21 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 an online retail store ($173K/month)
Starting an online retail store is an excellent way for hikers to supplement their income or even establish a full-fledged business. With a computer, a domain, and web hosting services, you could easily set up a store focusing on outdoor gear, hiking equipment, or eco-friendly apparel. The niche possibilities are endless, and through product research and listing, you can cater to the specific needs of fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Adopting a drop shipping model or selling self-made products allows you to minimize upfront costs and manage your store remotely while you continue your adventures. Whether it's selling the latest hiking gadgets or artisanal products made from sustainable materials, an online store offers a scalable business model that aligns perfectly with a hiker's lifestyle.
Why start an online retail store?
- You could offer products tailored to fellow hikers, leveraging your personal expertise and experiences.
- Running an online store provides flexibility, allowing you to manage your business from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Starting an online retail store requires minimal upfront investment, making it accessible for anyone willing to put in the effort.
For more information on launching an online retail store, you can check out this success story compilation.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A high school student turned his love for LEGO into a $1.6k/month business, Summerfield's Toys, by reselling sets online through eBay, BrickLink, and Facebook Marketplace, in addition to buying and reselling brand new sets.
2. Start an outdoor sports store ($31.4K/month)
If you have a passion for the outdoors and an entrepreneurial spirit, starting an outdoor sports store could be a fantastic way to marry your interests with a profitable business. By selling gear and equipment for activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking, you would cater to a growing market of outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, you can choose between a brick-and-mortar shop in a strategic location or an online store to reach a broader audience. For more insights, you can explore successful stories and practical advice on starting an outdoor sports store.
Why start an outdoor sports store?
- Combine your love for the outdoors with a fulfilling career, turning your passion into profitability.
- Offer personalized, expert advice to fellow enthusiasts, enhancing their outdoor experiences and fostering a loyal customer base.
- Engage with the community by hosting workshops and demo days, driving both customer engagement and sales.
How much you can make: $1,985 — $125,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Australian woman launches affordable activewear store with only $150 and now sees over $1.5 million a year in revenue, using Shopify as the sales platform and Facebook and Instagram campaigns as the best source of advertising.
3. Start a travel products business ($314K/month)
Starting a travel products business could be an excellent fit for you as a hiker, given your firsthand experience with the gear and accessories that make outdoor adventures enjoyable and comfortable. You have unique insights into what fellow hikers and travelers need, from waterproof backpacks to durable water bottles, and you could use this knowledge to create a niche market of essential travel items. By providing a convenient online shopping experience, you could help other outdoor enthusiasts find reliable, high-quality gear that enhances their adventures.
For more details on launching a successful travel products business, you can check out these starting tips.
Why start a travel products business?
- You know what works: As a hiker, you understand the importance of reliable, high-quality gear, making you uniquely qualified to sell products that you trust and use.
- Niche market opportunity: There is a growing demand for specialized travel gear, allowing you to cater to a specific audience that values quality and practicality.
- Flexible business model: You could run this business as a side hustle or a full-time venture, and an online store would make it accessible to customers globally.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
TourScanner, a meta-search engine for tours and activities, achieved monthly net revenue of $60k and plans to reach $1M ARR in 2022, utilizing a lightweight business model based on affiliate programs that earned a commission from referrals sent to major travel companies like Viator, GetYourGuide, Musement, and Groupon.
4. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)
Starting an ecommerce store is an excellent side business or full-time venture for hiking enthusiasts. You could sell hiking gear, apparel, and accessories tailored to the needs of outdoor adventurers. By tapping into the booming ecommerce market, you could reach a wider audience without the limitations of a physical store. For more insights, you can check out the detailed profitability report on ecommerce stores.
Why start an ecommerce store?
- Leverage your hiking expertise: Your firsthand knowledge can help curate trusted and effective products for other hikers.
- Expand your reach: An online store allows you to connect with hikers worldwide, far beyond your local community.
- Flexibility in operations: Manage your business from anywhere, giving you more time to explore new trails and adventures.
How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
5. Start a tour company ($74.8K/month)
Starting a tour company is a great way to transform your passion for hiking and travel into a profitable business. You could share your love of exploring the great outdoors with others, while guiding them through unique and beautiful landscapes. Whether you focus on adventure tours, sightseeing, or historical trails, this can be a fulfilling way to make extra income or even create a full-time business around your hiking expertise.
Why start a tour company?
- You already possess the in-depth knowledge of trails and terrain, which will be invaluable in creating memorable experiences for your clients.
- Sharing your passion for hiking will bring you personal satisfaction and help others discover the joys of the great outdoors.
- The flexibility of running a tour company allows you to operate it as a side venture or scale it up into a full-time business.
To learn more about the profitability and startup costs of starting a tour company, you can visit this guide on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $3,750 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How Jessica Baumgart founded a successful food tour business in Denver, which broke even and started making a profit after just three months, generating $20,000/month in revenue from offering different food tour experiences.
6. Start a game store ($207K/month)
Starting a game store could be a thrilling venture for hikers who are looking to supplement their income or even start a full-fledged business. A game store taps into a world of passionate gamers and collectors, acting as a hub for both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts. Hikers can utilize their love for exploration by curating a diverse selection of board games, card games, and video games, essential for creating an engaging retail space.
One of the main attractions of running a game store is the opportunity to foster a sense of community, just as hiking creates connections among outdoor enthusiasts. By hosting game nights and tournaments, you could connect with like-minded individuals and build a loyal customer base. If you have a love for games, transforming this passion into a business could be your next adventurous step. Explore more on starting a game store.
Why starting a game store?
- You could create a community hub. Just like trail meetups, game nights foster a sense of community and belonging.
- You could transform your passion for games into profit. Your enthusiasm for both gaming and hiking could resonate with customers.
- You could diversify your adventures. Running a game store offers a new kind of exploration, tapping into a rich and dynamic market.
How much you can make: $300 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 76 days (?)
Continuum Games, Inc. President Greg Hughes started his toy and game distribution company with a $5 wholesale card game and today generates an average of $250k per month in revenue, rising to $600k in peak season from a combination of manufacturing and distribution of over 40 games.
7. Start a travel blog ($124K/month)
Starting a travel blog is a natural fit for hikers who are constantly on the move and experiencing new adventures. By sharing your unique experiences, detailed trail guides, and picturesque photos, you could attract a dedicated audience eager to learn from your insights and tips. Additionally, you have the potential to monetize your blog through advertisements, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing, turning your hiking journeys into a profitable venture.
For more tips on starting a travel blog, you can check out these travel blog success stories.
Why consider starting a travel blog? - You could turn your passion for hiking and adventure into a steady source of income. - You have the opportunity to inspire and educate a community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. - Monetizing your content through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing could provide financial support for your future travels.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Learn how Jessica started a niche travel blog and quit her 9-5 job, earning a living wage through Instagram advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate income, while traveling 3-4 times a month and increasing her website traffic from 400 to 25k page views in a year with Pinterest and Instagram growth tactics.
8. Start a media company ($210K/month)
Spending time outdoors and exploring nature provides unique opportunities to capture stunning vistas and engaging stories. As a hiker, starting a media company allows you to turn your experiences into shareable content that resonates with a wide audience. By utilizing your hiking adventures, you could create videos, audio narratives, or blog posts that not only inspire but also educate fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Why start a media company?
- Share your passion for hiking with a broader audience, creating a community of like-minded individuals.
- Generate multiple income streams through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
- Use your hiking experiences as content, requiring minimal additional resources to produce authentic, captivating media.
How much you can make: $150 — $4,100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,100 (?)
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.
9. Start a travel agency ($178K/month)
Starting a travel agency is a sensible venture for avid hikers who want to monetize their extensive knowledge of the great outdoors. As a hiker, you already possess firsthand experience navigating trails, understanding local attractions, and appreciating the optimal times to visit various destinations. Your personal insights can be invaluable in designing unique travel packages that cater specifically to nature enthusiasts, thereby creating a niche market for your agency.
By launching an online travel agency, you could easily connect travelers with the best providers for accommodations, transportation, and guided tours. With proper market research, certifications, and strategic partnerships, you could turn your hiking passion into a profitable business. For more in-depth insights, check out this guide to starting a travel agency.
Why starting a travel agency?
- You could leverage your hiking expertise to create customized, unique travel experiences for fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
- Your firsthand knowledge of trails and natural attractions makes it easier to offer authentic recommendations and build trust with clients.
- As a hiker, you are well-equipped to negotiate deals and partnerships with local service providers, enhancing your travel packages.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.
10. Start a software development agency ($544K/month)
Starting a software development agency could be an ideal way for hikers to supplement their income while leveraging their technical skills. The demand for software developers continues to rise, and businesses are constantly searching for bespoke tech solutions to improve efficiency and cut costs. As a hiker, you could utilize your downtime in nature to brainstorm innovative software ideas or even code remotely, turning your passion for outdoor adventures into a lucrative business opportunity.
Explore more about the profitability and startup costs for a software development agency on Starter Story for further guidance.
Why consider starting a software development agency?
- It offers flexibility, allowing you to code or manage projects from virtually anywhere, including your next hiking destination.
- Harnessing the high demand for custom software solutions could lead to substantial earnings.
- Combining your technical skills with an adventurous lifestyle provides a balanced approach to work and recreation.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $8,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
A software agency started by a non-technical founder helps diverse clients with their minimum lovable product, boasting a revenue of over $700,000 this year with a 20% profit margin and a team of 8.
11. Start a saas product developer business ($202K/month)
As a hiker with a knack for technology, starting a SaaS product developer business offers a fantastic way to supplement your income or even create a thriving side business. With cloud computing being highly accessible, the entry barriers are low, and the potential for growth is exponential. Moreover, the flexibility of working remotely is a perfect match for your hiking adventures, allowing you to balance your passion for the outdoors with your entrepreneurial pursuits. For more detailed insights, check out success stories from others who have ventured into the SaaS product developer business.
Why should you consider starting a SaaS product developer business?
- Flexibility: The nature of SaaS development allows you to work from virtually anywhere, fitting perfectly with a hiker’s lifestyle.
- Scalability: With a global market and the ability to offer continuous updates, your business has incredible growth potential.
- Cost-effectiveness: SaaS products often require lower operational costs, yet provide significant value to users, making it easier to achieve profitability.
How much you can make: $40 — $4,160,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 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 an animation business ($30.1K/month)
Turning your passion for hiking into a business could be as simple as starting an animation studio. By leveraging your creativity and the stunning scenery from your hikes, you could create compelling animated content that brands can use for ads and illustrations. Not only can this be a rewarding endeavor, but with the growing demand for animated posts on social media, the potential for profitability is high. Additionally, you could draw inspiration from nature, translating your experiences on the trails into captivating visuals for different industries, from film to gaming.
For inspiration and further reading, check out this comprehensive guide on how to start an animation business.
Why becoming an animator?
- Your outdoor adventures can fuel your creativity, providing unique storylines and visuals.
- The flexibility to work remotely allows you to continue hiking and exploring new trails.
- There’s growing demand for animated content, giving you ample opportunities to generate income.
How much you can make: $500 — $85,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 577 days (?)
An animation company owner generates between $75,000 and $100,000 annually from producing custom explainer animations for start-ups and marketing companies for between $5,500 and $7,500; logo animations for companies that market using videos at $200 to $500; and Instagram Stories stickers beginning at $350.
13. Start an online video editing business ($37.7K/month)
Starting an online video editing business could be a great fit for hikers looking to earn extra income or dive into a new venture. With your experiences and adventures captured on video, you have plenty of material to work with, making it easier to master the craft and build your portfolio. As a hiker, you already understand the importance of capturing breathtaking landscapes and memorable moments, and transitioning those skills into video editing can be a natural next step. Check out some success stories to see how others have turned this idea into a profitable venture here.
Why start an online video editing business?
- You can work from anywhere. Whether you’re on the trail or at home, all you need is a laptop and an internet connection to edit videos.
- You have valuable content. As a hiker, your unique footage of nature and outdoor experiences can set you apart in the video editing industry.
- You’re already creative. Use your natural eye for beauty and storytelling to create compelling video content that clients will love.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
VEED.IO, a London-based start-up co-founded by Sabba and her partner, offers a simple online video editing platform using batch job cloud architecture to help social media managers across the world auto subtitle, filter, rotate videos and much more, earning the company $5,300 MRR and the founders Ramen profitability within just a year of starting.
14. Build a SEO tool ($99.8K/month)
Starting an SEO tool business might not be the first thing that comes to mind for hikers, but it's a surprisingly fitting venture. By developing SEO tools, you could create software that helps website owners and businesses identify and fix SEO issues. This could be particularly appealing if you have a technical mindset or enjoy working on solutions that bring tangible results.
Moreover, the flexibility of running an online SEO business allows you to balance your hiking adventures with remote work. For some inspiration and tips, you can check out these success stories of SEO businesses.
Why start an SEO tool business?
- You could enjoy the flexibility to work remotely, giving you more time to explore trails.
- The demand for SEO tools is growing, offering a steady market for your products.
- You could turn your passion for solving digital problems into a profitable venture, complementing your outdoor lifestyle.
How much you can make: $2,800 — $850,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Solo founder Todd Hooper bootstrapped Prerender.io from zero to $2.5 million in ARR over 5 years by releasing an open-source project on Github and turning it into an SEO-friendly version of React, Angular, and Javascript websites, and then offering it as a SaaS service for businesses.
15. 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.
16. Start a freelance writing business ($65.5K/month)
Starting a freelance writing business as a hiker could be a rewarding way to share your adventurous experiences while earning a flexible income. You could write about your hiking journeys, gear reviews, trail guides, and tips for fellow outdoor enthusiasts, all from the comfort of your campsite or home. As a freelance writer, you have the flexibility to work on your own schedule, allowing you to balance your hiking passion with your financial goals.
Why consider freelance writing as a hiker?
- You could monetize your passion by writing about the trails, gear, and tips you already love discussing with fellow hikers.
- Freelance writing allows you to work from anywhere, so you could write from the trail or remotely from any scenic spot you choose.
- You’ll have the opportunity to connect with and inspire other outdoor enthusiasts through your unique hiking stories and insights.
For more inspiration, check out some success stories from freelance writers.
How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)
How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.
17. Start a luxury brand ($2.18M/month)
Starting a luxury brand as a hiker might seem unconventional, but it presents a unique opportunity to blend your passion for the great outdoors with a burgeoning market. As a hiker, you understand the importance of high-quality, durable, and stylish gear, making you well-suited to create products that appeal to affluent consumers looking for premium outdoor accessories. Whether selling online or through local boutiques, your brand could offer everything from bespoke hiking boots to luxurious camping equipment. Explore luxury brand success stories here.
Why start a luxury brand?
- Tap into a growing market: The global luxury products market is projected to expand, offering a promising economic opportunity.
- Leverage your unique insights: As a hiker, your understanding of outdoor gear can lead to innovative, high-quality products that stand out.
- Profit from your passion: Combine your love for hiking with the potential for higher profit margins in the luxury market.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $12,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 175 days (?)
Maxwell-Scott is a British-born luxury leather goods company handmade in Tuscany that sells to AB degree-level educated professionals with high disposable income and is now taking $400,000 a month across websites in 7 countries.
18. Start a food blog ($43.3K/month)
Starting a food blog makes sense as a hiker because you could share healthy, trail-friendly recipes and nutrition tips that cater specifically to the needs and challenges of outdoor enthusiasts. With your firsthand experience in staying fueled for long hikes, you could inspire others by providing practical advice on meal prepping, lightweight yet nutritious food options, and budget-friendly eating habits. By hiring someone to configure your website and a content creator, you could focus on sharing valuable insights that resonate with your audience.
Why start a food blog?
- You could monetize your passion for healthy eating by sharing trail-specific recipes and nutritional advice.
- Your unique perspective as a hiker could attract a niche audience, leading to higher blog interactions and engagement.
- Educating others about maintaining a healthy diet on a budget can build a loyal readership and open up various revenue streams, from affiliate marketing to sponsored content.
Check out this guide on food blog profitability to understand potential earnings and opportunities.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
How one food blogger turned his passion into a business that brings in $15k-$20k per month through display advertising, affiliate marketing, and exclusive content, and doubled in revenue every year since going full time in 2018.
19. Start a natural beauty product business ($66.8K/month)
Starting a natural beauty product business is a fantastic fit for hikers who are inspired by the pristine environments they traverse. Drawing from nature's bounty, such as aloe vera, honey, or cocoa butter, allows you to create products that contain no chemical or synthetic elements—perfect for eco-conscious consumers. Plus, with the global natural skin care products market valued at $6.7 billion in 2021, the potential for growth and profit is undeniable. Thinking about launching a beauty product line? What’s holding you back? Check out our case studies to see how others have done it!
Why start a natural beauty product business?
- You could leverage your hiking adventures to find and source unique natural ingredients, differentiating your products from the competition.
- It aligns seamlessly with your love for nature, allowing you to turn your passion for the outdoors into a profitable venture.
- The market for natural beauty products is growing rapidly, providing a lucrative opportunity to earn extra income or even build a standalone business.
How much you can make: $300 — $658,333/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Bey Moss, an e-commerce platform selling sea moss-infused health and wellness products, made over $800,000 to-date with less than $10,000 overall in ads after validating the product idea through reviews and feedback and leveraging their social media following to build a Bey Moss community.
20. Start a tutoring business ($263K/month)
Starting a tutoring business is a practical and lucrative side hustle for hikers who want to generate extra income. With the flexibility of online tutoring, you could set your schedule to fit around your hiking adventures. Additionally, you could leverage your unique experiences and knowledge gained from hiking, such as teaching subjects related to geography, biology, or even outdoor survival skills.
To launch your tutoring business, begin by identifying a suitable niche and creating a professional website. Then, market your services online to attract potential clients and build your reputation as a knowledgeable tutor in your chosen field. For more details on starting a tutoring business, you can check out this page on popular tutoring business ideas.
Why start a tutoring business?
- Flexible scheduling means you could tutor around your hiking trips and lifestyle.
- You could leverage your hiking expertise to teach unique subjects like survival skills or geography.
- Tutoring is a scalable business, with potential to grow from a part-time hustle to a full-time venture.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $830,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
A 22-year-old entrepreneur started an online SAT/ACT tutoring company from his bedroom which has seen a linear increase in student sign-ups each month, currently bringing in an average revenue of $15,000 a month and plans to triple in 2020.
21. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)
How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
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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.
