Covid-19 is Sending Us Into the Wild… With Gear!

I hate being next to the next guy as much as the next guy. Which explains why outdoor gear had a banner sales year. Biking, paddlesports, and golf netted a total of $1.5B. I myself contributed largely to these sales with the irresponsible amount of time I spent on the golf course. So, you’re welcome.

Running, camping, and hiking were also popular activities during the 2020 Summer Bummer tour, and not (just) because everyone was on the lam after their isolation drove them to become serial killers. There has been a boom in sales for outdoor gear, and some of the private label manufacturers have seen demands 200% greater than normal.

Finding ways of staying active while being socially distant has become the real sport, and as we look down the barrel of a long winter, we have to get creative. Want to freeze your ass off walking? L.L. Bean’s snowshoe sales have gone up 340%. Want to freeze your ass off sitting? Snow tube sales have gone up 114%. Want to stay inside with your thoughts? Def no.

So let’s squeeze into our long underwear, snuggle into something grandma knitted,, lace up our knife shoes (skates) and ride that socially distanced wave into 2021!

If you need some inspiration:

  • Nothing brings people together/repels people like fire. Companies like “Solo Stove” have seen a 300% increase in business since the pandemic hit. Take something like this portable bonfire with you wherever you go to bring your friends close, but no more than 6ft or you could risk catching fire. Or COVID. Or both.
  • In the market for something that says “COOL GUY AT REST”? Look no further than a chair with a cooler in it. Combine your love of beverages with your love of sitting with this bad boy.
  • There has been a rise in “Micro-Adventures” (AKA: getting day drunk in the woods) and with tech like this LED chest light you can make it easier for bears to see you from a distance so they can stay at the top of the food chain give you directions.

About the Author

Eric LaMonica

Eric LaMonica is an actor/comedian from Boston with a high school diploma and maturity level to match. You can see him in commercials occasionally OR whenever you want by going to Ericlamonica.com. He’s got some pretty funny stuff on that website there, might wanna give it a look!

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