New data from NPD Group and the Outdoor Industry Association paint a picture of sectors that thrived in the pandemic, as lockdowns eased and people sought out exercise and outdoor activities while gyms and indoor venues remained closed. The OIA’s forthcoming edition of its annual Outdoor Participation Report found that total outdoor participation jumped 2.2% to 52.9% in 2020, up from 50.7% in 2019 and 50.5% in 2018. That represents the largest year-over-year increase ever recorded. Camping participation increased 28.0% in 2020, adding 7.9 million participants, while hiking increased 16.3%, representing 8.1 million more Americans on the trails, and freshwater ... Log in to view full article.