In the world of outdoor lifestyle brands, few tools are as effective for breathing new life into your marketing strategy as influencer partnerships. Outdoor influencers, with their boundless enthusiasm and adventurous spirit, can transform your brand's reach and resonance. Here's a breakdown of how to harness the power of these dynamic creators to elevate your brand.

What is an Outdoor Influencer?

Outdoor influencers are content creators who use their platforms—blogs, social media, or both—to inspire their audiences to engage with nature, purchase outdoor gear, or support environmental causes. They are the perfect partners for brands seeking to connect with an engaged, adventure-loving audience. Many of these influencers excel in video and photography, providing high-quality content that showcases your products in action.

Types of Content That Work Best

• Camping - Outdoor influencers excel at demonstrating how your products can enhance the camping experience. Whether it's luxurious glamping setups or rugged survival gear, these creators can show your audience how to camp in style or survive the elements.

• Extreme/Outdoor Sports - From adrenaline junkies to casual joggers, influencers in this niche can help you reach specific sports communities. They provide insights into the best products for various activities, helping newcomers and enthusiasts alike find the right gear.

• Hunting and Fishing - These influencers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, making them ideal for showcasing hunting and fishing gear. They can demonstrate product effectiveness in real-life scenarios, providing invaluable endorsements.

• Outdoor Cooking and Bushcraft - Outdoor cooking influencers can show the best ways to prepare meals in the wild, while bushcraft experts can demonstrate essential survival skills. This content is perfect for brands offering cooking gear, utensils, or survival tools.

• Conservation - Many outdoor influencers are passionate about nature and conservation. Partnering with them can help your brand promote environmental causes, aligning your products with a commitment to preserving the great outdoors.

• Van Life - Van life influencers are pioneers of mobile living, transforming vehicles into cozy homes on wheels. They are excellent partners for brands offering home goods, sustainability products, or anything that supports a low-impact lifestyle.

Some Outdoor Influencers to Follow

Instagram

- Fritz Meinecke: Known for survival challenges and bushcraft, Fritz's content showcases rugged, remote locations and offers a mix of adventure and practical tips.

- Angela Neururer: Angela's motto, "happy is the new rich," encapsulates her content, which ranges from skiing and surfing to casual hikes.

- Tyrhee Moore: Founder of Soul Trak Outdoors, Tyrhee focuses on community, recreation, and leadership in nature, particularly among people of color.

TikTok

- Ryan Purvis: Often called "the Bob Ross of hiking," Ryan combines humor with soothing trail sounds, making his content both entertaining and relaxing.

- Renee and Tim: This duo shares their extensive hiking and backpacking adventures, recently completing the 3,000-mile Continental Divide Trail.

YouTube

- WildBeare: Claire documents her healing journey through nature, encouraging followers to find peace in the outdoors.

- Survival Lilly: An Australian survivalist specializing in both Stone Age and modern-day survival techniques, Lilly offers extensive survival tips and demonstrations.

Van Life Influencers

- Jannelle Eliana: Traveling in a 1995 GMC Vandura Explorer, Jannelle inspires her followers to pursue happiness through adventure.

- Sydney Ferbrache: Living full-time in a Ford Transit, Sydney shares practical advice on van conversions and earning a remote income.

- Happy Homebodies: Francesca and Nicholas turned a school bus into their dream home, documenting their travels with their pets.

Examples of Successful Brand Partnerships

• Red Bull partners with athletes from diverse sports, focusing on engaging content that tells the athletes' stories rather than traditional advertising. This strategy has built a strong, authentic connection with their audience.

• REI's #OptOutside campaign encouraged consumers to spend Black Friday outdoors instead of shopping. The campaign's success was driven by user-generated content and partnerships with creators who shared REI's values.

• The North Face's partnership with drag queen and environmentalist Pattie Gonia for the Summer of Pride highlighted the brand's commitment to inclusivity and environmental stewardship. The collaboration included donations to support LGBTQ+ youth in the outdoors.

Leveraging Outdoor Influencers for Your Brand

Outdoor influencers can push boundaries and drive positive returns for your brand. By aligning with creators who share your mission and values, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level. Here’s how to do it:

- Identify the Right Influencers: Look for influencers whose content aligns with your brand’s products and values.

- Create Authentic Collaborations: Develop partnerships that allow influencers to genuinely engage with your products and share their experiences.

- Encourage User-Generated Content: Motivate your audience to create and share their content, amplifying your brand’s reach and engagement.

- Highlight Conservation Efforts: Partner with influencers who are passionate about environmental causes to promote your brand’s commitment to nature.

By leveraging the unique strengths of outdoor influencers, you can forge a path to deeper brand loyalty and increased visibility in the market. Embrace the adventurous spirit they bring, and watch as your marketing strategy takes on a breath of fresh air.

I am an Ad-Age, Emmy, Shorty, Telly, and Webby Award-Winning Social Media Strategist and Content Creator specializing in outdoor lifestyle, adventure, travel, and recreation brands. With over two decades of experience, I’ve crafted impactful social media strategies and elevated outdoor lifestyle, travel, food, & beverage brands and TV narrative programs. My passion lies in creating dynamic content that engages audiences and builds strong, loyal communities around the spirit of adventure.