PUBLISHER: Global Industry Analysts, Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 1747748
PUBLISHER: Global Industry Analysts, Inc. | PRODUCT CODE: 1747748
Global Trekking and Hiking Market to Reach US$185.9 Million by 2030
The global market for Trekking and Hiking estimated at US$140.6 Million in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$185.9 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Clothes, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 5.8% CAGR and reach US$75.7 Million by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Footwear segment is estimated at 4.3% CAGR over the analysis period.
The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$38.3 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 8.8% CAGR
The Trekking and Hiking market in the U.S. is estimated at US$38.3 Million in the year 2024. China, the world's second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$39.2 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 8.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.9% and 3.8% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.8% CAGR.
Global "Trekking and Hiking" Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized
Why Are More People Lacing Up Their Boots? The Cultural and Recreational Surge in Trekking and Hiking
In recent years, trekking and hiking have evolved from niche adventure activities into global lifestyle phenomena, attracting diverse demographics spanning from young urban explorers to retirees seeking wellness through nature. This surge is deeply rooted in shifting cultural attitudes toward fitness, mental well-being, and environmental awareness. Consumers increasingly associate time spent in nature with mindfulness, stress reduction, and digital detoxification, particularly in a post-pandemic world marked by remote work and screen fatigue. Urban dwellers, faced with growing mental health challenges, are turning to outdoor excursions as accessible and therapeutic escapes. Moreover, travel culture has dramatically shifted toward experience-based tourism, with trekking routes such as the Inca Trail, Kilimanjaro ascent, and Himalayan treks gaining popularity as must-do adventures. In developing countries, burgeoning middle classes with greater disposable income are fueling domestic hiking trends and visiting international trails. Social media has also played a transformative role, as curated images and videos of breathtaking landscapes inspire aspirational travel and create global visibility for offbeat trekking destinations. Simultaneously, national governments and tourism boards are investing in the development of trekking infrastructure-such as marked trails, eco-lodges, and safety systems-making these activities more accessible, safer, and attractive to the general public.
Is Outdoor Gear Innovation Rewriting the Rules of the Trail? A Look at Equipment, Apparel, and Tech Evolution
The trekking and hiking market has significantly benefited from rapid innovation in gear and apparel, redefining the consumer experience on trails. Advancements in lightweight, breathable, and weather-resistant materials have made clothing and footwear more efficient and versatile across climates and terrains. Smart apparel-such as temperature-regulating jackets, moisture-wicking layers, and GPS-embedded gear-has become increasingly popular among serious hikers and tech-savvy millennials. Footwear companies are investing in biomechanical research to produce ergonomic hiking boots with advanced sole traction, arch support, and blister prevention. The backpack segment, too, has seen major transformation with hydration-compatible, load-distribution-optimized designs gaining traction. Wearable technology like smartwatches and fitness trackers integrated with altimeters, step counters, heart rate monitors, and offline GPS navigation tools are now considered essentials. Drone usage in adventure documentation and safety surveillance is gaining ground, while mobile apps help with route planning, weather updates, and SOS alerts. Meanwhile, sustainable production practices are being integrated into gear manufacturing, with brands increasingly using recycled fabrics, biodegradable packaging, and eco-friendly dyes. These technological and design advancements not only improve comfort and safety but also reflect a broader trend toward responsible and smart adventure travel.
How Are Destinations and Regulations Adapting to the Growing Outdoor Footprint?
As trekking and hiking rise in global popularity, managing environmental and infrastructural pressures has become a key concern for trail-dependent regions. Fragile ecosystems, especially in mountainous and forested terrains, are experiencing footfall beyond their carrying capacity, leading to soil erosion, littering, and wildlife disturbance. In response, several countries have begun implementing regulatory frameworks to balance tourism with ecological preservation. For instance, permits and visitor caps are being enforced on high-demand trails, such as Nepal’s Annapurna Circuit and the U.S. National Parks’ backcountry routes. Eco-tourism models are being promoted, where local communities are trained to provide guiding, accommodation, and food services in a sustainable manner. Additionally, governments and NGOs are collaborating to create awareness about “Leave No Trace” principles and responsible trekking behavior. Urban green corridors, hiking parks, and nature reserves are also being developed near metropolitan centers to offer less invasive alternatives for casual hikers. Furthermore, geopolitical stability and border reopening policies post-COVID have reignited interest in international hiking tourism, prompting countries to invest in better signage, multilingual guides, first-aid facilities, and trail maintenance. These developments aim to ensure a safer, cleaner, and more structured experience for outdoor enthusiasts while safeguarding the ecological integrity of trekking zones.
The Growth in the Trekking and Hiking Market Is Driven by Several Factors…
The upward trajectory of the trekking and hiking market is being powered by a combination of behavioral, technological, and geographical growth catalysts. Chief among them is the rising consumer inclination toward fitness, outdoor wellness, and experiential travel, particularly among urban populations in both developed and emerging economies. Secondly, the proliferation of travel content on digital platforms-ranging from vlogs to Instagram stories-has made hiking aspirational and accessible, drawing interest across age groups and nationalities. Thirdly, continual innovation in gear, clothing, and safety equipment has lowered entry barriers and enhanced participation, especially for beginners. Fourth, the expansion of hiking infrastructure-trail networks, eco-lodges, wayfinding systems, and guided tour services-has made remote and high-altitude destinations more reachable. Fifth, national tourism strategies in countries like Japan, Peru, India, and New Zealand are increasingly focusing on sustainable adventure tourism to diversify their economic portfolios and attract long-stay visitors. Sixth, the increased emphasis on mental health and self-care has elevated hiking to a recreational therapy for stress and anxiety, reinforcing its cultural relevance. Lastly, the growth of online booking platforms for trekking packages, combined with modular pricing, seasonal discounts, and group offers, has made hiking tours more organized and commercially viable, significantly expanding their market base. These interlinked dynamics collectively underscore the robust, multidimensional growth of the global trekking and hiking sector.
SCOPE OF STUDY:
The report analyzes the Trekking and Hiking market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:
Segments:
Product (Clothes, Footwear, Backpack, Equipment, Other Products)
Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.
Select Competitors (Total 42 Featured) -
TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR
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APRIL 2025: NEGOTIATION PHASE
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