Europe Adventure Sports Gear Market Outlook, 2028

Europe has a long history of outdoor activities that can be considered precursors to modern adventure sports. Activities such as mountaineering, skiing, and sailing have deep historical roots in various European regions. These traditions have evolved into more modern forms of adventure sports while retaining their historical significance. The culture of adventure sports in Europe is rich and diverse, with a wide range of activities and a strong community of enthusiasts. Adventure sports combine physical challenges, outdoor exploration, and a sense of thrill, making them popular among individuals seeking excitement and a connection to nature. Adventure sports have strong communities across Europe. Enthusiasts often gather for events, competitions, and festivals related to their chosen activity. These events not only provide a platform for showcasing skills but also foster a sense of camaraderie among participants. As adventure sports involve risk, safety and proper training are emphasized. Many European countries have organizations and schools that offer training and certification in various adventure sports, ensuring participants have the necessary skills to enjoy their activities safely. With the growing awareness of environmental issues, the adventure sports community in Europe has become increasingly concerned about preserving natural habitats and landscapes. Many organizations and individuals are taking steps to promote responsible and sustainable practices within these sports. There are several factors driving the growth of the European adventure sports gear industry. One factor is the increasing popularity of outdoor activities among European consumers. A recent study in European region has found that 72% of Europeans participate in outdoor activities at least once a year. There is a growing trend towards niche sports, such as trail running, bouldering, and stand-up paddle-boarding. This is being driven by the increasing popularity of social media, which allows people to learn about and share information about these sports.

According to the research report, “Europe Adventure Sports Gear Market Outlook, 2028” published by Bonafide Research, the market is anticipated to add over USD 5 Billion from 2023 to 2028. Major factor that is driving growth is the increasing disposable income of European consumers. This is giving people more money to spend on leisure activities, including adventure sports. The European adventure sports gear industry is also benefiting from the increasing focus on sustainability. Many consumers are now looking for environmentally friendly products, and the adventure sports gear industry is responding by offering more sustainable products. In addition to that, the number of women participating in adventure sports is growing rapidly. This is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing availability of women-specific gear and the growing visibility of female adventurers in the media. Also, adventure sports gear is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with features like GPS tracking, weatherproofing, and impact protection. This is helping to make outdoor adventures safer and more enjoyable. The growing popularity of e-commerce is also contributing to the growth of the European adventure sports gear industry. Online retailers offer a wider range of products and more competitive prices than traditional brick-and-mortar stores. A number of major factors are influencing Europe's demand for adventure sporting goods, including a rise in the prevalence of obesity, an increase in health and fitness awareness, a rise in the consumption of processed foods, a rise in disposable income, and a rise in the popularity of sports activities among the general population. The most important source countries for culture-related adventure tourism (e.g. tangible culture tourism) are Spain, Italy, Sweden and Germany. Many of the travellers in these countries base their destination choices on the cultural offerings of a destination. These travellers are also quite willing and financially able to travel to destinations in developing countries.

The Netherlands is a country with a long history of outdoor recreation, and the popularity of adventure sports such as hiking, biking, camping, and skiing is increasing. This is being driven by a number of factors, including the growing popularity of social media, which is inspiring people to try new activities, and the increasing availability of affordable gear and equipment. The Dutch government is supportive of the adventure sports industry and has implemented a number of policies to promote it. These include providing funding for outdoor recreation infrastructure and offering tax breaks to businesses that operate in the industry. The country attracts a significant number of tourists who are interested in adventure sports. This influx of travelers looking to engage in activities like biking and wind sports can drive the demand for adventure sports gear. In addition to that, the trend of leading a healthier lifestyle is driving more people to engage in physical activities. Adventure sports offer a combination of fitness and leisure, further boosting the demand for relevant gear. As technology advances, adventure sports gear is becoming more specialized, durable, and efficient. This can attract enthusiasts who are willing to invest in high-quality equipment. Sporting events, races, and adventure festivals can create excitement around adventure sports and encourage participation. These events can also provide a platform for gear manufacturers to showcase their products. Furthermore, the growth of online shopping and e-commerce platforms has made it easier for consumers to access a wide range of adventure sports gear. This convenience can contribute to market growth.

The adventure sports gear market in Europe has been experiencing growth over the years, driven by factors such as increased interest in outdoor activities, rising disposable income, and a growing trend of wellness and outdoor experiences. Backpacks are a crucial component of adventure sports gear, as they are essential for carrying equipment, supplies, and personal items during various outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, camping, mountaineering, and more. The popularity of outdoor adventure activities like hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and skiing has been on the rise in Europe. These activities often require specialized backpacks designed to carry equipment and essentials safely and comfortably. There has been a growing trend of incorporating outdoor activities into urban lifestyles. Many individuals are using backpacks designed for adventure sports as everyday bags due to their durability and functionality. Manufacturers have been continuously innovating to create backpacks that are lightweight, ergonomic, and equipped with advanced features such as hydration systems, specialized compartments, and improved weight distribution. The backpacking trend among travelers has also contributed to the demand for versatile and durable backpacks that can accommodate both outdoor adventure activities and travel needs. Younger generations have shown a keen interest in staying active and exploring the outdoors, which has driven the demand for suitable gear including backpacks.

Based on the application, camping is anticipated to cross USD 3 Billion market size by 2023-28. It is a popular outdoor activity that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The popularity of camping has been increasing in recent years, due to a number of factors, such as the growing awareness of the importance of spending time in nature, the increasing availability of affordable gear and equipment, and the rise of social media, which has inspired people to try new activities. Adventure sports gear manufacturers are constantly developing new technologies to improve the performance and functionality of their products. This includes the use of lightweight materials, such as high-density fabrics and composites, and the development of more comfortable and ergonomic designs. Also, glamping is a type of camping that combines the comforts of home with the experience of camping in nature. This trend is being driven by the increasing demand for comfortable and convenient camping experiences in Europe. The growth of rental markets: Rental markets for camping gear are growing as more people look for affordable ways to participate in camping. This trend is being driven by the increasing availability of rental companies that offer a wide range of camping gear for different activities. Furthermore, camping is considered a family-friendly activity, and many families are turning to camping as a way to bond and create lasting memories. This has led to a demand for camping gear suitable for families, including larger tents, kid-friendly sleeping bags, and family-sized cooking equipment.



The mid-range price segment has traditionally been a significant driver of growth in the adventure sports gear market. The segment is anticipated to grow with prominent CAGR during the forecast period. This range includes products with good quality and performance while being relatively affordable for a broad range of consumers. Many outdoor enthusiasts, casual adventurers, and those new to adventure sports often opt for gear within this price range. On the other hand, there has been a growing demand for premium and specialized adventure sports gear. Enthusiasts who are deeply involved in activities such as mountaineering, backcountry skiing, or technical rock climbing often require high-performance gear that can withstand extreme conditions. These premium products command higher prices due to their advanced features, durability, and specialized designs. As environmental consciousness increases, there has been a noticeable interest in sustainable and eco-friendly adventure sports gear. While these products can sometimes be priced at a premium due to their ethical and eco-conscious production processes, they have gained traction among environmentally conscious consumers. Adventure sports gear with integrated technology, such as smart wearable, GPS devices, and activity trackers, often falls into a higher price range. These products cater to tech-savvy adventurers who value connectivity, tracking, and data analysis during their outdoor activities.

In Europe, the online retail sector has been a significant driver of growth in the adventure sports gear market. E-commerce platforms provide consumers with easy access to a wide range of products, detailed product information, customer reviews, and the convenience of shopping from home. Online channels also offer the advantage of reaching a broader audience, including consumers in remote areas. However, traditional sporting goods stores have expanded their offerings to include adventure sports gear, catering to a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts. These stores may provide a more diverse selection of products that cater to various activities, such as camping, hiking, climbing, and water sports. Online marketplaces such as Amazon and specialized outdoor gear aggregators have gained popularity as distribution channels. These platforms provide a centralized location for consumers to explore a wide range of adventure sports gear from various brands. Outdoor events, trade shows, and expos provide a platform for adventure sports gear manufacturers to showcase their products directly to a targeted audience. These events offer opportunities for customers to see, touch, and test the gear before making a purchase.

Market Dynamics

• Growing Popularity of Multi-Sport Adventures: European outdoor enthusiasts are embracing activities that combine multiple adventure sports in a single experience. For example, "adventure racing" events that involve a combination of disciplines like trail running, mountain biking, kayaking, and orienteering have gained traction. This trend drives demand for versatile gear that can support various activities, such as convertible clothing, multi-functional footwear, and adaptable equipment. Manufacturers that cater to the needs of multi-sport adventurers are likely to see growth in the European market.

• Varied Weather and Terrain Conditions: Europe encompasses a wide range of environments, from snowy mountains to coastal regions to dense forests. Adventure sports enthusiasts often encounter rapidly changing weather, elevation variations, and different types of terrain within a single outing. This poses a challenge for gear manufacturers to create products that are adaptable and can perform effectively across these diverse conditions. Meeting these demands requires extensive research, testing, and innovation.

• Sustainable and Ethical Practices: European consumers have a strong focus on environmental and social responsibility, and they are increasingly demanding gear that aligns with their values. Brands that prioritize sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing processes, and responsible supply chains can gain a competitive edge in the European market. Additionally, there's a trend towards repairability and durability, as consumers seek products that can be easily repaired and have a longer lifespan, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

Companies mentioned in the report

Anta Sports Products Limited, The Columbia Sportswear Company, Garmin Ltd, Adidas AG, Mammut Sports Group AG, Decathlon S.A., VF Corporation, Dainese S.p.A, Clarus Corporation, Patagonia, Inc., Hilleberg, Helly Hansen AS, Jack Wolfskin, Johnson Outdoors Inc, Volcom, LLc, and Petzl.

Considered in this report

• Geography: Europe
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• Europe Adventure sports gear with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise Adventure sports gear market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report:

• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Russia
• Netherlands
• Austria
• Sweden

By Product Type

• Clothing
• Footwear
• Backpack
• Tents
• Electronic Gadgets
• Sleeping Bags
• Climbing Gear
• Navigation Gear
• Others

By Application

• Trekking
• Rafting
• Hiking
• Camping
• Skiing
• Others

By Price

• Low
• Medium
• High

By Distribution Channel

• Specialty stores
• Hypermarkets/supermarkets
• Small retail stores
• Online Channel

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations and organizations related to the Adventure sports gear industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.