Inside Outdoor Fall 2016

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The Merriest of Gifts
Editor’s Letter
Martin Vilaboy
Editor-in-Chief
Percy Zamora
Art Director
Ernest Shiwanov
Editor at Large
Berge Kaprelian
Group Publisher
Rene Galan
Account Executive
Miki Takeuchi
Digital Media
Jennifer Vilaboy
Production Director
Beka Publishing
Berge Kaprelian
President and CEO
Neil Ende
General Counsel
Jim Bankes
Business Accounting
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For the upcoming holiday season, I’d like to propose that the outdoor
community gives the country the gift of the outdoors. If it is true that it’s the
thought that counts, I can think of few things more thoughtful.
Albeit most of us within the industry know it personally, if not anecdotally,
the physical, mental and social benefits of spending time with nature are now
being quantified by mounting research. Studies have shown that time in open
and green spaces can spur creative thinking, boost our immune systems and
improve our moods. Children who regularly experience time in nature tend to
be healthier, happier and test better in school. One recent study on “forest
bathing” out of Japan even showed that blood pressure, resting heart rate
and levels of hormones related to stress were all significantly lower after just
a 15-minute nature walk compared with a 15-minute city walk.
One only need glance at their schedule or flip on the news to see how
Americans might be especially receptive to such a message. After all, we live
in a period when time has never been more crunched, global violence and
the threat of terror have never been higher, politics never more partisan and
social strife never more in the headlines (though one could argue that the
1960s might compare as far as the latter). There are even instances where
politics and social injustices have creeped into the spectator sports and sit-
coms that were once distractions from such things.
Of course, selling the “outdoor experience” is nothing new to outdoor rec-
reation brands and organizations. But in our quest to market nature, we often
get bogged down in trends and demographic data, product performance and
activity levels. So rather than focusing on finding the appropriate pack or pair
of shoes for an intended activity, or preparing newbies with the proper instruc-
tions, or making a camp out somehow look “cool,” maybe it’s time to focus on
how outdoor experiences can be free, easy and highly accessible, yet loaded
with benefits – even if it is just 15 minutes in fresh air and open spaces.
It may not be the best for “business.” But it can’t hurt. And it sure seems
our country could use some peace and tranquility right now.
– MV
Inside Outdoor | Fall 2016 6