The outdoor adventure market is booming. With a projected growth of 5.67% annually, the camping gear market alone is set to reach US$60.81 billion by 2029.

So why don’t you capitalize on this trend and partner with top outdoor brands to earn significant commissions.

We’ve done some research and collected 23 leading outdoor affiliate programs in this article. Keep reading and consider the pros and cons of each brand to find your perfect match program.

Quick Comparison

Program Name Commission (%) Cookie Duration (Days) Niche Suitable Affiliate’s Rating
DOD Outdoors 11% 60 Camping, hiking, outdoor gear ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Backcountry 4–12% 30 Outdoor clothing, winter sports, hiking, camping ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Outdoor Gear Exchange 6% 30 Outdoor gear, reused gear, repair services ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.1/5)
FlasKap 5–20% 30 Drinkware, hydration bottles, lifestyle gear ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5)
Patagonia Up to 8% 60 Eco-friendly clothing, outdoor activities ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5)
Marmot 8% 10 Camping gear, tents, sleeping bags ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.8/5)
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 10% 30 Ultralight backpacks, hiking ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Cabela’s 5% 14 Hunting, fishing, shooting, outdoor equipment ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.0/5)
Osprey 8% 30 Backpacks, travel gear, hiking ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
EVO 5% 30 Winter sports, skiing, snowboarding ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.1/5)
RVShare 4% / $7 30 RV rentals, travel, road trips ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.2/5)

23 Top Outdoor Affiliate Marketing Programs

1. DOD Outdoors

outdoor affiliate programs

DOD Outdoors designs outdoor gear with a minimalist style inspired by Japanese designs. Their innovative products are suitable for camping, hiking, and various adventurous outdoor activities.

You can join the DOD Outdoors affiliate program by filling out the application form on Avantlink. DOD Outdoors pays up to 11% commission on all sales made via your affiliate link.

The 60-day cookie duration begins once buyers click on your link, giving you two months to earn commissions. Avantlink will track every referral and pay you on a monthly basis via Tipalti.

  • Commission rate: 11%
  • Cookie duration: 60 days
  • Payment methods: Tipalti

2. Backcountry

outdoor affiliate programs

Backcountry helps their clients choose the right outfit for outdoor activities in all terrains. They offer a wide range of items for activities such as camping, hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and more.

The Backcountry affiliate program offers a commission rate from 4% to 12%, depending on the order’s volume. The cookie duration lasts for 30 days, allowing you to get a credited commission in a month from the customer’s first click.

You can choose from a collection of eye-catching banners and text links to put on your marketing channels. Plus, you can also access Backcountry’s product data feed to select the top product to promote. Backcountry will also share updates and tips via their newsletter to help boost your sales.

  • Commission rate: 4-12%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, wire transfer, ACH
  • Promotional materials: Banners, text links, product data feed, monthly newsletter

3. Outdoor Gear Exchange

outdoor affiliate programs

Outdoor Gear Exchange sells both new launches and reused gear from famous brands. They also offer repair services for expensive and high-quality gear, such as bikes, boots, skis, and more.

After joining their affiliate program, you can earn a commission rate of 6% on each successful sale. With an average order value of up to $130, you may earn around $8 per successful order.

The cookie duration lasts for 30 days, which means you’ll get credit for orders from your followers during this time frame.

Affiliates can leverage available text links and banners to gain more people’s attraction. You can also find a suitable item from their product data feed to refer to your target audience.

  • Commission rate: 6%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: Tipalti
  • Promotional materials: Banners, text links, product data feed

4. FlasKap

outdoor flaskap

FlasKap produces technology-driven drinkables like water bottles and tumbles. Their innovative designs allow users to customize their drinks with supplements, flavorings, or spirits.

Managed through UpPromote, their affiliate and ambassador program offers a 5% commission per qualified sale, with experienced affiliates earning up to 20%. You will get credit for any purchases within a 30-day cookie window. Commissions are paid via PayPal or bank transfer.

Affiliates are required to submit their marketing ideas and explain how their content aligns with FlasKap’s brand. In addition, you can add your high-profile social media accounts to improve the chances of approval.

  • Commission rate: 5-20%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, Bank Transfer

5. Patagonia

outdoor affiliate programs

Patagonia is an American outdoor clothing company known for its high-quality, durable, and environment-friendly products. Consumers can find clothing, footwear, and accessories designed for climbing, surfing, skiing, and hiking.

Patagonia runs their affiliate program through Impact, so first need to sign up for the platform. The commission rate for each successful sale is up to 8%. You can earn your approved commission if the customer purchases through your link in less than a 60-day cookie window.

You can utilize their attractive banners and text ads in creating content to drive more engagement to your site.

Plus, you have full access to their product feed to get detailed information on any products. If you have any questions, you can reach out to their affiliate manager for assistance.

  • Commission rate: 8%
  • Cookie duration: 60 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, wire transfer, ACH
  • Promotional materials: Banners, text ads, product data feed

6. Marmot

outdoor affiliate programs

Marmot is a top-quality brand of lightweight gear for heavy outdoor activities. Their tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and jackets can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Marmot pays up to 8% commission across sales for affiliates who join their affiliate program. However, their products are only shipped in the US so being US affiliates would be an advantage.

Since the cookie lasts for 10 days, you can only earn a commission on purchases made within this period.

Marmot allows you to use their logo in creating content to gain more trust from your followers. Moreover, you can put their graphics and banners on various marketing channels to capture more attention.

  • Commission rate: 8%
  • Cookie duration: 10 days
  • Payment methods: ACH, Payoneer, direct deposit
  • Promotional materials: Graphics, logos, banners

7. Hyperlite Mountain Gear

outdoor affiliate programs

Hyperlite Mountain Gear has gained a reputation in the outdoor gear niche with their special backpacks. Their lightweight backpacks can withstand harsh conditions over long-distance hiking and backpacking trips.

You can join the Hyperlite Mountain Gear affiliate program and enjoy a commission rate of 10% for each successful order. With an average order value of $350, you’ll earn up to $35 on every sale. Plus, the program offers a 10-day cookie duration, starting from customers’ first click on your link.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear provides every support you need for your promotion. You can freely ask their dedicated affiliate manager for any advice or tips on boosting marketing efforts.

  • Commission rate: 10%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: Tipalti

8. Cabela’s

outdoor affiliate programs

Cabela’s is a popular outdoor retailer with over 50 catalogs of high-quality outdoor equipment. Buyers can find gear for forest adventures, such as huntingshooting, camping, and more.

The only way to join Cabela’s affiliate program is applying via Impact Radius, their affiliate network partner.

You will earn a 5% commission rate for every sale via your affiliate link or banners. The cookie duration lasts only 14 days, which means you have 2 weeks from the customer’s first click to earn an approved commission.

Cabela’s greatly supports their affiliates with pre-written content, banners and text links. You will also receive monthly newsletters about new launches and upcoming promotions to put on your campaigns.

  • Commission rate: 5%
  • Cookie duration: 14 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, wire transfer, ACH
  • Promotional methods: Banners, text links, content, monthly newsletter

9. Osprey

outdoor affiliate programs

Osprey designs durable travel backpacks with adjustable features for every outdoor activity. Their signature backpacks are lightweight, with large storage for long hikes or journeys.

Managed through Impact, the Osprey affiliate program offers affiliates an 8% commission rate for every sale. Plus, the average order value is up to $150+, allowing you to earn $12 for each order.

The cookie duration is 30 days, meaning you can earn commissions on purchases made within a month of the customer’s first click.

Osprey creates promotions and sales on every seasonal collection. You can use these deals to encourage more audiences to purchase through your link. Moreover, you can ask the Affiliate Management for help or tips on promoting Osprey products.

  • Commission rate: 8%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: PayPal, wire transfer, ACH
  • Promotional methods: Seasonal promotions, sales

10. EVO

outdoor affiliate programs

EVO sells high-quality and safe products for winter outdoor activities. Their extensive collection includes various items for action sports like skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing, and more.

When joining the EVO affiliate program, you will earn a commission rate of 5% for every product sale generated through your affiliate link. The cookie duration lastsfor 30 days from the first click of the customers.

You should make use of their regular promotions and sales to drive more conversions for your channels. Plus, you can access their product data feed to find suitable products and start promoting. EVO also encourages affiliates to create effective content with their provided graphics and links.

  • Commission rate: 5%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: Tipalti
  • Promotional methods: Promotions, sales, graphics, links

11. RVShare

outdoor affiliate programs

RVShare is a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace that connects RV owners with travelers looking to rent RVs for their vacations. They also offer a wide range of vehicles, including motorhomes, travel trailers, campervans, and more.

The RVShare affiliate program offers affiliates a 4% commission rate on each completed stay after check-in. If you introduce a new RV listed on their website, you can earn $7 for every successful listing.

The average booking value at RVShare is up to $900, so you can earn up to $63 on every new booking. The cookie duration counts from the customer’s first click and lasts 30 days for you to earn a commission.

As part of their affiliate program, you can use any banners or text links from RVShare on your promotional site. You will also have access to their product feed to choose potential products for your audience.

  • Commission rate: 4%/$7
  • Cookie duration: 30 days
  • Payment methods: ACH, direct deposit, Payoneer
  • Promotional methods: Banners, text links, product feed

12. Bass Pro Shop

  • Commission rate: 5%
  • Cookie duration: 14 days

Bass Pro Shop is a trusted resource for quality gear in outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and more. They help more than 200 million people having a better experience in outdoor activities annually.

13. Mountain Equipment Company

  • Commission rate: 6%
  • Cookie duration: 14 days

Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) is a famous Canadian supplier of professional gear for outdoor journeys. Their equipment supports a wide range of sports, including camping, snowsports, watersports, and more.

14. RTIC

  • Commission rate: 1.5-5%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days

At RTIC, they pioneer in putting innovation and technology in outdoor gear for a safety adventure. Their famous collection includes hydration, coolers, hard cases, and more.

15. Public Lands

  • Commission rate: 6%
  • Cookie duration: 15 days

Public Lands designs outdoor gear for beginners and experienced adventurers. The brand is an alternative option to some top brands in the industry with a more affordable price.

16. Cotopaxi

  • Commission rate: 14%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days

Cotopaxi creates colorful sustainable outdoor gear for everyday activities and extreme exploration. Their products are mainly made from recycled materials and leftover deadstock.

17. Columbia Sportswear

  • Commission rate: 14%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days

Columbia Sportswear is among the largest winter sports gear brands, with nearly 100 years of experience. As a top provider of outdoor apparel, their products are high-quality and comfortable for everyone.

18. Campmor

  • Commission rate: 14%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days

Campmor’s products become partners for most people in preparing necessary items for camping and hiking. Their product line varies from tents, sleeping bags, and clothes to footwear.

19. Black Diamond

  • Commission rate: 7%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days

Black Diamond’s hardware gear can improve users’ performance in climbing and skiing. They create powerful gear for athletes and professional adventurers in demanding environments.

20. OutdoorMaster

  • Commission rate: 7%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days

OutdoorMaster stands out as an affordable supplier of winter action sports gear for all climbers. They produce products with anti-fog and UV protection features to support users even in snowstorms.

21. YETI

  • Commission rate: 5%
  • Cookie duration: 30 days

YETI develops rugged outdoor gear for outdoor activities in harsh conditions. Their product line is famous for high-performance coolers, drinkware, bags, and more.

22. Scheels

  • Commission rate: 2-5%
  • Cookie duration: 7 days

Scheels is a trusted retailer for finding famous outdoor gear and apparel brands. Consumers can find any necessary item for their hunting, fishing, and camping trips.

23. Tentsile

  • Commission rate: 5%
  • Cookie duration: Not mentioned

Tentsile develops exclusive tree tents and hammock-style shelters for safer forest adventures. Their innovative designs allow you to sleep suspended between trees, bringing a unique and elevated camping experience.

Why Are Outdoor Affiliate Programs Profitable?

Many beginners mistake the outdoor niche for a pure “passion project”—something you do for love, not money.

But that view misses the massive economic engine driving this industry. Before you spend time creating content, you need to understand why this specific niche is so profitable.

It’s not just that people love nature; they are willing to spend serious money to enjoy it safely. The outdoor industry sells more than just products.

It sells experiences, memories, and survival. Because of this, the market dynamics work in your favor. Here is why the math works so well.

The High-Ticket Advantage: Why Outdoor Products Pay More

If you’ve ever tried to make money with a general lifestyle or fashion blog, you know the struggle of the “volume game.”

You might sell a $30 t-shirt and earn a $1.50 commission. To make a full-time income, you need a massive amount of traffic.

The outdoor niche plays a different game: The High-Ticket Game.

Outdoor gear is complex, technical, and expensive. We aren’t talking about impulse buys at the checkout counter; we are talking about investments.

The Math: In backpacking, the “Big Three” (Tent, Sleeping Bag, Backpack) easily costs over $1,000.

The Commission: A single sale of a $450 ultralight tent at an 8% commission rate earns you $36.00.

To put that in perspective: You would need to sell twenty-four $30 t-shirts to match the profit of one tent sale.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, the outdoor economy generates $887 billion in spending annually. This isn’t small change.

When you promote quality gear, you tap into a market where a single purchase often ranges from $200 to $500.

The takeaway is simple: You don’t need viral traffic to make real money.

If you can drive just 15-20 targeted sales of high-ticket items a month, you could earn $500–$1,500. In this niche, quality of traffic always beats quantity.

Research-Driven Buying Creates More Opportunities

Buying outdoor gear is rarely an impulse decision. Nobody wakes up on a Tuesday and accidentally buys a $2,000 roof rack for their truck.

Because the gear is expensive and safety is involved, outdoor buyers go through a deep “research phase.” They read reviews, watch videos, and compare specs.

This behavior is your goldmine.

Think of the buying journey like a funnel. In simple niches (like snacks or toys), the funnel is short.

In the outdoor niche, the funnel is long. This gives you multiple chances to earn a commission:

The “Dreaming” Phase: They search “Best hiking trails in Patagonia” (You link to gear lists).

The “Comparison” Phase: They search “Osprey vs. Gregory backpacks” (You link to both).

The “Validation” Phase: They search “Is the Garmin inReach worth the money?” (You give the final push).

Because the reader is actively looking for confirmation, conversion rates on these articles are high—often around 3-5%, compared to the 1% typical in general online stores.

You aren’t selling to them; you are helping them finish the research they already started.

The Trust Factor: Why Enthusiasts Listen to You

In the outdoor world, a flashy ad from a brand doesn’t work as well as a muddy, scratched-up review from a real person.

Trust is the currency of this niche.

If I’m buying a rain jacket for walking the dog, I might trust a brand’s website.

But if I’m buying a shell for a mountain climb where freezing is a real risk, I don’t care what the marketing says. I want to know what someone who has actually survived a storm thinks.

Data backs this up. Surveys show that over 75% of outdoor buyers look at peer reviews and blogs before buying.

This is your advantage. You don’t need to be a big media company.

Being a smaller, authentic creator is often better.

If you can show that you actually use the gear—that you’ve felt the cold and hiked the miles—your affiliate links stop looking like ads. They look like necessary advice.

Recurring Commissions from the Same Audience

Here is a secret that experienced affiliates know: “Gear Acquisition Syndrome” is real.

Outdoor hobbies are a journey. A reader doesn’t just buy one set of gear and disappear. They upgrade, specialize, and replace items. This creates a loop of recurring income for you.

Consider the “Hiker’s Progression”:

1️⃣ Year 1 (The Beginner): They buy a budget-friendly tent and sleeping bag. (Commission #1)

2️⃣ Year 2 (The Enthusiast): They realize their pack is heavy. They return to your site to find “ultralight tents.” (Commission #2)

3️⃣ Year 3 (The Specialist): They decide to try winter camping. Now they need snowshoes and warmer gear. (Commission #3)

I’ve seen this in my own data repeatedly. The same user who clicked a link for a $50 daypack often returns months later to buy a $300 GPS watch.

Unlike niches where a problem is “solved” once (like buying a mattress), the outdoor niche is a lifestyle.

As your audience’s skills grow, their gear needs grow with them. If you stay with them on that journey, you earn at every step.

How Do You Choose the Right Outdoor Affiliate Programs?

Many new affiliates make the “Scattershot Mistake.” They sign up for every affiliate program that will accept them—Amazon, REI, Backcountry, three different knife brands, and a random survival box—thinking that more links equal more money.

outdoor affiliate guide

In reality, the opposite is true. A cluttered strategy confuses your audience and hurts your earnings.

The most successful outdoor affiliates don’t chase every program. They filter for the few that truly fit their brand.

This section is your strategic filter. We will walk through a process to evaluate partners based on commissions, reputation, and audience fit.

By the end, you won’t just have a list of links; you’ll have a profitable plan.

Step 1: Define Your Core Niche and Audience

Before you look at commission rates, look at your audience. In the outdoor world, “one size fits all” fails.

You must define exactly who you are talking to. A recommendation for a budget-conscious student will fail with a middle-aged ultralight backpacker.

Hence, you need to put these in perspective:

Activity Type:

✅ DO: Focus on one specific activity, like climbing or fishing.
❌ DON’T: Try to sell climbing gear to a fishing audience. Be specific.

Experience Level:

✅ DO: Speak directly to one experience level, either the beginner who needs safety advice or the expert who wants technical specs.
❌ DON’T: Use expert jargon with beginners or explain basic concepts to experts.

The “Values” Check:

✅ DO: Understand what truly drives their purchase. Is it durability, sustainability, or being made in the USA?
❌ DON’T: Assume price is the only factor. Their values often outweigh the cost.

Why this matters: I once saw a survival blog trying to promote high-end Arc’teryx jackets ($700+) to preppers who valued budget surplus gear.

The result? Zero sales. The product was great, but the fit was wrong.

Your Action: Write down your “Audience Avatar” statement.

Example: “I help families with young kids (Demographic) get into car camping (Activity) on a budget (Value).”

-> Result: You now know to ignore expensive technical brands and focus on affordable family gear retailers.

Step 2: Use the “Relevance Matrix” to Score Programs

Now that you know who you are serving, build your list. But don’t sign up yet. Score them using a simple “Relevance Matrix.”

Create a spreadsheet and score every potential program on a 1-10 scale across these four pillars:

Evaluation Criterion Key Question to Ask Scoring Guide & Examples
Product-Audience Fit Does this brand solve a specific problem my audience has?
  • Score 10: “My audience actively searches for this brand by name.”
  • Score 1: “My audience has never heard of this and doesn’t need it.”
Content Fit Can I mention these products naturally and authentically in my content?
  • Score 10: “I already use this gear daily and can talk about it easily.”
  • Score 1: “I would have to write a weird, forced article just to mention this.”
Commission Rates How does the commission rate compare to other brands in this niche? Compare the percentage offered against industry benchmarks and your other partners.
Brand Authority Is this brand respected and trusted by experts in the field? Look for positive reviews and a strong reputation. (Red Flag: If a brand is known for failing gear, score this a 0.)

Only apply to programs that score a 7/10 or higher on average. This saves you from wasting time on “high commission” programs that your audience will never buy.

Step 3: Look Beyond the Headline Commission Rate

Don’t be fooled by the “Headline Rate.” A program offering 15% isn’t always better than one offering 5%. You need to calculate the True Earning Potential.

Use this formula: Commission Rate × Average Order Price × Conversion Rate = True Value

Let’s do the math:

Program A (The “High Rate” Trap): Offers 10% commission. But they sell cheap $20 water bottles.

Math: 10% of $20 = $2.00 per sale.

Program B (The “Low Rate” Winner): Offers only 6% commission. But they sell high-end $500 tents.

Math: 6% of $500 = $30.00 per sale.

You also need to pay attention to these details:

  • Tiered Rates: Does the rate go up if you sell more? (Great for scaling).
  • Category Rates: Many big retailers pay different rates for different items. Clothes might be 10%, while electronics might be 2%. Know the difference before you write the review.
  • Cookie Duration: A 10% commission is useless if the cookie expires in 24 hours and your customer takes a week to decide.

Step 4: Assess Cookie Duration

In the outdoor niche, Cookie Duration is King.

Outdoor gear is expensive. A customer rarely clicks your link for a $600 sleeping bag and buys it instantly. They click, read three more reviews, wait for payday, and then buy.

outdoor affiliate guide

24-Hour Cookie (e.g., Amazon): You only get paid if they buy within one day. This works for impulse buys (fuel, socks) but misses the big items.

30-Day+ Cookie (e.g., REI, Brand Direct): You get credit if they buy anytime in the next month. This captures the full buying journey.

Therefore, you need to pick your product-to-promote acordingly.

For Consumables (Food, fuel, socks): Short cookies (24 hours – 7 days) are okay.

For Investment Gear (Tents, kayaks, bikes): You must prioritize programs with 30-day (or longer) cookies. If you promote a $2,000 mountain bike on a 24-hour cookie, you are doing free marketing for the brand.

Step 5: Investigate Brand Reputation

Your reputation is your most valuable asset. If you recommend a boot that falls apart on mile 5, you haven’t just lost a commission; you’ve lost that reader forever.

Before you partner with any brand, your research must be thorough.

A great starting point is the “Reddit Audit”: go to subreddits like r/Ultralight or r/CampingGear and search the brand name.

If the comments are full of “customer service nightmares,” do not promote them, no matter how high the commission is.

Next, check the warranty. Does the brand stand behind their gear?

In the outdoor world, a “Lifetime Warranty” like Osprey’s is a massive selling point that helps you sell.

Finally, ensure their values align with your audience’s; promoting a brand known for waste to a sustainability-focused community will backfire.

This research should lead to a clear “deal-breaker” checklist.

Consistent reports of product failure? -> RejectUnresponsive support teams? -> RejectUnethical practices? -> Reject.

Remember, promoting one bad product for a quick $50 commission can cost you thousands in future trustPlay the long game.

Step 6: Test Programs on a Small Scale

Never go “all in” on a new program immediately. Test it first.

You don’t want to spend weeks updating 50 old articles with new links, only to find out the new program doesn’t track properly.

Hence, a test like this is highly recommended:

Step Phase Action / Description Targets & Details
1 Select Choose 2-3 top programs from your list. N/A
2 Deploy Create one targeted piece of content for each program. N/A
3 Track Watch the data for 30–60 Days.
  • CTR: 5–10% (Are people clicking?)
  • CVR: 1–3% (Are they buying?)
  • EPC: Measure earnings per click.

Then, readjust your decision accordingly:

If it beats benchmarks: Add it to more content.

If it fails: Try changing your link placement once. If it still fails, drop the program.

If tracking is buggy: Drop it immediately. If you can’t trust the data, you can’t run a business.

What Content Strategies Work Best for Outdoor Affiliate Marketing?

Not all content creates income. I see many beginners write hundreds of articles about “How to Start a Fire” or “Top 10 National Parks,” only to wonder why they make zero dollars.

The problem isn’t the writing; it’s the intent.

Someone searching for “Yosemite pictures” wants inspiration, not gear. Someone searching for “Osprey vs. Gregory backpacks” is looking to buy.

To build a profitable site, you must match your content to the buyer’s needs.

Through analyzing years of data, we’ve found five specific content types that drive the highest commissions.

1. Product Comparison Articles: For Buyers Ready to Choose

This strategy is the “bread and butter” of affiliate income because it targets readers who already have their credit cards ready but are stuck between two choices.

Your job is simply to be the tie-breaker using a “Product A vs. Product B” format, such as comparing the Garmin inReach against the ZOLEO to determine which satellite messenger is better.

This approach works because the audience does not need to be convinced to buy; they only need help selecting the right model.

Regarding the metrics, you should aim for a length of 800 to 1,500 words, which typically yields a high conversion rate of 3% to 5%.

To further increase sales, include a “Winner by Category” table—for instance, designating Garmin as “Best for Battery” and ZOLEO as “Best for Budget”—to help different readers make fast decisions.

2. Buying Guides: Building Authority and Trust

A buying guide targets the reader who knows they have a problem (e.g., “I need a tent”) but is overwhelmed by the options.

Here is how you create a high-converting guide post:

Component Details
The Format “The Ultimate Guide to [Category]”<br>(e.g., The Complete Guide to Choosing a Backpacking Tent in 2024)
Why It Works By explaining concepts first (materials, weight, size), you prove expertise. Once trust is established, readers are more likely to accept your product recommendations.
Length 2,000 – 3,000 words
Conversion Rate Moderate (2% – 4%)<br>Note: This format typically generates high traffic volume to make up for lower conversion rates.
Strategic Layout Place “Top 3 Picks” at the very top for impatient readers (scanners), and place the detailed educational content below for deep readers.

3. Field-Tested Reviews: Real Proof Sells

In an era of AI content, proof of life is your superpower. A generic review converts at 1%. A review that shows the gear covered in mud converts at 5%.

The Format: “Product Name Review: Field Test” (e.g., MSR Hubba Hubba Review: After 500 Miles on the Trail).

outdoor affiliate guide

The Authenticity Requirement: You must include:

Original Photos: Show the tent on dirt, not just a stock photo.

Specific Failures: “The zipper snagged twice.” (Admitting flaws actually increases trust).

The Stats:

Length: 1,200–2,000 words.

Conversion Rate: Very High (4–6%).

Why It Matters: These articles attract backlinks because other sites want to reference real data, which boosts your SEO.

4. Beginner’s Guides: High Volume Traffic

While experts often hunt for a single piece of expensive gear, beginners buy in bulk.

Because they are starting from zero, they need to purchase everything at once—from the tent and sleeping bag down to the stove and spoon.

The ideal format for this audience is “How to Start [Activity] on a Budget” (e.g., Backpacking for Beginners: The $300 Gear List).

This approach succeeds because the search volume is massive. Far more people search for broad topics like “beginner camping” than specific niches like “ultralight tarps.”

Even if the individual products are cheaper, the total order value remains high because the user buys the entire kit.

👍DO link a “Full Kit.” Beginners feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices available. If they trust you, they will often click and buy your entire recommended list to save time and ensure compatibility.

👍DO target high-volume keywords. Focus on broad terms like “How to start…” or “Beginner guide to…” to capture the widest possible audience.

👎DON’T just link one item. If you only link a tent, you miss out on the commission for the sleeping bag, pad, and stove that the reader also needs to buy today.

👎DON’T assume prior knowledge. Avoid using complex jargon or niche terminology without explaining it first, as this will alienate a beginner audience.

5. Seasonal Roundups: Catching the Wave

Outdoor activities are inherently seasonal, meaning that if you time your content correctly, you can ride massive waves of traffic.

The most effective format for this strategy is “Best [Product] for [Year/Season],” such as “15 Best Camping Gifts for Dad 2025.”

outdoor affiliate guide

To maximize results, align your publishing schedule with specific times of year: focus on gift guides during November and December, which typically see high volume but lower item prices.

Then, shift toward summer-preparation content like “Best Tents” in March and April.

This strategy works because the articles are sustainable and easy to update.

You can write a core piece like “Best Hiking Boots” once, then simply update the title to the current year and swap in a few new products every January.

These posts generally perform best at a length of 1,500 to 2,500 words, yielding a solid conversion rate of 2% to 4%.

However, maintenance is critical to your success.

You must set a calendar reminder to refresh the content annually, as an outdated year in your title—such as “Best Tents of 2019″—will instantly kill your click-through rate.

Conclusion

Creating an affiliate program is one of the most powerful things you can do for your Shopify outdoor brand. It’s more than a sales tactic; it’s a way to build a community of genuine advocates who will help you grow authentically.

By setting clear goals, choosing the right tools, offering a competitive commission, and recruiting passionate partners, you can build a low-risk, high-reward marketing engine. Start today, and empower a team of trusted voices to carry your brand to new heights.

Ellie Tran, a seasoned SEO content writer with three years of experience in the eCommerce world. Being a part of the UpPromote team, Ellie wants to assist Shopify merchants in achieving success through useful content & actionable insights. Ellie's commitment to learning never stops; she's always eager to gain more knowledge about SEO and content marketing to create valuable content for users. When she's not working on content, Ellie enjoys baking and exploring new places.