Gear: Chapter 2

Rachel Gross's "Shopping All the Way to the Woods" examines the intersection of middle-class consumerism and outdoor recreation in America from 1870 to 1980. The book traces how the rise of consumer culture transformed the way Americans engaged with nature. It explores how outdoor enthusiasts increasingly relied on mass-produced goods and commercial services to enhance their experiences. Gross argues that consumerism played a crucial role in shaping the modern outdoor identity. By analyzing the advertising, marketing, and consumption practices of the era, she reveals the complex relationship between nature, consumerism, and middle-class identity. The book offers insights into how outdoor recreation became intertwined with consumer culture during this period.