Quick answer: Americans spend approximately $12–$15 billion per year on outdoor gear and apparel at retail. Globally, the outdoor gear and apparel market is valued at $40–$50 billion annually. Participation surged during COVID-19 (2020–2021), and while growth has moderated, the participation base remains above pre-pandemic levels.
US Outdoor Gear Spending by Category
| Category | Annual US Retail Sales (est.) | Growth Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor apparel and footwear | $5–$7 billion | Stable post-COVID normalization |
| Camping and backpacking equipment | $2–$3 billion | Declined from 2021 peak |
| Snow sports equipment | $1.2–$1.8 billion | Stable, weather-dependent |
| Climbing and mountaineering gear | $400–$600 million | Growing, gym climbing driving demand |
| Water sports (kayak, paddle) | $600 million–$1 billion | Declined from 2021 peak |
| Trail running footwear | $800 million–$1.2 billion | Growing strongly |
The COVID Bump: What Happened to Gear Sales
Outdoor gear sales surged dramatically in 2020–2021 as people sought outdoor activities during COVID-19 lockdowns. Camping equipment sales grew 30–50% in 2020 (NPD Group data). Kayak and canoe sales doubled. Trail running shoe sales increased 25–35%. REI reported its strongest revenue growth in company history in 2021 ($3.86 billion). This surge created inventory and supply chain issues that the industry was still working through in 2022–2023. By 2024, most categories have normalized to pre-pandemic trend levels.
Where Online vs. Retail Stands in 2024
E-commerce now accounts for approximately 35–45% of outdoor gear sales, up from 20–25% pre-pandemic. Amazon is the largest single outdoor gear retailer by sales volume in the US, but specialty retailers (REI, Backcountry.com, REI Co-op) capture a larger share of premium and technical gear sales where customer service and product expertise matter. Brick-and-mortar outdoor retail still drives footwear and pack purchases where fit is critical.
Methodology and Sources
Spending data from NPD Group Outdoor Market Report (2023), Outdoor Industry Association State of the Industry Report (2023), and REI Co-op Annual Report (2022). Category growth trends from NSGA annual retail sales data. E-commerce share from Digital Commerce 360 outdoor category analysis. Global market sizing from Grand View Research Outdoor Recreation Market Report (2023).
Who Is Actually Buying All This Gear
The Outdoor Industry Association’s 2023 Outdoor Participation Trends Report estimates 164 million Americans (approximately 57% of the population age 6+) participated in at least one outdoor activity in 2022. However, participation is deeply skewed: the top 25% of participants — frequent, multi-activity outdoor consumers — account for an estimated 65–70% of all outdoor gear spending. This concentration matters for understanding market dynamics: outdoor gear sales are driven by a relatively small, high-engagement core, not by casual or occasional participants.
Spending Concentration by Activity
Not all outdoor activities generate equal gear spend. Skiing and snowboarding generate the highest per-participant gear spend of any outdoor activity — an active skier replaces or adds $400–$1,200 in gear per year. Trail running generates moderate spend ($400–$800/year for active runners, mostly footwear). Hiking generates lower but broader spend: more people participate but at lower per-person gear cost. Climbing (gym and outdoor combined) has seen strong per-participant spend growth driven by gym climbing expansion, with annual gear spend of $500–$1,500 for active climbers.
The Inventory Hangover: 2022–2024
The COVID-era boom left the outdoor industry with a significant inventory overhang that shaped 2022–2024 retail conditions. Brands and retailers over-ordered in 2021–2022 based on pandemic-era demand, then faced a demand normalization in late 2022 when consumers shifted spending back toward travel and experiences. The result: heavy discounting across camping, paddling, and casual outdoor apparel throughout 2023–2024. REI’s 2023 net revenue of $3.84 billion was essentially flat with 2022, and the co-op reported its first year-over-year decline in active memberships in years. This inventory correction is the primary reason estimated gear market size declined slightly from 2021–2022 peak levels through 2024.
Canada’s Outdoor Gear Market
Canada’s outdoor gear market is estimated at CAD $3–$5 billion annually (approximately USD $2.2–$3.7 billion at current exchange rates). MEC — Mountain Equipment Company, rebranded after its 2020 private equity acquisition — is the dominant specialty outdoor retailer in Canada, with approximately 24 stores nationally and significant e-commerce. Canadian outdoor gear spending per capita is broadly comparable to the US given similar participation rates and climate conditions driving demand for technical gear.