The initial research of camping
OUGD505 ‘What is good?’
Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants (known as campers) leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. It may involve the use of a tent, caravan, cabin, a primitive structure, motorhome, or no shelter at all. In many parts of the world, camping refers exclusively to the use of tents or similar portable structures Camping as a recreational activity became popular in the early 20th century. Campers frequent national or state parks, other publicly owned natural areas,
and privately owned campgrounds. Camping is a key part of many youth organizations around the world, such as scouting. It is used to teach self-reliance and teamwork. It is also used as an inexpensive form of accommodation for people attending large open air events such as sporting meetings and music festivals.
and whitewater kayaking. Camping may also be combined with hiking, either as backpacking or as a series of day hikes from a central location. Some people vacation in permanent camps with cabins and other facilities (such as hunting camps or children’s summer camps), but a stay at such a camp is usually not considered camping.
Camping describes a range of activities. Survivalist campers set off with little more than boots, whereas recreational vehicle travelers arrive equipped with their own electricity, heat, and patio furniture. Camping is often enjoyed in conjunction with activities, such as: canoeing, climbing, fishing, hill walking, mountain biking,motorcycling, swimming,
The term camping may also be applied to those who live outdoors, out of necessity or for people waiting overnight in queues. It does not, however, apply to cultures whose technology does not include sophisticated dwellings. Camping may be referred to colloquially as roughing it, and usually lasts for more than a day.
‘Around the globe it is used to teach self reliance and teamwork.’
ESCAPISM
FAMILY TIME
FRESH AIR
One of the biggest good things about camping is that it allows each of us to get away, at least for a short while, from the mundane every day events we encounter. Spending time in the wilderness can give you new perspectives on your own lifestyle. There are many people who use the wilderness as a haven and silence of Nature makes it easy to think.
Camping is also very positive for families. It gives us a chance to relate to each other in ways that aren’t possible at home. The special bonding that occurs out in camp can last a lifetime. If your lifestyle doesn’t fit round the rules and regulations of hotels and you need the freedom to get up when you want, eat when you want and wear what you want to dinner …
There is also the fresh air and exercise. At home, the first is usually discounted and the second is almost a bad word. But out in camp, the air really is much fresher and healthier, and it is hard not to walk around to see what can be seen. Not only is it healthier, the exercise doesn’t seem like a tedious task.
‘Camping allows us to get away from the mundane every day events we encounter.’
ACTIVITIES
VALUE
TRAVELLING
If you are the sports type, you’re going to enjoy the challenge of wilderness and camping activities. For many people, the challenge of a good, long, steep climb is very gratifying, especially if you like sports and shy away from the competition. The sense of group work in hiking and climbing is very
For the same price as a week’s family holiday in a hotel abroad – or even less – you could buy a tent, equipment and a whole stash of camping accessories to make your camping trip more comfortable. After that initial outlay, you can take the whole family camping when ever the spirit takes you all at an incredibly low cost. You’ll save a fortune.
Camping is also a great way to see the World. Extended camping trips will give you a while new perspective on the geography of any place. For sure, we all take for granted the gorgeousness of nature in its untouched state. When you’re camping, it’s easier to see this beauty, because you have more time to be near it, to be among it.
strong and fruitful.
Survival skills
‘Help thy neighnor’
‘Camping has many positive attributes anyone can see if they approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
MAKING NEW FRIENDS
LEARNING NEW SKILLS
Camping is a very good way to meet new people. Campers and hikers are friendly people who often help each other out in the wilderness and at other campsites. There is a strong ethic of “help thy neighbor” when you’re on the trail, so be ready for someone to ask for your assistance, and remember, if you need some help that you can call upon someone else. Many times, after a long camping trip, Hikers often celebrate with a first meal out of the woods. This is a good opportunity to share time and experiences with your newly met friends.
Survival skills are popular to learn, especially because they take time and are fun to develop. Camping is especially fun when you go with people who is more advanced than you. This way you can learn things just by taking note of what they do. You can learn skills and responsibilities that either don’t exist in the city and at your home, or aren’t of any use there. It is important because even long time campers learn new and wonderful things every time they go out. Even some of the things some people find distasteful can be wonders for the person with the right mindset
Food and nostalgia
‘The marshamallow treat’
CAMPFIRE FOOD
NOSTALGIA
Campfire cooking can be downright civilized. No matter how spectacular the scenery, meals around the campfire are often the highlight of the camper’s day. Modern camp stoves and specialized cookware make the cook’s job easier, but nothing beats the taste and appeal of a meal cooked over the campfire. Success at campfire cooking will encourage you to go camping more often.
Cooking over a campfire is one of those things in life that you just can’t explain to someone that’s never done it. Everyone knows of the toasted, melted, burned, dropped in ash and wiped off marshamallow treat loved by kids of all ages. But, even better is the smell of bacon or cobbler or beans mixed with the smoke from burning oak or pine. You can’t bottle that smell!
‘Cooking over a campfire is one of those things in life that you just can’t explain to someone that’s never done it. You can’t bottle that smell!’
The initial research of camping branding
OUGD505 ‘What is good?’
BRANDING INSPIRATION
BEST MADE I have always loved Best Made’s products because they are designed really well and the products are all made to a high quality. The aesthetic to the whole brand is beautiful as it shows quality and exploration with a variety of materials. I particularly love the screen printed maps and the badges that reference to scout and guiding. THE NORTH FACE I don’t know a lot about packaging but I know quality when I see it. CDA designed some packaging for On the north face, where recycled card board has been used to protect a variation of products. The cardboard looks durable and links to outdoor sustainability. The red that has been screen printed onto the boxes contrasts the brown cardboard.
BRANDING RESEARCH
RED
OVERLAY
GREEN
MOUNTAINS
The colour red has been used in the more well known brands that sell more of an expensive range of high quality products. Red links to danger and adventure, action, warmth, power, aggression, excitement, drama, fire, blood, passion, love, danger, anger, and heat. It is a highly visible colour that will always attract attention.
The less well known brands (top 4) present a logo placed over an image that reference to trees / the great outdoors. I really like these designs, however I believe this craze is all based on trends and the whole ‘hipster look’ that appeals to a certain target audience.
Green symbolizes life, nature, environment, youth, money, renewal, hope, and power. It is a color that soothes people, reduces pain, and makes us feel safe.
6 out of the 9 logos I presented have imagery links to mountains. The reason for this would be to do with the reference of adventure, the products they sell and trends.
PRIMARY RESEARCH
RETAIL RESEARCH To cover primary research I went around a variety of different camping shops in Leeds, these included On the north face, Oneill and Cotswold. WHAT DID I FIND? I mostly found free publications and bags. I noticed that the stock in some of these publications were quite thick, I think this is due to the quality of the products that they are trying to sell because they are usually made to a high standard that is durable and weather proof. The photography is also quite impressive too, I think the reason for this due to selling the lifestyle and experience of travel and the outdoors.