Survey Reveals Surprising Trends in Summer Nicotine Use
Despite increasing public awareness of the health and environmental dangers associated with smoking, a new survey has revealed that a significant portion of Americans still favor cigarettes during summer outdoor activities. According to findings from Censuswide, in collaboration with Northerner.com—a leading online retailer for nicotine pouches—24% of U.S. adults say they find cigarettes the most appealing nicotine product for outdoor use.
This figure is nearly double that of vaping, preferred by 13% of respondents, and six times higher than the 4% who opt for nicotine pouches. The survey sampled 500 adults across the United States, asking about their summer travel plans, recreational preferences, and nicotine use habits.
A Cultural Habit That Lingers
The findings point to the deep-rooted cultural connection between cigarettes and outdoor activities. For decades, smoking has been associated with socializing around campfires, roadside stops during road trips, and relaxing at fishing spots or cookouts. But with increased scrutiny over tobacco’s health risks and its environmental impact, industry experts believe change is on the horizon.
“These findings highlight a powerful opportunity to reshape habits and reimagine outdoor culture around smoke-free alternatives,” said Sarah Krysalka, Head of Brands at Northerner.com. “Cigarettes have long been part of American outdoor culture, but they come with a heavy cost to both people and the environment. Our insights show a clear shift: more adult nicotine users are turning toward smoke-free, tobacco leaf-free alternatives that better align with modern values and lifestyles.”
Smoke-Free Products Gaining Momentum
The survey’s demographic breakdown reveals notable differences in nicotine preferences based on gender and age. Men are more likely than women to prefer cigarettes (28% compared to 20%), and are also more inclined to use nicotine pouches (5% versus 2%).
Millennials aged 35–44 emerged as the most likely group to choose cigarettes when enjoying outdoor activities, with 38% favoring smoking. Meanwhile, younger adults between 22–24 years old showed a strong preference for vaping: 41% selected vaping as their top choice, significantly more than the 22% who favored smoking.
These numbers suggest generational shifts may be steering the nicotine market toward non-combustible alternatives over time.
America’s Summer Travel and Outdoor Activity Trends
With summer in full swing, Americans are flocking to the outdoors in large numbers. The survey found that:
- 70% plan to take road trips
- 33% are heading out on hiking excursions
- 30% expect to go camping
- Over half of respondents say they are most excited about summer BBQs
- Swimming (54%) and fishing (36%) top the list of water-based activities
- Florida ranks as the most popular domestic travel destination
As people plan their adventures, their choice of nicotine products often reflects their preferred activities.
What Nicotine Users Enjoy Most Outdoors
The data highlights distinct patterns in outdoor behavior among different types of nicotine users:
- Smokers (39%) and vapers (46%) overwhelmingly chose camping as their top seasonal activity.
- Nicotine pouch users, on the other hand, were more likely to engage in high-energy or competitive activities. Their top choices included:
- Pick-up sports (37%)
- Golf and hiking (32%)
- Adventure sports such as hunting and obstacle course racing (42%)
These trends indicate that smoke-free products may appeal more to those with active, on-the-go lifestyles who need discreet, portable options that don’t interfere with their movement or the environment.
Cigarettes and the Outdoors: An Environmental Threat
While smoking outdoors may feel traditional to many, it carries significant risks beyond personal health. One of the most pressing concerns is environmental pollution. Cigarette butts are the most littered item on the planet, and in natural settings, they can do even more harm. From 2010 to 2020, cigarette-related smoking activities were responsible for an average of 1,700 wildfires per year in the U.S.—many occurring in national parks, forests, and campgrounds.
“Outdoor spaces are for everyone—and keeping them clean and safe should be a shared priority,” said Krysalka. “For adult nicotine users, smoke-free and tobacco leaf-free options like nicotine pouches can help reduce the risk of litter and fire, especially in sensitive environments.”
The Path Forward
As Americans continue to enjoy outdoor adventures this summer, the data underscores a pressing need for greater awareness around the environmental impact of smoking. While cigarettes remain deeply ingrained in outdoor culture, there is a clear and growing interest in smoke-free alternatives—particularly among younger and more active adults.
The opportunity lies in education and accessibility, offering modern nicotine products that meet the needs of today’s outdoor enthusiast while protecting the spaces we all share.
About Northerner
Established in 1998, Northerner has grown to become one of the largest global online retailers of nicotine pouches. Its US platform offers a wide selection of over 200 tobacco leaf-free nicotine products. Committed to preventing underage access, Northerner uses a robust age and identity verification process to ensure products are delivered securely to adult consumers.
