4 Things You Didn't Know About Outdoorsy Millennials

Editor's note: This blog post was written by Outdoor Book Club intern Victoria Walenga

Since millennials have entered the workforce they’ve been characterized as lazy, ungrateful, negative, and unmotivated. We’ve all heard it before — stories featuring millennials have been all over CNN, Fortune, and even The Guardian for the past few years. While these articles have been plastered all over social media millennials have rapidly taken over yet another valued space: the outdoors.

According to the results of the 2017 North American Camping Report, millennials are venturing into the outdoors more than ever before. Out of the total campers (around 75 million), millennials make up 38 percent, and 51 percent of millennials vow that they are going to increase their time outdoors just this year.

​Comparing this research to my personal experience being an outdoorsy millennial reinforces the idea that we value freedom, adventure and being with others. For me, being outdoors is important because it allows you to have moments of clarity you wouldn’t have otherwise.

Millennials Are Taking Over the Great Outdoors 

Based on my personal experience and research from the 2017 North American Camping Report, I have put together four highlights most people don’t know about outdoorsy millennials:

1. Millennials want a break from all the noise on social media​
   Social media is a very noisy place and it can quickly become overwhelming. Being outdoors allows me (us?) to take a break and catch my breath without having to constantly stay updated. I love being able to turn my phone off and put it in my bag while hiking with some of my friends. For me, the current moment is more important than what is being posted online.
   
   
2. We strive to have unique experiences in the outdoors that can later be reflected upon (most likely on social media)
   Sure, we see Instagram photos of people hiking, kayaking, and traveling the world — but that isn’t fulfilling enough for most millennials. We need to experience being outdoors ourselves so we can later share these moments with others (and online). I mean, if you didn’t take a selfie on top of a mountain, did it really happen?
   
   
3. It’s okay if there isn’t wifi or service
   According to the study, 47 percent of millennials claim they are more involved in camping and being outdoors when there is no access to technology. This gives them a break from checking emails, social media platforms, and keeping up with friends. It allows for them to spend more time with others and be involved in activities.
   
   
4. Being outdoors is highly valued among millennials because it reduces stress, and improves emotional well-being
   Forty-five percent of millennials claim being outdoors has a great deal of impact when it comes to reducing stress, and another 43 percent claim it improves their emotional well-being. Being outdoors allows us to spend more time with those around you and adventure places you’ve never been before. It’s important to take breaks from busy routines and lifestyles in order to relax and start over.

Are you a millennial? How do you feel about the outdoors? Comment below or tell us what you think on our Facebook page!