Let's All Be Newbies in 2022
We’ve learned a lot in the past couple of years. We learned the art of accessorizing a face mask. We learned how to care for loved ones from a distance. We also learned that when we can’t do our favorite activities because of something like a global pandemic, we can always try something new.
In 2021, the KEEN crew sampled a bunch of new things closer to home and discovered that being a newbie is loads of fun! It’s also a great way to meet people, expand our comfort zones (one of us even tried winter SUPing), and get introduced to hobbies we didn’t even know could become our new favorites. Plus doesn't it feel great to go into something with zero expectations?!
That’s why we’re dubbing 2022 The Year of the Newbie! Want to join us? Check out some of the activities we got into this year and dive right in like a kid!
Camping
Whether you consider yourself a camping expert or a total novice, there’s always something new to discover when you venture out into nature for a night or two. In 2021 we tried everything from comfy camping to cold-weather camping, and all we can say is . . . give it go! Want to try camping in your SUV or renting a yurt? Do it. How about solo camping or camping with your canine companion? We’ve got some tips for that too. Never been camping outside of a campground but always wanted to? Maybe dispersed camping in your new thing. If you’re not sure which type of camping to start with, take our fun KEEN Camper Quiz before you get packing.
Ziplining
Talk about a thrill, ziplining is an adventurous activity that the whole family can enjoy. We loved it so much (and wanted to share our excitement with everyone) so we asked an expert zipline course manager to share his wisdom with potential first-timers. If you’ve always wanted to glide through the forest like a bird in flight, check out a ziplining tour on your next free weekend.
Outdoor volunteering
Here at KEEN, we’ve always loved volunteering. In fact, the outdoors and giving back to our community are what KEEN was built on. (It’s why we created KEEN Effect Grants and The KEEN Corps, and why every full-time employee gets 40 hours of service leave to volunteer in their community!) One of the best parts about volunteering, (aside from how rewarding it is) is that there are a million ways to make a difference. This year, we introduced the next generation of volunteers to the joys of community work. Whether you’re looking for opportunities for the whole family or solo volunteer options, read through our tips on how to get involved, or search our KEEN Corps Volunteer Finder for events near you.
Getting outside when it’s cold
Even outdoor-loving folks will tell you that the last couple of years gave whole new meaning to the phrase life outdoors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned a thing or two about braving the cold in order to visit with friends and family. We figured out how to make a cozy outdoor space for when we couldn’t gather inside. We learned about friluftsliv and ways to encourage our kids to bundle up and enjoy the outdoors even in winter. The other thing we learned? We LOVED our winter outdoors! If you want to try out more cold-weather adventures in 2022, get started by checking out some of our favorite winter activities from recent years.
Scavenger hunts
Hobbies come in all shapes and sizes, and in 2021, one of our favorite family activities was the scavenger hunt. We started out as novices, creating hunts indoors and around the yard to keep our little ones entertained. But soon we realized a scavenger hunt around the neighborhood was fun for kids and adults alike. (We actually got a little obsessed and even created a special Halloween edition!)
Windsurfing
If you’ve never been windsurfing, you’re in for a treat. It’s an activity we’d been eager to check out, and luckily there’s an active windsurfing community along the Columbia River, about an hour from the KEEN HQ. Sort of a mix between surfing and sailing, windsurfing can be an exhilarating activity for everyone from kids to teens to adults. We talked to an award-winning windsurfer to get the low down on how to get started.
Gardening
You don’t have to search far and wide for a new hobby. Sometimes there’s one right in front of you. In 2021, lots of people gave gardening a go (including many of us here at KEEN Footwear). We quickly realized that it’s an activity that’s rewarding and meditative, and that kids love it too! It even turns out that some of our favorite KEEN shoes moonlight as hardworking gardening footwear.
Hiking
One of the things we love most about hiking is that there is a trail out there for everyone. You can be a multi-day backpacker or a kid in sneakers and you’ll enjoy your time in the woods. No matter where you are in your hiking journey, our KEEN Hiker Quiz can help you figure out which type of hike should be next on your bucket list. Winter hike with the kiddos? Fast-paced hike with some friends? How about a quick midweek hike between work and dinner?
Being a hiking newbie can be super fun, but it can also be a little nerve-racking from time to time, which is why we create guides that help tackle topics like, Can I Hike in My Running Shoes or How to Deal With Periods in the Wild. After all, just because you’re new to an activity, doesn’t mean you need to learn things the hard way!
Digital detoxing
An activity we did in 2021 that we think everyone should try? A digital detox. We’ll be the first to admit that our screen time greatly increased during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In order to reset, we opted to unplug for a bit and you can too! Check out our digital detox guide for how to get started and for some tips to make your detox a success.
For more ways to embrace being a newbie in 2022, check out our recent articles here on the KEEN blog. We post new stories, adventures, and guides weekly. Read something that inspires you? Share it with a friend so they can join the newbie movement too!
Comfort to go outside comfort zones