Many people know that walking is beneficial for health, and you might see them glancing at their smartwatches to see how many steps they’ve taken in a day. When you add in the benefits of fresh air, a slope to climb, and an occasional backpack to increase resistance, walking becomes hiking, which has a slew of benefits all its own.
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Hiking has been reported to reduce levels of the stress hormone by 13.4%, increase creativity by around 50%, and reduce mental health issues by around 50%. Hiking can even reduce the risk of cancer and improve social relationships.
It’s healthy as an industry, too. The market growth for hiking and outdoor equipment is predicted to grow by 1.4% in 2020 to reach a revenue of about $8.2 billion in the United States.
If you’re interested in hiking and want to include it in your affiliate marketing efforts, read through this list of the top 10 hiking affiliate programs. You might think of some ways you can put these programs to use right away. If not, don’t worry. I’ll share some ideas at the end of this article to help get you started.
Hiking Affiliate Programs
- Backcountry
- Outdoor Vitals
- Ridgemont Outfitters
- Moosejaw
- Nomadik
- Ramsey Outdoor
- Hyperlite Mountain Gear
- Gear Coop
- Osprey
- Ruffwear
1. Backcountry
- URL: Backcountry Affiliate Program
- Commission: 4%-12%
- Cookie: 30 days
Backcountry is an outdoor apparel company that carries popular brands such as Marmot, Patagonia, Sorel, and Backcountry. Customers can browse clothing for men, women, and children by brand, by the type of item they’re looking for, or by the type of activity they want to be outfitted for.
Besides hiking and camping, Backcountry carries products for bicycling, snow sports, running, climbing, surfing, yoga, fishing, and more.
The base commission rate is 4%, but affiliate marketers who make a lot of sales can earn up to 12% commission. Backcountry uses both AvantLink and Impact Radius to administer its affiliate programs. All marketing materials are provided.
Why You Should Promote Backcountry: The wide range of sports clothing that this store carries could attract shoppers and bump up shopping cart totals. The ability to earn a higher commission rate with more sales is a nice incentive for affiliate marketers too.
2. Outdoor Vitals
- URL: Outdoor Vitals Affiliate Program
- Commission: 10%
- Cookie: 30 days
Outdoor Vitals sells high-quality ultra-light hiking, camping, and other outdoor gear with the intent to help reduce consumer waste. The premise is that if customers buy a high-quality item once, they won’t have to replace it later or own multiple pieces of equipment to meet their needs.
Products include backpacks, pack builders, tents, sleeping bags, and other outdoor necessities. Customers get free shipping and limited lifetime warranties on all products.
Outdoor Vitals runs its affiliate program through AvantLink. It also supports sustainable poverty projects around the world by donating 1% of its revenue.
Why You Should Promote Outdoor Vitals: Outdoor Vitals provides high-quality outdoor gear at decent prices. This company has a strong focus on reducing consumerism, supporting sustainable projects, and working to reduce poverty, which could give it some social leverage as well. The commission rate is decent too.
3. Ridgemont Outfitters
- URL: Ridgemont Outfitters Affiliate Program
- Commission: Unlisted
- Cookie: 30 days
Ridgemont Outfitters sells stylish outdoor products such as hiking shoes, tee shirts, hats, hiking socks, bags, and accessories. The hiking boots and shoes are made with high-quality leather that is dyed in environmentally responsible tanneries.
The soles are made with special features and processes to make them strong and durable. Every purchase of shoes or hiking boots comes with a free pair of hiking socks.
Customers can shop by collections or by hiking boots for men or women. Shipping is free when customers spend $100 or more. This company also has a 28-day return policy. Not all returns are free.
Ridgemont Outfitters runs its affiliate program through FlexOffers.
Why You Should Promote Ridgemont Outfitters: The hiking boots are made to last, and the free shipping option could appeal to many shoppers. The free hiking socks idea is a fun gimmick that sets this company apart.
4. Moosejaw
- URL: Moosejaw Affiliate Program
- Commission: 3-10%
- Cookie: 30 days
Moosejaw sells footwear and apparel for outdoor adventures, including hiking, camping, bicycling, snow sports, and more. Customers can shop by brands they like, by activities they want to be outfitted for, or by the type of apparel they’re looking for, such as hiking boots or jackets.
This company provides free two-day shipping on orders of $49 or more. Customers can also participate in Moosejaw Rewards, which gives them back 10% of their purchase totals as store credits that they can use for future purchases.
Moosejaw runs its affiliate program through AvantLink, Commission Junction, and Impact Radius. The base commission rate is 3%, but affiliate marketers can earn up to 10% per sale, depending on how many sales they refer to the company.
Why You Should Promote Moosejaw: The tiered commission rate and three affiliate programs to choose from can help affiliate marketers. The free shipping option, high-quality products, and loyalty program can help convert shoppers, too.
5. Nomadik
- URL: Nomadik Affiliate Program
- Commission: 8%
- Cookie: 30 days
Nomadik offers monthly packages that inspire people to get outside by delivering the best-in-class gear. Their subscriptions are tailored for hikers, explorers, campers, and adventurers who appreciate high-quality gear from their select partners. Each box is unique, and the gear enclosed can be enjoyed by everyone who appreciates their time outdoors and exploring.
Their subscription boxes come in several packages. One can learn about new brands and get equipped with the latest gear. Boxes start at $29.99 with a guaranteed $50 retail value. You can also buy individual gear and product bundles but only with a limited inventory available.
Nomadik partnered with ShareASale to run its affiliate program. Affiliates will be provided with text links and banners. They will also be provided with opportunities for giveaways, reviews, and customized coupons regularly.
Why You Should Promote Nomadik: It’s a great gift idea for people of all ages. They inspire members to enjoy the outdoors and nature. Members will also gain access to discounts for top-notch brands.
6. Ramsey Outdoor
- URL: Ramsey Outdoor Affiliate Program
- Commission: 8%
- Cookie: 120 days
Ramsey Outdoor offers gears, clothing, and footwear that specializes in hiking as well as fishing, camping, climbing, water sports, backpacking, and hunting – practically what one needs to maximize adventures in the outdoors.
Their retail stores are staffed with experts who are knowledgeable in their fields. Each department boasts decades of experience and knowledge when it comes to using and understanding products for the outdoors. They also have an extensive website that carries a wide selection of gear in all departments.
To run their affiliate program, Ramsey Outdoor has partnered with Avantlink. Affiliates will have access to thousands of products from hundreds of manufacturers. Aside from the generous commission rates, affiliates will also have access to an extensive network and thorough tools.
Why You Should Promote Ramsey Outdoor: They have decades-old relationships with some of the industry’s top manufacturers like Columbia Sportswear, Patagonia, Merrell, Simms Fishing, Carhartt, Maui Jim, Timberland, The North Face, Eureka, and more.
7. Hyperlite Mountain Gear
- URL: Hyperlite Mountain Gear
- Commission: 10%
- Cookie: 30 days
Hyperlite Mountain Gear makes and sells durable, ultralight outdoor gear for activities such as day hiking, backpacking expeditions, mountain biking, and alpine climbing. All of the equipment is manufactured to provide just the most essential needs so that hikers don’t have to carry around clunky gear.
The company uses high-tech, waterproof materials in all its designs and strives for a balance between weight and durability.
Products are shipped worldwide. The average order value is $350. Hyperlite Mountain Gear equipment has been featured in several media outlets, including Backpacker, Rock & Ice, Outside, and Trail Runner.
Why You Should Promote Hyperlite Mountain Gear: The focus on providing ultralight gear could attract shoppers who are serious about hiking. The high average order value can help boost affiliate earnings, too.
8. Gear Coop
- URL: Gear Coop Affiliate Program
- Commission: 7%-11%
- Cookie: 120 days
Gear Coop offers the best gear selection for hiking, camping, snowboarding, trail running, and skiing. They are backed by a staff that actively pushes the limits of outdoor interactions in the hopes that they may inspire and assist in outdoor exploration.
They are the first national outdoor retailer to offer free 2-day shipping. They are the only retailer in the industry to offer Free Return Shipping, Free 2-Day Shipping, and a Lifetime Guarantee.
Gear Coop has partnered with Avantlink to administer their affiliate program. They have a high average order value of $120+. Their premium commission rates of 11% or higher are available for top-performing affiliates.
Why You Should Promote Gear Coop: They carry the best brands in the industry – Arc’teryx, Patagonia, The North Face, Marmot, Mammut, Black Diamond, Mountain Hardwear, Adidas Outdoor, and Petzl.
9. Osprey
- URL: Osprey Affiliate Program
- Commission: 8%
- Cookie: 30 days
Osprey offers a product line meant for day hikers, mountain bikers, and globetrotters – includes everything from daypacks and hydration accessories, to wheeled travel luggage, ski packs, organizational accessories, and more.
Their smaller volume hiking solutions have just as many features as their bigger counterparts. Osprey uses large-scale innovations to create better nimble and durable packs with the perfect fit so one could enjoy a better experience on any trail.
They also have gears for backpacking, mountain biking, trail running, skiing and snowboarding, climbing and mountaineering, diving, trail running, and more.
Why You Should Promote Osprey: The brand has a loyal customer base. They also offer a lifetime guarantee on all products, free shipping over $49, and consistent new product releases. The average order value is over $150 and with a commission rate of 8%, that could easily add up.
10. Ruffwear
- URL: Ruffwear Affiliate Program
- Commission: 8%
- Cookie: 30 days
Ruffwear manufactures and sells high-quality dog gear for people who want to take their dogs on outdoor adventures such as hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and river running. Products include items such as harnesses, leashes, collars, life jackets, packs, bowls, beds, and toys. There are also a few items for humans, including hip belts with leashes and bags for carrying dog treats.
The average order value is around $85. Orders that total more than $74.95 ship for free. This company also offers a 30-day, 100%-satisfaction guarantee.
Why You Should Promote Ruffwear: The free shipping option, satisfaction guarantee, and affordable prices could convert shoppers. The real appeal is that this company is dedicated to life with dogs, and that could attract some niche market shoppers.
Affiliate Website Ideas
Now that you’ve read through the list of the top 10 hiking affiliate programs, you might be wondering how to promote them on your websites. I have some ideas to share with you that you can use to help get started.
For example, programs like Enjoy Napa Valley could be featured on a wine-and-cheese website. Promoting these programs here could include deep linking to specific tours through wine country. These programs could also be included on websites about travel in general.
Programs like Ruffwear could be promoted on a website about living with pets. A website like this could also promote pet insurance, high-tech dog toys, grooming kits, airline kennels, and doggie daycares.
One other idea is a website that focuses on a specific mountain location, such as life in Park City, Utah, or Telluride, Colorado. Hiking tours, hiking boots, backpacking equipment, mountain climbing gear, and camping supplies could all be promoted on a website like this one. This type of website could also promote local business affiliate programs, such as the realtor’s association or angler programs in Telluride.
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These 10 affiliate programs are just the beginning of what's possible. There are hundreds of ways to earn affiliate commissions with your website, including product reviews, top 10 lists, how-to guides, and more
But what about traffic and conversions? How do you make sure your affiliate links get clicked?
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Nathaniell
What's up ladies and dudes! Great to finally meet you, and I hope you enjoyed this post. My name is Nathaniell and I'm the owner of One More Cup of Coffee. I started my first online business in 2010 promoting computer software and now I help newbies start their own businesses. Sign up for my #1 recommended training course and learn how to start your business for FREE!
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