Is the Hiking Industry Recession-Proof? Analyzing Economic Resilience in Outdoor Recreation

When economic storms gather, the hiking industry often finds itself in a curious position. While traditional retail sectors struggle during downturns, trails fill with boots and backpacks as people seek affordable escapes from financial stress. This paradox raises an intriguing question: Is the hiking industry genuinely recession-proof, or merely recession-resistant? Through historical data, market analysis, and expert insights, we’ll explore how economic turbulence impacts the businesses that equip our outdoor adventures.

Current Market Trends: 2020-2024 Analysis

Recent data reveals compelling trends in the hiking industry’s economic performance. Between 2020 and 2024, several key metrics demonstrate the sector’s continued strength even as economic uncertainties persist.

Hiking Gear Sales Resilience

The NPD Group report highlighted significant growth across hiking-related categories:

• Running shoes: 63% increase
• Hiking shoes: 2% increase
• Camping chairs: 44% increase
• Sleeping bags: 2% increase
• Knives and tools: 10% increase

While luxury and high-end items may see temporary declines during economic contractions, essential hiking gear maintains relatively stable demand. This reflects the industry’s unique position as providing both recreational products and practical equipment that retains utility value.

 

Essential hiking gear maintains demand even during economic downturns as consumers prioritize value and utility.

Trail Usage Statistics

Trail usage data from the Outdoor Industry Association shows a 31% increase in hiking participation between 2019 and 2023. Notably, this growth remained strong even as pandemic restrictions eased, suggesting a lasting shift in recreational preferences rather than a temporary pandemic effect.

Trail usage has remained elevated even after pandemic restrictions lifted, indicating a sustained shift toward outdoor recreation.

Stay Informed About Outdoor Industry Trends

Receive quarterly economic reports and analysis on the hiking industry’s performance during changing economic conditions.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Regional Economic Impact

The economic benefits of hiking extend beyond gear sales to impact local economies through tourism spending. According to Headwaters Economics, 49 states saw growth in their outdoor recreation economies between 2012 and 2023, with the top performers being:

Utah: +83%

Idaho: +77%

Washington: +64%

These figures demonstrate that the hiking industry’s economic impact is not merely anecdotal but represents a significant and growing contribution to state economies, even during periods of broader economic uncertainty.

Key Factors Behind Hiking Industry’s Recession Resilience

Resilience Factors

• Low-Cost Recreation Alternative: Hiking offers an affordable escape when expensive vacations become less accessible during economic downturns.
• Mental Health Benefits: The documented psychological benefits of outdoor activity become especially valuable during stressful economic periods.
• Equipment Durability: Quality hiking gear typically has a long lifespan, allowing for continued participation with minimal additional investment.
• Accessible Entry Point: Basic hiking requires minimal specialized equipment, making it accessible to newcomers with limited budgets.
• Domestic Tourism Shift: Economic constraints often redirect travel budgets from international destinations to local outdoor adventures.

Vulnerability Factors

• Premium Guided Tours: High-end guided experiences see significant drops in participation during recessions.
• Luxury Equipment: Premium-priced gear categories experience delayed purchase cycles during economic uncertainty.
• New Market Entrants: First-time purchases may decline as discretionary spending tightens.
• Fuel-Dependent Activities: Hiking destinations requiring significant travel can see reduced visitation when fuel prices rise.
• Seasonal Vulnerability: Weather-dependent hiking businesses face compounded challenges when economic and seasonal downturns coincide.

 

Hiking’s accessibility and low cost of entry make it an attractive recreational option during economic downturns.

Dr. Megan Lawson, who leads research in outdoor recreation and economic development at Headwaters Economics, notes that “the types of jobs with the fastest growth within outdoor recreation tend to be year-round and have higher wages and benefits than hospitality jobs.” This indicates that the industry is developing more stable employment structures that can better withstand economic fluctuations.

The hiking industry’s recession resilience is further strengthened by its diversification across multiple revenue streams. Beyond direct equipment sales, the ecosystem includes trail maintenance, guiding services, digital apps, and community-based organizations. This diversification helps buffer against downturns in any single segment.

Hiking vs. Other Outdoor Sectors: Comparative Stability

When compared to other outdoor recreation sectors, hiking demonstrates superior recession resilience due to its lower barriers to entry and minimal ongoing costs. While skiing and premium cycling segments tend to contract significantly during economic downturns, hiking and basic camping maintain relatively stable participation rates.

Hiking offers lower entry and maintenance costs compared to other outdoor activities, contributing to its economic resilience.

Jeremy Dickson, owner of Canoe Canada Outfitters, observes: “When times are tough, we get busy. The wilderness experiences we provide our customers are the perfect reprieve to a slumping economy.” This sentiment is echoed across the hiking industry, where economic downturns often correlate with increased interest in accessible outdoor experiences.

Actionable Strategies for Hiking Industry Businesses

For businesses operating within the hiking industry, several strategic approaches can enhance recession resilience:

For Trail Organizations & Tourism Boards

• Highlight Proximity: Market “nearby nature” to capitalize on reduced travel budgets.
• Develop Tiered Experiences: Offer both free access and premium guided options.
• Create Community Events: Foster engagement through low-cost group activities.
• Secure Diverse Funding: Reduce dependence on any single revenue source.
• Quantify Economic Impact: Document local economic benefits to secure community support.

The most recession-resistant businesses in the hiking industry share common characteristics: operational flexibility, diverse revenue streams, strong community connections, and an emphasis on value rather than luxury. By implementing these strategies, businesses can better weather economic uncertainty while continuing to serve the growing community of outdoor enthusiasts.

Future Outlook: Will Hiking Remain Recession-Proof?

Looking ahead, several factors suggest the hiking industry will maintain its recession resilience, though with some important caveats:

While the fundamental factors that make hiking recession-resistant remain strong, the industry will likely see evolution in how products and experiences are delivered. Digital integration, subscription models, and community-based initiatives are all likely to play increasing roles in the hiking economy of the future.

As trend forecaster Marian Salzman noted, “The only businesses in which she would consider investing right now are soup and camping.” This sentiment captures the enduring appeal of outdoor recreation during challenging economic times – people will continue to seek affordable escapes that provide both physical and mental health benefits.

Conclusion: Hiking’s Economic Resilience

The evidence strongly suggests that while no industry is truly recession-proof, the hiking sector demonstrates remarkable recession resistance. Its combination of low entry barriers, mental health benefits, equipment durability, and alignment with “staycation” trends during economic downturns creates a unique position in the recreational economy.

For consumers, hiking offers an accessible escape during financially challenging times. For businesses, the sector provides more stable demand patterns than many discretionary spending categories, though success still requires strategic adaptation to changing economic conditions.

As one industry expert summarized: “When the economy turns a little bit tougher, people tend to swap out vacations in the south of France or in Hawaii for something a little closer to home.” This fundamental shift in consumer behavior during recessions continues to benefit the hiking industry and suggests its resilience will endure through future economic cycles.