Boost Dropshipping Business with Outdoor Equipment

Stepping out of the house, embracing nature, and enjoying fresh air have become daily routines for many. The rise in outdoor activities is evident, with people, especially Gen Z, developing a strong passion for the great outdoors.

Outdoor enthusiasts often begin with basic equipment and gradually upgrade as they gain experience. This continuous cycle of purchasing and restocking creates an ideal market for dropshippers. So, is dropshipping outdoor equipment profitable? What is the best outdoor equipment to dropship? Dive into this article to gain valuable insights into the outdoor industry before you start selling. Prepare outdoor equipment for all levels to maximize your profits.

 

Is Dropshipping Outdoor Equipment Profitable?

 

Before answering this question, we shall define what is 'outdoor activity' first. It refers to any physical activity or recreation that takes place outside, typically in natural settings and is popular across various age groups and fitness levels. Ranging from leisure pursuits to intense sports and adventures, people take part in outdoor activities to build a closer connection with nature, contributing to physical and mental wellness.

Outdoor equipment is designed to meet different needs and enhance experience during outdoor activities, often providing safety, comfort and convenience--camping gear, hiking equipment, apparel, and other types. The large demand across all kinds boosts the outdoor equipment market's growth. According to Statista, revenue in the outdoor equipment market is projected to reach US$6.48bn in 2024. It's the perfect time to join the outdoor activity feast by providing quality outdoor products. Select the niche market you're interested in and add high-demanding items to your dropshipping store now!

 

Top Trends in Outdoor Equipment Market

 

1. Personalization and Customization

 

The outdoor market has welcomed more and more casual consumers experiencing energetic and colorful outdoor activities. The desire for personalized and customized products is surging with more young customers coming in. This demand is prompting brands to offer more customized options, catering to the unique needs and preferences of the customers. As a result, dropshippers have a fantastic opportunity to tap into niche markets and provide specialized gear. Provide a personalized consuming experience to stay competitive and improve your dropshipping sales.

 

2. Equipment Advancements and Diversification

 

To keep catching up with the updated demands in the outdoor equipment market, many brands innovate their products consistently and make them smarter and more technological. As people’s skills continue to advance and more desires arise along, manufacturers will upgrade the products from the original, which may combine with new technologies. Creating a safe, convenient, and efficient outdoor experience should always be your ultimate goal.

 

3. The Growth of Adventure Tourism

 

People are getting more obsessed with outdoor adventures, even on rainy days--more parents take their children for a camping holiday and outdoor workouts are also popular choices among all ages. Many outdoor adventures require specialized equipment, thus there's a growing market for high-quality, durable gear tailored to specific activities. Certain niche markets like camping have set new standards for products with speeding development. Once you've decided on the niche market you've got into, detailed market research can prevent you from meeting many problems.

 

 

8 Popular Outdoor Dropshipping Niches

 

Considering that outdoor activities encompass numerous varieties, each activity has different requirements for the products needed. Dropshippers may better pick the right areas and choose to source the concerning products. Or, if you are already selling outdoor equipment online, we recommend building up your own brand and categorizing the products in your stores, which can make your stores more welcomed. Based on detailed research and analysis, we've prepared the following 8 popular outdoor activity markets for you to refer to. Look no further and find potential profits now!

 

1. Hiking

 

Hiking is the top outdoor activity among people in the United States, with more than 61 million people in the United States participating in hiking activities at least once in 2023. There are plentiful hiking trails open to people across the world which attract hikers to explore all year round. People go Hiking is more than just a recreational activity it’s a way of connecting with nature, escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life, and challenging oneself physically and mentally. Hiking essentials can be good choices for dropshippers to sell online.

 

▶ Product Ideas: Backpack, Footwear, Waterproof jackets, Water bottles, Visors.

 

 

2. Camping

 

Camping offers a cost-effective way to explore nature and unwind, especially for a family. The surging demand for camping gear since 2021 is something to behold. This industry never slows down the speed going forward--well-maintained campsites and updated camping gear to meet new demands. The camping market worldwide is projected to make a revenue of US$48.33bn in 2024. If you already have products for camping in your store, it's a great time to cross-sell with other high-demand outdoor activity equipment.

 

▶ Product Ideas: Camping tableware, Camping tents, Camping chairs, Sleeping bags, Camping lights.

 

 

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Further Reading: Niche Dropshipping - Best Camping Gear to Dropship

 

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3. Running & Jogging

 

Running and jogging are top choices for many people as a daily workout routine. Due to the benefits of improving cardiovascular health, and strengthening muscles and bones, many elderly people are devoted runners. It can be done nearly anywhere and is easy to start, making it one of the most popular and practiced sports worldwide. The large participation ensures stable consuming groups.

 

▶ Product Ideas: Running shoes, Smartphone armband, Sports bras, Running belt, Running headphones.

 

 

4. Cycling

 

Cycling is treated more than an eco-friendly transportation, it also serves as a leisure or workout for people. It enhances cardiovascular health, boosts muscle strength, and improves joint mobility, while also being a low-impact exercise that's easy on the joints. The multiple attributes win over millions of people participating every day. There are many different types of cycling to take part in, including BMX and mountain biking. If you sell equipment for cycling races or competitions, make sure your products meet the standards.

 

▶ Product Ideas: Bike lock, Bicycle bottle cages, Bike Lights, Bicycle Phone Front Frame Bag, Dry-fit T-shirt.

 

 

5. Skiing

 

Skiing is another widespread outdoor activity. Originally played in regions with cold winters, artificial ice, and snow now allow people to play more flexibly. Skiing is popular in regions like North America and Europe, due to the ideal geographical Features, and well-developed infrastructure with world-class resorts and facilities. Additionally, most skiing lovers enjoy higher disposable incomes and are more willing to spend money on this sport. The winter Sports Equipment market worldwide is projected to generate a revenue of US$14.7bn in 2024. Dropshippers shall never miss this profitable market!

 

▶ Product Ideas: Ski protection gear, Ski goggles, Ski helmet, Ski face mask, Waterproof ski gloves.

 

 

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Further Reading: Niche Dropshipping - Popular Winter Sports Gear to Sell Online

 

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6. Surfing

 

The popularity of surfing has grown significantly in recent years, especially in the United States. According to statistics from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the number of surfers has increased by more than 35% in less than a decade. After the debut appearance at the 2020 Summer Olympics, the International Olympic Committee approved its bid for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris as well as the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The permanent inclusion in the Olympic Games guarantees greater exposure which leads to higher participation. The rise of surfing parks also fuels people's interest in this water sport to some degree.

 

▶ Product Ideas: Wetsuits, Surf suits and swimsuits, Surf hats, Beach Bag, Beach Towel.

 

 

7. Fishing

 

Fishing is an enjoyable and calming outdoor activity for people to relax and spend time in nature. The social component of fishing also frequently makes it a motivation among hobby anglers. While some people prefer to fish alone to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, most participants choose to embark as a group. Fishing can be the most popular pastime in the US, with 54.5m recreational participants. The major participants are aged from 25 to 44, with a stable consuming ability and willing to pay for better gear. Increased interest in fishing is such good news for dropshippers to provide fishing equipment.

 

▶ Product Ideas: Fishing rod, Fishing Scissors, Fishing backpack. Fishing hat, Sunglasses.

 

 

8. Gardening

 

Gardening today has become a popular hobby for many aging from young to old across the world. People are obsessed with creating green landscapes at home and constructing unique gardens. The higher participation contributes to the booming garden supplies demand without signs of slowing down, which was predicted to grow to a sales value of nearly 130 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. With detailed market research and suppliers, dropshippers can achieve considerable sales from this market.

 

▶ Product Ideas: Garden kneeler and seat, Gardening gloves, Garden hoses, Garden Lights, Suncatcher.

 

 

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Further Reading: Digging into Success by Dropshipping Garden Supplies

 

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5 Tips to Succeed in Outdoor Equipment Dropshipping

 

1. Choose Reliable Suppliers

 

The outdoor equipment market includes quite a few selections for dropshippers. Once you have decided what products to sell, finding a reliable supplier to work with is an important task. Consumers purchasing outdoor equipment have a high requirement for quality, so quality control is particularly necessary. Multi-platform sample comparisons usually take a lot of effort and time, which can impact the processing of other work. Collaborate with a professional sourcing agent like SourcinBox to help you source high-quality outdoor equipment from excellent manufacturers directly, do quality checks, and fulfill your orders.

 

2. Build an Outdoor Equipment Brand

 

Branding your outdoor equipment dropshipping business can upgrade your business image and enhance your product impression on your customers. People always tend to trust brands more and are more willing to make repeat purchases under the same brand. Considering the long buying and replenishment cycle for outdoor equipment, you can introduce a series of products under your brand for specific(one or more) outdoor activities, ranging in different levels to attract sales.

 

3. Leverage Social Media

 

Social media surely leaves a way to success for dropshipping. Outdoor retail brands may leverage the influence of popular social media to expand brand popularity. For example, Stanley has seen significant growth in recent years which should be attributed to its Quencher tumblers gained the favor of social media. Whether promoting the products under your own accounts or collaborating with influencers, social media can provide you with more traffic and orders.

 

4. Follow the Market Trends

 

Whichever niche market you choose to dropship, always remember to keep pace with the market trends, which can win you an edge in the competition. Update your marketing strategy according to the development of the market, combined with your store data. Update your offering lists timely with the marketing trends to meet updated needs from customers. Check the feedback from your customers from time to time and improve your products based on them.

 

5. Improve Customer Service

 

A courteous and patient service attitude is bound to leave a favorable impression. If your customers choose your products at the introductory stage of outdoor sports while enjoying excellent service in your store, they will be more likely to repurchase higher-order equipment at a later stage. Also, leaving greeting cards or sending products in customized packaging are also good ways to improve customer loyalty. Your customer service quality shall pair with your quality product.

 

Conclusion

 

The outdoor industry has seen a boom with more people seeking out the peace and joy of the outdoors. As more shoppers enter the market the outdoor equipment market is poised for a steady expansion. Outdoor enthusiasts are always willing to purchase products that enable them to engage in the lifestyle and activity they love. Don't hesitate to add quality outdoor equipment to your store and build up an outdoor brand to help more people chase a meaningful life.