Top Outdoor Gear Trends in Australia (2025)
1. Minimalist & Barefoot Footwear is Booming
62% of hikers under 40 say they’ve tried barefoot or minimalist shoes in the past 12 months.
Popular brands include Be Lenka, Barebarics, and Xero Shoes.
2. Eco-Conscious Gear is the New Standard
73% of Aussie outdoor consumers prefer products made with recycled or sustainable materials.
3. Lightweight Camping is On the Rise
Sales of ultralight tents, packs, and sleep systems grew 31% YoY in early 2025.
4. Hydration Tech is Getting Smarter
40% of outdoor enthusiasts now carry smart hydration gear or packs with advanced flow systems.
5. Cold-Weather Gear is Heating Up
Demand for 4-season gear is up 26%, driven by alpine tourism and backcountry snow adventures.
6. Daypacks vs. Full Packs
The average gear haul is shrinking, with daypacks outselling multi-day packs 2:1.
Key Demographics Driving the Trends
Group | Notable Behaviours |
---|---|
Gen Z (18–27) | Choose minimalist, tech-integrated gear. Strong preference for ethically made products. |
Millennials (28–44) | Value durability and sustainability. Heavy users of online gear reviews and blogs. |
Families | Lean into comfort, easy-to-use gear, and gear bundles. |
AdventureCo Customer Insights (2025 Snapshot)
- Barefoot footwear searches up +58% YoY
- Sustainable gear category revenue up +44%
- Newsletter sign-ups surge during tent and sleeping bag promotions
What This Means for Outdoor Retailers
Retailers that focus on:
- Sustainability
- Foot health and natural movement
- Functional simplicity
…are seeing stronger customer loyalty and SEO growth.
Sources
- AdventureCo internal sales data (2025 Q1–Q2)
- ABS Outdoor Activity Survey
- IBISWorld Outdoor Gear Retail Report (2025)
- Google Trends (Australia)
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