One Third of U.S, Households Go Camping 7-1-09

One-Third of US Households With Kids Go Camping
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (June 29, 2009) - With the camping experience seeing a rise in popularity, consumers want functional, durable equipment to make their time outdoors more enjoyable. The experts at Bass Pro Shops, America’s favorite outdoor store, have selected their favorite new products of 2009 that will help make every camping trip or backyard getaway a great success.“Our customers have told us that they may have to cut back in some areas of their lives to get through the current economic downturn but they are still going to find ways to go camping, fishing, hiking and enjoy other outdoor activities,” said Larry Whiteley host of the internationally syndicated Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Radio. “The outdoors is an affordable escape from the pressures of today’s world .”

These items are available at Bass Pro Shops stores nationwide or online at www.basspro.com. Products were chosen based on their functionality, price point, and importance of the product category to the camping or backyard experience.

Keep Supplies Dry
XPS lightweight dry bags keep things dry no matter what the conditions, $10 - $12
Quick-release buckles and roll-top seals ensure watertight seal to protect from moisture.
5 liter or 10 liter size.

Amazing Mug
Bubba Keg 34-ounce insulated mug, $11
Great around camp, around home, or in the car. Constructed of steel and polypropylene, this mug will keep ice almost the entire day and will keep things warm just as long.

Cool Comfort
Bass Pro Shops mesh arm chair, $15
Seat and back are constructed with woven polyester mesh for maximum airflow. Chair folds down and fits into its own carry bag for easy transport and storage.

No Batteries Required
Bass Pro Shops crank flashlight with weather alert AM/FM radio, $20
This is the perfect camping accessory. Never worry about dead batteries or burned out bulbs again.
Just turn the crank and you have power for the flashlight and radio.

One Handy Tool!
Leatherman Micra, multi tool, $25
This is one item you’ll wonder how you ever got along without one. Includes 10 handy tools, for one low price. Scissors, clip-point knife, nail file, tweezers, 4 different screwdrivers, ruler, bottle opener, key ring, and at only 2 ½ inches, it fits in the palm of your hand.

A Lantern that Repels Bugs Instead of Attracting Them!
ThermaCELL Patio Lantern, and mosquito repellent, $30
The ThermaCELL lantern has two light settings and creates a 98% effective bug-free zone from mosquitoes, black flies and no see-ums. Works in minutes, lasts for hours.

All Purpose Shoe
World Wide Sportsman Kayak Shoes, $60
Not sure why they call this a “kayak” shoe because this hybrid cross between a sandal and a casual shoe can be worn anywhere. This is the most comfortable, lightweight, cool shoe you will ever wear. Features include flexible leather vented upper, padded foam collar and lining, anatomical removable footbed, EVA molded shock-absorbing midsole, and slip-resistant, non-marking rubber outsole pads.

Campfire Cooking
Browning 5-piece 12-inch cast iron cookware set, $80
Food cooks better and taste better in cast iron cookware whether it is over a campfire or a kitchen stove.
Includes a 12″ skillet, 12″ dutch oven, interchangeable lid, leather gloves, and handy lid lifting tool.

Relax In Comfort
Bass Pro Shops folding padded hammock, $100
Perfect for the backyard or the campsite. Heavyweight, lightweight frame with rugged weather-resistant 600 denier polyester hammock.
Carry bag, storage loft and pillow included.

Never Get Lost!
Never get lost with the SPOT satellite personal tracker, $150
With SPOT, you can send a message to friends and family to check in or ask for help using GPS accuracy, You can even dispatch emergency responders to your exact location with the touch of a button. And, since it is satellite- based, SPOT works around the world, even where cell phones don’t, Service subscription $99.99 annually.

“Camping is such a great family activity,” continued Whiteley. “These camping products, along with many others available through Bass Pro Shops, offer a great opportunity to get outside and do something as a family without breaking the budget.”

Camping Statistics from KOA (Kampgrounds of America)*
• More than one-third of U.S. households with children younger than 17 say they have camped in the past 12 months.
• Campsites are reporting the highest revenues in 45 years and a strong increase in income.
• Close to home destinations and longer stays are both popular.
• Nearly 25% of North Americans say they have camped in the past 12 months.
• Camping is now the most popular “soft” adventure activity among Baby Boomers (74%) and Generation Xers (75%).
• The number of households owning recreation vehicles is projected to rise to 10.4 million by 2010, a gain of 21%.

* http://koapressroom.com/companyinformation/keyfacts.asp

About Bass Pro Shops Group:
Bass Pro Shops -55 retail stores in 26 states and Canada visited by over 100 million people annually, international catalog and internet retailing, American Rod & Gun wholesale division selling to over 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide, Outdoor World Incentives also selling Bass Pro Shops gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America and a restaurant division with 26 locations.

Tracker Marine Group - Manufactures and sells Tracker, Nitro, SunTracker, Tahoe, Grizzly, Fisher, Pro Craft, Kenner, Mako, and SeaCraft boats through Bass Pro Shops retail stores and over 400 dealers worldwide.

Resort Group - Big Cedar Lodge and other resort properties including restaurants and golf course.

For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.
Contact:
Larry Whiteley (417) 873-5022 lwhiteley@basspro.com
Katie Mitchell (417) 873-5618 kamitchell@basspro.com
Jenna Kendall (417) 873-5059 jmkendall@basspro.com