Side Hustle School Ep. 3089 - First $1,000: Custom Trekking Gear from a Home Printer
Jun 16, 2025
A weekend hiker turned passion into profit by using a 3D printer to create custom trekking pole grips. This innovative side hustle combines a love for the outdoors with technology, resulting in products that fit perfectly for users. The journey from personal projects to online sales showcases both the creativity in design and the potential for financial success. Listeners are encouraged to explore their own entrepreneurial dreams, proving that with the right tools, anyone can carve out a niche!
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Weekend Hiker's 3D Printed Gear
- A weekend hiker used a basic 3D printer to design custom trekking pole grips that fit perfectly.
- After refining the design and testing materials, he launched a Shopify store and earned over $1,000 in two months.
Test With Community Feedback
- Share your prototype work in relevant communities to get feedback and validate demand before full launch.
- Include customization options and highlight product benefits like weight, durability, and functionality.
Material Matters for Ultralight Gear
- Ultralight backpackers value gear that is durable, lightweight, and customizable.
- Choosing materials like TPU provides a good balance of toughness and flexibility, improving user comfort.