19 Business Ideas For Hikers [2024]
Are you a hiker with an entrepreneurial spirit? Your passion for the great outdoors could be the foundation for your next business venture. From gear rentals to guided tours, there are plenty of possibilities to turn your love of hiking into a profitable business.
Imagine offering curated hiking experiences, helping newbies navigate trails with ease. Or perhaps you could start a blog or YouTube channel sharing your hiking tips and trail reviews. Each of these paths lets you blend business with your outdoor enthusiasm.
You might also think about launching a hiking gear store, either online or brick-and-mortar. By leveraging your firsthand knowledge, you could offer products that truly meet the needs of fellow hikers. Whatever route you choose, your expertise in hiking positions you perfectly for success in the outdoor market.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other hiker businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
If you're an avid hiker with a passion for the trails and a wealth of knowledge to share, starting a niche blog can be a fantastic way to supplement your income or even build a business. By focusing specifically on hiking, you can create content that resonates with a dedicated audience eager to learn about the best trails, gear recommendations, tips for safety, and your personal experiences. Consistently delivering valuable and engaging content could help you grow a loyal following, opening up opportunities for monetization through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and even paid speaking engagements.
Why start a niche blog?
- Hiking knowledge is in demand. Many people seek expert advice on trails, gear, and adventure tips, and your expertise could be invaluable.
- Monetization potential. Affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, and sponsored content are just a few ways to turn your blog into a revenue stream.
- Personal fulfillment. Sharing your hiking journeys and helping others discover the joy of hiking can be deeply rewarding.
For more ideas on how to make your hiking blog profitable, check out some success stories on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Starting a niche website could be a fantastic way for hikers to transform their passion into a profitable side business. By focusing on hiking-related content, such as trail reviews, gear recommendations, and survival tips, you can cater to a dedicated audience who shares your enthusiasm for the great outdoors. As your site grows, you could monetize it through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or even selling your own hiking guides and e-books.
If you're interested in learning more about successful niche websites, check out some niche website success stories.
Why start a niche website?
- It allows you to share your hiking expertise while building a loyal following of like-minded enthusiasts.
- You could generate passive income through various channels like advertising and affiliate marketing with gear brands.
- A niche website could serve as a creative outlet where you build a community and inspire others to embark on their hiking adventures.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
3. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business as a hiker makes perfect sense because it allows you to leverage your passion for the outdoors to create curated collections of niche hiking gear, snacks, and essentials that fellow hikers would appreciate. Subscription boxes are in high demand as they provide customers with value-added products and exclusive items that they might not discover on their own.
By understanding the specific needs and wants of hikers, you could tailor your subscription box to include quality products that enhance their hiking experiences. This type of business also provides an opportunity to build a strong relationship with fulfillment companies and market your unique service to a dedicated audience of outdoor enthusiasts. For more insights on starting this venture, check out Starter Story.
Why start a subscription box business?
- It allows you to share your passion for hiking by curating specialized gear and snack packs for other enthusiasts.
- Subscription boxes offer recurring revenue, providing a steady income stream from a loyal customer base.
- You can capitalize on the growing trend of niche products and exclusive items, adding significant value for your customers.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
4. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Thinking of turning your hiking adventures into an income stream? Starting a YouTube channel could be a fantastic way to share your passion while earning extra money. By creating content that showcases your hikes, tips, and experiences, you could attract followers and monetization opportunities such as ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Plus, it’s a versatile platform where you could let your creativity shine, all while sharing what you love most.
Why start a YouTube channel as a hiker?
- You could turn your passion for hiking into engaging content that attracts like-minded viewers.
- Brands and sponsors often look for authentic influencers, giving you opportunities to partner with outdoor gear companies.
- You could earn income passively once your videos gain traction, allowing you to focus more on what you enjoy—hiking and sharing your experiences.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
5. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is an excellent way for hikers to share their adventures, tips, and experiences with a wider audience while supplementing their income. By focusing on a niche like hiking, you could attract listeners who are passionate about outdoor activities and eager to learn more about trails, gear, and survival skills. With some basic recording equipment and a hosting platform, you could produce engaging content that builds a loyal audience and catches the attention of potential advertisers or sponsors. For inspiration and practical strategies, check out this guide on how much podcast creators can make.
Why start a hiking podcast?
- You could build a community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts eager to hear your stories and advice.
- With engaging content, you could attract sponsors or advertisers, turning your passion into a revenue stream.
- A podcast offers flexibility—you could record episodes during or after your hikes, making it a great side business.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
6. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business makes perfect sense for hikers who are already exploring picturesque landscapes. Your outdoor adventures can yield a wealth of high-quality photos that websites, bloggers, and businesses need for marketing and advertising. By investing in good photography gear and honing your skills, you could turn your passion for hiking into a profitable side business or even a full-time venture. For inspiration and practical tips, check out some success stories on Starter Story.
Why start a stock photography business?
- You could monetize your hiking adventures and earn passive income from your existing hobbies.
- Stunning landscapes and natural scenes are always in high demand for marketing purposes.
- Building a portfolio of stock photos requires minimal upfront investment while offering long-term income potential.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
7. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Affiliate marketing is an excellent way for hikers to supplement their income or even start a side business by promoting outdoor gear, travel accessories, and brands they already love. As a hiker, you can leverage your authentic experiences and recommendations to build trust with your audience, making it easier to drive sales and earn commissions. With the right partnerships, your passion for hiking can translate into a steady stream of passive income, allowing you to focus more on your adventures.
Why consider affiliate marketing?
- You could turn your hiking passion into profit by promoting products you already use and trust.
- Your authentic reviews and recommendations can resonate with a like-minded audience, driving higher conversions.
- Affiliate marketing can provide a flexible income stream, allowing you to earn money while enjoying the great outdoors.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
8. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
If you love hiking and have gathered extensive knowledge and skills over the years, starting an online course sales business could be a lucrative opportunity for you. Sharing your expertise on topics such as trail navigation, survival skills, gear reviews, and environmental stewardship can attract a global audience of fellow hiking enthusiasts eager to learn from your experience. This business model not only supplements your income but can also provide passive revenue if your courses become popular and continue to sell over time.
Why start an online course sales business?
- Monetize your passion: Turn your hiking expertise into a business by teaching others and earning money from your knowledge.
- Flexibility and scalability: Create your courses once and sell them endlessly, allowing you to hike and explore while generating income.
- Help others and build community: Share your love for hiking while building a community of learners who value your insights and guidance.
For more information on the pros and cons, startup costs, and success stories for an online course sales business, click here.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
9. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Looking to streamline business operations with cutting-edge technology? Consider an AI-based business solution. This idea leverages artificial intelligence to optimize various aspects of business processes, from customer service and inventory management to data analysis and personalized marketing. The demand for AI solutions is growing rapidly as businesses realize the competitive edge they can gain. With a solid implementation plan and a focus on high-impact areas, launching an AI-based business solution could be a strategic move to tap into this expanding market.
Why consider starting an AI-based business solution?
- Hiking provides ample opportunity for ideation and problem-solving, making it easier to identify unique business needs that AI can address.
- AI tools can automate many business processes, freeing up more time for you to spend on your hiking adventures.
- A focus on innovative solutions will position you at the forefront of market trends and technological advancements.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
10. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Turning your passion for hiking into a profitable business could be as straightforward as developing a mobile app. Imagine an app that offers trail maps, guides, and real-time weather updates, or perhaps a social platform for hikers to share their experiences and tips. By leveraging your hiking knowledge, you could create an app that caters specifically to the needs of the hiking community, filling a niche market with high demand.
Creating a mobile app necessitates a blend of vision, basic coding skills, or the willingness to hire a developer. You would need to focus on user experience, design intuitive interfaces, and ensure the app is bug-free through rigorous testing. Mastering the art of marketing will be critical to draw users and achieve high download rates, transforming your idea into a viable business venture. For more insights, check out these startup stories.
Why consider creating a mobile app?
- Mobile apps have huge market potential, offering numerous opportunities for innovation and revenue.
- An app tailored for hikers could tap into a passionate, engaged community, creating a loyal user base.
- Apps offer scalability, allowing your business to grow as more users download and use your product.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
11. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth even from the most remote hiking trails. That’s the essence of a social media automation business, where you create tools and services to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze performance data across various platforms. For hiking enthusiasts with a knack for technology and marketing, there’s a significant demand for such services, potentially turning your trail time into an opportunity to supplement your income.
Your clients—from small businesses to influencers—will rely on you to save them time and enhance their social media presence. As you explore new trails, you could also stay updated on social media trends and build relationships with clients to tailor your services to their unique needs. Check out how you can start a social media automation business and succeed.
Why start a social media automation business?
- Automation allows you to work flexibly, creating a perfect balance with your hiking lifestyle.
- You can cater to a growing market that increasingly values strategic social media engagement.
- It can be a high-reward business if you leverage your technical and marketing skills efficiently.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
12. Start a white label delivery app business ($138K/month)
Starting a white label delivery app business could be a profitable venture for hikers who enjoy spending time outdoors but are also tech-savvy and entrepreneurial-minded. With the growing demand for parcel delivery services, especially fueled by e-commerce, an efficient and customizable delivery app is essential. A white label delivery app allows you to quickly set up a functional and professional platform with less time and cost compared to developing a custom app from scratch.
By leveraging pre-configured software, you could focus on optimizing delivery routes, managing logistics, and providing excellent customer service. Plus, with a flexible schedule, you could balance your hiking adventures with managing your new business. For more insights, you can visit this page on Starter Story.
Why consider a white label delivery app business?
- Fast setup and customization avoid long development times, letting you start earning sooner.
- Flexible management allows you to enjoy the outdoors while running your business.
- High demand for delivery services offers a lucrative opportunity to capitalize on market needs.
How much you can make: $25,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)
Appscrip is a globally-acclaimed service-based app and web development company that has delivered over 350+ apps/year globally with an in-house team of 150+ developers, at an average of 45 days/app that otherwise would take almost 6-9 months to develop, generating an average monthly revenue of $2,50,000 and garnering recognition from Deloitte, Clutch, Good firms, while also encouraging women entrepreneurs.
13. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Starting an email marketing tool business can be an exciting venture for hikers, combining your passion for the outdoors with a thriving digital industry. An email marketing tool helps you create, manage, and automate email campaigns, allowing you to reach a broader audience and generate additional income. As a hiker, you could leverage your unique insights and experiences to develop email tools that cater specifically to outdoor enthusiasts, adventure brands, and travel companies.
In 2028, the global email marketing tool market is expected to reach $2.53B, showcasing substantial growth opportunities. With minimal upfront costs, such as purchasing a domain and hosting account, you can offer tailored email marketing solutions that connect outdoor and travel-focused businesses with potential clients, enhancing their brand visibility and customer engagement.
Why start an email marketing tool?
- You could tap into a booming market and create tailored solutions for outdoor and travel-related businesses.
- Your hiking experiences would provide valuable insights to create niche-specific email marketing tools.
- The low startup costs and high-demand industry make it an accessible and lucrative side business or full-time venture.
Check out how much you could make with an email marketing tool for more details.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
14. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
For hikers, starting a WordPress plugin business can be a great way to supplement your income while allowing you the freedom to enjoy the great outdoors. WordPress plugins are essential for running successful websites, and if you can identify and solve specific problems, you could create valuable plugins that others will pay for. You can sell these plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon, your blog, or even create a dedicated site for your product.
Why consider a WordPress plugin business?
- You could work from anywhere, including your favorite hiking spots, thanks to the flexibility of online businesses.
- Developing plugins doesn't require a large upfront investment, making it an accessible side business.
- The passive income from plugin sales can fund more of your adventures and hikes, balancing your passion with profitability.
For further insights, you can explore success stories and tips on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
15. Start a garage organizer business
Starting a garage organizer business could make sense as a hiker because it leverages your natural skills in organizing and optimizing spaces, much like how you might pack efficiently for a long trek. Your understanding of diverse terrains and maximizing limited space could translate into creating functional, efficient garages for clients. This business could also give you the flexibility to align work with your hiking schedule, providing a great balance between passion and income generation.
By tapping into your keen sense of organization and ability to work with varying constraints, you could efficiently manage client needs and promote a service that's in high demand. Check out some success stories and get inspired to start your garage organizer business.
Why start a garage organizer business?
- Your skills in maximizing space as a hiker translate perfectly to organizing garages.
- Flexibility to balance your passion for hiking with a profitable side business.
- High demand for professional organizing services means a constant flow of potential clients.
For more detailed insights, visit Garage Organizer Business Success Stories.
How much you can make: $10,500/month
Curate Labs is a creative practice focused around ethical and sustainable design, with an annual publication that champions good business and a travel platform that advocates conscious travel, founded in 2016 by co-founders Abb-d Choudhury and Sara, bootstrapped, now turning into one business with 3 departments and aiming for 50-100% increase in revenue.
16. Start a web scraping API ($34.2K/month)
As a hiker, you could leverage your time on the trails by developing a web scraping API business. This service extracts data from websites programmatically, helping businesses automate data collection for market research, competitor analysis, and more. By offering a reliable web scraping API, you can tap into the growing trend of data analytics and create a lucrative side business or full-time venture without being tied to a traditional desk job.
Check out these startup costs and tips to get started.
Why start a web scraping API?
- A web scraping API business offers flexible hours and can be managed remotely, allowing more time for hiking adventures.
- The demand for automated data collection is rising across multiple industries, presenting a vast market opportunity.
- With robust coding skills, you could create a scalable income stream that grows as more businesses seek efficient data solutions.
How much you can make: $50 — $125,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $900 (?)
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
PlanIt is a travel recommendation and planning platform that has seen compelling growth in database coverage and user growth, covering every country in the world with several thousand users and a large SEO focus as well as a growing interest from travel and lifestyle businesses to list their details.
17. Start a blockchain technology company ($105K/month)
If you're an entrepreneurial hiker eyeing the tech sector, starting a blockchain technology company could be your ultimate adventure. Blockchain's decentralized ledger system offers secure and transparent solutions for various industries, from finance to supply chain management. Setting up a blockchain firm relies on developing cutting-edge digital solutions and requires a team proficient in blockchain development, cryptography, and software engineering. Imagine providing tamper-proof systems that enhance security, transparency, and operational efficiency for clients, making this a rewarding and innovative career path. For more insights on starting a blockchain technology company, you can explore the pros and cons here: blockchain-technology-company.
Why start a blockchain technology company?
- You could enhance your problem-solving skills by building secure and innovative digital systems.
- The blockchain sector is rapidly evolving, offering endless opportunities for growth and learning.
- Working remotely allows you to combine tech entrepreneurship with your love for hiking and outdoor adventures.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
MintMe revolutionizes the crypto-crowdfunding space by offering a platform for both token creators and supporters to earn money through token trading, boasting over 1 million users worldwide and attracting clients through direct engagement and continuous improvements.
18. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
Are you an avid hiker with a knack for technology and marketing? Developing a lead generation tool could be an excellent side business to supplement your income. By creating software that automates the process of identifying and capturing potential customer leads for businesses, you could streamline their marketing efforts while capitalizing on a high-demand service.
A lead generation tool enables integration with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints, collecting valuable data like email addresses and interests. This business is perfect for hikers who value flexible work schedules, allowing you to continue exploring the great outdoors while managing your venture remotely. For more insights on starting a lead generation tool, check out this page on Startup Costs.
Why build a lead generation tool? - Flexibility to work from anywhere. This allows you to continue your hiking adventures while running a business. - High demand for effective marketing tools. Businesses constantly seek new clients, making this a lucrative opportunity. - Leverage tech skills and marketing knowledge. Combine your expertise to create a valuable product that solves real business problems.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
19. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
Cold emailing: an old-school method with a modern twist, involves crafting and sending targeted email campaigns to prospective clients on behalf of businesses. For hikers looking to supplement their income or start a side business, offering a cold email service could be a viable option. With the nomadic lifestyle embraced by many hiking enthusiasts, this business can be managed from anywhere, requiring just a laptop and reliable internet connection.
If you have a knack for writing compelling emails and familiarity with email marketing tools, this could be a rewarding venture. By leveraging your ability to engage through words and having a strategic mindset, you could help companies reach new clients directly via email. For more on starting a cold email service business, see this link.
Why consider starting a cold email service business?
- It's location-independent, allowing you to work from trail huts or any remote location with Wi-Fi.
- Requires minimal startup costs, focusing more on skills and less on physical resources.
- You can scale quickly, starting with small businesses and expanding as you build success stories.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
