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News, Research, and Events From OIA

Fresh off the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference, our team is channeling that enthusiasm into everything ahead of us. This edition of the Outdoorist brings new compliance guidance, upcoming webinars, and an invitation to share your feedback in our annual membership survey. Take a look at what’s inside.

Share Your Feedback With OIA

The 2026 OIA Membership Survey is open, and we want to hear from organizations that are not currently members. We’d love to know how you view OIA, which issues matter most to the outdoor industry, and what would make joining worthwhile for your team. It only takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Your input will help us plan for 2027 and beyond. Feel free to pass the survey along to your colleagues, too. Thank you!

>>TAKE THE SURVEY

Show Up for the Outdoors on Election Day, then join OIA’s Webinar Nov. 18

The outdoor industry supports more than 5 million jobs and contributes to $1.3 trillion in economic activity. On Tuesday, Nov. 3, we have the opportunity to bring that strength to the polls. The leaders we elect will decide the future of trade policy, public lands, and the local parks and trails that draw people outside. When the outdoor community turns out together, our voice is impossible to ignore.

After Election Day, join us on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 4 p.m. (ET) for a webinar on what the election results mean for our industry. Hear from long-time industry allies, including Ron Sorini and members of the Sorini Strategic Advisors team, Charles Cooper of the Brumidi Group, James Pollack of Marten Law, and OIA Senior Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs Adam Pugh. Registration is open to all.

>>REGISTER NOW

Chiricahua Becomes America’s 64th National Park

Southeastern Arizona’s Chiricahua National Monument is now officially Chiricahua National Park. The Chiricahua National Park Act was signed into law on October 20 after a bipartisan push led by Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego. Known for its towering rock spires and its place in a “sky island” where desert, grassland and forest meet, the roughly 12,000-acre park offers hiking, camping, birding and stargazing. Local leaders expect the new status to bring more visitors to nearby communities, a reminder of how public lands help power rural economies and the outdoor recreation economy.

Highlights From the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference

This week, the outdoor industry came together in Portland, Oregon, for a day of bold ideas and meaningful collaboration at the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference. Leading voices in sustainability lead sessions on the most pressing topics of the moment, including policy, climate commitments, supply chain risk, and emerging technology. Attendees left with practical strategies to apply to the work they do at their own companies.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, GORE-TEX® Brand, for helping make the event possible, and to everyone who joined us in Portland.

Retailers and Brands Are Heading to Switchback at TRE Dec. 1-3

Switchback at The Running Event (TRE) returns Dec. 1-3 in San Antonio. The show gives outdoor specialty retailers the chance to connect with leading brands, source new products, build relationships, and gain insights to better serve your customers.

OIA is proud to serve as an official partner and presenter. The event kicks off with a dedicated education day that covers buying and merchandising, consumer insights, store operations, sales and customer experience, marketing, and events and community. Learning continues over the following two days, with additional sessions taking place on the show floor.

Browse the agenda and register today to join the outdoor industry in San Antonio.

>>VIEW THE AGENDA

>>REGISTER NOW

Submit Your Ideas: Switchback Spring Call for Education

Do you have a strategy, lesson or idea that other outdoor businesses need to hear? The call for education for Switchback Spring, May 22–24, 2027, in New Orleans, is open through Sunday, November 15. This year’s program, “Your Season Starts Here: Mapping real solutions for outdoor retail,” includes a full day dedicated to specialty retail. Organizers are looking for practical sessions from retailers, brands, media and industry experts on topics such as pricing and inventory, AI and e-commerce, repair and resale, succession planning, and public lands and access. Workshops and peer roundtables are especially encouraged. Accepted speakers will receive an All-Access pass and may be eligible for an honorarium, travel stipend or housing.

>>SUBMIT YOUR IDEA

Get Ready for the Holiday Shopping Season

With the busiest stretch of the year quickly approaching, OIA and Switchback are teaming up for a webinar on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 4 p.m. (ET). In The 2026 Holiday Forecast: Who’s Spending, How They’re Shopping, and What to Expect, OIA Director of Research Kelly Davis will share new findings on the consumers expected to drive purchasing this season, evolving shopping habits, and the factors influencing buying decisions.

The session draws on the 2026 Outdoor Holiday Report, which covers spending by income and generation, AI’s growing role in product discovery, and El Niño’s potential impact on regional demand.

>>REGISTER NOW

Reduce Solvent Risks in Your Supply Chain

Solvents are widely used to apply coatings, adhesives, and finishes to outdoor products, but some pose serious risks to people and the environment. A finished product can pass testing even when production exposed workers to harmful levels.

Our new guidebook, Managing Solvents of Concern in Outdoor Supply Chains, helps companies identify where these solvents show up, ask better questions of suppliers, and take the right steps to reduce risk. It’s free and available to everyone, so access it today to better protect the people behind your products.

>>ACCESS THE GUIDEBOOK

EU Chemical Rules Impact Every Outdoor Brand

The EU regulates chemicals in outdoor products through the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation, plus separate rules on biocidal products and persistent organic pollutants. These combined regulations apply to anything sold on the EU market, no matter where it was made.

Our new policy brief covers how REACH obligations change by location and sales channel, the restricted substances most relevant to outdoor products, and what a proposed EU-wide PFAS ban could mean for textiles and footwear.

Get in touch to learn how you can access our sustainability resources.

>>CONTACT US

Webinar Nov. 12: Decarbonize Your Value Chain Through Insetting

Carbon insetting funds emissions reductions and removals within a company’s own value chain, unlike offsetting, which typically relies on credits from unrelated projects. Join the OIA Sustainability team and speakers from the Center for Green Market Activation and Patagonia on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m. (PT) for a webinar on Insetting 101: Decarbonizing Value Chain Emissions—and How to Account for Them.

The session will cover how insetting helps address hard-to-abate emissions and walk through the AIM Platform Standard and Guidance for quantifying and reporting climate impact.

Contact our membership team to learn how you can attend.

>>CONTACT US

Prepare for SBTi’s New Net-Zero Standard

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) recently released Version 2.0 of its Corporate Net-Zero Standard, resulting in changes to six key areas for any company setting science-based emissions targets.

Independent consultant Michael Sadowski joined the OIA Sustainability team for a webinar covering the key updates, the implementation timeline, and steps outdoor companies can take now. Reach out to our membership team to find out how you can join these conversations.

>>CONTACT US

Help Build New Durability Guidance

We’ve partnered with the European Outdoor Group to learn how companies approach durability, including how they measure it, which design guidelines they follow, and what’s working in practice. The input we gather will inform new industry guidance and best practices.

Apparel, footwear, hardgoods, and equipment brands, along with their materials suppliers, are invited to participate in this survey. It takes about 30 minutes, but you’re free to skip any question you’re unable to answer. Every company that responds will receive the completed guidance.

>>TAKE THE SURVEY

Misae II Solar Project Reaches Full Commercial Operation

The Misae II solar project in Texas is fully up and running. It was made possible through a collaboration between OIA’s Climate Action Corps Impact CoLab, Carhartt, REI Co-op and ERM Coho. Through a virtual power purchase agreement, the buyer group pooled its demand to secure renewable energy certificates from the project. Most individual companies couldn’t qualify for a deal of this size on their own. At full scale, Misae II is expected to generate about 864,000 MWh of renewable energy and avoid roughly 332,000 tons of CO₂ each year. The project also won a 2026 Green Power Leadership Award for Impactful Procurement from the Center for Resource Solutions. It’s a model for what’s possible when outdoor companies work together on decarbonization.

>>LEARN MORE

Outdoor Professionals Are Ready to Learn

OIA collaborated with Outdoor Sportswire to ask outdoor professionals what they actually want from career education. Through a pulse poll, we found that 87% say professional education matters to their career growth, 80% prefer short, self-paced courses under an hour, and 87% want practical takeaways they can use right away.

OIA Learning was built to serve these exact needs. Our courses are short, flexible, and focused on skills you can apply the same day, so building expertise never means stepping away from your job.

>>START LEARNING

New Member Welcome!

This quarter, we’re proud to welcome a new group of organizations to the OIA community,  Each one brings its own experience, expertise and perspective, and together they reflect the growing range of voices shaping the outdoor industry. A broader community makes the whole industry stronger and more resilient, and we look forward to the work we’ll do together.

Please join us in welcoming Abode Outside, American Feeder, ExpertVoice, LGBTQ Outdoors, LOFI Skin, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania, Outside.app, Pinnacle Research and Consulting, Rapid Camouflage, rePurpose, Source Management, Southwick Associates, Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine, The Highline Collective and WellBirds.

Additionally, we’re excited to welcome REI Path Ahead Ventures’ portfolio of companies as new members. REI Co-op’s PAV is a $30 million fund that helps founders of color start, grow and scale outdoor businesses. Their work is opening doors for new entrepreneurs and helping build an industry that reflects everyone who loves the outdoors.

Please join us in welcoming our newest members! Together, we are a force.

>>LEARN MORE

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Everything Happening in the Outdoor Industry

Fall is officially here, and there is a lot happening at OIA and across the industry. The 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference is just weeks away, new research and compliance guidance has been released, and we’re continuing to advocate for the public lands our industry depends on. Here’s everything that’s new in September.

Register for the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference

The 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference is taking place Monday, Oct. 26, in Portland, Oregon. As the outdoor industry’s premier destination for addressing critical sustainability challenges and advancing innovation, the Catalyst Conference presents the opportunity to connect with peers, gain actionable insights, and lead the charge for a sustainable future.

This Catalyst Conference kicks off Sunday, Oct. 25, at 4 p.m. with a hike starting at Hoyt Arboretum, followed by happy hour at Migration Brewing (Glisan location). The conference itself is Day 0 of Functional Fabric Fair, presented by PERFORMANCE DAYS®, and features a full slate of educational sessions from the brightest minds in sustainability. 

Functional Fabric Fair continues Oct. 27–28 with an exhibit hall and more expert talks at the Oregon Convention Center, so if you’re already traveling to Portland, join us for the full show.

A Spotlight on the Catalyst Conference Agenda

Presenting sponsor GORE-TEX® Brand will be featured in two of the signature presentations taking place at the 2026 Catalyst Conference.

Made to Last: Durability as a Cornerstone of Circularity brings together thought leaders from GORE-TEX® Brand and Red Wing Shoe Company to discuss why circularity is incomplete without durability. They’ll share what designing and testing for longevity looks like in practice, and where policy still falls short.

In The Business Case: How to Win Budget and Buy-In for Sustainability, speakers from W.L. Gore & Associates and KEEN will break down which metrics cut through skepticism and how to connect sustainability work to the KPIs leadership already cares about.

Check out the full speaking lineup to see everything on deck in Portland.

>>VIEW THE AGENDA

What Brands and Retailers Can Expect This Holiday Season

Holiday spending is expected to stay roughly flat this year, but the season will look very different depending on who you’re selling to. Buying patterns are changing, and for the outdoor industry those changes matter more than the topline number. Brands and retailers that follow the money and respond quickly have real opportunity ahead of them.

The 2026 Holiday Report breaks down spending segmentation by income level and generation, the impact of tighter discretionary budgets on pricing and product mix, the rise of AI-driven product discovery, and the regional opportunities a Super El Niño could create this winter. Download to the Executive Summary to learn what trends are set to impact the outdoor industry this holiday season

>>READ THE SUMMARY

Meet the New OIA Board Members

We’re excited to welcome new leaders to the OIA Board of Directors. Please join us in congratulating Laura Schaffer of Orvis, Lindsay Shumlas of Cotopaxi, Chris Speyer of Mountain Equipment Company (MEC), and Ken Taylor of The North Face, and in welcoming back incumbent directors Keith Carrato of Leatherman Tool Group and Diana Seung of Youngone Corporation. 

We also want to thank industry consultant Phyllis Grove, Jen McLaren of Altra Running, Kevin Winkel of Moonridge Ventures, Troy Sicotte of Mountain Hardwear, and Jahmicah Dawes of Slim Pickins Outfitters for their years of leadership and service as they conclude their terms this fall.

Five Weeks of Free Outdoor Events for Kids and Families

Thrive Outside Day, presented by the Outdoor Foundation, is back. Thrive Outside communities in 15 cities and regions across the country are hosting free, local outdoor events for kids and families, including kayaking in Atlanta, whitewater rafting in Oklahoma City, canoeing in St. Louis, and fishing on the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. Events kicked off Sept. 26 and continue through Oct. 31, with the national celebration taking place Saturday, Oct. 10.

The need for accessible outdoor activities is clear. The 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report found that outings among youth ages 6 to 17 have dropped 26% since 2012. You can help reverse that trend by volunteering with a community partner, celebrating on social using #ThriveOutside and #ThriveOutsideDay, or simply attending a local event with your friends and family. 

Visit the Thrive Outside Day page to find an event near you.

>>LEARN MORE

Speak Up for 44.7 Million Acres of Public Land

The U.S. Forest Service has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule. If it goes through, 44.7 million acres of national forest will lose its protected status. Outdoor participation hit a record high in 2025, but rolling back public lands protections puts that growth at risk. Less access means fewer people outside, and fewer people outside means less demand for the gear, guides, and trips our industry depends on. 

That’s why we’re asking you to submit a public comment through the Federal Register, Docket FS-2025-0001. More than 200,000 comments have already been filed — a clear sign of how much these places matter — and the extended deadline of Tuesday, Oct. 6, means there’s still time to add yours. 

A short, specific comment carries real weight, especially when it includes numbers. If roadless areas support your revenue, customer visits, guided trips, gear sales, or tourism partnerships, say so. Real economic impact is the most persuasive thing you can put in front of the Forest Service right now.

A Growing Opportunity in Paddlesports

More than 34 million Americans went kayaking, canoeing, rafting, or stand-up paddling last year, making paddlesports one of the largest outdoor recreation categories. These activities have added more than 10 million participants since 2019, but that growth has been uneven. Stand-up paddling is climbing fastest, while sea and touring kayaking is losing ground.

Roughly 85% of paddlers are casual participants who get out fewer than eight times a year, giving retailers and brands a large, entry-level audience to serve. The 2026 Paddlesports Report explores this entire category in detail, covering growth trends across each paddlesport, participation by demographic, retail sales trends, and how newly approved Level 50 personal flotation devices could disrupt the watersports safety gear market. 

Download the Executive Summary for an overview of the key trends from the report.

>>READ THE SUMMARY

Understanding the EU’s Due Diligence Directive

The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is an action directive, not a reporting directive. Companies in scope must identify, prevent, and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts in their own operations, their subsidiaries, and their chains of activities. Most U.S.-based outdoor companies fall outside the direct scope, but many will still feel the effects through in-scope customers seeking contractual assurances.

Our new policy brief lays out who is required to comply and what the eight core requirements involve. It also covers the compliance timeline through 2030 under the Omnibus I amendments, penalties of up to 3% of net worldwide turnover, and the practical steps outdoor companies can take now. 

Contact the OIA membership team to learn how you can access this brief and our other sustainability resources.

>>CONTACT US

Prepare for SBTi’s Updated Net-Zero Standard

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) updated its Corporate Net-Zero Standard in June 2026. The changes to six key areas affect every company that has set or plans to set science-aligned or science-based greenhouse gas reduction targets.

The OIA Sustainability team and independent consultant Michael Sadowski are hosting a webinar on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m. (PT) on these new requirements. They’ll cover the key updates, the implementation timeline, and what outdoor companies can do now to prepare before the deadlines arrive. 

Get in touch to learn how you can access these educational sessions.

>>CONTACT US

The Misae Solar Project Earns a National Award

The Misae Solar Project, a collaboration between OIA, Carhartt, REI Co-op, and ERM Coho, has been named a winner of the 2026 Green Power Leadership Award from the Center for Resource Solutions in the Impactful Procurement category. The award recognizes organizations that choose renewable energy options that most effectively drive new supply and expand markets.

The project was made possible through a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement offered by OIA’s Climate Action Corps Impact CoLab. Congratulations to Carhartt and REI Co-op, and thank you to the members who keep proving what our industry can accomplish together. 

Check out the press release to learn more about the positive results this collaboration has delivered.

>>LEARN MORE

Join Us at Switchback at The Running Event (TRE)

Don’t miss Switchback at The Running Event (TRE), Dec. 1–3 in San Antonio, Texas. The event opens with a dedicated retail education day, followed by two days of exhibition with sessions continuing on the show floor.

OIA is excited to return as an official event partner and presenter. The educational program includes sessions on A.I.-informed marketing, merchandising tactics, retailer profitability, leveraging media partnerships, and other topics that are top of mind for retailers in the outdoor industry. 

Check out the full agenda and register today.

>>VIEW THE AGENDA

>>REGISTER NOW

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Guidance to Move Our Industry Forward

Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer, but at OIA the pace is only picking up. We’ve got a lot to share this month: Registration is open for the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference in Portland, Ore., Oct. 26, and we’ve released new research and resources covering participation trends, retail performance, and the regulations that govern how outdoor products are made and sold. Read on for the full rundown.

Register for the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference

The 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference is coming to Portland, Oregon, on Monday, October 26. This year, we’re partnering with PERFORMANCE DAYS® to kick off Day 0 of the Functional Fabric Fair.

The full day of educational sessions will cover new and upcoming regulations, 2030 climate targets, durability and circularity, solvent risks in supply chains, AI’s role in sustainability, and how to win budget and buy-in for your initiatives.

Register today to connect with industry peers, participate in valuable conversations, and get a head start on what’s coming next for the outdoor industry.

Don’t Miss These 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference Sessions

Among the standout sessions on this year’s agenda are two featuring our presenting sponsor, GORE-TEX® Brand.

Made to Last: Durability as a Cornerstone of Circularity will make the case for putting durability at the center of sustainability strategy and feature speakers from GORE-TEX® Brand and Red Wing Shoe Company.

In The Business Case: How to Win Budget and Buy-In for Sustainability, experts from W.L. Gore & Associates and KEEN will share how to translate sustainability value into the language of business and garner support across your organization.

Check out the agenda for the full speaking lineup.

>>VIEW THE AGENDA

The Diverging Currents of American Fishing

Fishing is one of America’s most enduring outdoor traditions, drawing 57 million Americans to the nation’s lakes, rivers, streams, and open seas in 2025. But the sport’s categories are moving in different directions. Saltwater fishing participation surged to a record 15.5 million anglers, while freshwater held steady and fly fishing slipped. 

Because fishing draws an aging, affluent, and dedicated base, retailers and brands have the opportunity to connect with a high-value audience through gear, apparel, and travel. Produced in partnership with the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the 2026 Special Report on Fishing covers growth and frequency trends, participation by demographic, activity crossover, and more. Access the report to get the data and insights you need to engage these consumers.

>>READ THE REPORT

Prices Up, Purchases Down in Q2

The pressure on outdoor retail continued in the second quarter of 2026. Total dollar sales in the Athletic Specialty and Sporting Goods (ASSG) channel slipped just 0.8% compared to Q2 2025, but unit sales fell 5.3% across every major product category and average retail prices climbed 4.4%.

The Q2 2026 Outdoor Retail Trends Report covers how rising household costs, cooling employment, and mounting financial strain on young consumers are contributing to these trends. Get the Executive Summary for the high-level takeaways from the report.

>>READ THE SUMMARY

A Closer Look at Record Outdoor Participation

A record 183.2 million Americans got outside last year, but the story behind that number is more complicated than it looks. In an interview with Suston Sustainable Outdoor News, OIA Director of Research Kelly Davis explains what the record does and doesn’t tell us.

She points to economic pressures, as rising costs and flat wages drive participation declines among Gen Z and the industry’s traditional core. Her message is that the outdoor industry should focus on retention, affordability, and access — not just acquisition. 

Read the full interview for more of Kelly’s analysis and check out the 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report Executive Summary for key data points.

>>READ THE INTERVIEW

>>READ THE SUMMARY

Understand the EU’s New Packaging Reporting Rules

The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) recently took effect and added new packaging reporting obligations. For outdoor companies selling in Europe, compliance now means reporting on two levels — to the national authorities overseeing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and to the producer responsibility organizations (PROs) in each member state where they are obligated.

The new PPWR and EU Packaging EPR Reporting Guidance clarifies these requirements. It explains how the PPWR harmonizes producer definitions, registers, reporting cadence, and fee eco-modulation. It also lays out the process for determining where you are obligated, when to appoint an authorized representative, and what to report. Contact us to learn how to access this brief and our other sustainability resources.

>>CONTACT US

A Milestone for Clean Heat in Textile Manufacturing

OIA’s Clean Heat CoLab has completed a multi-year initiative to accelerate the adoption of clean, electrified heating technologies across the textile supply chain. A collaboration of Patagonia, L.L.Bean, New Balance, REI Co-op, and W.L. Gore & Associates, the CoLab worked with Global Efficiency Intelligence to reduce emissions from thermal heating — one of apparel manufacturing’s most carbon-intensive processes.

Over three phases, the CoLab moved from foundational research to a free, open-source Textile Heating Electrification Tool and, finally, to in-person training workshops in Vietnam and Taiwan. The tool has since helped screen more than 60 textile facilities across China, Vietnam, and India, turning clean heat from an obscure idea into a serious industry conversation. Read the press release for the full story.

>>READ THE PRESS RELEASE

Understanding New Mexico’s PFAS Protection Act

New Mexico’s PFAS Protection Act (HB212) will reshape how outdoor products are made, labeled, and sold in the state. Passed in 2025 with a final rule now adopted, the law phases out consumer products with intentionally added PFAS on a staggered timeline that lands squarely on the outdoor industry. 

Marten Law attorney James Pollack recently joined us for a webinar to provide a practical overview of what the regulation requires and what it means for your business, including the phase-out timeline, the 2027 reporting and labeling requirements, how the “currently unavoidable use” exemption works, and the steps companies should be taking now. Get in touch with our membership team to learn how to access this recording and our other sustainability resources.

>>CONTACT US

Meet the Newest OIA Team Members

We’re excited to announce a series of hires and promotions that strengthen our ability to serve members and advance our industry’s shared priorities. Adam Pugh joins OIA as Sr. Director of Advocacy & Government Affairs, bringing a decade of federal government affairs experience to lead our work before Congress and policymakers. Lindsay Hogan joins as Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications after more than two decades of leadership at Vail Resorts and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

Rounding out the announcement, Andy Fletcher transitioned to full-time Chief Operating Officer early this year, Keelin Christensen has been promoted to Sr. Manager of Sustainability, and Rob Kyte will join as Marketing Specialist in September.

Read the press release to learn more about these additions to the OIA staff.

>>READ THE PRESS RELEASE

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Investing in a Stronger Outdoor Industry

As we move through the heart of summer, the OIA team is focused on advancing the sustainability, research, and advocacy initiatives that move our industry forward. Registration is now open for our 2026 Catalyst Conference, and we’ve released a wave of new reports, guidance, and policy resources to keep members informed on everything from participation trends to compliance requirements.

Registration Is Open for the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference

Registration is now open for the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference, taking place Monday, October 26 in Portland, Oregon. This year, we’re partnering with Performance Days to kick off Day 0 of the Functional Fabric Fair. 

We have a full day of sessions planned covering new and upcoming regulations, 2030 climate targets, durability and circularity, solvent risks in supply chains, AI’s role in sustainability, and how to win budget and buy-in for your initiatives. 

Register today to connect with industry peers, participate in honest conversations, and get a head start on what’s coming next for the outdoor industry.

>>REGISTER NOW

Featured Sessions at the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference

The 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference agenda is packed with practical takeaways, and two sessions stand out, both featuring our presenting sponsor, GORE-TEX® Brand. Made to Last: Durability as a Cornerstone of Circularity will make the case for putting durability at the center of sustainability strategy and policy and feature speakers from GORE-TEX® Brand and Red Wing Shoe Company.

In The Business Case: How to Win Budget and Buy-In for Sustainability, experts from W.L. Gore & Associates and KEEN will share how to translate sustainability value into the language of business and secure buy-in across your organization. Check out the agenda for the full speaking lineup.

>>VIEW THE AGENDA

See the Outdoor Industry’s Sustainability Progress

The 2025 Sustainability Progress Report is our annual look at how Climate Action Corps (CAC) and Clean Chemistry & Materials Coalition (CCMC) members are measuring and reducing their environmental impact. This year, 114 companies of every size and category participated — a jump of more than a third — though climate and chemistry progress was mixed.

The report celebrates our wins, names where we came up short, and lays out how OIA will support members moving forward. Read the CAC and CCMC versions to learn what your peers are doing to reach their sustainability goals and how OIA can help you reach yours.

>>READ THE CAC REPORT

>> READ THE CCMC REPORT

Explore the 2025 Outdoor Foundation Annual Report

For more than 25 years, the Outdoor Foundation has worked to expand access to the outdoors so children, youth, and families can build lasting connections with nature. The 2025 Outdoor Foundation Annual Report reflects a year of significant growth. Through the Thrive Outside Initiative, communities connected more than 972,000 children, youth, and families to meaningful outdoor experiences.

But reaching more people is only part of the work. Lasting impact comes from turning initial access into sustained participation — one of our community’s most important challenges and opportunities. 

This year’s report shares what we accomplished together through Thrive Outside, what our national research reveals about the growing participation and frequency gap, and how we’re working to inspire the next generation of outdoor participants.

>>READ THE REPORT

New Certification Guidance for Tier 1 Vendors

As global regulation tightens and brands face growing pressure to substantiate their sustainability claims, certification is becoming a baseline expectation. Tier 1 factories sit at a critical point in that chain, yet the path is often unclear, with unfamiliar documentation, material handling, and audit processes that can make getting started feel daunting.

To address this, a task force of OIA members, including Columbia Sportswear Company, The North Face, Patagonia, KEEN, Burton, L.L.Bean, Stanley, and FENIX Outdoor, developed our Content Claim Standard (CCS) Guidance for Tier 1 Vendors. Built from interviews with suppliers, certification bodies, and Textile Exchange itself, the guide clarifies the full certification process. 

Available in English, Vietnamese, and Bengali, the guide makes certification more attainable whether you’re just starting out or refining an existing program.

>>ACCESS THE GUIDE

Understand the EU’s CSRD Reporting Requirements

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is the EU law requiring certain companies to disclose sustainability information using a double materiality approach. This means reporting both on how sustainability issues affect the company and on how the company affects people and the environment.

Our new EU CSRD Policy Brief gives outdoor companies a detailed overview of who must comply, the reporting requirements under the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), the value chain cap, assurance requirements, penalties, and practical steps you can take now. If you’re interested in accessing this brief and other sustainability resources, get in touch with the OIA membership team.

>>GET IN TOUCH

Get Guidance on California’s Textile EPR Program

California has enacted a textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program under the Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707), and it carries significant compliance implications for the American apparel and footwear industry.

The OIA team recently sat down with California’s approved Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), Landbell USA, to discuss the law’s timeline, the regulatory process, and how OIA members can engage. 

Contact the OIA membership team to learn how we can support your sustainability goals.

>>CONTACT US

Inside the 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report

The Outdoor Participation Trends Report is the most trusted source for understanding who is getting outside, how they participate, and how those patterns are evolving. This year’s report shows a record 183.2 million Americans now participate in outdoor recreation, yet the average participant is logging five fewer outings per year than in 2019. 

The report also digs into the trends behind the topline numbers, including a surge among seniors, young kids, women, and Hispanics. 

Read the Executive Summary to see how changing participation patterns are creating new opportunities and challenges across the outdoor recreation market.

>>READ THE SUMMARY

Where Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing Are Headed

Birdwatching and wildlife viewing are two of America’s most popular nature-based activities, together engaging roughly 27 million Americans who venture beyond their backyards to connect with the natural world. The two share nearly identical demographic profiles, but their trajectories are diverging. Birdwatching is surging, while wildlife viewing is showing early signs of decline.

The 2026 Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing Report delivers the data and insights you need to inform strategy and engage consumers. It covers growth trends, participation by demographic, activity crossover, and the long-term opportunities worth watching. 

Get the Executive Summary for an overview of the report’s key findings.

>>READ THE SUMMARY

OIA Brings Our Industry’s Voice to Capitol Hill

We were recently on Capitol Hill to meet with policymakers on two key issues facing our industry. 

First was our ongoing push for sensible tariff policy. We pressed for omissions on key outdoor apparel and goods so trade actions don’t place an unsustainable burden on our industry.

We also continued advocating for public lands. The recent decision to cut Bears Ears National Monument by 91% and shrink the boundaries of Grand Staircase-Escalante stripped federal protection from nearly 3 million acres. Protected lands and waters are the foundation our industry is built on, and protections this significant shouldn’t be reversed with a single signature. 

Bringing our industry’s voice directly to lawmakers makes a real impact. When our community speaks together, policymakers pay attention.

OIA President Kent Ebersole Talks OIA Learning

OIA President Kent Ebersole recently sat down with Outdoor Sportswire to discuss OIA Learning — our platform of expert-led courses designed to help outdoor businesses tackle their biggest problems. In the conversation, Kent shares how these practical, on-demand resources equip teams with the skills they need in sustainability, advocacy, trade policy, and supply chain management.

Whether you’re onboarding new staff or upskilling cross-functional teams, OIA Learning gives your business the knowledge to stay ahead. Read the interview to get Kent’s take on how on-demand education is strengthening the outdoor industry.

>>READ THE INTERVIEW

OIA Learning Featured in Outside

OIA Learning was also recently featured in Outside. The publication spotlighted how the platform’s courses are helping outdoor businesses build the skills they need to navigate a fast-changing industry. The piece underscores the growing role of professional education in keeping outdoor teams sharp and ready to adapt.

Read the article to discover how OIA Learning turns industry challenges into opportunities for your team.

>>READ THE ARTICLE

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Insights and Resources for Your Team

Welcome to this month’s Outdoorist. The 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report is here, and it tells a more nuanced story than ever about who is getting outside and how often. 

This issue also brings new sustainability resources, active policy deadlines, and fresh learning opportunities to help your team stay ahead. Thank you for being part of our community and for the work you do to grow our industry.

The 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report Is Here

Now in its 15th year, the Outdoor Participation Trends Report is the most comprehensive resource on who is getting outside and how often. This year’s report shows that outdoor recreation reached a record 183.2 million Americans and has added nearly 30 million participants since 2019. However, people are getting outside less frequently, and that reality has major implications for our industry.

The 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report covers participation by activity, demographic, region, income, and age, and shows standout gains among children, adults 65+, and Hispanic participants. Download the Executive Summary for an overview of the key findings.

>>READ THE SUMMARY

Explore the Participation Report Data in More Detail

Want to hear directly from the researcher behind the 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report? Join OIA Senior Director of Research Kelly Davis on Wednesday, July 8 at 10 a.m. (PT) for a webinar covering the report’s most important findings.

Kelly will walk through the key takeaways and what they mean for brands, retailers, suppliers, and the outdoor industry as a whole. Get in touch to learn how you can get access to these conversations and the full slate of OIA member resources.

>>CONTACT US

A Look Back at Switchback Spring 2026

The OIA team just returned from Switchback Spring in New Orleans, and it was great to connect with the brands, retailers, and partners that make our industry what it is. From the education sessions to the exhibit hall, the energy throughout the show was a reminder of how much our community accomplishes when we come together.

A big thank you to the Switchback team for putting on another standout event. Stay tuned for more details on what’s ahead.

Save the Date for the 2026 Catalyst Conference

The 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference is set for Monday, October 26 in Portland, Oregon, and this year we’re partnering with PERFORMANCE DAYS® to kick off Day 0 of Functional Fabric Fair. 

The Catalyst Conference brings the sustainability community together to tackle the hardest problems facing the outdoor industry.

We have a full day of sessions planned on new regulations, 2030 climate targets, durability and circularity, AI’s role in sustainability, and more. We’ll share registration details in the coming weeks, but you can preview the full lineup today.

>>SESSION LINEUP

Q1 Retail Data Shows Where Demand Is Holding

Outdoor product sales opened 2026 in a precarious position. Dollar sales held nearly flat in the Athletic Specialty and Sporting Goods (ASSG) retail channel, but unit sales fell 7.3% across every category while average retail prices climbed 6.7% year over year.

With consumer sentiment at decade lows and households cutting back on discretionary spending, the Q1 2026 Outdoor Retail Trends Report shows which products are still moving and which are cooling fast. The full report is available to select members, and anyone can view the Executive Summary.

>>GET THE DATA

What Camping’s Growth Means for Outdoor Recreation

When camping grows, the entire outdoor industry grows with it. In our recent webinar, OIA Senior Director of Research Kelly Davis broke down the latest camping participation data and the 2026 outlook for outdoor businesses.

She discussed why camping’s growth leads to momentum across the industry, the structural headwinds facing some segments, where the consumer base is expanding, and the biggest opportunities for reaching new and casual campers. Get in touch to learn how you can access OIA’s single-sport resources.

>>CONTACT US

Make Your Voice Heard on Section 301 Tariffs

OIA is filing formal public comments with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), urging that outdoor industry products be excluded from the proposed new Section 301 tariffs. The deadline to submit comments is Monday, July 6 at 11:59 p.m. (ET), with a second comment period on China trade mechanisms closing Friday, July 10 at 11:59 p.m. (ET).

In our direct meetings, USTR officials have been clear that this comment period is the industry’s best opportunity to secure product-specific tariff exclusions. Individual company comments that document real supply chain impacts and sourcing costs carry weight in the final determination.

If your company sources outdoor products, please submit comments with USTR using Docket USTR-2026-0265 before the July 6 deadline.

>>SUBMIT COMMENTS

Get Ready for the EU’s New Green Claims Law

The EU’s Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) Directive, also known as “EmpCo,” governs environmental marketing and green claims. It applies to any company selling to consumers on the EU market, including those headquartered elsewhere. Enforcement begins on September 27, 2026, and there is no grace period for existing stock.

Our new policy brief gives outdoor companies a detailed overview of the law, including blacklisted claims, point-of-sale requirements for durability and repairability, who must comply, and practical steps to take now. Get in touch to discuss how your team can access this brief and our other sustainability resources.

>>CONTACT US

Register With California’s Textile EPR PRO by July 1

Does your company have over $1 million in global annual turnover and sell apparel or textile articles into California? If so, you are required to register with the approved producer responsibility organization (PRO), Landbell USA, by Wednesday, July 1 to remain compliant with California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707).

The regulation requires all obligated producers, brand owners, and importers to register with the state’s approved PRO. Covered products include apparel and accessories intended for regular wear, formal occasions, or outdoor activities, as well as textile articles such as blankets, curtains, towels, linens, and bedding.

>>REGISTER WITH LANDBELL USA

A Guide to Tier 1 Certification

The OIA Content Claim Standard Task Force has released a new guide to help Tier 1 vendors achieve certification to Textile Exchange standards. Developed with input from suppliers, certification bodies, and Textile Exchange, it clarifies a process that can be complex for first-time users.

The guide walks through determining your scope, finding a certification body, building management systems, preparing for audits, and applying for transaction certificates, along with product-specific guidance for footwear, hard goods, and organic materials. Read the full guide today.

>>READ THE GUIDE

Join a Webinar on the Tier 1 Certification Guidance

Want to learn more about the new Tier 1 certification guidance? Join us for a webinar that will introduce the guidance, explain how it came together, and show you how to access it.

We’re hosting two identical sessions to accommodate suppliers in different regions, on Thursday, July 16 at 8 a.m. (PT) and Tuesday, July 28 at 8 p.m. (PT). Registration is open to all.

>>JULY 16 WEBINAR

>>JULY 28 WEBINAR

New Courses in OIA Learning

We’re excited to announce two new certification courses in OIA Learning.

The first is “From Footprint to Future: Climate Action in the Outdoor Industry.” This course gives teams practical knowledge they can immediately apply to their work and provides greater leverage in the global fight to reduce our industry’s impact on the environment.

The second is “From Compliance to Competitive Advantage: Chemicals Management in the Outdoor Industry.” Many brands have set goals around chemical management and communicated them to suppliers, but far fewer have put real systems in place to act on those commitments. This course is designed to close that gap and drive real change.

Check out our entire catalog of 25+ courses today.

>>START LEARNING