As outdoor activity surges for the season, discarded cigarettes continue to pose a major wildfire threat in parks, forests, and campgrounds.

Despite growing awareness of the health and environmental risks tied to cigarette smoking, a new survey found that 24% of Americans still consider the smoking to be the most appealing nicotine option for outdoor activities. That is nearly double the number who prefer vaping (13%) and six times that of nicotine pouch users (4%). The survey, conducted by Censuswide, in partnership with Northerner.com, the leading online retailer for nicotine pouches, polled 500 US adults on their summertime plans, travel habits and nicotine preferences during activities, travel and nicotine use.

“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 point to a clear trend: more adult nicotine consumers are moving away from traditional combustible products and turning toward more modern, smoke-free, tobacco leaf-free options that reflect today’s lifestyle choices and values.”

Smoke-Free Alternatives Signal a Shift

According to the survey, men are more likely than women to prefer smoking (28% vs. 20%) and to use nicotine pouches (5% vs. 2%). Among age groups, Millennials aged 35-44 are the most likely to smoke outdoors (38%), while younger adults aged 22-24 show a strong preference for vaping, with 41% choosing it over smoking (22%).

Americans are heading outdoors in big numbers: 33% are planning hiking trips, and 30% expect to go camping

• 54% say swimming is their favorite water-based activity, followed by fishing at 36%
• 70% plan road trips
• More than half are most excited for summer BBQs
• A portion of respondents are planning both domestic and international travel this season. Florida holds the number one spot for local destinations.

Key Insights: Nicotine Users and Outdoor Activities:

The survey revealed distinct preferences among nicotine users when it comes to outdoor fun:

• Smokers (39%) and vapers (46%) are especially looking forward to camping, making it their top activity for the season
• Nicotine pouch users show a strong interest in active and high-impact pursuits including pick-up sports (37%), golf and hiking (32%), and other adventure options like hunting and outdoor obstacle races (42%)

As more Americans head into nature this summer, outdoor smoking brings more than just health concerns—it also poses serious environmental risks, including pollution. Discarded cigarette butts remain one of the leading sources of wildfire ignition, particularly parks, forests, and campgrounds. From 2010 to 2020, smoking sparked an average of 1,700 wildfires per year across the U.S.

“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 high-risk areas like parks and campgrounds.”

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. For more information, visit Northerner.com.

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