As Politics Enters a Critical Phase and The Global Fashion World Previews What We Will Wear for Spring, the Outdoors Is a Welcome Reset with Extra Benefits
Today’s The New York Times commentary by Nick Kristof is perfectly timed for the roller coaster we are about to experience in the next few weeks. In “The Best Travel Is on Foot, Through Wilderness,” he reminds us, “On our public lands, nobody can pull rank on you. Except a bear, or maybe Bigfoot.”
🔜 57 days and counting. We will see major global events including the Presidential debate, the U.S. election, global fashion weeks, and Climate Week NYC. Amid this, the consumer active/outdoor industry can rise above the noise, tapping into growing participation, sustainability efforts, our technology prowess, and diverse offerings of apparel and gear – all solutions for navigating complicated times. 👇
⬆ Outdoor participation is strong; over 160 million Americans engaged in outdoor activities in 2023 (Outdoor Industry Association). Countries including Canada, Germany, and Japan are experiencing similar trends as more people recognize the mental/physical health benefits of the outdoors.
🌄 As political events and global crises consume the media, outdoor activities are a remedy for stress. Brands like Arc’teryx Equipment, The North Face and SENIQ, a new women’s outdoor apparel brand, are weaving mental health benefits into marketing, presenting the outdoors as a sanctuary for balance and mental clarity. LOWA Boots LLC‘s 100- year old heritage provides comfort, performance and familiarity. Nite Ize, Inc. has best in class outdoor toys, e.g. the Flashlight Dog Biscuit LED Flying Disc, so we may bring our pets on our outdoor adventures, keeping them visible, while Dermatone has especially formulated lip and sun care with a special biodegradable glitter perfect for winter sports.
🏕 Glamping combines the tranquility of nature with modern luxuries. The recent Overland Expo is a clear proof point displaying the comforts of home for water filtration, cooking and sleeping.
🧥 👟 🧤 The growth of outdoor apparel and footwear blending fashion performance continues. Fashion brands are still knocking on our doors for inspiration. Moncler expanded its outdoor footwear line with the Trailgrip Apex GTX, while PACSUN and Reese Cooper partnered on an outerwear collection.
💡 The industry’s innovation serves as a shining example with PFAS-free alternatives, recycled and natural materials (wool, hemp, and organic cottons), and wearable tech absorbing joint impact – elevating performance.
👉 Today’s community is offering more inclusive, gender-neutral designs, with roomier fits and neutral color palettes, making outdoor clothing more accessible
⭕ Circularity is shaping outdoor apparel choices focusing on less consumption and buying secondhand gear from platforms like GEARTRADE
reinforcing the shift towards sustainability and conscientious purchasing.
👏 While there are business challenges with much work to do, we have a distinct opportunity to provide stability and continuity amid consumer anxiety.
We should take a hot minute to celebrate.