Best Outdoor Affiliate Programs

How do outdoor affiliate programs work?

Outdoor affiliate programs work like any other affiliate marketing programs:

1. You recommend a product or service from a third-party provider.
2. Your audience clicks on affiliate links to a product or service you included in your content.
3. The audience member makes a purchase. 
4. As a result, you’re rewarded with a commission for the entire purchase.

The products typically offered through outdoor affiliate programs are clothing and gear like backpacks, tents, sports equipment, and hiking boots. Meanwhile, other programs offer services like group trips, accommodation options, and RV rentals. 

Overall, by partnering with the best outdoor affiliate programs, you can monetize any outdoor-related content on your website, blog, video channel, or social media pages. 

Types of outdoor affiliate programs

Outdoor affiliate marketing is a niche with a range of programs you can join:

• Camping affiliate programs to promote camping gear, campsites, or rentals
• Hiking affiliate programs to promote related apparel, accessories, and apps
• Outdoor gear and apparel affiliate programs to promote general adventure sports and outdoor products and services 
• RV and camper rental affiliate programs 
• Apps and digital services affiliate programs to promote subscriptions, maps, and other apps

Quick comparison of the best outdoor affiliate programs

1. Travelpayouts

Although not exclusively an outdoor affiliate program, Travelpayouts is a digital partnership platform offering travel affiliate programs for accommodation, flights, rental cars, experiences, transportation tickets, and more.

For outdoor content creators, these services might be the perfect complement to the outdoor-related content you provide your audience. Within the platform, you can partner with top travel brands like Booking.com, Discover Cars, and Viator to offer travel-related solutions to outdoor enthusiasts. Commissions range from 0.34% to up to 64% depending on the program.

2. PaulCamper affiliate program

PaulCamper is the largest camper-sharing marketplace in Europe, with over 12,000 camping vehicles throughout popular countries like Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. This is one of the best options if you’re looking for camping affiliate programs.

Advantages of the PaulCamper affiliate program

• 3% – 4% CPA commission rate
• 14-day cookie lifetime 
• Programs in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands

3. Patagonia affiliate program

Few brands are more well-known in the outdoor industry than Patagonia. Since its inception as a small company offering climbing gear, the brand has grown into one of the premier giants of the outdoor clothing market. It’s an excellent opportunity for outdoor content creators to partner with one of the best industry brands.

Advantages of the Patagonia affiliate program

• Partner with one of the most well-known brands in the outdoor and hiking industry
• 8% commission 
• 60-day cookie lifetime leads to higher conversion rates

4. Columbia Sportswear affiliate program

Similar to Patagonia, outdoor content creators can partner with another leading brand within the outdoor clothing market with Columbia Sportswear. The program offers up to a 10% commission with a lengthy 21-day lifetime.

Advantages of the Columbia Sportswear affiliate program

• Partner with a premier and reputable brand selling products for the outdoors
• High average sales and up to a 10% commission
• Lengthy cookie lifetime of 21 days

5. Outdoorsy affiliate program

Outdoorsy is the world’s largest person-to-person RV rental platform, with adventure vehicles of all shapes and sizes available. The marketplace is well known in many renowned destinations to help outdoor enthusiasts explore the hidden natural gems spread throughout different countries.

Their affiliate program offers content creators pay-per-action payments on two separate affiliate platforms, offering you options to keep your affiliate programs in one convenient location of your choice.

Advantages of the Outdoorsy affiliate program

• Largest and one of the world’s most trusted RV rental marketplaces
• A generous commission rate of $60 or more per booking or RV owner listing
• 30-day cookie duration via AvantLink, also operates via HasOffers (Tune)

6. Hyperlite Mountain Gear affiliate program

Since 2009, Hyperlite has offered high-quality, ultralight gear, including backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and much more for exploring the outdoors. In its brief history, the gear company has quickly emerged as one of the premier brands in the industry.

Advantages of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear affiliate program

• High-quality and unique product line for your audience
• 10% commission rates, high average sales of $350, and 30-day cookie duration
• The company ships worldwide, providing products to your entire audience

7. Camping World affiliate program

Camping World is an American corporation specializing in RV equipment, camping gear, camper rentals, and much more. The large company is an excellent partnership for any outdoor creators focusing on recreational vehicles and camping.

Advantages of the Camping World affiliate program

• The program offers specialty products to a niche market
• A wide selection of RV rentals is also available to your audience
• 4% commissions on all transactions

8. REI affiliate program

Outdoor lovers throughout the United States are typically familiar with REI in some capacity. The outdoor mega store is one of the biggest names in the retail space, offering products for camping, hiking, kayaking, and other mountain-related adventures. Thankfully, for content creators, REI also offers products on its massive online marketplace.

Partnerships are available on Impact and begin at a 5% commission rate. Although commissions are slightly lower than other outdoor affiliate programs, your audience’s confidence in purchasing through such a large, reputable company should increase profits.

Advantages of the REI affiliate program

• Partner with one of the largest outdoor retailers in the world
• 5% commission rate yields significant profit with high average sales of $160+
• 15-day cookie duration period

9. Osprey affiliate program

Osprey is an outdoor gear company with a hyperfocus on high-performance and lightweight bags, including backpacks, dry bags, stuff sacks, and other handy accessories. They may be the premier brand in outdoor gear bags. The brand’s quality and reputation make their partnership program one of the best outdoor affiliate programs.

Advantages of the Osprey affiliate program

• Partner with a premier outdoor company offering high-end gear bags
• 8% base commission rate 
• 30-day cookie lifetime on a large partnership platform, Impact

10. Marmot affiliate program

For another respected outdoor gear company, consider the Marmot affiliate program. The California-based company specializes in mountain gear for skiing, hiking, and climbing. Marmot started as a small gear company and quickly grew into the outdoor giant it is today. Join Marmot’s affiliate program via CJ.com and begin earning an 8% commission rate.

Advantages of the Marmot affiliate program

• 8% commission rate on valid purchases
• Market high-end mountain gear to a niche audience

11. Backcountry affiliate program

Backcountry is one of the largest outdoor online retailers in the world. The popular website is a favorite among content creators, with a commission rate of up to 8% with a 30-day cookie lifetime. By partnering with Backcountry.com, you’ll instill confidence in your audience when making large purchases of all sorts of outdoor gear.

Advantages of the Backcountry affiliate program

• Partner with one of the largest online retailers in the outdoor industry
• 8% commissions and 30-day cookie window
• One of the most versatile programs with community partner, storyteller, and creator options

12. GSI Outdoors affiliate program

GSI Outdoors is a cookware and kitchenware manufacturer designing products for outdoor and camping enthusiasts. Their affiliate marketing program is best suited for creators who focus on backpacking and wilderness exploration.

Advantages of the GSI Outdoors affiliate program

• Partner with one of the best-known outdoor kitchen equipment manufacturers
• Up to 15% commission, 10-day cookie duration
• Average order value of $60

13. YETI affiliate program

YETI was founded in 2006 and quickly became beloved by both outdoor enjoyers and those who value high-quality drinkware, coolers, and other accessories. Theirs is one of the best outdoor affiliate programs for creators with a wide audience. You can promote products to campers, hiking enthusiasts, and also sportspeople, so it’s also a good option for affiliate marketing beginners.

Advantages of the YETI affiliate program

• Partner with a high-end brand with top-quality products
• Up to 15% commissions and a 30-day cookie window
• High average order value

14. Outdoor Gear Exchange affiliate program

Outdoor Gear Exchange has been in the business for over 30 years in Burlington, Vermont. For years, their experience in the outdoor world, along with smart buying, has given them an upper hand to offer top outdoor products at an affordable price.

Advantages of the Outdoor Gear Exchange affiliate program

• Present links to affordable apparel to a budget-friendly audience
• 6% commission and 30-day cookie duration
• Orders average at $130 

15. EVO affiliate program

EVO is one of the few outdoor affiliate programs offering exclusively action sports equipment of all sorts. EVO specializes in action sports like snowboarding, wakeboarding, skating, surfing, and camping. It’s a marketplace where snowboarders, surfers, and campers can all find something they need for their next adventure. 

Advantages of the EVO affiliate program

• 5% commission rates and a 30-day cookie lifetime
• Niche markets covering all seasons throughout the year

16. AllTrails affiliate program

AllTrails is an app and website for outdoor enthusiasts, helping them find trails for hiking, mountain biking, and running. Affiliate partners can get compensation for registrations, subscriptions, and gift purchases. 

Advantages of the AllTrails affiliate program

• Popular app for a range of nature lovers
• Up to 10% commission and 30-day cookie duration

FAQ

What are the best outdoor affiliate programs?

Some of the best outdoor affiliate programs include Patagonia (8% commission), Outdoorsy ($60+ per booking or RV listing), REI (5% commission), and AllTrails (up to 10% commission).

What are the best camping affiliate programs?

The best camping affiliate programs are PaulCamper (3% – 4% commission), Backcountry (8% commission), REI (5% commission), and AllTrails (up to 10% commission).

Are hiking affiliate programs profitable?

Yes, hiking affiliate programs are profitable. The average commission rate is 8%, and the order values are typically high, reaching $350 or more.

How much can you earn with outdoor affiliate programs?

Your earnings from outdoor affiliate programs aren’t capped and only depend on your experience, audience engagement, and the program specifics. As outdoor partnerships are high-ticket affiliate programs, you can earn $8 – $60 per smaller purchase and around $100 – $200 per larger one.

Which outdoor affiliate programs have the highest commissions?

Outdoor affiliate programs with the highest commissions are GSI Outdoors and YETI, offering up to 15%, and Columbia Sportswear, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, and AllTrails, offering 10%.

Can beginners succeed with affiliate marketing outdoor products?

Yes, beginners can succeed working in the outdoor affiliate marketing niche. The industry is popular and growing, with dedicated enthusiasts and many partnership programs to choose from. Plus, hiking and camping affiliate programs have high commissions averaging 8% and high average order values.

Conclusion: best outdoor affiliate programs

The best outdoor affiliate programs offer products of all sorts. Whether it’s group trips, camping gear, backpacks, RV rentals, boots, or shoes, most content creators will find a program worth partnering with within the outdoor realm.

When you sign up with partnership platforms like Travelpayouts, you can keep all of your outdoor affiliate partnerships in one place – not to mention the many other outdoor-related programs like Booking.com, Discover Cars, and Viator.