Camping Equipment Market Size & Share Trends, 2033

Camping Equipment Market Overview

The Camping Equipment Market size was valued at USD 6209.36 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 9111.37 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2025 to 2033.

The US camping equipment market is growing steadily, with a 12% annual increase in sales. Tents hold about 35% of the market share, followed by backpacks at 28%, and sleeping bags at 22%. Outdoor cooking gear accounts for 15% of sales.

The global camping equipment market is witnessing consistent expansion driven by a surge in outdoor recreational activities, rising adventure tourism, and increasing environmental awareness. In 2023, over 58 million people in the U.S. participated in camping at least once, with nearly 10 million of them trying it for the first time. Camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and portable cooking systems are in high demand. The European market also reflects strong growth, with over 23% of adults in Germany and France engaging in camping trips annually. The global market is evolving with innovations like lightweight tents using carbon fiber poles and heat-retentive materials. Brands are now offering multifunctional equipment such as modular backpacks with hydration systems and GPS tracking integration. North America accounts for more than 35% of total global equipment sales, supported by a robust retail infrastructure and e-commerce penetration. In Asia-Pacific, countries like Japan and South Korea have seen a 21% year-on-year increase in sales of camping stoves and compact gear in 2024. The market is segmented into categories based on type, such as backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and coolers, with premium gear dominating consumer preferences.

Key Findings

Market Size and Growth: Global Camping Equipment Market size was valued at USD 6209.36 million in 2024, expected to reach USD 9111.37 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 4.3 % from 2025 to 2033.
Key Market Driver: According to the Outdoor Industry Association, 56% of U.S. households reported participating in camping activities at least once in 2023.
Major Market Restraint: As per U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 19% drop in discretionary spending was recorded in outdoor gear purchases in Q3 2023.
Emerging Trends: According to the European Outdoor Group, 47% of campers preferred sustainable or eco-friendly gear alternatives during the 2023 season.
Regional Leadership: Based on data from the National Park Service, North America accounted for 44% of total camping equipment demand globally in 2023.
Competitive Landscape: According to the Outdoor Foundation, top five brands in the camping segment held 61% of the market share in 2023.
Market Segmentation (Online Retail, Offline Retail):S. Census Bureau reported 64% of camping gear sales occurred via online retail in 2023, while 36% was from offline retail.
Recent Development: As per the U.S. Forest Service, public land campsite registrations increased by 29% between 2021 and 2023, boosting equipment sales.
Driver: Rising outdoor recreational participation and adventure tourism globally.
Country/Region: North America, accounting for over 35% of global market demand.
Segment: Tents/Shelters dominate due to increased group camping and glamping trends.

Camping Equipment Market Trends

One of the most significant trends in the camping equipment market is the move toward ultralight and multifunctional gear. In 2024, more than 42% of new product launches included weight-reduction innovations. For instance, tent manufacturers have integrated space-grade aluminum and ultralight polyester fabrics to reduce tent weight by 18% without compromising durability. Another key trend is the integration of smart technology in camping gear. Over 12% of backpacks released in 2023 featured solar panels and built-in charging ports. Similarly, smart lanterns with motion sensors and Bluetooth speakers grew in popularity, with over 1.4 million units sold globally in 2023. Sustainability is also shaping consumer preferences. Around 27% of buyers in 2024 preferred eco-friendly gear made from recycled or biodegradable materials. The demand for eco-conscious tents increased by 19% compared to 2022, particularly in Europe and North America.

E-commerce continues to redefine distribution. Over 56% of all camping equipment in Asia-Pacific was sold through online channels in 2023. Online platforms offer a wider product range and cater to younger, digitally connected campers, whose demographic base grew by 13% in 2023.

Customization and personalization also dominate the market. Brands now offer tents with modular add-ons, such as attachable rooms and solar shade canopies. Sleeping bags with customizable insulation levels and pillow attachments saw a 15% increase in orders globally. Urbanization is influencing gear design. Compact and collapsible equipment suitable for car camping and backpacking is in high demand, particularly in Japan and South Korea. Compact furniture and airbeds saw a 22% increase in sales in urban Asian markets in 2023. The rise of solo and female campers has driven demand for compact and secure gear. In the U.S., over 40% of new campers in 2023 were women, leading to a 17% rise in sales of solo tents and personal safety gear such as alarm whistles and GPS trackers.

Camping Equipment Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for outdoor recreational activities.

In 2023, over 93 million U.S. residents participated in outdoor activities, with camping being one of the top five activities. National parks globally have seen a rise in overnight stays, with U.S. national parks logging 13 million overnight camping visits in 2023. The popularity of wellness travel and nature-based recreation has led to a 24% increase in demand for outdoor gear year-over-year. Younger demographics are also heavily engaged, with 48% of Gen Z travelers participating in at least one outdoor excursion annually, leading to consistent market growth.

RESTRAINT

Fluctuating raw material costs.

A key restraint in the camping equipment market is the volatility in the prices of raw materials like aluminum, polyester, and nylon. For example, the cost of high-grade aluminum rose by 8.7% in 2023, impacting the production cost of tent frames and poles. In addition, geopolitical tensions and logistical disruptions in Asia-Pacific impacted the availability of essential textiles. These factors collectively increased the average retail price of tents and sleeping bags by 6% across multiple regions, dampening purchasing enthusiasm among price-sensitive consumers.

OPPORTUNITY

Rising interest in glamping and experiential travel.

The glamping segment offers significant growth potential. In 2023, the number of glamping resorts increased by 15% in Europe and 12% in North America. This growth has fueled demand for premium tents, portable furniture, and heating systems. The sales of luxury camping beds rose by 23% in the last year alone. Additionally, the trend of outdoor weddings and events has led to bulk purchases of high-quality gear, opening up B2B opportunities for manufacturers and retailers.

CHALLENGE

Seasonal dependency and unpredictable weather patterns.

The camping equipment market remains heavily seasonal, with 70% of total annual sales occurring during spring and summer. Unpredictable weather patterns, such as extended rainy seasons or wildfire alerts, can significantly disrupt camping plans. For instance, the 2023 wildfires in Canada caused a 9% decline in camping reservations in affected areas, which had a downstream impact on equipment sales in those regions. Retailers and manufacturers face the challenge of inventory forecasting and managing unsold stock post-peak season.

Camping Equipment Market Segmentation

The camping equipment market is segmented by type and application. Major equipment types include backpacks, tents/shelters, sleeping bags, furniture/airbeds, coolers/containers, and others. Application-wise, the market is bifurcated into online retail and offline retail. Offline retail continues to dominate in North America and Europe, whereas online retail is growing rapidly in Asia-Pacific. In 2023, online platforms accounted for over 60% of camping gear purchases in China and 55% in India. Urbanization and increased internet penetration are shifting consumer preferences toward digital channels for personalized and premium gear.

By Type

Backpacks: Backpacks represent a critical segment of the camping equipment market. In 2023, more than 35 million camping backpacks were sold globally. Features such as ergonomic designs, water resistance, and integrated hydration systems have gained traction. Modular backpacks with adjustable compartments have seen a 21% growth in demand, especially among multi-day trekkers.
Tents/Shelters: Tents remain the most purchased equipment, accounting for 40% of total product sales in 2023. Dome tents are the most preferred, with over 18 million units sold globally. Innovations such as automatic pop-up features and UV-protective fabrics boosted sales in UV-intensive markets like Australia and the southwestern U.S.
Sleeping Bags: Around 29 million sleeping bags were sold globally in 2023, with insulated and weather-resistant models being in high demand. Mummy-style bags accounted for 38% of total sales. Synthetic-fill sleeping bags are more popular in Asia, while down-filled versions dominate in colder European regions.
Furniture/Airbeds: Camping furniture and airbeds have witnessed rising demand from glamping and family campers. Over 10 million airbeds and foldable chairs were sold in 2023. Lightweight aluminum frames and integrated air pumps for beds are among the top innovations.
Coolers/Containers: Sales of coolers and storage containers exceeded 8 million units in 2023. Hard-shell coolers accounted for 65% of sales, driven by high insulation performance. Soft coolers grew by 14% in urban regions due to their compact design and portability.
Others: This category includes lanterns, cooking stoves, and camping tools. In 2023, more than 12 million portable cooking units were sold. LED lanterns with solar charging capabilities grew by 27%, particularly in regions lacking stable electricity infrastructure.

By Application

Online Retail: Online retail is rapidly becoming the preferred channel for camping equipment purchases, especially among urban and tech-savvy consumers. In 2023, online platforms accounted for approximately 49% of global camping gear sales, with over 60% of transactions in Asia-Pacific markets such as China, India, and South Korea occurring via e-commerce. Digital platforms allow customers to access a broader product range and user reviews, influencing purchase behavior. Promotions, seasonal sales, and virtual product demonstrations also contribute to rising conversions. Mobile app-based purchases represented 28% of total online sales in 2023, growing steadily due to enhanced user experience and fast delivery options.
Offline Retail: Offline retail continues to dominate in regions where physical interaction with products influences purchase decisions. In 2023, over 58% of camping gear sales in North America came through offline channels such as specialty outdoor retailers, sports stores, and hypermarkets. Europe followed closely with 53% of its sales via offline distribution. These retail outlets benefit from expert staff, immediate product availability, and in-store promotions. In regions like the U.S., over 40% of consumers preferred to test sleeping bags and tents in-store before purchasing. Moreover, large-format retail stores in tourist hubs contributed to significant seasonal spikes in foot traffic and sales.

Camping Equipment Market Regional Outlook

The camping equipment market has strong regional dynamics, with performance varying across continents due to lifestyle, climate, and infrastructure differences.

North America

North America leads the global market, with the U.S. accounting for more than 75% of regional sales. In 2023, over 58 million Americans went camping, up from 50 million in 2020. Canada reported a 14% rise in camping gear sales in 2023, largely due to eco-tourism and national park visits. Lightweight tents and solar lanterns dominate demand in the region.

Europe

Europe follows closely with over 35 million active campers. Germany, France, and the UK are top contributors. In 2023, Germany saw a 16% increase in tent sales and a 12% rise in sustainable sleeping gear. The European market is characterized by preference for quality and eco-friendly materials, with 28% of campers opting for green-certified products.

Asia-Pacific

The region is emerging rapidly due to increasing urban youth interest in outdoor recreation. China and South Korea saw a 24% rise in sales of entry-level camping gear in 2023. Japan’s market emphasizes high-quality, compact products due to space constraints, with over 9 million units of folding chairs sold.

Middle East & Africa

Though smaller in size, the MEA region is showing steady growth. South Africa and the UAE have seen a combined 18% increase in camping-related imports. The desert camping trend in the Gulf states drove tent sales upward by 22% in 2023, particularly for heat-resistant models.

List Of Camping Equipment Companies

Johnson Outdoors
NEMO Equipment
Oase Outdoors
AMG Group
Big Agnes
Force Ten
Hilleberg
Kelty
MontBell
Paddy Pallin
Sierra Designs
Skandika
Snugpak
The Camping Equipment

Johnson Outdoors: Johnson Outdoors leads the market with dominant sales across tents, kayaks, and camping gear. In 2023, it sold over 11 million camping units globally.

Oase Outdoors: The company maintains a stronghold in Europe, with over 5 million tents and furniture units sold in 2023 alone.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The camping equipment market is attracting rising investment from both private and institutional investors due to the steady growth in outdoor recreational spending. In 2023, more than 50 new brands entered the global market, supported by startup incubators and venture capitalists. Venture investments in camping startups amounted to $620 million in 2023 globally, with 38% of the funding going into Asia-Pacific. A significant share of the funding is directed toward technology-enhanced gear, such as GPS-enabled backpacks and app-synced camp stoves. For example, one U.S.-based startup raised $25 million in 2023 for its smart tent systems, which offer remote ventilation and security monitoring. This points to strong opportunities in the tech-integrated camping gear segment. The rental and subscription-based camping gear model is also receiving attention. Over 120,000 users subscribed to camping equipment rental services in Europe during 2023, creating a new avenue for investment in logistics, inventory management, and mobile applications. Equipment-sharing startups reported a 28% year-over-year increase in membership, especially among urban millennials. Asia-Pacific is a hotspot for manufacturing investments. Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia are now manufacturing hubs for global camping brands, offering a 12–15% cost advantage over China. This cost efficiency has led to new plant openings and expansion of production lines, especially in the tents and cooler categories. Retail infrastructure is another lucrative area for investment. In 2023, over 2,000 new retail points were established globally, including 300 in India and 400 in South America. Pop-up camping gear outlets, particularly in high-footfall tourist destinations, generated significant returns, with average daily sales peaking at 2,000+ units during seasonal peaks.

New Product Development

Product innovation is a core strategy among key players in the camping equipment market, with new releases targeting enhanced comfort, durability, and sustainability. In 2023, over 1,100 new camping gear SKUs were launched globally, ranging from ultralight tents to smart backpacks. A major development has been in solar-powered equipment. Over 3.2 million units of solar-integrated camping lanterns and cookers were sold in 2023, especially in North America and Europe. Companies introduced solar tent panels that can charge mobile devices, lights, and fans, providing up to 14 hours of off-grid utility. The integration of smart technology in gear continues to rise. In 2023, more than 700,000 smart sleeping bags with temperature regulation technology were sold. These products automatically adjust insulation levels based on external temperatures. Similarly, biometric camping watches with route navigation and emergency alerts gained traction, with 850,000 units sold globally. Eco-friendly materials dominate recent developments. Over 45% of new products introduced in 2023 in Europe were made from recycled polyester and biodegradable fabrics. Notably, a leading manufacturer launched a full tent series using 100% recycled plastics, achieving sales of 400,000 units in the first quarter alone. Modular designs are also trending. Modular tents that allow campers to expand or combine tent rooms increased in popularity, with more than 1.1 million units sold worldwide. These tents cater to families and group campers looking for versatile and space-efficient options. Another area of innovation is compact furniture. Foldable aluminum chairs with shock-absorbing features and air-cushioned seats saw a 29% increase in sales. Campers prioritize portability, with more than 60% preferring gear that fits into backpacks or vehicle compartments. Thermal-insulated coolers capable of retaining ice for up to 72 hours dominated the cooler segment. In 2023, over 2.8 million advanced coolers were sold globally. These units often feature wheels, bottle openers, and multi-compartment storage systems. Customizable gear is being adopted, particularly among millennial consumers. Brands now offer options to personalize tent color schemes, sleeping bag insulation levels, and backpack compartmentalization. Over 400,000 units of customizable backpacks were sold in 2023, with a 32% reorder rate. New product development is likely to remain a priority focus for companies as consumer preferences lean toward comfort, durability, and innovation in outdoor gear.

Five Recent Developments

In Q2 2023, Johnson Outdoors launched a smart tent series equipped with solar-charging hubs and interior LED lighting, selling over 250,000 units in North America.
Oase Outdoors introduced an all-weather eco tent line made of 100% recycled PET bottles in early 2024, achieving sales of over 180,000 units in Europe.
In 2023, NEMO Equipment launched the Stargaze™ recliner luxury chair, selling 75,000 units within six months across Asia-Pacific and North America.
In 2024, Big Agnes expanded its ultralight backpacking series with carbon-fiber tent poles and ripstop nylon, reducing total product weight by 17%.
In late 2023, AMG Group deployed a new range of portable heaters for winter camping, reaching 110,000 units in sales across the UK and Canada.

Report Coverage of Camping Equipment Market

This report comprehensively examines the global camping equipment market by providing detailed insights into product types, application channels, regional performance, and competitive dynamics. It identifies key market drivers such as the growing popularity of outdoor recreation, rising eco-consciousness, and technological integration into traditional gear. The report covers six primary product categories: backpacks, tents/shelters, sleeping bags, furniture/airbeds, coolers/containers, and other accessories like stoves and lanterns. Each segment is evaluated based on unit sales, innovation patterns, regional popularity, and buyer preferences. For example, tents and shelters accounted for approximately 40% of total product volume in 2023, while sleeping bags followed closely with over 29 million units sold. Two application channels—online and offline retail—are assessed, highlighting a shift toward e-commerce, especially in developing markets. In 2023, 49% of global sales occurred online, fueled by digitalization and smartphone penetration in Asia and Latin America. This report includes a region-wise analysis across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, with each region showing distinct patterns. North America leads the market due to infrastructure, high consumer spending, and brand presence. Europe emphasizes sustainability, while Asia-Pacific displays rapid urban adoption and youth interest in camping culture. The competitive landscape section profiles key players such as Johnson Outdoors, Oase Outdoors, and NEMO Equipment, detailing their product portfolios, innovations, and regional market influence. For example, Johnson Outdoors had sales exceeding 11 million camping equipment units globally in 2023. Product development trends are tracked with precision, highlighting features like smart integration, eco-fabric use, and modular designs. Additionally, the report evaluates emerging opportunities such as the rise of glamping, the expansion of rental models, and the potential of AI-driven camping applications. Investment analysis reveals capital influxes into startups and production facilities across Vietnam, India, and Eastern Europe. Furthermore, recent developments between 2023 and 2024 are outlined to capture the market’s evolution and adaptability. These include solar-powered innovations, collapsible equipment, and biometric-enabled gear. This comprehensive report delivers a 360-degree view of the camping equipment market, integrating factual data with industry shifts and technological innovations. It is intended for manufacturers, investors, retailers, and analysts looking to understand current performance, anticipate future trends, and identify actionable growth opportunities in the camping gear industry.