Sun Aug 30 '20 Announcement
about 4 years ago
– Sun, Aug 30, 2020 at 08:03:16 PM
Hello,
Sharing a quick update with you on both the small and large packs.
We are also happy to share a write up that we received in Outside Magazine where the reporter took the HoverGlide for a few spins, including a non-traditional use for the pack!
“But as soon as I locked the suspension, I realized how much the load had previously been lightened. The difference was instantly and impressively noticeable. There’s no doubt that the mechanism really works.”
Check the full article, including videos here.
When You Get Your Packs - Reminder
We know it’s exciting to pull out the packs and start using them right away. To get the best experience, it’s important that you watch the instructional video. To experience a backpack like never before, you will need to do things like never before.
If you have any questions about the pack after watching the instructional video, we are happy to help! Contact us at [email protected]. We have found that most questions or issues can be easily solved in a 5-minute Zoom call.
Small Packs Update
Two weeks ago, we molded 500 additional frame sets (picture below). We continue to manufacture and ship packs. Our current total of packs sent out is 515. We are continuing to ship as many as possible without compromising our detailed and diligent approach to ensuring quality.
Large Pack Update
We have continued the frame design process, which starts with 3D printing the frame and then testing it. Based on our experience with the small frame, we expect several more iterations as we fine-tune the frame.
Thank you for the kind and constructive feedback, we read every single one.
Thanks,
Larry and the HoverGlide Team
Mon Jul 20 '20 Announcement
over 4 years ago
– Mon, Jul 20, 2020 at 06:40:37 AM
Good morning,
We wanted to provide an update on the small HoverGlides.
We have now shipped 409 small HoverGlides or about 78% of the orders. By the end of the week, we will be over 82% shipped globally.
As a reminder, once you get your HoverGlide, if you have any questions after watching the instructional video, we are happy to help! Contact us at [email protected]. We have found that most issues can be solved in a 5-minute Zoom call.
Here is an email that we got from a backer who has already put their HoverGlide to the test!
Backer Cam H. 6/27/2020 - I am excited to share that on a short hike up Humpback Rocks in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, my HoverGlide pack performed flawlessly. Loaded with picnic supplies, water and other goodies, I was able to “glide” up the rocky trail to the summit. The descent was where the pack really shines. No jarring impacts! When it got really technical, engaging the locking mechanism held the pack steady allowing me to bend and reach. I could not be happier with my new pack and look forward to many more hikes made easy!
Thank you to Cam H. for sharing your experience with us!
Larry and the HoverGlide team.
Wed Jul 15 '20 Announcement
over 4 years ago
– Wed, Jul 15, 2020 at 07:55:20 PM
Hello,
Thank you to those of you who have your packs in hand and have shared your experiences, videos and stories with us! Knowing that we have positively impacted you with the HoverGlide, makes all of the hard work and challenges worth it.
Large HoverGlides (Trekker)
First of all, thank you to all of the backers who have been incredibly supportive and patient with this process. When we started this project, we were especially passionate about the large HoverGlide and the potential for it being a game-changer for people – longer and faster hikes with less to no pain from the pack.
The completion of the large HoverGlides is taking much longer than anticipated and the wild-fire and pandemic have created some unforeseen challenges. (Additional details below)
Summer Offer
However, we know now is a peak time for hiking and if you’re like us, you are itching to get out into nature with your HoverGlide….and since we have taken your support and patience to heart, we wanted to find a way to help you be able to do that this summer!
If you no longer want to wait for a large HoverGlide, we can send you a small HoverGlide (harness size of your choice) with a pack of your choice (Hiker or Tactical) PLUS an extra item. We would get it to you quickly as possible to ensure that you can enjoy the great outdoors this summer and fall with a HoverGlide by your side. When the large pack becomes available, we will offer it to you for purchase as close to at-cost as possible as a thank you for your early support.
Note: A benefit of the small HoverGlide is that they have interchangeable pieces, so multiple bags can be used on the same size harness and the same bag can fit on both the S and M-L harness.
Here are the choices for the additional item
- An extra bag of your choice (either Hiker or Tactical)
- An extra harness (size S only available)
- Super Tactical Coyote frame color (while supplies last)
If you prefer to continue to wait for the large HoverGlide, you do not need to respond.
If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please email us at ([email protected]) Be sure to tell us which pack you want (Tactical or Hiker) and which extra item you would like included. Please note that the Small HoverGlides are actually quite large and larger than most daypacks (see photo below).
Additional details on the large pack.
When we started on this journey, we had a financial buffer for challenges that would come with normal production. However, we could not have foreseen the brutal physical and financial hurdles that fires, illness and the global pandemic would cause.
We are grateful that the small pack was started well in advance of the world turning upside down and that we are able to continue to get packs put together and shipped out around the world. With that said, we are now facing major challenges with our component manufacturers both domestically and abroad.
So what does that mean?
We are still committed to producing the large packs, even during a pandemic, but it likely won’t be until 2021.
I believe in this project and the transformative power of the HoverGlide. I’ve even put in hundreds of thousands of dollars of my personal funds to help bridge gaps to ensure the packs achieve the highest standards of both form and function as quickly as possible.
What is next?
For the large packs, we need to find a new, faster, more cost-effective component manufacturer and pack assembly as our current options have become slower and more expensive due to the pandemic. We also need to source additional capital to get us over the last hurdle. We will continue to keep you updated as things progress.
In the meantime, we hope that those of you who have small HoverGlides continue to enjoy them and show them to your friends and families and for those still waiting for your large HoverGlides, thank you for your continued faith in us.
Larry and the HoverGlide team.
