Inside Outdoor Spring 2016

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Since 2013, however, there’s been
a renewed interest among younger
participants, says Powell. Quite simply,
the campsite setting aligns well with the
Millennial milieu.
Assuming Millennials fit the
common stereotypes (that Millennials
prefer experience over materialism,
social over monetary currency, hold
appreciation for the environment and
a desire to “share their stories”) then
it’s not hard to imagine a group of
20-somethings hitting Snapchat while
sitting around a campfire with friends,
drinks and scenic backgrounds.
“Camping is a perfect way for
Millennials to express
those values,”
says Powell,
“and they
are finding
ways to bring its products beyond the
campgrounds.”
As might be expected, Millennials
can have their own ideas about what
it means to camp out, and those
notions couldn’t be more “beyond the
campgrounds.”
During the past few years, there’s
been an emergence of what’s come
to be known as “urban camping” as
its own legitimate market. Kamikaze-
style, often-minimalized campsites
increasingly are popping up on urban
rooftops, under bridges, within
city parks and open
spaces and in the
imagery of hip
Millennial
Kids like to be
comfortable too, so
Klymit introduced its first
junior sleeping pad. The Static
V Junior features body-mapping,
v-chamber to limit air movement
and separate inflate and deflate
valves to make inflation and
deflation easier on the kids.
Youth Camping Participation by Year (000s)
Demographic 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Ages 6 to 17 years old
(within ¼ mile of vehicle) 9,267 9,012 9,252 8,779 9,147 8,065 8,046
Ages 6 to 17 years old
(car, backyard, backpacking & RV) 12,230 11,583 11,917 11,559 12,170 10,734 10,994
Ages 18 to 24 years old
(within ¼ mile of vehicle) 3,862 3,739 4,004 3,463 3,896 3,478 3,611
Ages 18 to 24 years old
(car, backyard, backpacking & RV) 5,002 4,879 5,274 4,489 5,175 4,396 4,710
Source: Outdoor Industry Association
Sturdy 2 mm polypropylene plates that hold
your food and beverages all at once. Thumb
hole for easy carrying. Holds wine glasses on
the side, or standard drink cans in the middle.
Dishwasher and microwave safe.
PICNIC PLATE
cl_insideOutdoorApril2016.indd 1 18/04/2016 2:05:49 PM Inside Outdoor | Spring 2016 33