These Numbers are Good News!

Looks like camping and other outdoor activities are on the rise according to research recently conducted by the Outdoor Industry Foundation along with the Coleman Company. Good news in this time of continued economic turmoil where people are still pulling their purse strings tight. It seems more people are getting back to basics and getting outdoors: in their backyards, in their RV's and in their local state parks. Camping is the big winner with a healthy 7.4% increase in participation and an increase in camping gear sales. Camping seems to be the entry level point for many people just discovering the outdoors. If more people are simply camping in their backyards - this is great news. I suspect lots of backyard campers are kids although this is not confirmed in this report. (Let's get those kids Leave No Traced!).

The report also contains interesting information about who is doing what - demographics, most popular activities (hiking and swimming) and motivations and barriers for getting out more. The most common reason for enjoying the outdoors, not surprisingly, fun and relaxation. Check out: http://oia.informz.net/admin31/content/template.asp?sid=16294&ptid=398&brandid=3041&uid=756710518&mi=585329 for more details and stats.