Q1 2026 Outdoor Retail Trends Report

What the Latest Numbers Reveal About a Cooling Market

Outdoor product sales in Athletic Specialty and Sporting Goods (ASSG) retail channels opened 2026 in a precarious position—and the signals are worth a close look. Dollar sales held nearly flat, declining less than 1%, but unit sales fell sharply, down 7.3% across every product category. At the same time, average retail prices climbed 6.7% year-over-year, outpacing the broader inflation rate of roughly 3.3%. With consumer sentiment at decade lows and middle- and lower-income households cutting back on discretionary spending, understanding which products are still moving and which are cooling fast has never been more important.
OIA’s Q1 2026 Outdoor Retail Trends Report is now available. It covers category-level dollar and unit sales performance across ASSG retail, standout performers in equipment, accessories, and footwear, and the categories seeing the sharpest declines—from women’s basketball-inspired shoes to portable fire pits and insulated tumblers. Check out the Executive Summary for the key findings and market implications.

Get the Executive Summary

Are you an OIA member?

Access the report: Click Here

ESPR Policy Brief

What the EU’s Ecodesign Regulation Means for Outdoor Brands

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is a landmark EU framework that will reshape how textiles and apparel are designed, sold, and tracked—and the implications for the outdoor industry are significant. The regulation applies to any company placing covered products on the EU market, regardless of where it is based. Some compliance deadlines are already in effect, and others are approaching fast, which makes understanding what is required, and when, essential for any brand or retailer selling in Europe.

OIA’s sustainability team has prepared a new policy brief that gives outdoor companies a practical overview of what ESPR requires and how to prepare. It breaks down reporting obligations, ecodesign requirements for textiles, Digital Product Passport rules, and the steps your team can take now ahead of the Textile Delegated Act expected in late 2027. Whether your products are directly in scope or you sit further down the supply chain, understanding these changes is a must.

Learn How to Access This Resource>

Are you an OIA member?

Access the policy brief: Click Here

Outdoorist: May 2026

Thank you for being part of the OIA community. As May comes to a close, we’re gearing up for a couple of the most anticipated moments of our year. We’re putting the finishing touches on the 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report — the most detailed research resource we release each year. We’re also getting ready to head to New Orleans in a few weeks for three days of education, networking, and community at Switchback Spring 2026.

We appreciate your continued support. There’s a lot more to come, and we’re glad you’re in it with us.

A First Look at the 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report

For more than 15 years, the Outdoor Participation Trends Report has served as the most trusted and comprehensive source on who is doing what outdoors — and when and how they are doing it. Outdoor Industry Association and the Outdoor Foundation collaborate on the research and publish the findings every year.

This year’s report tells a more nuanced story than in years past. While participation has reached new highs, how Americans engage with the outdoors is changing in ways every brand and retailer should plan around.

Leadership members get exclusive early access to the report on Monday, June 1. OIA Senior Director of Research Kelly Davis will then reveal the full findings live on the Switchback Spring stage on Tuesday, June 16. The complete report will be available to all OIA members following her session.

Get in touch to learn how your team can access this valuable resource.

>>CONTACT US

Switchback Spring Is Just a Few Weeks Away

Switchback Spring 2026 is heading to New Orleans June 16–18, and we hope to see you there. Retailers and professionals from across the outdoor industry are coming together for three days of informative educational sessions, exciting networking events, and an immersive exhibit hall that provides the opportunity to connect with emerging and established vendors.

This year’s education program is centered around the theme “Equipping the Outdoor Industry for the Future” and features over 30 sessions on topics like leadership and change management, outdoor culture and community, supply chain management, merchandising, AI, cybersecurity, and marketing. Explore the full agenda for the complete lineup of sessions and speakers, and check out the event guide to start planning your three days in New Orleans.

Join us at the premier education and business gathering for the outdoor community.

>>REGISTER NOW

Reflecting on Capitol Summit 2026

Last month, leaders from across the outdoor industry gathered in Washington, D.C., for Capitol Summit 2026. Over two days, attendees received expert advocacy training and participated in face-to-face meetings with members of Congress to advance the issues that matter most to our industry.

This year’s policy agenda focused on advocating for sensible trade policy, ensuring reliable access to public lands, and supporting legislative action on climate and conservation. 

Visit the Capitol Summit page for a full recap of the event, and get in touch to learn how you can get a seat at the table in 2027.

>>READ RECAP

New Policy Brief on the EU’s ESPR Framework

The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is a landmark EU framework that will change how textiles and apparel are designed, sold, and tracked. It applies to any company placing covered products on the EU market, regardless of where they are based. Some compliance deadlines are already in effect, and knowing what is required, and when, is essential for any brand or retailer selling in Europe.

Our new policy brief gives outdoor companies a practical overview of what ESPR requires and how to prepare, including reporting obligations, ecodesign requirements for textiles, Digital Product Passport rules, and steps your team can take now ahead of the Textile Delegated Act expected in late 2027.

Contact us to learn how your team can access this brief and other sustainability guidance through OIA membership.

>>CONTACT US

OIA Joins the Nylon Materials Collective

OIA has joined the Nylon Materials Collective, a Samsara Eco initiative working to accelerate the adoption of circular nylon in the outdoor industry. Nylon is essential to performance apparel and equipment, but it can carry a significant carbon footprint, making circular alternatives critical to our industry’s sustainability goals.

By joining the collective, OIA is helping members reduce environmental impact, navigate evolving regulations, and transition to circular materials without compromising performance. 

We’re proud to stand alongside the European Outdoor Group and leading global brands including Burton, W. L. Gore & Associates, Black Diamond Equipment, Red Wing Shoe Company, and Big Agnes. 

Visit Samsara Eco’s website to learn more about the important work the Nylon Materials Collective is doing.

>>LEARN MORE

A Year of Collective Sustainability Progress 

Despite the challenges of 2025, engagement in OIA sustainability programs only grew stronger, with more than 500 individuals from 118 companies actively participating throughout the year.

OIA Sustainability’s 2025 Impact Report captures that collective progress across climate, chemistry, and compliance. It features Climate Action Corps milestones, advancements from the Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition, expanded compliance resources, and highlights from the launch of OIA Learning and the virtual Catalyst Conference.

Read the report to see what our community accomplished together last year and how OIA will continue supporting these efforts in 2026 and beyond.

>>READ THE REPORT

What’s New on OIA Learning

Since launching last year, OIA Learning has grown to include more than 25 courses covering topics like sustainability compliance, government advocacy, market research, consumer trends, and trade policy.

We’re excited to share that two new certification-level courses are coming to the platform this summer:

  • “From Footprint to Future: Climate Action in the Outdoor Industry” (launching June 1)
  • “From Compliance to Competitive Advantage: Cleaner Chemistry in the Outdoor Industry” (launching July 1)

Whether you’re sharpening a specific skill or building broader industry knowledge, OIA Learning is here to help you and your team grow.

>>START LEARNING

Get Ready for GS1 Sunrise 2027

The GS1 mandate for 2D barcodes on retail packaging is only months away, and most brands have less runway than they realize once packaging lead times, internal approvals, and content production are factored in. Join OIA partner Authentic Labs on Tuesday, June 2, at 1 p.m. (ET) / 10 a.m. (PT) for a webinar that will help your brand get ready.

Authentic Labs President David McCloskey and GS1 US Global Standards Manager Andrew Morehead will cover what the GS1 Digital Link standard requires and how to build codes that work at checkout and satisfy your retail partners. They’ll also share how brands are using these codes to connect with consumers post-scan and common mistakes to avoid.

>>REGISTER NOW

Get Access to OIA Single Sport Participation Reports

OIA Single Sport Participation Reports give your team a closer look at the activities driving outdoor recreation, with detailed data on participation growth, demographics, frequency, and evolving consumer behaviors.

2026 reports on hiking, camping, and running are available now, and additional single sport reports will be continuously released throughout the year. Whether your team is shaping product strategy, marketing campaigns, retail initiatives, or long-term business decisions, these resources offer the market intelligence to inform your work and identify emerging trends.

Get in touch to learn how your team can access this market intelligence through OIA membership.

>>CONTACT US

2025 OIA Sustainability’s Impact Report

A Year of Collective Progress for the Outdoor Industry

2025 was a defining year for the outdoor industry—tested by unprecedented tariffs, economic pressure, and mounting compliance obligations, yet strengthened by collaboration. OIA Sustainability’s first-ever Impact Report captures the year in full, with more than 500 individuals from 118 companies driving collective progress across climate, chemistry, and compliance—from Climate Action Corps milestones and a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement supporting 18.5 megawatts of renewable energy to new Clean Chemistry guidebooks, expanded policy resources, and the launch of OIA Learning. Whether you’re shaping strategy, tracking progress, or building industry partnerships, this report shows what’s possible when the industry chooses collaboration over retreat.

Learn About Membership>

Explore the 2025 OIA Sustainability Program 

Access the report: Click Here

EU CSRD and CSDDD Webinar

What the EU’s New Sustainability Directives Mean for You

The EU’s Omnibus Simplification Package has finalized the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)—and the implications for the outdoor industry are significant. OIA’s sustainability team was joined by Francesca Fina of Ohana Public Affairs for a webinar that breaks down the finalized requirements, which companies now fall within scope, and how these directives could ripple through outdoor brands even if they sit outside the thresholds. Whether your business is directly in scope or not, understanding these landmark changes is a must.

Learn How to Access This Resource>

Are you an OIA member?

Access the recording: Click Here

Guide to Comply

Stay Ahead of Sustainability Compliance

Keeping up with sustainability laws across the U.S. and Canada is becoming increasingly complex—and the cost of falling behind is rising. OIA’s updated 2026 Guide to Comply cuts through the noise with a 20+ page resource covering the specific regulations impacting the outdoor industry right now, from climate accountability and PFAS rules to Extended Producer Responsibility and green claims best practices. Whether you’re navigating new state-level emission mandates or refining your sustainability messaging, this guide gives your team the clarity needed to stay compliant.

Learn How to Access This Resource>

Are you an OIA member?

Access the guide: Click Here

Sustainability Marketing Webinar

How to Market Sustainability Without the Greenwashing Risk

As outdoor brands increasingly promote their sustainability efforts, global regulators are cracking down on greenwashing—and the legal stakes are rising. OIA Legislative Consultant James Pollack walked through current marketing regulations and key litigation, followed by a panel hosted by OIA’s Keelin Christensen with the Black Diamond team on how their marketing and sustainability departments collaborate to craft compliant messaging that resonates with environmentally conscious consumers. Whether you’re in marketing, product, or materials, this session offers a clear understanding of the regulations to know and strategies for authentic communication.

Learn How to Access This Resource>

Are you an OIA member?

Access the recording: Click Here

Outdoorist: April 2026

It’s been a busy month for OIA and our members. Capitol Summit 2026 just concluded in Washington, D.C., where we brought industry leaders together for two days of advocacy training and face-to-face meetings with members of Congress.

We’ve also released new research reports, government advocacy updates, and sustainability guidance to keep our members ready for what comes next. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to in April and what’s in store for the months ahead.

Capitol Summit 2026 Brought the Industry to Washington, D.C.

This week, leaders from across the outdoor industry were on Capitol Hill speaking with policymakers about the issues shaping the outdoor recreation economy.

Attendees advocated for sensible trade policy, protection of public lands, and environmental stewardship. The turnout and expertise we brought to Washington, D.C., reinforced what our industry can accomplish when we show up together.

We’ll be sharing detailed updates, highlights, and key wins from Capitol Summit 2026 in the coming days. Stay tuned.

CBP’s Tariff Refund Portal Is Now Live

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched the first phase of its IEEPA refund processing tool, the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal, on April 20. The initial phase is limited to certain unliquidated entries and certain entries within 80 days of liquidation, though CBP plans to add more functionality in the future to address complex refunds.

To receive refunds, importers must have an account in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal and be enrolled to receive electronic payments via ACH. Immediate enrollment is essential.

OIA members can access Mobilize to join the OIA Trade Advisory Council for updates and guidance as trade policy developments unfold.

>>ACCESS MOBILIZE

Not a member? Get in touch to learn more.

>> GET IN TOUCH

Metal Tariff Revisions Deliver a Win for the Outdoor Industry

On April 2, President Trump issued a proclamation revising the scope of Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper products. The changes remove duties on goods like camping chairs and certain fishing equipment, exempt products with 15% or less metal content by weight, and terminate inclusion processes that threatened to expand tariffs to other products.

This outcome is a direct result of our members’ advocacy. Trade Advisory Council members worked tirelessly through dozens of conversations with representatives of Congress, detailed public comments, and a direct meeting with the official overseeing Section 232 investigations. Special recognition goes to Big Agnes, Nite Ize, and NEMO for their outstanding contributions.

OIA Sustainability’s First-Ever Impact Report

2025 was a defining year for the outdoor industry, marked by unprecedented tariffs, economic pressure, and mounting compliance obligations. Throughout it all, engagement in OIA’s sustainability programs strengthened, with more than 500 individuals from 118 companies actively participating during the year.

OIA Sustainability’s 2025 Impact Report captures a year in which the industry chose collaboration over retreat and made collective progress across climate, chemistry, and compliance. The report covers Climate Action Corps milestones, Clean Chemistry and Materials Coalition progress, expanded compliance resources, and highlights from the launch of OIA Learning and the virtual Catalyst Conference.

Read the report to see what OIA’s sustainability program offered members in 2025 and contact us to learn how your company can participate.

>>READ THE REPORT

Understand the EU’s Finalized Sustainability

The EU’s Omnibus Simplification Package has finalized the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), resulting in significant implications for the outdoor industry.

The OIA sustainability team and Francesca Fina of Ohana Public Affairs recently hosted a webinar to break down what the finalized requirements include, which companies now fall within scope, and how these directives could indirectly affect outdoor brands that sit outside the thresholds.

OIA Support Plus and Leadership members can access the on-demand recording in the membership portal.

>>WATCH THE RECORDING

If you’re not a member but want to attend these sessions, connect with our team.

>>CONTACT US

Prepare for the EU’s Textile EPR Requirements

The EU’s Waste Framework Directive (WFD), amended in 2025, introduces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements for textiles and footwear across all EU Member States. It applies to any company placing textile or footwear products on the EU market, regardless of where they are based.

With Member States required to establish EPR schemes by April 2028, understanding the scope, timelines, and country-by-country requirements is essential for brands operating or selling in Europe. OIA’s new policy brief gives outdoor companies a practical overview of what the WFD requires, how existing textile EPR programs will align with the directive, and what products and producers are in scope.

The brief is available now to OIA Support Plus and Leadership members.

>>ACCESS THE BRIEF

If you’re not a member, reach out to get your team access to in-depth policy resources like this one.

>> GET IN TOUCH

Tariffs Are Impacting Outdoor Retail Performance

Outdoor product sales in the Athletic Specialty and Sporting Goods (ASSG) channel finished 2025 slightly below 2024 levels, as tariff-driven price increases dampened consumer spending throughout the year.

Our 2026 Outdoor Retail Sales Trends Report provides a category-by-category breakdown of the channel’s performance. Footwear was the bright spot, led by running and running-inspired shoes across men’s, women’s, and children’s segments. Apparel spending was concentrated in trend and lifestyle categories, while equipment declined overall with pockets of growth in water sports, backpacking, and gear maintenance.

Access the full report in the membership portal to inform your product development, pricing strategy, and marketing investments.

>>ACCESS THE REPORT

Not a member? Download the Executive Summary for the key findings and market implications.

>>DOWNLOAD THE SUMMARY

Casual Participants Are Fueling Running’s Growth

Running is one of the most popular and accessible forms of outdoor recreation in America, and participation continues to grow across both road and trail surfaces. Much of that growth is coming from casual, lower-frequency runners who integrate the sport into their broader fitness routine.

Our 2026 Running Report takes a detailed look at what’s driving these trends. Road running remains one of the highest-participation outdoor activities, with casual participants offsetting softness in the core segment. Trail running has become one of the most diverse and inclusive segments in outdoor recreation, with casual runners accounting for the majority of new entrants.

Support Plus and Leadership members can access the full report in the membership portal.

>>ACCESS THE REPORT

Support members and non-members can download the Executive Summary for an overview of the findings.

>>DOWNLOAD THE SUMMARY

Switchback Spring Is Heading to New Orleans

Switchback Spring takes place June 16–18. The three-day event features dozens of expert-led educational sessions and an interactive exhibit hall where retailers and brands can connect.

OIA members get booth discounts and complimentary retailer passes. Register today and contact us to learn about all the benefits of joining OIA.

>>REGISTER NOW

Expand Your Skills with OIA Learning

OIA Learning is the on-demand educational platform that helps outdoor businesses manage complexity, reduce risk, and make better decisions in an ever-changing industry. We currently offer more than 25 courses on sustainability compliance, government advocacy, market research, and consumer trends—and more are launching soon.

Browse OIA Learning to find courses that will help you develop skills that are valuable in the outdoor industry.

>>START LEARNING

The Outdoor Foundation Is Expanding Outside Access

As OIA’s philanthropic arm, The Outdoor Foundation is working to ensure that more people—in more places—have a path to outdoor participation. Its Thrive Outside Initiative is now active in 15 communities across the country, including recent launches in Western North Carolina and Pittsburgh.

By bringing together cross-sector partners to remove barriers, the program has helped connect hundreds of thousands of children and families to meaningful time outside.

The Outdoor Foundation is also helping shape the industry’s broader conversation on participation, leading sessions at OIA Rendezvous and contributing to upcoming events like Outside Days and Switchback Spring.

Check out the great work they’re doing and contact their team to explore partnership opportunities.

>>LEARN MORE