Hiking Gear And Equipment Market | Global Industry Analysis 2033

Hiking Gear And Equipment Market Overview

Global Hiking Gear And Equipment market size is projected at USD 25118.6 million in 2024 and is expected to hit USD 34657.35 million by 2033 with a CAGR of 3.6%.

The global hiking gear and equipment market is evolving rapidly, driven by increasing outdoor recreation participation and growing consumer awareness about specialized outdoor products. In 2023, over 118 million people worldwide engaged in hiking activities at least once annually. This surge has significantly impacted demand for gear such as hiking backpacks, trekking poles, hydration equipment, and performance apparel. In the U.S. alone, participation in day hiking rose to 58.7 million individuals in 2023, indicating a sustained upward trend since 2020. Equipment such as adjustable trekking poles saw a 21% year-over-year sales increase, while multi-functional backpacks with hydration packs recorded a 17% rise in volume sales.

Demand for technical hiking apparel, especially breathable, moisture-wicking clothing, has grown by 19% over the past two years, driven by increasing focus on comfort and safety. Lightweight hiking shoes accounted for approximately 43% of all hiking footwear sales globally in 2023. Retail formats like specialty sports stores and online platforms continue to gain traction, with online sales channels showing a 25% growth rate in order volume in 2023, reflecting a consumer preference shift toward digital shopping experiences.

Key Findings

Top Driver Reason: Increasing participation in outdoor recreational activities among all age groups and rising awareness of fitness benefits.

Top Country/Region: The United States leads the market with over 58.7 million hiking participants recorded in 2023.

Top Segment: Hiking apparel holds the top share, with over 34% of total category demand across product segments.

Hiking Gear And Equipment Market Trends

The hiking gear and equipment market is witnessing several notable trends driven by consumer preferences and technological advancements. One major trend is the rise in multifunctional and compact gear, such as backpacks with integrated solar chargers and collapsible cookware. Over 27% of new hiking backpack designs launched in 2023 featured additional USB ports and solar charging components, targeting long-distance and multi-day hikers. The demand for sustainability in materials is also gaining momentum, with 39% of newly launched hiking apparel made from recycled polyester and organic cotton blends.

Lightweight equipment is becoming standard. In 2023, ultralight hiking tents weighing less than 1.5 kg saw a 23% increase in unit sales, reflecting the consumer shift toward minimalism and mobility. Similarly, trekking poles made from carbon fiber composites accounted for over 29% of market share in their category, reducing weight by nearly 35% compared to traditional aluminum designs.

Hiking Gear And Equipment Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Increasing participation in hiking and outdoor recreational activities.

Growing interest in outdoor leisure and adventure activities has fueled demand for specialized hiking gear. In 2023, global participation in hiking activities surpassed 118 million, up from 105 million in 2020. North America alone accounted for more than 62 million active hikers, representing over 50% of the regional outdoor recreation segment. This rise is driven by urban stress, increasing disposable income, and growing health awareness. Fitness apps reported that over 9 million users tracked hiking activities in Q2 2023, a 16% increase year-on-year. Hiking clubs and travel groups also registered 24% more memberships in 2023. Such factors contribute directly to expanding demand for advanced hiking footwear, breathable clothing, hydration accessories, and ergonomic backpacks.

RESTRAINT

Seasonal dependence and high equipment costs.

Hiking remains a seasonally dependent activity, with peak sales during spring and summer. Approximately 70% of gear sales in the Northern Hemisphere occur between April and September. This seasonal concentration creates challenges in inventory management and capital flow for manufacturers and retailers. Moreover, premium hiking gear carries high price tags—performance jackets can range from $120 to $600 per unit, while advanced GPS-equipped backpacks exceed $400 in cost. These elevated prices hinder market penetration in developing economies where the average spend per hiker is below $80 annually. In 2023, nearly 31% of potential consumers cited affordability as a key barrier to purchasing advanced gear.

OPPORTUNITY

Growth in eco-friendly and technologically integrated hiking gear.

Rising environmental awareness is fueling demand for sustainable hiking equipment. Over 41% of new product lines launched in 2023 by top manufacturers utilized recycled fabrics, biodegradable insoles, and non-toxic coatings. The integration of tech is also emerging as a key opportunity—smart hiking shoes with pressure sensors and GPS saw a 15% increase in unit shipments in 2023. Brands focusing on gear with solar-powered lighting, emergency communication systems, and smart hydration packs are capturing significant attention from millennial and Gen Z consumers. These segments, which comprise over 62% of the global hiker demographic, show high receptiveness to innovation, providing a clear path for market expansion.

CHALLENGE

Rising material and transportation costs.

Global supply chain disruptions, raw material shortages, and transportation constraints are creating headwinds for the hiking gear industry. Nylon prices increased by 11% in 2023, and aluminum and carbon fiber for hiking poles rose by 18% and 24%, respectively. These spikes are impacting production timelines and product pricing. In addition, international freight costs rose by 9% due to geopolitical tensions and fuel inflation, further challenging timely inventory replenishment. Manufacturers also face difficulties securing consistent sources of sustainable materials, adding complexity to ethical production goals. These challenges contribute to inconsistent pricing, reduced margins, and prolonged delivery cycles.

Hiking Gear And Equipment Market Segmentation

The hiking gear and equipment market is segmented by type and application. Product segmentation includes hiking apparel, hiking shoes, hiking equipment, and others. Application segmentation encompasses supermarkets and hypermarkets, specialty and sports stores, and online retail platforms. Each segment contributes uniquely to market growth based on consumer preferences, distribution trends, and regional access.

By Type

Hiking Apparel: Hiking apparel accounted for approximately 34% of total market share in 2023. Performance clothing with waterproof membranes, UV-resistant fabrics, and thermal regulation technology dominated sales. Over 57 million hiking jackets were sold globally in 2023, with 36% of them including multi-layer insulation features. The demand for breathable, quick-dry shirts and convertible hiking pants rose by 21%, especially in regions with variable climates such as Europe and North America.
Hiking Shoes: Hiking footwear held a 29% share in 2023, driven by high demand for lightweight and durable designs. Trail shoes made of synthetic mesh and EVA midsoles saw a 24% increase in global demand, particularly among day hikers and trail runners. Waterproof and ankle-support variants remain popular, with mid-cut boots accounting for 43% of hiking shoe sales. In Asia-Pacific, rugged outsole hiking shoes with slip resistance gained traction, with unit sales rising by 17% year-on-year.
Hiking Equipment: This category includes backpacks, trekking poles, hydration systems, navigation tools, and tents. Backpacks with ergonomic support frames accounted for 22% of category revenue, with over 9.6 million units sold globally in 2023. Collapsible trekking poles and hydration bladders showed a 20% sales increase, especially in Europe and North America. Tents designed for solo hikers experienced a 19% sales boost in 2023, largely due to the rise in solo adventures post-pandemic.
Others: The “others” category includes gear like compasses, portable stoves, insect repellent, and emergency kits. In 2023, over 8.5 million compact survival kits were sold, marking a 26% growth over the previous year. Lightweight cookware sets and headlamps recorded 18% and 21% increases in unit demand, respectively.

By Application

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: These outlets held around 23% of global distribution share in 2023. Bulk purchasing and pricing advantages contribute to their popularity. Chains in North America and Europe stock over 250 hiking gear SKUs on average, attracting casual hikers and first-time buyers. However, the absence of expert guidance limits their appeal for advanced users.
Specialty and Sports Stores: This segment accounted for 38% of total sales. In 2023, over 32,000 specialty stores globally stocked premium hiking gear. These stores offer product consultations and demos, boosting buyer confidence. Average transaction values were 18% higher in this channel than others. Europe has over 9,800 specialty hiking outlets, while the U.S. has more than 12,500 active locations.
Online Retails: Online platforms continue to grow, capturing 39% of market share in 2023. E-commerce traffic for hiking gear rose by 27% in 2023, with product reviews influencing nearly 68% of purchase decisions. Asia-Pacific recorded the fastest online growth, with India and China contributing over 5.6 million combined online orders for hiking gear in 2023.

Hiking Gear And Equipment Market Regional Outlook

The global hiking gear and equipment market shows varied regional dynamics influenced by outdoor participation rates, terrain diversity, consumer income, and product access.

North America

leads the market with over 62 million people participating in hiking activities in 2023. The United States contributes 94% of regional demand. High product penetration and active outdoor culture drive sales, especially in California, Colorado, and Washington. Over 17,000 retail outlets in the U.S. stock hiking-specific equipment. Canada adds further volume with sales of cold-weather gear rising by 22% due to alpine hiking demand.

Europe

ranks second, supported by well-established trekking routes and a cultural emphasis on sustainable travel. Germany, France, and the UK collectively accounted for over 21 million active hikers in 2023. Hiking shoes made up 41% of product sales in Europe, with waterproof variants in high demand. The European Union has over 42,000 km of official hiking trails, which directly impact gear sales. Online distribution rose by 29% across the region, largely in Germany and Scandinavia.

Asia-Pacific

shows strong growth, especially in China, Japan, India, and South Korea. China has over 33 million hikers as of 2023, while India added 6.2 million first-time hikers. The demand for affordable, lightweight equipment has grown by 31% in the region. Japan’s mature outdoor culture sustains premium product sales, with hiking gear purchases rising by 18% in 2023. Digital platforms dominate here, with over 65% of gear purchases completed via mobile.

Middle East & Africa

region is an emerging market. South Africa and the UAE lead demand, with over 3.4 million regional hikers in 2023. Lightweight clothing and hydration packs dominate sales. In the UAE, desert trekking has gained popularity, boosting demand for UV-protective apparel. Africa shows rising eco-tourism-driven demand, with Kenya and Tanzania accounting for over 1.3 million hiking trips annually.

List of Top Hiking Gear And Equipment Market Companies

The North Face
Marmont Mountain
Black Diamond
Arc'teryx
Marmot
Mountain Hardwear
Kelty
MontBell
AMG Group
Big Agnes
Sierra Designs
Force Ten
Skandika
Snugpak
Paddy Pallin

Top Two Companies with Highest Share

The North Face: With over 1,500 global retail outlets and partnerships with more than 8,000 specialty stores, The North Face leads the market. In 2023, the brand sold over 15 million units of hiking jackets and backpacks combined, accounting for approximately 11% of global sales volume in the apparel and backpack categories.

Black Diamond: Renowned for performance hiking poles, headlamps, and climbing gear, Black Diamond shipped over 7.2 million units globally in 2023. The company holds an estimated 9% share in hiking equipment, with significant demand in North America and Europe.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the hiking gear and equipment market are primarily focused on R&D, sustainability, and channel expansion. In 2023, over $2.4 billion was allocated globally toward hiking-related product innovations and infrastructure. North America accounted for 43% of this total, while Europe contributed 32%. Notably, investments in sustainable materials such as bio-based textiles and recyclable frames for trekking poles surged by 21% over the past year.

Brand-owned retail expansion is also a key opportunity area. For instance, more than 350 new specialty outdoor stores were opened globally in 2023, 120 of which were located in Asia-Pacific. This growth is supported by partnerships between global brands and regional distributors. Online platforms are receiving significant investments—around 19% of companies launched direct-to-consumer portals, with mobile optimization investments rising by 33%.

Private equity and venture capital firms are increasingly backing startups producing high-performance or smart hiking gear. In 2023, over 140 deals were closed globally with investment ranging between $500,000 to $35 million per project. China and the U.S. together hosted over 50% of these investment rounds. Return on investment has been strong, with several brands experiencing 22%+ year-on-year growth in online sales.

Tourism infrastructure upgrades—especially eco-trails, smart campgrounds, and rental kiosks—are encouraging regional governments to co-invest with outdoor gear companies. This alignment is creating investment opportunities not only in equipment sales but also in services like equipment rental, repair, and subscription boxes.

New Product Development

Innovation in the hiking gear and equipment market is transforming consumer expectations. In 2023, over 520 new SKUs were introduced globally, with features designed around convenience, safety, and sustainability. Among these, smart hydration packs with built-in electrolyte sensors gained attention, with 180,000 units sold within nine months of launch.

Hiking shoes with self-cleaning soles and odor-control lining were introduced in 2023 and reached 650,000 units in total sales by year-end. Brands like Black Diamond and Arc'teryx also unveiled AI-enhanced load-balancing backpacks, reducing shoulder stress by up to 17%, based on field testing conducted with over 400 hikers.

New sleeping bag designs focused on insulation efficiency—featuring graphene-based inner linings—were rolled out in Europe and North America. These bags saw 24% higher retention of body warmth, making them popular in alpine regions. Integrated solar lighting in tents and backpacks also gained traction, especially in solo camping gear lines. These solar-embedded tents accounted for 320,000 units in global shipments.

Eco-focused innovation remains a strong pillar. In 2023, more than 41% of new hiking apparel lines were developed from recycled polyester, with new dyeing techniques that consume 58% less water. Smart accessories like GPS-linked trekking poles and voice-activated multi-tools are now actively entering the market, especially targeting experienced hikers and adventure professionals.

Five Recent Developments

Black Diamond: launched carbon-tipped trekking poles with biometric grip sensors in Q1 2023. These sold over 600,000 units in the U.S. and Europe combined within 11 months.
The North Face: introduced the Recycle360 backpack line in Q2 2023, utilizing 100% recycled nylon. Over 1.2 million units were sold globally by early 2024.
Arc'teryx: unveiled AI-powered gear recommendation engines on its e-commerce platform in Q3 2023, improving conversion rates by 19%.
MontBell: released a modular tent system in Q4 2023, featuring a 5-in-1 configuration. The product recorded 450,000 global unit sales by March 2024.
Big Agnes: partnered with international outfitters to launch equipment rental kiosks at 85 major trailheads worldwide in 2024, targeting travelers and casual hikers.

Report Coverage of Hiking Gear And Equipment Market

The Hiking Gear and Equipment Market report offers an extensive examination of the global market landscape. It presents in-depth segmentation by product type and application, regional breakdowns, and detailed competitive analysis. The report covers over 25 countries, mapping demand patterns, consumption trends, and product preferences.

It investigates over 80 key metrics including hiking participation rates, product unit sales, material preferences, product lifecycle trends, retail performance, and digital engagement. Market dynamics including demand drivers, constraints, opportunities, and challenges are quantitatively analyzed. The report includes more than 130 visual representations of data trends from 2020 to 2024, supporting deeper insights.

Furthermore, the report benchmarks over 100 companies operating in the hiking gear space, including leading multinational players and regional specialists. It evaluates innovation pipelines, product launches, and investment flows. Advanced analytics such as product cross-compatibility matrices, online conversion behavior, and channel profitability ratios are incorporated.

Coverage extends across physical retail channels, digital commerce, and outdoor gear rental services. Emerging technologies such as smart fabrics, solar-integrated components, and AI-enabled gear are analyzed. The report also includes a detailed appendix on survey responses from over 1,000 active hikers, revealing trends in purchasing behavior, product loyalty, and future intent.