Made For The Outdoors of new consumer technologies. However, a year spent at home, indoors and, for some, isolated, has given way to a renewed interest in outdoor activities, and even in light of the pandemic, it’s still a major market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation was a $374.3 billiondollar industry last year. The 2021 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, a survey of 18,000 U.S. consumers published by Outdoor Foundation, found that 7.1 million more Americans (a total of 160.7 million people) ages six and over participated in at least one outdoor activity last year, reflecting the largest one-year jump on record. The survey also found that, in total, Americans participated in 11.4 billion outdoor outings in 2020, a five-percent increase from 2019, and one-fourth (25 percent) of respondents said their outdoor activity increased in the last year. The most popular activities shared by respondents were running, jogging and trail-running (21 percent); hiking (19 percent); freshwater, saltwater and fly fishing (18 percent); road biking, mountain biking and bicycle motocross (BMX) (17.3 percent); and car, backyard, backpacking and RV camping (15.8 percent). Accommodating all ages, needs and interests, participating in outdoor recreation doesn’t necessarily entail a high level of high physical activity, but some hobbies are more about the experience. A survey of nearly 5,550 U.S. adults by The Nature of Americans—a collaborative led by DJ Case & Associates and built on the research of the late Dr. Stephen R. Kellert on the relationship between well-being and human contact with nature—found that Americans were very interested in activities such as taking a walk outdoors (59 percent), exploring the outdoors (51 percent), Do you have a top client with a known passion for off-the-grid adventuring? The Quench Hydration Pack is the perfect gift for explorers. Made from polyester/ripstop, it’s equipped with a large main compartment and a separate rear compartment that holds a two-liter water reservoir. The 20-by-nineinch pack also features a front mesh pocket and two side zippered pockets for added storage, along with a padded back panel, waist belt and adjustable straps. The Magnet Group / PPAI 3338534, S12 / www.themagnetgroup.com When heading out to walk the dog or go for a run, a less bulky, more form-fitting glove can make the experience more enjoyable. These High Performance Running Gloves are made from a stretchy knit, which conforms to fit wearers’ hands and maintains a secure fit throughout. They're also moisture-wicking and machinewashable, and on cooler days, they can be layered underneath another glove for added warmth. Available in gray or white with yellow or blue trim, in men’s small and large. Illinois Glove Company / PPAI 358312, S3 / www.honestabegloves.com LightField Studios / EloPaint / Shutterstock.com. | JANUARY 2022 | 23 INNOVATE
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