One viable option is to work for a big competitor as a design consultant or product tester (for lack of a better term). Basically be employed to intensively te

One viable option is to work for a big competitor as a design consultant or product tester (for lack of a better term). Basically be employed to intensively test out a product (backpacks and carry gear in this case) and provide feedback on the features. Since you have worked as an entrepreneur before you can be autonomous out in the field and not have the typical constraints of a normal job. That is a relationship thst is particularly well suited for backpacking since you can better test out the gear if you are remote. You would probably need to reach out to companies and pitch this as an opportunity for them to leverage your background, skills, and personal drive in order to deliver a world class product. My two cents...