Kelty fueled 'base camping' tent segment highlighted in OIA report
As Kelty continues to lead in the design and sales of luxurious, large-floorplan 'base camping' tents, that fast-growing segment appeared as a key highlight of the 2006 OIA "State of the Industry" report.
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BOULDER, COLO.— As Kelty continues to lead in the design and sales of luxurious, large-floorplan ‘base camping’ tents, that fast-growing segment appeared as a key highlight of the 2006 OIA “State of the Industry” report.
According to the annual document from the OIA, which was released last month, recreational tent sales have more than doubled since 2003, rising 117% thanks to the outdoor participation of groups and families. In the OIA report, “Recreational tents” refers to robust shelters that weigh in excess of 10-pounds and can accommodate larger groups with comfort and ease.
“At Kelty, we’ve always been recognized in the marketplace for our leadership position and unique design perspective,” said Kenny Ballard, president of Kelty. “With feature rich tents, top-end materials, and easy to set-up designs, we’re pleased to continue being rewarded with strong sales, especially in the base camping market place,”
At Kelty, the “base camp” concept refers to the design and production of tents, sleeping bags and backpacks that are made for a modern campsite where campers are multi-activity enthusiasts – and need a base camp for their diverse weekend plans.
Base campers are an extremely diverse population that can be grouped into four major categories: new families entering the camping market; luxury campers seeking the best and biggest tents available; value campers investing in a weekend home away from home; and hardcore outdoor users who need a true base camp for their multi-activity getaways.
Kelty communicates with all of these groups on a national level with base camping advertising, and at the retailer level with merchandising posters and targeted brochures.
Kelty’s “base camp” tents are led by the new free-standing Pavilion and the vehicle-friendly Carport series.
The Pavilion is available in four or six-person configurations, and features a sizable screened in vestibule, a mesh ceiling and sidewall vents, and a fully seam-taped rain fly and floor that keeps the rain where it belongs: outside. (Pavilion 4 $450; Pavilion 6 $525)
The Carport series turns any vehicle into a expanded campsite, delivering a quick and easy shelter from the elements. With models to fit everything from Subaru-size to SUV, the Carport is the perfect companion for base camping sites and other tailgate gatherings. (Carport M $200; Carport L $250; Carport Deluxe $300)
ABOUT OIA: Outdoor Industry Association was founded in 1989 and provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the Outdoor Industry; its annual industry report monitors outdoor trends in dozens of categories
ABOUT KELTY: Kelty is based in Boulder, Colorado, and uses the natural backdrop of the Rocky Mountains to test, create and continually innovate within their diverse outdoor product families of Light & Fast, Trail, Travel, and Base Camp gear. Kelty combines the best in new technology with a healthy dose of common sense to create exceptionally made, affordably priced outdoor products. For more information on Kelty, please go to http://www.kelty.com, or call 800.423.2320. ###
