There is no doubt that the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in uncertain—and unprecedented—times in this country. Social distancing has become the norm as the nation tries to keep healthy and safe. While many public campgrounds remain closed for the unforeseeable future, camping can remain a form of practicing social distancing while enjoying the great outdoors as the USA recovers from this virus.
Coronavirus notwithstanding, camping is a wonderful way to escape the stresses that everyday life brings while getting back to nature. In challenging times such as these, camping may emerge as one of the most popular ways to get some well-deserved R&R this year. Fortunately, there are a number of both new and best-selling camping products that can enhance the whole experience.
Naomi Berkowitz at Picnic Plus maintains that camping is one of the oldest forms of “getting away” from it all, “especially with today’s hectic lifestyles, escaping to the great outdoors and seeing Mother Nature at its finest!” she enthuses. “With over 50 National Parks and thousands more local campgrounds, a crackling fire, calming lake, and adventurous hike, offer a great change of scenery clears your mind and provides much needed quality time with family and friends, hopefully without distractions from technology!”
Over at Southern Plus, Grethe Adams expands on Berkowitz’s sentiments. “Now that social distancing is the new buzz word, going camping would be a great way to spend the weekend with the family!” she states. “Aside from creating distance from people (and viruses), being outside in nature is a great stress reliever (whether stress from being cooped up at home, the news, sold-out toilet tissue aisles, or the stock market).
“Of course, you don’t have to head to the forest to use camping products,” Adams continues “They’re great for hanging out in your own backyard. As temps are starting to warm up, firing up the grill after the winter hiatus is a welcomed spring ritual for many. With that comes the need for outdoor seating, grilling tools and an apron, a cooler for the beverages, and even a camping table and blanket for alfresco dining. Aside from these products being useful and sought-after, these outdoor activities spent with family and friends create happy memories. Being able to relate your brand to happy emotions, connects at the heart level, and creates a powerful and lasting impression.”
According to Carrie Lewis of BIC Graphic, campers aren’t just looking at function when choosing their gear anymore. “One of the trends we are seeing are promos designed for the campsite that also look great to fit the outdoor aesthetic with style,” she comments. “Colors like bright lime green and trendy two-tone materials make promos look great without compromising function.
“The multi-function promo trend is especially popular in the camping category,” Lewis adds. “No one wants to be weighed down by tons of gear on the way to the campsite. Multi-function tools and equipment are both useful and practical for campers. Kooler grill sets and multi-tools from brands like Leatherman® remain highly popular items.”
Lewis also reports that the company continues to see increased interest in camping gear, especially in popular destination states throughout the west and southeast U.S. “We expect the demand for innovative outdoor promos from recognizable brands to continue increasing, and there are no signs of that demand slowing down,” she comments. Adams at Southern Plus agrees that demand for camping product is high, with a stronger focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle among the millennials.
The following are new and best-selling camping items that should appeal to distributors this camping season. The new, heavy-duty #16108 Koozie® Adventure 43L Hiking Backpack from BIC Graphic has all the features of a retail pack including a hydration compartment, padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, emergency whistle, trekking pole attachments, and its own rain cover, Lewis says. And, the company’s #15567 Premium Stripe Chair is a best-seller due to its strong steel frame and added details like an insulated pocket and attached bottle opener, Lewis adds, which is, “a comfy choice for sitting next to the campfire with a padded back and padded seat panels.” Additionally, the company’s new #46339 Koozie® Campfire Can Kooler is a plus for any outdoor event. “The retro finish pays homage to classic campfire mugs and is a great accent for any brand logo,” Lewis notes.
Portability and necessity are keywords when packing for this type of weekend or holiday get-a-way, Berkowitz at Picnic Plus asserts. “The need for quality family time is so important and the demand has been steady for outdoor products which are top sellers from Picnic Plus,” she comments. The company’s best sellers include the Mega Mat (M5101/M5108), which is available in two sizes (48”x60” and 68”x82”) and 12 distinct patterns. “Our 100 percent waterproof, foam padded, woven acrylic topped mat with carry handle and shoulder strap is a perfect camping companion!” she enthuses. “Our exclusive MEGA MAT (covered by US Patents) has been a top seller for over 20 years! Not only portable, but functional for a romantic picnic, storytelling around the campfire, family beach mat, or for use as a tent liner to keep 100 percent dry.
“Best of all when loading up the car for the ride home, flip it upside down to keep your car clean from muddy boots, damp tents, and more!” she continues. “Sales opportunities with your local campground store, KOA (Kampground of America), lake resort, RV park, camping and glamping clubs, bird watching, canoe and hiking clubs with their logo added to the front flap! Makes a useful and quality souvenir for lifelong memories.”
Finally, the Scrimmage Tailgate Table (PSM-104) from Picnic Plus features the company’s exclusive, U.S.-patented portable, adjustable table that can be used at a sitting height or standing height. “It makes a great easy to pack, camping table with four mesh pockets that securely holds cans, bottles, or cups while lounging around a campfire, relaxing on the beach, RV patio, boating table, or even a backyard or deck campout for family and friends,” she comments. A matching carry bag is included; and the table-top and carry bag have large imprint areas for brand visibility. “Think outside the box for unique sales opportunities for local wilderness and sports clubs, team building get-a-ways, product give-a-ways, in-store displays for branded gear, beverages, food, and travel,” she adds.
Tables are also a best seller at Southern Plus. Adams says one of the company’s best sellers in this category last year was its #151 Event Table. “Great for all kinds of activities from camping, picnics, backyard BBQs, charity events, tailgating, etc., a folding table can be used with someone’s existing chairs and is often not an item people already have,” she notes. “It naturally becomes the focal point (hello—this is where the food is!) and provides ample space for your entire spread with an added shelf beneath.”
Bay State has a Safe Place Emergency Torch for emergency situations at night that require light. Josette Bosse reports that a 9 LED torch has a white light, strobing red light, and a solid red light (depending on needs) along with a strong magnetic attached to metal for hands-free use—a definite staple for camping.
As long as distributors target camping products to the right audience, they should be an easy sell. Clients geared toward the outdoors—such as hunting retailers, sportsmen’s clubs, and bait and tackle shops—will be eager to buy these types of products. Lewis at BIC Graphic says that younger generations make up the demographic driving the increased interest in camping so distributors should keep that in mind when putting together a campaign. “Quality products and brands that are stylish and functional appeal to this age group,” she says. “If you can, use social media channels to promote your camping items and reach the most interested audience.”