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Scroll. Swipe. Buy. Repeat. Social media — especially Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube — now plays a huge role in how people choose outdoor and travel gear.

What’s Changing?

1. Influencer Reviews

People trust real users more than polished ads. Seeing your favorite hiker test a tent in the rain is more convincing than any catalog photo.

2. Gear “Aesthetics”

Let’s be honest — how gear looks is influencing purchase decisions more than ever. Sleek black packs, color-coordinated trail fits, and minimalist setups are trending.

3. FOMO Marketing

Limited drops, TikTok “gear hauls,” and aesthetic gear dumps are creating urgency — and sometimes pushing people to buy faster than they should.

4. Micro-communities

From ultralight hiking Reddit groups to vanlife vloggers, niche corners of the internet now shape trends faster than traditional outdoor media.

Pros

• Easier to discover niche or indie brands
• More real-world testing and honesty
• Quick access to reviews, tutorials, and field tests

Cons

• Overhyped gear that underperforms
• Pressure to constantly upgrade for “likes”
• Misinformation spreads fast

Tip: Use social media as a research tool — not a shopping list. Watch multiple reviews, ask questions in comments, and think long-term before buying.