A recent marketing study found that over 70% of outdoor brands are still using outdated outdoor industry digital marketing techniques that barely scratch the surface of what’s possible with today’s technology. The result? Millions in lost revenue and countless missed opportunities to connect with passionate outdoor enthusiasts.
Like every other industry, the outdoor industry is at a pivotal moment.
Experts predict that AI will fundamentally transform business and marketing by 2030. After researching, testing, and implementing AI strategies within our agency and with a few clients, one thing is clear—the companies that start now will gain a significant advantage.
“AI has the potential to level the playing field by making powerful tools accessible to businesses of all sizes, allowing smaller players to compete with industry giants. However, the key is in the execution. Those who recognize the opportunity and take action now will gain an early-mover advantage, while those who delay may struggle to keep up. AI doesn’t guarantee equal outcomes—it rewards those who adopt, adapt, and innovate effectively.” —Josh Claflin, President of Garrison Everest
As artificial intelligence reshapes the digital marketing landscape, brands that sell hiking, hunting, and shooting sports gear, camping equipment, adventure apparel, and outdoor experiences face both unprecedented challenges and remarkable opportunities.
According to McKinsey research, companies that effectively leverage AI in their marketing efforts see revenue increases of 15-20% and cost reductions of 10-15%. Yet many outdoor brands continue to rely on yesterday’s marketing playbook.
Contents
What you get in this article:
This comprehensive article explores how AI is transforming outdoor industry marketing and provides actionable steps for leveraging these technologies to connect with outdoor enthusiasts in more meaningful ways and how you, as a business owner or director, can start preparing for the inevitable changes just over the horizon.
The AI Revolution in Outdoor Marketing
The outdoor industry has always thrived on authenticity, heritage, conservation and genuine connections with enthusiasts. Now, AI brings powerful tools that, when implemented, can enhance these connections rather than dilute them.
In other words, as AI becomes more widely used, people will come to expect it. Just look at the adoption of ChatGPT in the last year!
ChatGPT Adoption has exploded!
According to recent market research, outdoor recreation participation has increased by 18% since 2020, with corresponding growth in outdoor gear and apparel sales. This expansion brings increased competition and the need for more sophisticated marketing approaches. AI technology offers solutions that can help brands stand out in this increasingly crowded marketplace.
In the old days, you might buy a North Face jacket, Buck Knife, Remington 270 or Danner boots because that’s what your dad, brother or friend recommended. Today, such considerations to brand loyalty matter much less due to the availability of detailed product comparisons and customer reviews. Now, each product has to prove itself on its own.
Why AI Matters for Outdoor Brands
Outdoor consumers represent a diverse but discerning audience. From weekend hikers to competitive fisherman and shooters, these customers research extensively before purchasing and value expertise and authenticity. Like you, I go to Amazon or YouTube to search for reviews on products before I buy.
AI enables outdoor brands to:
- Deliver hyper-personalized content based on activity preferences and skill levels
- Anticipate seasonal needs with predictive analytics
- Provide more knowledgeable product recommendations
- Scale authentic storytelling across multiple channels
- Create more efficient marketing operations while maintaining brand voice
- Keep track or brand reputation (NPS) and make changes before it’s too late
“A satisfied outdoor customer will tell approximately 9 people about their positive experience, while dissatisfied customers will tell up to 16 people about negative experiences.” – Outdoor Industry Association
Key Areas of AI Transformation in Outdoor Industry Digital Marketing
1. AI-Powered Customer Targeting & Personalization
Modern outdoor enthusiasts expect personalized experiences. Using platforms like HubSpot’s smart content features, brands can now deliver dynamic website experiences based on a visitor’s demonstrated interests in specific activities like hiking, camping, fishing or hunting.
Weather-triggered and location marketing campaigns, predictive analytics for behavior forecasting, and AI-driven persona development are revolutionizing how outdoor brands connect with their audiences at precisely the right moment with exactly the right message.
If you’ve ever wondered why REI seems to know exactly when to send you that rain gear email just before a wet weekend, you’re witnessing AI personalization in action.
2. AI Content Creation & Optimization
Creating consistent, high-quality content across all product categories has traditionally been resource-intensive for outdoor brands. AI content tools integrated with platforms like HubSpot’s content strategy tools now enable more efficient production of product descriptions, activity guides, and seasonal content.
Computer vision technology helps classify and tag outdoor imagery, while automated video processing can transform hours of adventure footage into compelling highlight reels. These technologies help maintain the authentic storytelling outdoor brands need while scaling content production.
Save time by creating multiple pieces of content at once.
3. Conversational Marketing & Customer Service
Selecting the right outdoor gear often requires expertise. AI-powered chatbots and virtual shopping assistants, especially when integrated with HubSpot’s Service Hub, now provide 24/7 guidance on technical equipment selection, sizing recommendations, and compatibility questions.
Voice search optimization has become particularly important as outdoor enthusiasts increasingly use voice commands to research gear while actively engaged in outdoor activities. Brands optimizing for these natural language queries gain significant advantages in discovery.
Nearly 60% of consumers have higher expectations for customer service than they did just one year ago. For outdoor brands selling technical products, meeting these expectations without massive staff increases requires AI assistance.
4. Data-Driven Strategy & Analytics
Understanding the complex customer journey of outdoor enthusiasts requires sophisticated analytics. HubSpot’s reporting dashboards combined with AI analysis can map the typically longer consideration cycles for technical outdoor gear purchases.
Predictive inventory management helps brands prepare for seasonal fluctuations, while attribution modeling clarifies which marketing channels most effectively reach and convert outdoor enthusiasts. These insights enable more strategic allocation of marketing resources.
5. Emerging AI Technologies in Outdoor Marketing
Looking ahead, augmented and virtual reality experiences allow customers to virtually “try before they buy” – testing how a tent sets up or how a backpack fits. Location-based marketing enhanced through HubSpot CRM helps connect with consumers during their outdoor experiences.
Sustainability metrics automation is particularly relevant for outdoor brands, whose customers often place high value on environmental responsibility. AI helps track and communicate these efforts more effectively.
Implementing AI in Your Outdoor Digital Marketing Strategy
Track your attribution with AI reporting.
The most successful outdoor brands approach AI implementation strategically, focusing on technologies that enhance rather than replace the authentic connections that define the industry.
For many brands, starting with a platform like HubSpot provides the foundation for gradually incorporating AI capabilities. The CRM system becomes the central hub for customer data, enabling increasingly sophisticated AI applications as your strategy evolves.
For example, over the past 2 years as the platform has evolved, we’ve been able to implement greater targeting and personalizations than ever before. We know when a prospect or past customer interacts with our social media or visits our website which enables us to send an offer via chat or email when the customer is actively in buying mode.
If you’re looking for ways to maximize your outdoor industry marketing and build your reputation in the industry—AI implementation is no longer optional; it’s an essential competitive advantage.
Photo credit: Quadlock
Case Studies: AI Success in the Outdoor Industry Digital Marketing
Several forward-thinking outdoor brands have already embraced AI transformation:
- evo’s AI Shopping Assistant: Implemented an AI-driven shopping assistant, increasing engagement and generating over $3M in incremental revenue per year with an 85% customer satisfaction score.
- Apricoat’s AI Chatbot: Launched an AI chatbot that boosted conversions by 10%, generated $20.7K in additional monthly revenue, and handled 96% of customer inquiries.
- Quad Lock’s AI Audience Segmentation: Used AI to predict purchase intent, reducing retargeting CPA by 42%, tripling ad spend, and increasing incremental revenue by 389%.
- Currently, we are testing customer agents, check back soon for updates!
Getting Started with AI for Your Outdoor Brand
Begin your AI marketing transformation with these steps:
- Audit your current marketing technology stack to identify integration opportunities
- Evaluate your customer data collection to ensure you’re gathering the insights needed to fuel AI systems
- Start with one high-impact area (often personalization or content optimization) rather than attempting a complete transformation
- Select the right technology partners, with platforms like HubSpot offering accessible entry points to AI capabilities
- Measure results rigorously to build internal support for expanded AI implementation
My Final Thoughts
I’ve spent over 20 years in the outdoor industry, always tracking emerging technologies. I witnessed the internet revolutionize everything in 2000, followed by the rise of mobile. Now, AI is the next wave. The ability to solve marketing and growth challenges has never been more accessible—those who are willing to learn and adapt can lead the way in a transformation that will redefine business operations in the years ahead. I have no doubt the outdoor lifestyle will endure—we’ll always seek quiet, open spaces to experience God’s creation. What will change is how we serve our customers—becoming smarter, more efficient, and seamless. And soon, they will come to expect nothing less.
Ready to explore specific aspects of AI transformation for your outdoor brand? Reach out today for a free assessment and Q/A to explore how you can integrate AI into your outdoor brand’s marketing.
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