More often, consumers today are retreating to the great outdoors to explore, rest, recharge and escape from reality, even if for just a few moments. With some of the most popular outdoor activities in the U.S. including running, fishing, hiking, bicycling, camping and wildlife viewing, WWD reports that increased interest in the outdoors is drawing consumers to look for products to complement or enhance their experiences, i.e. umbrellas with built-in flashlights and clothing finished with a water-repellent coating.

Last year, the Outdoor Foundation reported that in 2020, more Americans participated in outdoor recreation than ever before. More than half (53 percent) of those ages six and older took to the open air that year, and the numbers are only expected to go up.

By providing recipients with a fitting promotional product that serves a need, or helps to lessen life’s burdens, they’re only more likely to use it, wear it and talk about it—and essentially serve as a brand representative all on their own. This week at The PPAI Expo 2022, there were numerous apparel and wearable selections to suit the outdoor explorer. Here are a few from the show floor.

With consumers spending more time outdoors, and also planning get-togethers and social gatherings in outdoor spaces, they’ll need something they can bring with them to make day trips to the lake or beach, or overnight camping stays, more enjoyable—and that’s where the Coleman® 28-Can 42-Hour Soft Backpack Cooler comes in. The backpack from Mason, Ohio, supplier IMAGEN Brands has room for 28 cans of soda, beer, seltzer or whatever your preference might be. And if you don’t need all that room, you can throw in a few snacks and sandwiches as well. A heat-sealed, antimicrobial liner ensures the backpack stays mildew-, fungus- and odor-free. Carry it on your back or use the side handles, and conveniently pop open your glass beverages using the attached bottle-opener. Available in blue (shown). See it in person at booth 4325.



IMAGEN Brands / PPAI 114197, S10 / www.imagenbrands.com

Ideal for those who work outdoors, prefer to catch up on their R&R in the great outdoors, or a bit of both, are the Venture® Soft Shell Pant from Hayward, California, supplier Landway International Corp. A more heavy-duty option, these pants have a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, which reduces the surface tension of fabric, making it so water simply drips off instead of absorbing. The pants have an 8,000-milimeter waterproof rating, which is ideal for a weekend trip to the mountains. (To put that into perspective, a 2,000-millimeter waterproof rating is suitable for day-to-day wear.) Available in men’s sizes S-XL in black (shown). See if they’re right for your client at booth 1845.



Landway International Corp. / PPAI 243349, S1 / www.landway.com

A high-quality, heavy-duty jacket that’ll be appreciated by recipients who live, work or frequent cold-weather places is the Women’s Guardian. From Eagan, Minnesota-based supplier Storm Creek, each jacket helps to recycle a total of 23 plastic bottles. The velvet-lined softshell is made with a three-layer construction using StormStretch fabric—a blend of 86-percent polyester and 14-percent spandex—allowing for range of movement. It has a 10,000-millimeter waterproof rating, which is suitable for walking in most downpours and heavy snow. To keep wearers dry and toasty, the jacket includes a chin guard, zippered handwarmer pockets, and snow and wind cuffs. See it and similar styles at booth 4261.

 

Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, S6 / www.stormcreek.com

While recipients are headed to their destination on foot, whether that’s reaching a campsite, or arriving home after walking from work or school, they’ll appreciate the two-in-one safety and convenience features of The Storm Flash. In addition to an umbrella, the product includes a built-in flashlight with an adjustable head, and batteries are included. Available from Storm Duds Raingear, an Attleboro, Massachusetts, supplier, the umbrella opens and closes automatically at the push of a button, and even though it offers 42-inch coverage, it folds to a 12-inch packable size. Available in black, cardinal, forest, maroon, navy, red, royal and purple (shown). See this and more umbrellas like it at booth 2861.



Storm Duds Raingear / PPAI 223406, S4 / www.stormduds.com

If you’re heading out for the day and need to store handheld personal items, look to the Carhartt® Cargo Series Waist Pack from Mahwah, New Jersey, supplier Rugged Outfitters. Freeing up your hands and pockets, conveniently store your cell phone, cash, credit cards, hand sanitizer, mints and other small items. Ideal to bring with you during mid-morning runs in the neighborhood, but also useful during everyday to-dos, such as grocery shopping. This fanny pack is treated with Rain Defender® durable water repellent, so it’ll stay dry all day, while an adjustable waist belt and side-release buckle allow for a tailored fit. Available in black, duck camo, navy, gray, basil, Carhartt burgundy and Carhartt brown (shown). See it at booth 5400.


Rugged Outfitters, Inc. / PPAI 375738, S5 / www.ruggedoutfitters.com