Close to half of the American population participated in at least one outdoor activity in 2015, per the latest report from the Outdoor Foundation, and that number is projected to rise for 2016. That number also equates to 142.4 million participants, who went on a collective 11.7 billion outdoor outings. Between running, fishing, hiking, camping, and bicycling, this audience creates a massive market for a widespread selection of promotional products across many categories.
In the spirit of serving this major audience, we’ve put together a list of Outdoor Super Brands. These brands offer products on which our clients love to put their logos, and the opportunity to pair your brand with an active audience. Here’s our list of the top 5 favorite names in the outdoor space giving promotional products a breath of fresh air:
RTIC
RTIC’s slogan is “Overbuilt, Not Overpriced” – and that’s exactly how we feel about their drinkware. The company manufactures premium rotomolded coolers, soft sided coolers & stainless steel drinkware that prove extremely popular among our promotional products clients.
Drinkware from RTIC is a great way to earn impressions all day, as users bring their bottles and tumblers wherever they go. Their double-wall, vacuum-insulated 30 oz tumbler is equally at home in both locations, and keeps drinks cold for up to 60 hours, which means the longevity of your ice-cold beverage will match the longevity of your logo’s impression!
RTIC’s new spring product line has the slogan “half the price and holds more ice,” setting them apart from the competition. In short, this brand offers an opportunity to co-brand with a company that values excellent performance and high quality, even in a saturated market.
Patagonia
We can’t say it enough – Patagonia is one of our favorite brands in our portfolio. Founded in 1973 by two avid rock climbers, the company started out selling hand-forged climbing gear and climbing apparel. Soon after, the brand expanded to cover snow sports, surfing, and fishing, alongside general comfort-wear.
Patagonia believes that, for these types of sports, “reward comes in the form of hard-won grace and moments of connection between us and nature.” We agree, and this idea flows through every factor of Patagonia’s business. The company manufactures its clothing using only organic cotton and fair-trade certified materials, and uses their business model as a medium for reducing greenhouses gases, defending clean water and air, and protecting and preserving the environment.
With products like their Better Sweater, Yerba Backpack, and Adze jacket, Patagonia provides PK’s clients a range of opportunities to co-brand with a label that prides itself on its sustainability measures.
*PK donates 1% of all Patagonia sales to One Percent for the Planet. Click here to learn more.
Helly Hansen
Developed in Norway, Helly Hansen has become a leader in technical sailing and performance ski apparel – and a leader in PK’s premium brand portfolio. The brand, which was “born by the sea and raised by the mountains,” is your ideal partner and protector in any kind of weather.
Be it hurricane, snow storm, or sunny day on the seas, Helly Hansen is there at the intersection between function and style. Better yet, you can use HH in any layer. From moisture-wicking baselayer crew necks, to their Daybreaker fleece midlayer, to an outerwear coat, like the women’s Voss Jacket, co-branding opportunities exist inside and out.
Helly Hansen triumphs in “professional-grade gear that helps people stay and feel alive.” Now those are values we’d want to align with!
Trekk Outdoor
A “trek” is defined as “a long and often difficult journey,” and Trekk Outdoor products hope to “make your journey a little easier.” New to the outdoor space, Trekk was founded in Fall 2015 specializing in luxury outdoor accessories and gear.
The brand aims to prove that there’s no need to sacrifice functionality for quality when it comes to the outdoors. With camping hammocks, solar-powered lanterns, and compact folding swivel chairs, the company has hit the market running with high-quality, premium outdoor products we can’t resist.
If both form and function are core to your values, consider Trekk Outdoor as a co-branding partner for this year’s promotional gear.
High Sierra
High Sierra bags are a staple of the promotional products marketplace. Feature-rich, versatile, and understated, High Sierra bags are great for any occasion.
A division of Samsonite, a company that believes their products are the true brand heroes, and play many roles in the “multifaceted lives” of their buyers. We agree, since we’ve embroidered client logos on a wide range of High Sierra products from rolling duffels to backpacks to adventure accessories like flashlights and hand tools.
High Sierra was named after a region of California with snowy winters, glistening summer lakeviews, and endless meadows of spring flowers. With a product line as versatile as the landscape of its namesake, the opporutnities for promotional branding is endless. “Adventure This Way” with your logo on High Sierra products.
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These brands aren’t the only ones who value The Great Outdoors. Premium brands like Adidas and Nike are capitalizing on increased participation in outdoor activities, and have released lines to represent this faction as well.
With ParsonsKellogg, you’ll gain exclusive access to premium outdoor brands defined by adventure. If your brand aims to push the boundaries, is inspired by experience, and encourages “embracing the journey,” one of these labels might offer the perfect co-branding opportunity for you.