Dear Santa … What Are Outdoor Enthusiasts Wishing For This Holiday?

When times are tough, the tough want to look good while practicing their favorite sport.

What tops the list of sports, fitness and outdoor merchandise that Most Active Americans want to give and receive this holiday season?

Athletic/fitness apparel followed closely by outdoor apparel (jackets and pants).

Here is the top ten list of Outdoor, Sports and Fitness Product Categories that Most Active Americans wish for and plan to give this holiday season:

1. Athletic/Fitness Apparel
2. Outdoor Apparel
3. Camping Equipment and Accessories
4. Athletic Fitness Footwear
5. Athletic Equipment
6. Electronic Devices/Instruments (GPS, Altimeters, Heart Rate Monitors)
7. Outdoor Footwear
8. Fitness Equipment
9. Fishing Equipment and Accessories
10. Ski/Snowboard Equipment

Are Active Americans going to buy for the holidays or play Ebenezer Scrooge because of the economy?

Eighty-five percent have the spirit to buy and give, but they will buy fewer gifts and may not spring for big-ticket items. Only two percent say they will increase their spending this year.

Where will they shop? Outdoor specialty chains will be most frequented (74% say they will visit one or more before December 25), followed by the Internet (55%), sporting goods chains (56%), discount stores (52%) and independent specialty stores (45%).

When asked about vacations: bike trips, adventure travel, ski vacations, rafting and mountain vacations were mentioned most often. One respondent described her personal nirvana, "a fitness vacation – hiking, a spa, a great bed combined with healthy cooking seminars."

Here are other Active American vacation wishes:

“A fly fishing trip to Montana. Why? A conservation and nature based activity in one of the most wild and beautiful areas in our nation!”

“A hiking vacation, preferably in the Smoky Mountains. I miss the mountains and I want to spend several days walking in the mountains.”

“Hiking in Denali National Park in Alaska.”

"A vacation to the see the redwoods and fish this summer. Reason is to see the things in nature that few people get to see. In reality, though, maybe a fly rod or camping supplies."