Unruled & Unfiltered

Outdoor brands are not new to urban markets. In fact, without urbanites, the industry wouldn’t exist as we know it. Drive I-87 North from NYC, I-80 East from San Francisco or I-70 West from Denver on a Friday evening and you’ll see outdoor enthusiasts ready to play. Still, many brands’ marketing strategies fall short for citified adventurers, leaving untapped opportunities up for grabs. Experts like the Outdoor Industry Association have reported that urban-dwelling participation is on the rise  — is your brand effectively reaching this growing market?

Most U.S. consumers see and hear hundreds or even thousands of marketing messages each day. In the vast majority of cases, these messages are promptly tuned out and forgotten. But when brands can find a way to engage their audiences on a deeper level — such as by creating interactive, immersive brand-related experiences — the message is much harder to ignore or forget. By leveraging experiential marketing, outdoor brands can connect with their audiences, set themselves apart from competitors and grow.

According to research, nearly 9 in 10 consumers consider sustainability when making an outdoor-oriented purchase — and they expect the brands they support to do more than just talk about being eco-friendly. Brands that fail to meet these expectations risk losing trust from this important audience that wants to see real action, measurable impact and honest storytelling. While these consumer demands can be challenging, they can also present opportunities for active lifestyle brands to shine. Outdoor brands that effectively and authentically market their sustainability efforts build credibility, grow brand loyalty and set themselves apart from the competition.

Adrenaline Research Labs (ARL), a new consumer brand of exploding targets designed for the novelty and adrenaline seeking recreational shooter, today announced its official launch with a new campaign and website created in tandem with agency partner TBA Outdoors.

A person forms an opinion of an outdoor brand within seconds of seeing its product packaging, so it’s essential to follow best practice design tips. When you spot your flagship product on a store shelf, you’ll know the effort was worth the end result — but arriving at an impeccable design is a marathon, not a sprint. 

There are few places where authenticity is as critical as it is in the outdoor industry. After all, nobody wants a backpacking guide who’s never pitched a tent, a climbing instructor who’s afraid of heights or a fishing rod endorsed by someone who’s never set a hook. Outdoor enthusiasts rely on genuine experiences, trustworthy advice and reliable gear to make their adventures safe and memorable. By leveraging user-generated content (UGC) in their marketing efforts, outdoor brands can boost authenticity, trust, consumer connections, and their businesses.