A new survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Everest shows the average American started to experience cabin-fever in quarantine after just two months, according to new research.The study asked 2,000 Americans how they’ve been coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and what they’re doing to stay active. After just seven weeks of spending time in isolation, half of those polled shared they started researching how to responsibly spend time outdoors while the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
From gardening to camping in the backyard, the average respondent has been spending 14 hours a week outside in some shape or form during their time in quarantine.The survey found that three in 10 respondents have taken up biking around their neighborhoods for some fresh air during quarantine.
A quarter of respondents are also dusting off their hiking boots and taking strolls around state and national parks near them.
Two in 10 respondents also shared they’ve been running on community trails and 17% have been fishing in local ponds.
One in 10 also find solace in the simple things, like flying a kite in their community park.
Some respondents have taken up activities such as sport shooting, hunting and archery.
With all of these newfound passions, it’s no wonder six in 10 respondents said these activities are now a part of their identity.
Forty-six percent of pollsters also said they now describe themselves as a true outdoorsman because of quarantine and three-quarters of those surveyed even feel like they can take on anything.
Not only are respondents feeling more comfortable spending time outdoors, their newfound love has also allowed them to bond with their family more than ever before.
Six in 10 respondents said they can’t wait to share their new passions with their friends and a further 54% said they can’t wait to share these activities with their children.
Given the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 overall, 73% of those polled said these activities have been therapeutic for them.
Sixty-one percent of respondents also said that the sense of community they’ve gained from other outdoor goers has made going outside and being active even 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,” states Bill Voss, CEO/Founder of Everest.com. “Generations of families have created lasting memories of sitting around a campfire together telling stories, catching that first fish or listening to the woods come alive in the mornings while a father and son sit in a tree stand. In times such as this, it’s important to feel connected to others and have a sense of belonging.”
Eight in 10 respondents shared that spending time outdoors is now just part of their normal routine as well.
The average respondent also shared they’ve spent $126 investing in their various activities throughout quarantine.
The top activities respondents are investing in new equipment for included camping, fishing and hiking.
“Our passions become passions because we continue to invest ourselves, our time and our money into those activities, says 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.”
TOP OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES DURING QUARANTINE
- Gardening – 41%
- Camping in the backyard – 30%
- Outdoor cycling around the neighborhood – 29%
- Hiking local trails – 26%
- Hiking at a state/national park – 22%
- Camping in a state/national park – 21%
- Running on a community/city trail – 20%
- Outdoor cycling around a state/national park – 17%
- Fishing at a local pond – 17%
- Bird watching in a community / city park – 14%
- Sport shooting – 11%
- Outdoor rock climbing at a state/national park – 10%
- Flying a kite in a community/city park – 10%
- Hunting – 10%
- Fishing at a state/national park – 10%
- Archery – 8%
- Kayaking at a state/national park – 7%
- Bird watching at a state/national park – 5%
TOP 10 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES INVESTED IN DURING QUARANTINE
- Camping – 37%
- Fishing – 35%
- Hiking – 24%
- Sport shooting – 24%
- Cycling – 23%
- Hunting – 23%
- Running – 21%
- Rock climbing – 18%
- Archery – 16%
- Kayaking – 14%
About Everest
Driven by our Caliber Members, the Everest mission is to create the leading marketplace for the outdoor recreation community – a place where retailers can sell firearms, fishing gear, camping gear, outdoor products and other related consumer items; a place where like-minded consumers can learn, interact, participate and shop. Everest is a community of like-minded, non-discriminating, conservation-loving outdoor living retailers, manufacturers, distributors and consumers.