Ingenious enthusiasts are indeed one of the more productive sources for practical industry innovation - as opposed to gimmicks dreamed up by in-house R&D. Examples include athletic-shoe-based hiking shoes (The first were "Rhinos" by Clarks of England who made them after US manufacturers refused to do so.); UL Esbit burners; UL alcohol burners; tarp tents; poncho tents; various hammock innovations; various LED lighting systems; UL packs; and many others including tweaks of existing designs.

Sometimes it takes a while to get an idea adopted. But it's fun when it happens. Of course, it has to be a good idea to begin with.