure a normal search would pick it up - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/earth-kin/all-terrain-wagon-atw/description