The outdoor economy is booming in Southeast Asia with a growth rate of over 100%! Vietnam has become the largest online market for outdoor sports in Southeast Asia.

According to TMO Group, Southeast Asia's outdoor-sports market has a growth rate of over 100% and a scale exceeding $300 million, ranking it among the world's fastest - growing markets.

In Southeast Asia's outdoor sports market, outdoor sports & fitness equipment accounts for 52.8% of sales, showing that local consumers are genuinely enthusiastic about outdoor activities.

▲ Southeast Asia's outdoor sports market segmentation. Data source: TMO Group

In addition, sports apparel, outdoor sports accessories, and sports shoes hold 17.2%, 16.1%, and 14% of the market share respectively, showing a diversified demand in the outdoor sports market. The Southeast Asian sports and outdoor market mainly focuses on mid - to - low - priced products, with price ranges of $2 - $5 and $5 - $10 being the core.

Vietnam: the largest online market for outdoor sports in Southeast Asia.

According to data from Shopee and Lazada on Southeast Asian sports and outdoor products, Vietnam has the highest market share at around 23.5%, making it the largest online market for outdoor sports in Southeast Asia. Following closely are the Philippines (21.8%) and Thailand (19.6%), then Indonesia (18%), Malaysia (11.8%), and Singapore (5.3%).

▲Market share of Southeast Asian countries in sports and outdoor products. Data source: TMO Group

In recent years, Vietnam's outdoor gear market has grown remarkably. It is predicted that by 2025, the market size will exceed $5 billion, with a compound annual growth rate of around 7.3%. Moreover, Vietnam's middle - class population has nearly tripled in the past decade and is expected to account for over half of the total population by 2030. This has led to a significant increase in consumer purchasing power and a greater demand for outdoor gear.

Which outdoor gear is leading in Vietnam?

Vietnam is endowed with abundant natural resources, including a 3,260-kilometer-long coastline and rich mountainous and forest resources, which provide unique advantages for the outdoor sports equipment market. Coupled with the increasing number of outdoor enthusiasts and rising enthusiasm for outdoor activities among Vietnam's younger generation:

Statistics show that Vietnam's demand for outdoor sports and fitness equipment is robust, with sales accounting for 62.4% of the market share - the highest category. This is followed by sportswear (32.93%), outdoor sports & fitness accessories (3.5%), and sports shoes (1.2%).

▲ Source: TMO Group

In this booming market, numerous top-selling product categories have also emerged.

Outdoor sports & fitness equipment

01

Camping gear

Best-selling categories: tents, sleeping bags, lighting fixtures, camping cookware, camping bags, folding tables and chairs, hammocks, moisture-proof mats, etc.

Vietnam's mountains, forests, and coastline provide great camping spots.

Camping gear needs to be waterproof, UV - protective, ventilated, and insect - resistant. Simple, comfortable, and lightweight products are popular.

Sleeping bags are a major part of Vietnam's outdoor market, accounting for about 62.1% of sales on e - commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada.

When choosing lighting fixtures, trendy, youth - oriented "black tech" smart products, such as solar - powered and thermally conductive ones, are more popular.

A Shopee camping gear seller noted that Southeast Asia's camping market growth outpaces the West, with a booming camping economy. During Shopee's 11.11 sale, his store's orders surged 184 times and sales jumped 25 times, highlighting the huge potential of camping gear in Southeast Asia and the rising consumer interest in outdoor activities.

▲ Sales volume of camping gear on Shopee

02

Hiking and mountaineering gear

Best-selling categories: mountaineering shoes, hiking poles, protective gear, helmets, etc.

Vietnam's abundant mountains and forests have popularized mountaineering and hiking, boosting demand for related gear.

Government tourism support has also driven sales of mountaineering and hiking gear, which generate about $3 million monthly in Vietnam's outdoor gear market.

03

Water sports equipment

Best-selling categories: surfboards, diving gear, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, diving fins, snorkels, oxygen tanks, etc.

Vietnam's long coastline has made water sports such as surfing and diving increasingly popular. The stand-up paddleboard has been the hottest product in recent years. It is a multi-functional board that combines the features of a surfboard and a skateboard. It comes with a board rudder, detachable foot rope, and adjustable paddle.

Zhejiang Nature Outdoor Products Co., Ltd. has established a subsidiary in Vietnam, equipped with a production base for manufacturing water sports equipment and waterproof bags. In 2024, it is expected to produce 750,000 inflatable mattresses and 200,000 water sports products in Vietnam. Zhejiang Zhengte also has a production base in Vietnam for making sunshades, umbrellas, and outdoor furniture. It has long - term supply relationships with large supermarket chains like Walmart and Costco, and its products are mainly sold in these foreign supermarkets under private labels (ODM/OEM).

04

Cycling equipment and accessories

Best-selling categories: bicycles, roller skates, bicycle parts (handlebars, pipe fittings, saddles, gear shifters, etc.); bicycle accessories (lights, bags, speedometers, locks, etc.).

As urban traffic congestion worsens, cycling as an eco-friendly and healthy mode of transportation has gained popularity in Vietnam, leading to a significant demand for bicycles and related accessories.

In some areas of Vietnam with poor lighting conditions, bicycle lights with long battery life and high brightness are more popular.

Sports apparel and footwear

01

Professional sports apparel and footwear

Best-selling categories: yoga wear, fitness apparel, mountaineering pants, mountaineering jackets, sports tops, sun-protective clothing, swimsuits, casual shorts, outdoor sports shoes, etc.

Post-pandemic, Vietnamese residents are more health-conscious, driving demand for yoga wear, fitness apparel, etc., as more people join gyms or engage in outdoor sports.

Vietnam's hot and humid climate, strong sun, and reliance on motorcycles make breathable, high-SPF clothing popular.

Sports apparel priced between $5 and $10 is popular in Vietnam, accounting for nearly 50% of total sales.

Outdoor sports & fitness accessories

01
Fitness accessories

Best-selling categories: yoga accessories (mats, balls, resistance bands), weight training equipment (dumbbells), indoor fitness equipment (ab machines, treadmills), etc.

Fitness accessories are gaining popularity in Vietnam due to the rising fitness trend, with increasing demand for various types. There is a significant demand for yoga accessories, weight training accessories (like dumbbells), fishing gear, and accessories.

Vietnamese consumers focus on cost-effectiveness, functionality, and design when selecting products.

GYMPRO (Jinper Sports) is highly popular in the Southeast Asian market. Its yoga and dumbbell products are widely welcomed by Southeast Asian consumers. In the outdoor sports and fitness equipment category, GYMPRO ranks first with a market share of 4.796.

▲GYMPRO's category sales on Lazada Vietnam

02

Fishing gear and accessories

Best-selling categories: fishing equipment (rods, chairs, boxes) and accessories (lines, hooks, floats, nets).

Vietnam's rich fishing resources and consumer love for fishing ensure stable market demand for fishing gear and accessories, which have fast replacement and high repurchase rates.

In addition to the coast, Vietnam's rivers and lakes are also good for fishing. Thus, lightweight and sturdy fishing rods are popular. Also, as Vietnamese consumers prefer hand rods and soft baits for freshwater fishing, "rod + bait" combo packs are a good idea.

03

Outdoor popular accessories

Best-selling categories: sun protection (arm sleeves, face masks, hats); sports protection (wrist guards, knee pads, goggles); accessories (sports water bottles, backpacks).

Vietnam, in the tropical region south of the Tropic of Cancer, has a tropical monsoon climate with high temperatures and abundant rainfall. Therefore, consumers prefer outdoor sports products that are sun - protective, breathable, and water - resistant.

When choosing accessories, consumers prefer lightweight, easy - to - wear, and highly breathable guards.

CIVAGO, a thermos brand, entered Southeast Asia's hot market by emphasizing "cold retention." It achieved a monthly sales of 150,000 units and an annual GMV of $12 million on Shopee. One of its products sold 14,000 units on the platform.

▲CIVAGO's category sales on Shopee Vietnam

In the booming tide of the Southeast Asian outdoor products market, Vietnam's outdoor sports market has emerged as a standout player with its unique advantages, becoming the focus of attention for numerous enterprises. However, the critical question now confronting every outdoor brand expanding into Vietnam is: how to gain a foothold in this promising market through in-depth strategic planning and relentless execution?

The 4th HOMELIFE Vietnam International Home Gifts Exhibition
Date: May 14 - 16, 2025
Venue: Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City

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