If you’re passionate about the outdoors and eager to share that love on your own website, then outdoor affiliate programs could be a perfect match for you. In 2024, these programs present a valuable opportunity to earn income by promoting products related to outdoor activities.
Consider this: the global market for camping gear alone was worth over $43 billion in 2023 and is projected to soar past $62 billion by 2027. That’s a growth rate of 9.12% annually. This booming market offers a lucrative avenue for affiliate marketers, especially in the sports and outdoors niche. In fact, the average affiliate marketer in this sector can earn close to $5,000 per month.
Top 10 High-Paying Outdoor Affiliate Programs to Join 2024
Joining an outdoor affiliate program allows you to capitalize on this growing trend. Not only can you fuel your passion for outdoor adventures, but you can also guide others to the best products while earning a substantial income. This guide will explore the top affiliate programs in the outdoor activities and equipment niche, helping you start your journey in this exciting and profitable field.
1. REI Affiliate Program
REI Co-op has been a key player in the outdoor market since 1938, known for its quality products and expert advice on outdoor gear. They also attract budget-conscious shoppers with the REI Outlet, offering big discounts on brand-name items. With an average order value over $120 and 5% commission, the REI affiliate program is an attractive choice for marketers. Plus, their free shipping on orders over $50 can boost sales.
Key points about the REI affiliate program:
- Commission Rate: 5%
- Average Order Value: Over $120
- REI Outlet: Offers 20% – 70% discounts on brand-name items
- Free Shipping: On orders over $50
- Cookie Duration: 15 days
- URL: REI Affiliate Program
2. Osprey Affiliate Program
Osprey, renowned for its top-quality backpacks, offers more than just that. Their range includes gear for hiking, biking, commuting, and traveling. The brand stands out with a unique selling point: a limited lifetime warranty on backpacks, promising free repairs for any damage or defect, regardless of when the backpack was bought. This commitment to quality is a strong draw for potential customers and a great advantage for affiliates.
Here are key points about the Osprey Affiliate Program:
- Commission Rate: Earn 8% on each sale you refer.
- Average Order Value: Over $150, meaning higher potential earnings for affiliates.
- Cookie Duration: 30 days, allowing ample time for referred visitors to make a purchase.
- Regular Promotions: Osprey runs seasonal sales and promotions, providing affiliates with varied marketing tools.
- Product Range: Not just backpacks, but also gear for various activities like hiking and biking.
- Lifetime Warranty: A significant selling point, enhancing customer trust and affiliate conversions.
3. Patagonia Affiliate Program
Patagonia, originally a niche brand for rock climbing tools, has evolved into a major name for various outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and trail running. The company is committed to ethical practices, donating a portion of its sales to environmental causes. Its affiliate program, part of the Avantlink network, offers appealing benefits for promoters.
- Program Details:
- URL: Patagonia Affiliate Program
- Commission Rate: 8%
- Cookie Duration: 90 days
- Product Range: Includes equipment for climbing, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and trail running.
- Ethical Focus: Patagonia donates time, services, and at least 1% of sales to environmental organizations.
- Average Order Value: High, at over $150.
- Conversion Rate: Notably high, at 5.5%.
- Affiliate Network: Operates through the Avantlink network.
4. Marmot Affiliate Program
Marmot, known for its unique beginnings as a mountaineering club in the 1970s, has grown into a leading brand for outdoor gear. This growth journey, from a club where each member became a ‘president’ to a renowned manufacturer of outdoor equipment, is truly inspiring. Today, Marmot offers an affiliate program through CJ Affiliate, focusing not on club memberships but on promoting their high-quality outdoor clothing and equipment.
Key details of the Marmot Affiliate Program:
- URL: Marmot Affiliate Program
- Commission Rate: 8% on all sales
- Cookie Duration: 90 days
- Marketing Support: Affiliates receive various marketing materials from Marmot, including graphics, logos, and display banners, to aid in promotion.
- Program Managed By: CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)
5. Backcountry Affiliate Program
Backcountry is a one-stop shop for top-notch outdoor gear, offering a wide range of products for various outdoor activities like backpacking, camping, skiing, and more. They not only provide a vast selection of equipment, but also feature popular brands like Marmot, The North Face, and Patagonia. What sets Backcountry apart is its exceptional customer service, led by knowledgeable Gearheads who specialize in different outdoor niches.
Key points about Backcountry’s affiliate program:
- URL: Backcountry Affiliate Program
- Commission Rate: 8%, with potential for higher rates for top performers.
- Cookie Duration: 30 days, tracking the referrals.
- Product Range: Includes gear for backpacking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, and more.
- Brand Variety: Stocks well-known brands like Marmot, The North Face, and Patagonia.
- Expert Support: Access to Gearheads for specialized advice and product knowledge.
- Audience: Ideal for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, from beginners to experts.
- Potential Earnings: Opportunity to earn higher commissions based on performance.
6. Camping World Affiliate Program
Camping World, established in 1966, is a leading retailer in the recreational vehicle (RV) and outdoor living market. As the largest RV-focused retailer in America, it has a wide reach with over 160 stores nationwide and a strong online presence. With millions of US households owning or aspiring to own RVs, this platform offers a significant audience for affiliate marketers. The Camping World affiliate program is attractive for several reasons:
- Commission Rate: Earn a 6% commission on sales.
- Product Range: Extensive selection of high-quality RV accessories, camping gear, towing equipment, and outdoor living products.
- Market Size: Targets a large and growing market of RV owners and enthusiasts.
- Brand Reputation: Well-established brand with over 50 years in the industry.
- Online & Offline Presence: Strong online platform complemented by a widespread network of physical stores.
- High-Value Products: Offers potential for substantial earnings due to the high price points of many products, including new and used RVs.
7. North Face Affiliate Program
The North Face, founded in 1968 in San Francisco, has evolved from a climbing-focused outdoor equipment store to a leader in performance apparel and gear. Known for its outdoor clothing, The North Face is popular among celebrities like Drake and has even partnered with Gucci. Despite this high-profile recognition, the brand remains a favorite among long-time outdoor enthusiasts.
Their affiliate program may not offer the biggest commission or the longest cookie duration, but The North Face’s strong reputation can help affiliates generate significant sales.
- Affiliate Program URL: North Face Affiliate Program
- Commission Rate: 5%
- Cookie Duration: 7 days
8. Cabela’s Affiliate Program
Cabela’s, part of the Bass Pro Shops family, offers a wide range of outdoor gear. They sell everything for outdoor sports like fishing, hunting, and camping. Their global reach extends to 120 countries, and they even send catalogs worldwide.
Here are key points about Cabela’s affiliate program:
- Global Reach: Available in 120 countries, including all 50 US states.
- Diverse Products: Offers a variety of outdoor gear, from fishing to camping.
- Commission Rate: Earn between 1% – 3% on sales.
- Cookie Duration: 14-day window for cookie tracking.
- Support for Affiliates: Access to creative assets, newsletters, and a dedicated affiliate management team.
- URL for More Information: Cabela’s Affiliate Program.
9. Outdoorsy Affiliate Program
Outdoorsy’s affiliate program offers a unique way to earn by connecting RV owners with renters, much like Airbnb did with homes. This program has gained massive popularity, with over 1.2 million customer interactions and a stellar 93% rate of five-star reviews. As an affiliate, you’ll earn by bringing in new bookings or listings, with a base commission of $60 for each successful referral.
Key Points of Outdoorsy Affiliate Program:
- Program Type: Earn by referring RV rentals and listings.
- Popularity: Over 1.2 million interactions, 93% five-star reviews.
- Options: Wide range of vehicles including Airstreams, trailers, and motorhomes.
- Commission: $60+ for each booking or listing you prefer.
- Cookie Duration: 30 days.
- URL: Outdoorsy Affiliate Program
10. Outdoor Voices Affiliate Program
“Outdoor Voices, also known as OV, is a clothing brand specializing in high-quality athletic wear. Established in New York in 2013 and now headquartered in Austin, it’s famous for its ‘kits’—coordinated sets of tops and bottoms sold together. These sets typically encourage customers to buy more, potentially leading to higher earnings for affiliates. However, the affiliate program has some limitations, including a short 14-day cookie duration and a low 2% commission rate. On the plus side, OV offers free returns and free shipping for orders above $75, which can help in making sales.”
Key Points about Outdoor Voices’ Affiliate Program:
- URL: Outdoor Voices Affiliate Program
- Commission Rate: 2%
- Cookie Duration: 14 days
- Specialty: High-quality athletic apparel
- Headquarters: Austin, Texas (Founded in New York, 2013)
- Unique Offer: ‘Kits’ of mix-and-match tops and bottoms
- Additional Benefits: Free shipping on orders over $75 and free returns
FAQs – List of Best Outdoor Affiliate Programs In 2024
What are outdoor affiliate programs?
Outdoor affiliate programs are partnerships where you promote outdoor products on your website or blog and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral.
Which are some of the top outdoor affiliate programs in 2024?
Some of the best programs include REI, Patagonia, Backcountry, and Cabela’s, known for their wide range of products and competitive commission rates.
What should I look for in an outdoor affiliate program?
Look for programs with competitive commission rates, long cookie durations, a wide range of quality products, and a strong brand reputation.
Are there any costs associated with joining these programs?
Most outdoor affiliate programs are free to join. However, you should invest time and effort in creating content and building your audience.
Conclusion: Are Outdoor Affiliate Programs Worth Joining in 2024?
In conclusion, the decision to join outdoor affiliate programs in 2024 depends largely on your interests and expertise. The outdoor industry offers significant earning potential through affiliate marketing, but it’s important to consider if this niche aligns with your skills and passion.
A key factor in succeeding with these programs is having genuine knowledge and enthusiasm for outdoor activities and gear. Your audience will be looking for expert advice and reliable recommendations. If you’re not familiar with high-quality outdoor products, you might struggle to gain their trust and establish credibility.
Even if you’re an expert in outdoor activities, success isn’t guaranteed. It’s crucial to develop a high-quality website that effectively converts visitors into customers. This requires not only knowledge of outdoor products but also skills in website design, content creation, and digital marketing.
If you’re uncertain about how to start or improve your affiliate website, don’t worry. Educational resources like Authority Hacker’s free training can guide you through the process of creating an authority site that is relevant and successful in 2024 and beyond. Consider such training opportunities to enhance your skills and increase your chances of success in the competitive world of affiliate marketing.