United States Outdoor Activities Statistics

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You may be under the illusion that most people in America lead sedentary lifestyles. The truth is a large percentage engage in outdoor activities.

Hiking, running, fishing, cycling, and hunting are just a few activities motivating Americans to engage in at least one or multiple outdoor activities.

Let’s take a look behind the scenes at how the outdoor activities industry is growing and trending for the coming years.

Outdoor Activities Market Highlights

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis issued statistics quantifying outdoor recreation.

The national economy, including the 50 states plus the District of Columbia. The latest American figures reveal that the:

  • The recreational outdoor economy represented 1.9 percent of the outdoor recreation sector ($454.0 billion) of the current-dollar gross domestic product.
  • The percentage of state GDP devoted to recreation varied from 4.8 percent in Hawaii to 1.3 percent in New York
  • 2021 saw an 18.9 percent growth in the outdoor recreation economy.
  • Outdoor recreation, as measured by a 5.9 percent gain for the whole U.S. economy
  • While outdoor recreation remuneration grew by 16.2 percent, the economy increased by 21.7 percent.
  • Industry sector employment grew by 13.1%.
  • Fishing and boating made up the greatest conventional activity in 27 states and the District of Columbia, with a value-added of $27.3 billion in current dollars. The three states that contributed the most money were Florida ($4.0 billion), California ($2.3 billion), and Texas ($2.0 billion).

Hunting Activities

While hunting, fishing, shooting and trapping are specific outdoor activities, google search trends depict that shooting has the most searches. You may assume this is due to changes in the technology of rifle sights.

With $10.8 billion, hunting, shooting, and trapping were the third-largest conventional activity in the country.

The largest conventional activity in the two states added $1 billion in current-dollar value. The

Texas ($1.2 billion), California ($763.8 million), and Georgia ($555.2 million) made the highest contributions.

Information source US Bureau Of Economic AnalysisGoogle Trends

Rving Outdoor Activities

With $25.1 billion in current dollar value-added, RVing was the second-biggest conventional activity nationwide, with the largest value in 15 states. Indiana accounts for ($5.4 billion), Texas ($2.2 billion) and California ($2.0 billion) all made contributions.

Google trends show a tail-off towards the end of the year as colder weather sets in.

Information source  US Bureau Of Economic AnalysisGoogle Trends Wildlife Management

Snow Activities

In terms of current-dollar value, snow activities generated the most revenue at $5.2 billion.

Colorado ($1.3 billion), Utah, and Alaska were also top contributors. (519.5 million), closely followed by California (505.7 million).

Information source US Bureau Of Economic AnalysisGoogle Trends

Hiking 

The hiking and outdoor equipment stores market will generate $7.4 billion in revenue in 2023. The hiking industry is expecting a 2.1% growth during 2023.

Since 2018 the market size for hiking has grown only 0.4%. There are obvious reasons like Covid 19 for the marginal growth of the industry.

Outdoor Activities, Who Participating?

Running is an enormously participated activity. Most people can tackle the challenge by starting slow and building up to become athletes.

If you think it is insignificant, think again. The market size for running apparel was estimated at US$ 372.77 Mn. From 2022 to 2029, the total revenue for running apparel is predicted to increase by 6.2% or roughly US$ 603.16 Mn.

Global Running Apparel Market
Report CoverageDetails
Base Year:2021Forecast Period:2022-2029
Historical Data:2017 to 2021Market Size in 2021:US $ 372.77 Mn.
Forecast Period 2022 to 2029 CAGR:6.2 %Market Size in 2029:US $ 603.16 Mn.
Segments Covered:by Product Type• Clothing • Footwear • Others
by End User• Men • Women • Kids
by Distribution • Offline • Online

Information source Maximize Marketing

Cycling

Cycling or biking remains popular in the US. Bicycle riders increased from 43 million in 2015 to 52 million in 2022 in the United States.

Simply expressed, the increase in bicycle use accounts for the industry’s expansion. This expansion in ridership is encouraging for the future of bicycles.

Bicycles are sold in more than 7,000 shops across the United States. Approximately 3,000 establishments are dedicated to selling bikes, with the remaining ones being major chains selling items for outdoor recreation.

Many customers still choose to purchase bikes from physical shops so they may test them out. However, a large number of people are also purchasing bikes online.

In 2021, the bicycle business was predicted to be worth over $59 billion globally and over $6 billion in the United States. According to experts, this industry will expand significantly both domestically and internationally.

The CAGR in the US is anticipated to be 6.12% from 2022 to 2027. From 2022 to 2028, the CAGR is expected to be 8.2% globally.

Information source Zippia

BREAKDOWN OF ADVENTURE TOURISTS BY AGE

  • 40% of adventure tourists are couples, making them the demographic most likely to go on such trips. Families (14%), groups (20%), and solitary travelers (25% each) come next.
  • (51% vs. 38%), women are more inclined than males to look for experiences on their own.
  • 85% of travelers between the ages of 30 and 40 use social media for activities and ideas.
  • The US accounts for 34% of the world’s adventure tourist customers.
  • 32% of adventure travelers are Americans with annual incomes of $100K or more.
  • In America, adventure travelers are typically 37 years old.

Information source Passport photo Online

Tourism Information and facts

Up-to-date and relevant information is essential for an adventure break, with most consumers checking social media for information on destinations and feedback from other travelers.

Statistics

  • In 2021, an adventure trip typically lasted eight nights.
  • Excluding flights, the average cost of an adventure trip in 2021 was $2,900.
  • Adventure travelers spend $240 on souvenirs and regional crafts on average.
  • In 2021, 54% of Americans took 12 billion excursions outside.
  • 70% of adventure activities are reserved on their own (without travel agents).
  • Only 55% of adventure travel agencies are certified for sustainability.

Information source Passport photo Online

Conclusion

The outdoor activities sector is growing with steady growth predicted through 2027 in most sectors. The winners in this industry are the consumers. They are becoming healthier while taking a vacation.
Of course, apparel is a leading contributor to revenues. The market for outdoor gear and equipment is anticipated to grow from US$ 49250 million in 2021 to US$ 75330 million in 2028, at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2022 to 2028.

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