GITNUXREPORT 2025

Outdoor Industry Statistics

Outdoor industry boosts economy, sustainability, participation, and growth worldwide.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 51 million Americans participate in backcountry camping each year.

Statistic 2

65% of outdoor enthusiasts say health and wellness are their main reasons for outdoor activities.

Statistic 3

70% of Americans agree that outdoor recreation is vital to their quality of life.

Statistic 4

The number of American hikers increased by 25% from 2010 to 2020.

Statistic 5

In 2022, 31 million Americans went kayaking or canoeing, marking a 20% increase since 2018.

Statistic 6

45 million Americans participate in mountain biking annually.

Statistic 7

Participation in snow sports in the U.S. increased by 13% in the past decade.

Statistic 8

Around 60% of outdoor consumers prefer products made from eco-friendly materials.

Statistic 9

35% of Gen Z outdoor participants prefer backpacking trips.

Statistic 10

Mountain climbers constitute about 15% of all outdoor adventure participants.

Statistic 11

Women represent approximately 40% of all outdoor recreation participants.

Statistic 12

Over 60% of outdoor enthusiasts prioritize sustainability when making equipment purchases.

Statistic 13

55% of outdoor consumers are interested in purchasing locally manufactured gear.

Statistic 14

The popularity of outdoor fitness activities like trail running increased by 15% in 2023.

Statistic 15

40% of outdoor adventure travelers are women.

Statistic 16

Climbing gyms saw a 20% increase in membership subscriptions during 2021.

Statistic 17

The national participation rate for outdoor camping in the U.S. was 28% in 2022.

Statistic 18

25% of outdoor participants are under the age of 18.

Statistic 19

The number of active outdoor photographers increased by 12% from 2020 to 2022.

Statistic 20

The majority of outdoor consumers (around 60%) prefer purchasing from brands that support environmental causes.

Statistic 21

The outdoor industry’s participation in virtual reality experiences grew by 35% in 2023.

Statistic 22

About 35% of outdoor recreation consumers are repeat participants annually.

Statistic 23

The average age of outdoor participants is 36 years old.

Statistic 24

60% of outdoor recreation trips involve hiking or backpacking.

Statistic 25

Approximately 40% of outdoor enthusiasts use mobile apps to plan adventures.

Statistic 26

The largest segment of outdoor consumers (about 25%) are urban dwellers seeking recreational escape.

Statistic 27

Approximately 58% of outdoor consumers consider safety features a top priority.

Statistic 28

68% of outdoor activity participants are interested in learning more about environmental protection.

Statistic 29

The outdoor industry’s merchandise exports from the U.S. reached $3.2 billion in 2022.

Statistic 30

The outdoor industry’s total global trade volume is estimated at over $200 billion annually.

Statistic 31

Participating in outdoor activities reduces stress levels in 78% of adults surveyed.

Statistic 32

The outdoor recreation economy contributes over $887 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

Statistic 33

The global outdoor apparel market size is expected to reach $19.28 billion by 2026.

Statistic 34

The number of outdoor retail stores in the U.S. has grown by 15% over the past five years.

Statistic 35

The number of jobs supported by outdoor recreation in the U.S. reached 4.5 million in 2021.

Statistic 36

The outdoor footwear market is expected to reach $9.5 billion by 2027.

Statistic 37

The outdoor travel segment of the industry is forecasted to reach a global value of $1.4 trillion by 2025.

Statistic 38

The U.S. outdoor industry spent approximately $18 billion on advertising in 2022.

Statistic 39

The global camping tent market is projected to reach $2.8 billion by 2028.

Statistic 40

The outdoor fishing industry in the U.S. generates over $45 billion annually.

Statistic 41

The number of outdoor recreation trips in the U.S. reached 2.4 billion in 2021.

Statistic 42

The global survival gear market is valued at $950 million and expected to grow at 6% CAGR through 2027.

Statistic 43

The global market for outdoor sunscreens is projected to reach $2 billion by 2025.

Statistic 44

The outdoor safety equipment market is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2027.

Statistic 45

The number of outdoor adventure tourism trips worldwide is expected to reach 500 million by 2030.

Statistic 46

The outdoor industry employs over 4 million people globally.

Statistic 47

The outdoor retail market in North America is valued at over $20 billion.

Statistic 48

The outdoor cycling market is projected to reach $15 billion by 2028.

Statistic 49

The outdoor industry’s annual charitable contributions exceed $50 million.

Statistic 50

The outdoor hydration and nutrition market is valued at nearly $3 billion in 2023.

Statistic 51

The outdoor camping equipment market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030.

Statistic 52

The sustainability segment of the outdoor industry is growing at a rate of 12% annually.

Statistic 53

In 2023, digital outdoor activity tracking devices sales increased by 30% year-over-year.

Statistic 54

The popularity of ultra-light camping gear grew by 22% in 2023.

Statistic 55

The outdoor gear rental market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2023 to 2030.

Statistic 56

The number of specialty outdoor retail stores increased by 10% from 2019 to 2022.

Statistic 57

In 2022, hiking shoes sales rose by 18% compared to the previous year.

Statistic 58

Annual sales of inflatable paddleboards increased by 25% between 2020 and 2022.

Statistic 59

80% of outdoor industry companies are investing in sustainable product development.

Statistic 60

Outdoor apparel sales in Europe grew by 10% in 2022.

Statistic 61

The outdoor gear subscription box market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14% through 2027.

Statistic 62

Sustainability-focused outdoor apparel brands saw sales increase by 18% in 2023.

Statistic 63

The indoor/outdoor convertible gear segment saw a 12% increase in sales in 2022.

Statistic 64

The year-over-year growth for outdoor climbing equipment sales was 9% in 2022.

Statistic 65

The number of outdoor activewear brands has grown by 30% over the last three years.

Statistic 66

The outdoor sleep system market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% through 2030.

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Key Highlights

The outdoor recreation economy contributes over $887 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
Approximately 51 million Americans participate in backcountry camping each year.
The global outdoor apparel market size is expected to reach $19.28 billion by 2026.
65% of outdoor enthusiasts say health and wellness are their main reasons for outdoor activities.
70% of Americans agree that outdoor recreation is vital to their quality of life.
The number of American hikers increased by 25% from 2010 to 2020.
The number of outdoor retail stores in the U.S. has grown by 15% over the past five years.
The outdoor camping equipment market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030.
In 2022, 31 million Americans went kayaking or canoeing, marking a 20% increase since 2018.
45 million Americans participate in mountain biking annually.
The number of jobs supported by outdoor recreation in the U.S. reached 4.5 million in 2021.
Participation in snow sports in the U.S. increased by 13% in the past decade.
The outdoor footwear market is expected to reach $9.5 billion by 2027.

The outdoor industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, fueling a $887 billion annual contribution to the U.S. economy and inspiring millions to explore nature while embracing sustainability and innovative gear trends.

Consumer Participation and Demographics

Approximately 51 million Americans participate in backcountry camping each year.
65% of outdoor enthusiasts say health and wellness are their main reasons for outdoor activities.
70% of Americans agree that outdoor recreation is vital to their quality of life.
The number of American hikers increased by 25% from 2010 to 2020.
In 2022, 31 million Americans went kayaking or canoeing, marking a 20% increase since 2018.
45 million Americans participate in mountain biking annually.
Participation in snow sports in the U.S. increased by 13% in the past decade.
Around 60% of outdoor consumers prefer products made from eco-friendly materials.
35% of Gen Z outdoor participants prefer backpacking trips.
Mountain climbers constitute about 15% of all outdoor adventure participants.
Women represent approximately 40% of all outdoor recreation participants.
Over 60% of outdoor enthusiasts prioritize sustainability when making equipment purchases.
55% of outdoor consumers are interested in purchasing locally manufactured gear.
The popularity of outdoor fitness activities like trail running increased by 15% in 2023.
40% of outdoor adventure travelers are women.
Climbing gyms saw a 20% increase in membership subscriptions during 2021.
The national participation rate for outdoor camping in the U.S. was 28% in 2022.
25% of outdoor participants are under the age of 18.
The number of active outdoor photographers increased by 12% from 2020 to 2022.
The majority of outdoor consumers (around 60%) prefer purchasing from brands that support environmental causes.
The outdoor industry’s participation in virtual reality experiences grew by 35% in 2023.
About 35% of outdoor recreation consumers are repeat participants annually.
The average age of outdoor participants is 36 years old.
60% of outdoor recreation trips involve hiking or backpacking.
Approximately 40% of outdoor enthusiasts use mobile apps to plan adventures.
The largest segment of outdoor consumers (about 25%) are urban dwellers seeking recreational escape.
Approximately 58% of outdoor consumers consider safety features a top priority.
68% of outdoor activity participants are interested in learning more about environmental protection.

Consumer Participation and Demographics Interpretation

With nearly 51 million Americans seeking health and happiness in the great outdoors—while a majority champion eco-friendly gear and sustainability—the outdoor industry proves that adventure not only fuels the soul but also supports a greener, safer, and more connected future.

Global Trade and Industry Data

The outdoor industry’s merchandise exports from the U.S. reached $3.2 billion in 2022.
The outdoor industry’s total global trade volume is estimated at over $200 billion annually.

Global Trade and Industry Data Interpretation

While the outdoor industry’s U.S. exports trail behind its colossal global trade volume of $200 billion, the $3.2 billion in 2022 signals that Americans are certainly eager to spend as they gear up for adventure—if only we could all hitch a ride on that worldwide momentum.

Health and Behavioral Benefits

Participating in outdoor activities reduces stress levels in 78% of adults surveyed.

Health and Behavioral Benefits Interpretation

Given that outdoor activities lower stress for 78% of adults, it's clear that stepping outside isn't just good for adventure—it's essential for mental health in the modern world.

Market Size and Economic Impact

The outdoor recreation economy contributes over $887 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
The global outdoor apparel market size is expected to reach $19.28 billion by 2026.
The number of outdoor retail stores in the U.S. has grown by 15% over the past five years.
The number of jobs supported by outdoor recreation in the U.S. reached 4.5 million in 2021.
The outdoor footwear market is expected to reach $9.5 billion by 2027.
The outdoor travel segment of the industry is forecasted to reach a global value of $1.4 trillion by 2025.
The U.S. outdoor industry spent approximately $18 billion on advertising in 2022.
The global camping tent market is projected to reach $2.8 billion by 2028.
The outdoor fishing industry in the U.S. generates over $45 billion annually.
The number of outdoor recreation trips in the U.S. reached 2.4 billion in 2021.
The global survival gear market is valued at $950 million and expected to grow at 6% CAGR through 2027.
The global market for outdoor sunscreens is projected to reach $2 billion by 2025.
The outdoor safety equipment market is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2027.
The number of outdoor adventure tourism trips worldwide is expected to reach 500 million by 2030.
The outdoor industry employs over 4 million people globally.
The outdoor retail market in North America is valued at over $20 billion.
The outdoor cycling market is projected to reach $15 billion by 2028.
The outdoor industry’s annual charitable contributions exceed $50 million.
The outdoor hydration and nutrition market is valued at nearly $3 billion in 2023.

Market Size and Economic Impact Interpretation

From a vibrant economy fueling $887 billion annually to a global travel industry projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2025, the outdoor industry proves that stepping outside isn't just good for the soul — it's a billion-dollar solution to economic growth, employment, and adventure, all while millions chase the next trail, wave, or peak.

Product Markets and Industry Trends

The outdoor camping equipment market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030.
The sustainability segment of the outdoor industry is growing at a rate of 12% annually.
In 2023, digital outdoor activity tracking devices sales increased by 30% year-over-year.
The popularity of ultra-light camping gear grew by 22% in 2023.
The outdoor gear rental market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2023 to 2030.
The number of specialty outdoor retail stores increased by 10% from 2019 to 2022.
In 2022, hiking shoes sales rose by 18% compared to the previous year.
Annual sales of inflatable paddleboards increased by 25% between 2020 and 2022.
80% of outdoor industry companies are investing in sustainable product development.
Outdoor apparel sales in Europe grew by 10% in 2022.
The outdoor gear subscription box market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14% through 2027.
Sustainability-focused outdoor apparel brands saw sales increase by 18% in 2023.
The indoor/outdoor convertible gear segment saw a 12% increase in sales in 2022.
The year-over-year growth for outdoor climbing equipment sales was 9% in 2022.
The number of outdoor activewear brands has grown by 30% over the last three years.
The outdoor sleep system market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% through 2030.

Product Markets and Industry Trends Interpretation

As outdoor enthusiasts increasingly embrace eco-conscious gear, digital tracking, and ultra-light equipment—driven by a 4.2% market growth, a 12% surge in sustainability, and a 30% spike in tech sales—it's clear the outdoor industry is climbing not just mountains but sales charts, with rental markets, specialty stores, and innovative apparel forging ahead, proving that the real adventure is in navigating a rapidly evolving landscape where sustainability is no longer optional but essential.