πŸ“ Top 50 Outdoor Companies to Work For in 2024

By Kyle Davidson | Updated: September 1st, 2024

Find yourself a great outdoor industry job in 2024! Are you wondering which outdoor companies offer the best career opportunities? You're in luck - read on to discover the top outdoor companies to work for this year.

Uncover the perfect fit to help you reach your goals and put your skills to use. Whether it's a corporate powerhouse or a small start-up, these companies will boost your career!

For those of us looking to pursue a career surrounded by nature and adventure, there is plenty of opportunity. Each year, outdoor companies put out lists of the best places to work and 2024 is no exception. With the continuing growth of outdoor recreation in recent years, more businesses are popping up to meet the demand and create job opportunities for passionate individuals who are willing to go off the beaten path (literally!) to make a living.


This guide is designed to show you some of the best outdoor companies available for employment in 2024. This list will not only help you find a job that allows for international travel and exploration, but you'll also learn about different companies that have amazing cultures and values geared towards conserving our planet's wilderness areas. Companies such as Patagonia, Arc'teryx, KEEN Footwear, YETI Coolers & Outdoor Gear, Black Diamond Equipment, GoLite Apparel & Gear, NRS Outdoor Clothing & Gear, Mammut Clothing & Gear and more!


While each company has its own unique offerings based on their location and product line-up; all share certain attributes: they produce high-quality gear that stands up over time; they employ environmentally conscious practices; they take responsibility for their actions while protecting the environment; they value safety as well as fun; most are involved in research projects showcasing environmental conservation efforts; they employ high levels of customer service while creating experiences every day.

What Makes an Outdoor Company a Good Place to Work?

When you're looking for a great company to work at, an outdoor company stands out as an ideal choice. Not only do they offer the opportunity to work in an enjoyable, stimulating environment, but they often prioritize people-oriented values such as safety, environmental stewardship, and job satisfaction.

The best outdoor companies are those that demonstrate a commitment to quality and involve their employees in all aspects of the business. This not only creates more trust between managers and employees but can lead to increased job engagement from everyone on the team. Outdoor companies should also foster collaboration among departments and offer opportunities for career development.

An outdoor company should also have a focus on sustainability and ethical practices. This means the company has goals in place to reduce its carbon footprint or work with local organizations that support the shared environment around them. They should also provide initiatives such as flexible working hours or volunteer initiatives for their employees to take part in outside of their normal working hours.

Furthermore, an outstanding outdoor company should look at ways of properly rewarding their staff - both financially and through other means such as bonus awards or recognition schemes. This helps inspire staff members by recognizing great work while providing motivation to continue striving for excellence in all areas of the business-related activities they undertake.


Benefits of Working for an Outdoor Company

Working for an outdoor company can offer a whole lot of benefits and opportunities, especially in the year 2024. Many of these businesses are established in the outdoors, providing unique experiences that other industries simply cannot offer. Furthermore, the organizations invest heavily in their employees’ well-being and growth through a wide range of benefits.

One benefit is the fact that working outdoors provides plenty of time to enjoy nature. Employees can take advantage of their downtime to spend time outdoors, whether it's heading out to explore local trails or taking an afternoon off to relax by a river or lake. In addition, many of these companies offer employees flexible hours and locations. This allows them to work remotely or from home offices if they prefer.

Employees of outdoor companies will also likely receive extensive team-building opportunities and career development programs as part of their program benefits. These organizations also often provide employee discounts on gear and apparel from popular brands such as Patagonia, The North Face and REI. Beyond that, insurance coverage such as medical insurance for injuries incurred on company outings may be included with employment at an outdoor company in 2024 too!

If you're looking for something unique within your career path, consider applying to work for an outdoor company this year to revel in all these great advantages!

Top 50 Outdoor Companies to Work for in 2024

As the job market continues to shift and evolve, there are a number of great companies hiring top talent across various industries. Companies that prioritize outdoor activities have become popular with individuals seeking an active lifestyle while also working in their field of expertise. Whether you’re looking for a permanent or temporary job, here are some of the top companies to work for outdoor enthusiasts in 2024.

Before diving into the list below remember we have a database of 4,000+ active outdoor & travel industry jobs!

Top 50 Outdoor Companies to Work For in 2024:

  1. Patagonia: Known for its commitment to sustainability and employee satisfaction, Patagonia is a top choice for anyone looking to work for an outdoor company.
  2. The North Face: The North Face is a staple in the outdoor industry and offers a wide range of career opportunities.
  3. REI: REI is a co-op that offers its employees a variety of benefits, including outdoor gear discounts and time off to explore the outdoors.
  4. Columbia Sportswear: Columbia Sportswear is a global leader in outdoor apparel and offers competitive salaries and benefits.
  5. Marmot: Marmot is known for its high-quality outdoor gear and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  6. Merrell: Merrell offers a range of career opportunities, from design and development to marketing and sales.
  7. Black Diamond: Black Diamond is a top choice for anyone passionate about climbing, skiing, or outdoor adventure.
  8. Osprey: Osprey is a leader in the backpacking industry and offers a range of career opportunities.
  9. Orvis: Orvis is a top choice for anyone passionate about fly fishing and offers a range of career opportunities.
  10. Arc'teryx: Arc'teryx is known for its high-quality outdoor gear and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  11. Keen: Keen is a top choice for anyone passionate about outdoor adventure and offers a range of career opportunities.
  12. Yeti: Yeti is a leader in the outdoor industry and offers a range of career opportunities, from design and development to marketing and sales.
  13. Mountain Hardwear: Mountain Hardwear is known for its high-quality outdoor gear and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  14. Outdoor Research: Outdoor Research is a top choice for anyone passionate about outdoor adventure and offers a range of career opportunities.
  15. Thule: Thule is a leader in the outdoor industry and offers a range of career opportunities, from design and development to marketing and sales.
  16. Yakima: Yakima is known for its high-quality outdoor gear and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  17. Big Agnes: Big Agnes is a top choice for anyone passionate about camping and offers a range of career opportunities.
  18. Prana: Prana is known for its commitment to sustainability and employee satisfaction.
  19. Icebreaker: Icebreaker is a leader in the outdoor apparel industry and offers a range of career opportunities.
  20. La Sportiva: La Sportiva is a top choice for anyone passionate about climbing and offers a range of career opportunities.
  21. Salomon: Salomon is known for its high-quality outdoor gear and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  22. Princeton Tec: Princeton Tec is a leader in the outdoor lighting industry and offers a range of career opportunities.
  23. Petzl: Petzl is a top choice for anyone passionate about climbing and offers a range of career opportunities.
  24. Therm-a-Rest: Therm-a-Rest is known for its high-quality outdoor gear and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  25. Black Diamond Equipment: Black Diamond Equipment is a leader in the climbing and skiing industry and offers a range of career opportunities.
  26. Gerber Gear: Gerber Gear is a top choice for anyone passionate about outdoor adventure and offers a range of career opportunities.
  27. K2 Sports: K2 Sports is known for its high-quality outdoor gear and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  28. MSR: MSR is a leader in the outdoor gear industry and offers a range of career opportunities.
  29. NEMO Equipment: NEMO Equipment is a top choice for anyone passionate about camping and offers a range of career opportunities.
  30. Outdoor Industry Association: The Outdoor Industry Association is a trade organization that represents the interests of outdoor companies and offers a range of career opportunities.
  31. Patagonia Provisions: Patagonia Provisions is a division of Patagonia that focuses on sustainable food production and offers a range of career opportunities.
  32. Smartwool: Smartwool is known for its high-quality outdoor apparel and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  33. Snow Peak: Snow Peak is a top choice for anyone passionate about camping and offers a range of career opportunities.
  34. Sport Hansa: Sport Hansa is a distributor of high-quality outdoor gear and offers a range of career opportunities.
  35. Stanley: Stanley is known for its high-quality outdoor gear and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  36. Goal Zero: Goal Zero is a leader in portable solar power and offers a range of career opportunities.
  37. Bonfire Snowboarding: Bonfire Snowboarding is a top choice for anyone passionate about snowboarding and offers a range of career opportunities.
  38. Chaco: Chaco is known for its high-quality outdoor sandals and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  39. Deuter: Deuter is a leader in the backpacking industry and offers a range of career opportunities.
  40. Grangers: Grangers is known for its high-quality outdoor gear care products and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  41. Hydro Flask: Hydro Flask is a top choice for anyone passionate about outdoor adventure and offers a range of career opportunities.
  42. Jetboil: Jetboil is a leader in portable cooking systems and offers a range of career opportunities.
  43. Kammok: Kammok is known for its high-quality hammocks and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  44. KE Adventure Travel: KE Adventure Travel is a top choice for anyone passionate about adventure travel and offers a range of career opportunities.
  45. Leatherman: Leatherman is known for its high-quality multitools and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  46. Mystery Ranch: Mystery Ranch is a leader in the backpacking industry and offers a range of career opportunities.
  47. Nalgene: Nalgene is a top choice for anyone passionate about outdoor adventure and offers a range of career opportunities.
  48. Outdoor Research Labs: Outdoor Research Labs is a research and development department within Outdoor Research and offers a range of career opportunities.
  49. Sea to Summit: Sea to Summit is known for its high-quality outdoor gear and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  50. Smith Optics: Smith Optics is a leader in the outdoor eyewear industry and offers a range of career opportunities.
  51. Teva: Teva is a top choice for anyone passionate about outdoor adventure and offers a range of career opportunities.
  52. Wigwam Mills: Wigwam Mills is known for its high-quality outdoor socks and commitment to environmental sustainability.
  53. Hestra Gloves: Makers of quality outdoor gloves for the last 80 years.
  54. Camp Chef: Known for high quality outdoor camping grills and outdoor cooking accessories.
  55. Vail Resorts: Vail Resorts is one the largest and most well known ski industry companies in the world. While the corporate life may not be for everyone they have a surprising number of remote opportunities, which is why we thought they needed to be on our list.

Want to be added to the list? Email me at kyle@getoutdoorjobs.com


Qualities to Look for in an Outdoor Company

When considering a job with an outdoor company, there are certain qualities to look for that can contribute to a successful and rewarding experience. As the outdoor industry grows, companies are developing strategies to create a workplace culture that values employees and provides meaningful and rewarding opportunities. Here are the qualities you should look for when identifying the best outdoor companies to work for in 2024:

-Flexible working arrangements: Companies should provide employees with flexible working arrangements that accommodate employees’ lifestyles. This could include options such as telecommuting, flex-time schedules, or part-time job sharing.

-Organizational commitment: An organization's commitment to its employees is an important factor in determining the potential for career development and satisfaction. Look for an organization that offers ample training and support, fair pay, access to developmental resources, and meaningful career advancement opportunities paired with rewards programs.

-Values-based leadership: Values such as diversity, sustainability, and equity are increasingly important in many organizations today. Look for companies whose leadership practices reflect these values by seeking out opinions from different parts of the team when making decisions or allocating resources.

-Commitment to quality products: A company that is dedicated to designing high quality, innovative products signals its commitment to fostering excellence through both creativity and craftsmanship – creating tangible value that can be appreciated by customers.

-Engagement with partners: Outdoor companies should have relationships with various partners in their supply chain who share similar values concerning social or environmental topics - relationships which open up opportunities not just within their own business model but also outside of it too through marketing initiatives or joint projects aimed at driving social impact.

Tips for Landing a Job at an Outdoor Company

If you're looking to take your career in the outdoors and join a larger company, there are a few tips that will help you make the most of your job search. With the right preparation and dedication, you can make your way into any potential workplace of your dreams.

Start with Networking: One of the best ways to get plugged into a job in an outdoor company is through networking. Reach out to people currently working in the field, or even alumni from your college who have moved on to successful careers in outdoor companies. Connecting with these people can not only help you make important contacts for interviews but also give you valuable additional insight into what it is actually like to be employed with an outdoor company.

Build A Quality Resume: When preparing for an outdoor job interview, have all of your experience neatly organized on one page. Even if you don't have relevant work experience, list skill sets and activities that would benefit an outdoor company such as organization, leadershil qualities, customer service skills etc. Provide potential employers with plenty of evidence to show them why they should offer you the job!

Research Your Company: Knowing the history and success stories of a given company makes it easier for potential employees to stand out during an interview process by showing off their knowledge about the industry as well as their enthusiasm. Being able to name drop important figures in the company and being familiar with past accomplishments helps applicants present themselves as dedicated and informed candidates when talking about why they would like to join said company

Stay Ready For Interviews: After finding a desirable listing for an outdoor position at one of the top companies, it's time for a proper preparation for interviews so that when approached, candidates can sound professional and confident throughout any exchange! Make sure any questions asked concerning responsibilities or even corporate culture are answered thoughtfully - this could be what sets apart from fellow competitors during selection process.

Challenges of Working for an Outdoor Company

Working for an outdoor company can be a rewarding experience, but there are certain challenges that should be expected when taking on this type of job. Job responsibilities often require working in remote locations and often in inclement weather. In addition, the hours can be long, as many outdoor companies require occasional weekend or evening shifts to accommodate customers.

Another potential challenge is the changing nature of managing a team in an outdoor environment. Working outdoors can present safety issues that must be carefully managed and employees must remain alert at all times. Additionally, companies may need to update their training procedures regularly due to environmental changes such as flooding or seasonal changes to trails and mountainside paths.

Job satisfaction from working for an outdoor company typically comes from making a difference by introducing customers to the wonders of the outdoors and providing top-notch customer service along the way.

Conclusion

When looking for a new job, it's important to be thorough in researching where you will work. Finding the right outdoor company can mean all the difference when it comes to enjoying your career.

Research about a potential employer's values and culture is key for having a fulfilling job experience. Consider the products and services, working conditions, location, financial stability, reputation and other factors when evaluating potential outdoor companies for employment.

Sustainability initiatives and environmentally-friendly practices are important aspects of the outdoor sector that may differ between companies - ensuring you match your values with those held by an employer is essential before making any decisions. Ultimately, finding an outdoor company to work for in 2024 requires utilizing resources and seeking advice as you conduct your research.

Want to be added to the list? Email me at kyle@getoutdoorjobs.com

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