I’ve been back into hunting for about 7 years now, I did it when I was a kid living in Australia, then got busy with career and all that, moved to the US, been here for 10 years now with a young family, small biz and I digress... while I love days in the woods and feeding my family, I ran into a major wall: a physical condition that makes it difficult for me to build muscle. Days out got harder, and ones where I was successful were a killer on my back, shoulders, knees...
I ended up trying one of the roll up sleds, it cracked and split when it got cold. Another one was almost textured, but it felt like it was harder to pull than the deer, then the grommets tore out.
The jet sleds are too bulky and noisy to drag around. I tried the rope/strap style and they were hard on my joints and the day after, I always felt like i'd been tossed in a tumble drier.
My old man taught me that the best way to complain is to make things.
I made a packable one that slots together. I wanted something lightweight enough to carry in, but tough enough to actually get the job done solo, and only ever have to buy one cause it should last forever like all good hunting gear (buy once, cry once, right?). After a bit of messing around, some folks told me i should get it patented and sell it.
A couple of years of spare time that I think I woulda rather been in the woods, and its up and live. I ran through some different prototypes and got something that is hardy AF. Got it made in a local plastics manufacturer and have first run sitting at home in Florida ready to sell.
I'm a lightweight, like 5'10", 155 pounds wringing wet. I pulled a 120 pound hog around with no problems at all. Hands free. Well, I had my 30-30. And better balance cause i hooked it up to a harness that spreads the weight across my back and shoulders.
I’m curious to hear from the group:
What would it be worth to you? Like What would you pay for a sled, that comes in a pack with a harness. All heavy duty materials, made in the USA and lifetime replacement warranty. The testing I've been putting this thing through is nuts and I'm still yet to break it.
I’m not a big corporation; I’m just a hunter who wanted to keep providing for my family without the physical burnout. I’d love your feedback on the concept!