Honor Boone
Woodland Hills, California, United States
Bodyguard-Turned Entrenpreneur Seeks to Equip Hikers with Essential Tools
<h2>Michael's Story </h2> <p> This really isn't about me, except that I happen to be one of the sisters of a 51 year-old man who left the trailhead at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite on a backpacking trip, and never came pack. This campaign is actually about my brother - <strong>Michael Ficery</strong> - an experienced hiker, and the subject of the most expensive search in Yosemite history to date. After a massive week-long effort by search and rescue personnel (not to mention dogs and Marines) - only his backpack was found. Rangers theorized that he either became disoriented during a day hike and got lost, or that he had perhaps fallen into one of the swollen streams while trying to cross or to get water. </p> <p> In one sense, Michael's story is a common one; <strong>thousands of search and rescue operations take place each year in the National Parks alone.</strong> Of those, about half involve hikers. While many are ill and injured, the vast majority are found alive. The causes? <strong>Youth and inexperience</strong> (resulting in <strong>errors of judgment</strong>) are typical contributing factors; suprisingly, <strong>those most likely to need SAR assistance are males, 20-29 years</strong>. Another critical ingredient for disaster - easily remedied in advance - <strong>inadequate equipment</strong>.</p> <p> For my sister and me, this has of course been a story of grief and loss. But because Michael was only declared dead in 2010 (with a date of death on June 15, 2005), this has also been a story of red tape, legal maneuvering, and seemingly endless complications. In those seven years we have dealt with banks, insurance companies, attorneys, courts, mortgage companies, law enforcement, the U.S. Postal Service, and the Assessor's Office...the list is endless. And none of them really knew what to do with us, with our situation.</p> <p> I think that, finally, I wanted some good to come out of this. I also wanted to work for myself. <strong>So I started <a title="Pack6 Hiking Essentials Kit" href="http://www.pack6.biz">PACK6</a> in order to sell essential tools to hikers and backpackers - a kit of six items that no one should ever be without. Ever. Not even on a day hike.</strong> (<a title="PACK6 Essentials. Every Hiker. Every Hike" href="http://www.pack6.biz">www.pack6.biz</a>). I have been doing the research for over a year now - the most important of the "<strong>ten essentials</strong>," the best brands, the most important features, specs, and any other relevant information and advice I could get my hands on. I've taken compass classes, bought samples, talked to both the experts, and the everyday users. I have found the most perfect container - a <strong>sturdy, lightweight, waterproof, roll-top fanny pack</strong>. I am ready to get started. But after selling my two motorcycles and using up my own limited savings, I am looking for some additional capital to help me launch.</p> <p>But beyond just selling these kits, I want to help people prepare in other ways. My first outside project will involve talking to young hikers (and their parents) - to be a presenter for the <a title=""Hug-A-Tree" and Survive" href="http://www.nasar.org/page/67/Hug-A-Tree"><strong>"Hug-A-Tree" program from NASAR</strong></a> (the National Association for Search and Rescue), shwoing kids what to do if they ever get lost in the wilderness. I have also started a <a title="Pack6 Science Drop for Hikers and Backpackers" href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups/PACK6-Science-Drop-Hikers-Backpackers-4530582?gid=4530582&trk=hb_side_g">LinkedIn group</a> where hikers and other outdoor adventurers can share tips and valuable information ("PACK6 Science Drop for Hikers and Backpackers"). Finally, <strong>I pledge to donate 10% of my net proceeds from PACK6 to Yosemite Search and Rescue, and NASAR</strong>.</p> <p>I am not a survivalist, or even what you would call an accomplished backpacker - yet. But I respect these people, and their urge to experience the amazing beauty of the wilderness. On my company pages, I refer to them as "superheroes," but also remind them that <strong>"even Batman has a utility belt." </strong> I don't want them to stop hiking, climbing, pushing themselves. I only want them to remember that, like many other activities, hiking can be dangerous, especially without the proper tools. <strong>I know that, for each one of you who sets out from the trailhead, someone you love is waiting for you at home. For the sake of that person at least, please be prepared - not only for what you will face, but what you might face. </strong></p> <p>Many thanks.</p> <p>Honor Boone</p>
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