This post is brought to you in sponsorship with REI
How will YOU spend your Black Friday this year?
Black Friday: the infamous day after Thanksgiving when the “season” of Christmas shopping officially beings. Stores open early or stay open all night. People all over the country scramble to score the best discounts on popular holiday gifts.
But what if we told you this doesn’t need to be what Black Friday means to you?
This Black Friday, you have two options:
- Wake up at 4am to stand in a long crowded line of pushing and shoving before battling hordes of serious shoppers for the best holiday deals. After the multi-hour wait, you might get lucky and score one of the discounted 60-inch TVs. But there’s a good chance they’ll be sold out before you step inside the store.
- Set out on an outdoor adventure either by yourself or with your loved ones, doing something completely different from your everyday routine. Give your senses a treat by immersing yourself in nature. Enjoy the freedom of open space and the sweetness of new scenery. Create everlasting memories from this unforgettable experience.
Which Black Friday option will you remember for years to come: the long line waiting to buy the new TV or the winding trail through thick forest that brings you to a hidden waterfall?
Which will be more meaningful?
At 52 Hike Challenge, we believe that the best memories happen outside.
That’s why we are teaming up with REI for #OptOutside 2018 to encourage YOU to hit the trails instead of the stores this Black Friday and every day thereafter.
Trust us: this is much more rewarding than any Black Friday sale you’ll ever experience.
Keep reading to learn what #OptOutside is and how you can get involved right now.
REI #OptOutside: Encouraging YOU To Hit The Trails Instead Of The Stores
What #OptOutside Is & Why You Should Join The Movement
REI and 52 Hike Challenge are partnering to bring you outdoors more than ever before. The #OptOutside movement influences people like you to go outside instead of spending hours in shopping lines.
It all started in 2015 when REI, one of the world’s largest outdoor outfitters, decided to close their doors on Black Friday. Instead of feeding into the shopping frenzy, REI paid their staff to make memories outside.
Now four years later, the movement lives on. As a proud partner in #OptOutside 2018, we are inviting YOU to join this impactful movement.
Because years from now, you won’t remember the deals you scored on Black Friday. But you will remember the memories you made while hiking a new trail.
Ready to join the movement?
Read on to discover 5 new ways YOU can #OptOutside this holiday season.
Are you looking for more people to join you on your adventures? When you attend an REI-sponsored outdoor event or an event hosted by 52 Hike Challenge, you’ll meet like-minded people who love to be outside just as much as you do. You will even gain valuable insight from wilderness experts who can help you take your outdoors skills to the next level.
Ready to gain a fresh perspective and try something new? Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) has been popular for years now, but have you tried a SUP yoga class? Achieve ultimate relaxation when you practice yoga out on the water. Plus, you’ll build lots of strength while enhancing your balance. Don’t worry - falling in is half the fun!
When you hit the water, you discover your surroundings in a whole new way. Whether you’re canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding or motor boating, you will instantly notice a shift in your mood when you spend quality time on the water. Unplug and get out there. Adventure awaits.
Did you know the weather doesn’t need to be warm for you to enjoy the outdoors? In fact, there are lots of outdoor activities you can only do in the snow. Dare yourself to try snowboarding or skiing. If you’re looking for a low impact sport, snowshoeing is a great option for you (yes, snowshoeing counts towards your 52 Hike Challenge!)
It’s never been easier for you to join a hiking group in your area. Did you know 52 Hike Challenge is setting up hiking chapter groups throughout the United States? Check out our website and Instagram to find local hikes near you. And we’re also launching a Hiking Leadership Program where you can learn how to lead groups safely through hiking and backpacking events.
Do you already run a local hiking group in your area? Click here to find out how you can co-host an REI #OptOutside event this year!
