Breaking Into the Outdoor Industry: Navigating Gatekeeping, Cliques, and Pretentious Culture
Cracking the Outdoor Industry: Navigating Cliques, Gatekeeping, and the Illusion of Inclusivity
Tyler Mason
The outdoor industry markets itself as inclusive, welcoming, and open to anyone passionate about climbing, hiking, skiing, or just spending time outside. But talk to people trying to break in—as employees, entrepreneurs, or content creators—and you’ll hear a different story.
For all the “we support each other” messaging, the industry can be deeply cliquey, filled with unspoken hierarchies, and, let’s be real, plenty of pretentious people who pretend to be nice. The truth is, if you’re not already in the right circles, it can feel impossible to get your foot in the door. Ask anyone working at a climbing gym, guiding company, or outdoor brand how they got the job, and there’s a good chance they’ll say, “A friend hooked me up.” While networking is a reality in most industries, the outdoor world often operates like a tight-knit club.
Many of the best jobs—whether in route setting, guiding, marketing for an outdoor brand, or working for a nonprofit—don’t go to the most qualified applicants. They go to the people who are already friends with the hiring manager, part of the local scene, or have connections in the industry.
“If you don’t already know people, good luck,” said Sam, a former ski patroller turned outdoor gear rep. “Half the jobs I applied for didn’t even respond, but as soon as a friend put in a word, I was hired.”
For those without industry connections, persistence is key. Apply anyway, show up to industry events, and get involved in the community just don’t expect a warm welcome at first.
For outdoor influencers, filmmakers, or bloggers, the challenge is twofold. Not only do you have to create high-quality content, but you also have to navigate an industry that’s already dominated by big-name athletes and well-connected creators. Social media has made it easier than ever to share outdoor adventures, but the big brands tend to work with the same familiar faces. The ones with industry sponsors, years of networking, or a perfectly curated “dirtbag” aesthetic. If you don’t fit that mold, brands are less likely to take a chance on you.
The best way to stand out? Be undeniably good at what you do. Build your own audience, create content that resonates, and don’t rely on industry validation to define your success.
Starting an outdoor brand, guiding service, or media platform comes with another challenge: being taken seriously.
Many gatekeepers in the industry assume that if you’re not a “core” climber, skier, or thru-hiker with a decade of experience, you have no business starting something new. The reality? Plenty of successful outdoor brands were launched by outsiders who just saw a gap in the market.
“The hardest part was convincing people I belonged,” said Ryan, who launched a small gear company after years of working corporate jobs. “People kept asking about my ‘credibility’ instead of looking at the quality of the gear.”
For new outdoor entrepreneurs, the key is to let your work speak for itself. Industry approval is nice, but it’s not necessary for success. One of the biggest hurdles to breaking into the outdoor industry is the underlying culture of elitism. While many outdoor folks are genuinely kind and supportive, there’s also a fair share of people who are more interested in maintaining their own status than welcoming newcomers. The pressure to prove yourself—whether by climbing hard grades, hiking insane miles, or having the right gear—can make the outdoor world feel unapproachable. And let’s be honest, some people are just pretending to be nice while subtly gatekeeping anyone they deem unworthy.
For those breaking in, the best advice is simple: don’t waste time seeking validation from people who look down on you. The outdoors belongs to everyone, and the industry should reflect that. The outdoor industry isn’t as open as it claims to be, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your way in. Whether you’re looking for a job, starting a brand, or creating content, expect some resistance—but don’t let it stop you.
The people who truly belong in this industry aren’t the ones gatekeeping. They’re the ones pushing forward, creating space for themselves, and proving that the outdoors is for everyone—not just the in-crowd.