2026 Backpacking Report: Executive Summary

Backpacking has long been a staple of outdoor recreation, drawing millions of Americans into the backcountry each year. For outdoor brands and retailers, it supports everything from specialty cottage brands to the major retailers that outfit first-time participants.

The 2026 Backpacking Report shows a category with real room to grow despite a slow decline. Participation has been slipping since its 2017 peak, and backpacking missed the pandemic-era surge that lifted hiking and tent camping. Yet many of those hikers and campers already have some of the gear and skills needed to start, making them a ready pool of potential customers heading into the years ahead.

Inside the report, you’ll find a closer look at the state of backpacking, including:

• Trends among casual and core backpackers since 2012, and why the next hit book or film could spark another surge
• The influence of thru-hikers on gear, footwear, and apparel, and how quickly newcomers can become committed backpackers
• Backpacking’s crossover with other popular outdoor activities, and where to find the next generation of participants
• Average prices for essential equipment and the case for long-term value, including how a starter kit compares with a three-day theme park trip
• How participation varies by sex, age, region, race and ethnicity, and household income, with a look at the communities best positioned for growth

Download the executive summary to get the key takeaways from the report. Leadership and Support Plus members can access the full report in the OIA membership portal. Not a member? Contact membership@outdoorindustry.org to get the full report.