The study asked 2,000 Americans how they’ve coped with COVID-19 and what they are doing to stay active.
From gardening to camping in the backyard, the average respondent has spent 14 hours per week outside in form during their time in quarantine. The survey also found that 3-in-10 respondents have taken up biking around their neighborhood for fresh air during the quarantine. A quarter of respondents brought out their hiking boots and are strolling exercising around their state and national parks.
Sixty-one percent of respondents said that the sense of community they’ve gained from other outdoor-goers has made going outside and being active more enjoyable.
“Spending time in the great outdoors not only restores our soul and mental health, but it’s also a way to form lifelong bonds with friends and family,” stated Bill Voss, CEO and founder of Everest.com. “In times such as this, it’s important to feel connected to others and have a sense of belonging,” he continued.
The top activities respondents are investing in for new equipment include camping, fishing and hiking.
“Our passions become passions because we continue to invest ourselves, our time and our money into those activities,” said Voss. “Having the right tools and equipment is essential in any hobby, but it also becomes a matter of safety and comfort when participating in outdoor activities. Make sure you’re prepared for any situation, consider your outdoor gear an investment, and do your research before you purchase by relying on a community of like-minded, outdoor enthusiasts.”
The Top Outdoor Activities During The Quarantine:
- Gardening – 41 percent
- Camping in the backyard – 30 percent
- Outdoor cycling around the neighborhood – 29 percent
- Hiking local trails – 26 percent
- Hiking at a state/national park – 22 percent
- Camping in a state/national park – 21 percent
- Running on a community/city trail – 20 percent
- Outdoor cycling around a state/national park – 17 percent
- Fishing at a local pond – 17 percent
- Bird watching in a community/city park – 14 percent
- Sport shooting – 11 percent
- Outdoor rock climbing at a state/national park – 10 percent
- Flying a kite in a community/city park – 10 percent
- Hunting – 10 percent
- Fishing at a state/national park – 10 percent
- Archery – 8 percent
- Kayaking at a state/national park – 7 percent
- Bird watching at a state/national park – 5 percent
Top 10 Outdoor Activities Invested In During The Quarantine:
- Camping – 37 percent
- Fishing – 35 percent
- Hiking – 24 percent
- Sport shooting – 24 percent
- Cycling – 23 percent
- Hunting – 23 percent
- Running – 21 percent
- Rock climbing – 18 percent
- Archery – 16 percent
- Kayaking – 14 percent
View the Everest New Outdoorsmen Animated Infographic here.
