Its hard to believe that its been 30 years since Therm-a-Rest launched self-inflating sleeping pads, and almost 20 years since Crazy Creeks Rob Hart invented the Original Crazy Creek comfort chair.
“No one had done anything like this before,” reminisces Hart. “But we all wanted one and today it seems like were still just scratching the surface.”
Chairs and chair kits have become some of the most popular add-on sales for campers. Beyond sleeping pads and chairs, the camping comfort or accessory category has grown exponentially over the past 10 years to include such items as sleeping bag liners, pillows and coffee presses.
Chalk it up to getting older and wiser, explains Jenna Wellman, Therm-a-Rests brand manager, “The average age of outdoor enthusiasts is increasing but theyre still committed to getting in the backcountry one way or another,” She says. The only difference now, she adds, is that people will add a little weight for extra comfort.
Big Agnes partner and marketing director, Len Zanni, notes,. “Older campers or people with bad backs or injuries tell us how happy and willing they are to make weight sacrifices for comfort.”
In addition, vendors are seeing growth in group or family camping. As Hart points out, a little luxury goes a long way when introducing kids to hiking and camping. “If you dont want the kids to hate camping, its awfully nice having luxuries when you return from hiking,” he says.
“Technically minded enthusiasts have discretionary income to spend,” reports Zanni, “but less time to use their gear with growing families, so theyre going for all the gear that will make for comfortable, memorable trips.”
Even for those consumers heading out for long weekends, or those coveted week-long trips in the backcountry, materials and fabrics have shed so much weight that people can afford a little luxury.
Sea to Summits co-owner, Shelley Dunbar, also sees consumer interest in luxuries. “The markets not completely driven by lightweight. Compact is also important, as long as durability isnt sacrificed,” she comments.
Though camping novelties such as GSIs hand-churned blenders (for smoothies or margaritas) continually see interest at retail, consumers are more apt to indulge in functional or versatile comforts.
Explains Cascade Designs marketing director, Carol Blayden, “Innovation comes from developing products that people dont even realize they need yet.” Or rather, cant live without. “Its hard to define comfort,” jokes Blayden. “But once youve been uncomfortable, youll do anything to avoid that feeling again.”
For Pacific Outdoor Equipments Case Carpenter, innovation and ingenuity go hand in hand. “We were looking for ways to promote our new fabrics at Outdoor Retailer, while also keeping fabric scraps from going to waste,” Case recalls. As it turns out, POEs whimsical tent stakes not only entertain, but theyre also lightweight and functional enough for backcountry use (see the description below). “You need tent stakes anyway, and these help [prevent] you from tripping over them.”
These accessories are not only affordable ways to update camping quivers, but also allow consumers to customize their camping experience-an essential part of attracting a younger demographic.
Notes Dunbar, “You cant afford a new tent or backpack every year, but you can afford these accessories,” which, she adds, typically comprise up to 50 percent of dealers sales.
Couple this with the way the economy is turning, and camping comforts are justifiable purchases for most consumers. According to Blayden, “Its typical during times of recession that we do quite well. The more people recreate close to home, the more comfort systems they buy as add-ons.”
Luckily for consumers, being comfortable doesnt have to mean buying a 5″ air mattress or spending hundreds of dollars because, as Carpenter contends, “Recreating outdoors is a luxury in itself.”
