... be guiding the creative through the design season while working with a team of Designers ... Ability to translate concepts into precise, technical backpack solutions. * Strong understanding of ...
... be guiding the creative through the design season while working with a team of Designers ... Ability to translate concepts into precise, technical backpack solutions. * Strong understanding of ...
Backpack Guide information
See Portland, OR salary details
$9.69 - $10.66
3% of jobs
$10.66 - $11.63
3% of jobs
$11.63 - $12.61
5% of jobs
$12.61 - $13.58
8% of jobs
$14.12 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.58 - $14.55
9% of jobs
$14.55 - $15.53
15% of jobs
The median wage is $15.87 / hr.
$15.53 - $16.50
18% of jobs
$17.29 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.50 - $17.47
17% of jobs
$17.47 - $18.45
8% of jobs
$18.45 - $19.42
8% of jobs
$19.42 - $20.39
5% of jobs
$9
$15
$20
How much do backpack guide jobs pay per hour?
As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for backpack guide in Portland, OR is $15.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What key skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a Backpack Guide, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Backpack Guide, you need strong outdoor survival skills, wilderness navigation experience, and certifications in first aid or wilderness medicine. Familiarity with GPS devices, map and compass navigation, and knowledge of Leave No Trace principles are typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and decision-making skills help guide groups safely and foster a positive experience. These abilities are crucial for ensuring client safety, managing unexpected challenges, and delivering memorable outdoor adventures.
What are some common challenges faced by backpack guides during multi-day trips?
Backpack guides often encounter challenges such as adapting to changing weather conditions, ensuring group safety, and managing diverse skill levels among participants. They must be well-prepared to handle unexpected situations, like injuries or route changes, while keeping morale high and maintaining a positive group dynamic. Effective communication, sound judgment, and strong leadership are essential for successfully overcoming these obstacles and providing a memorable, safe experience for all participants.
What does a backpack guide do?
A backpack guide is a professional who leads individuals or groups on multi-day hiking or trekking trips, often in remote or wilderness areas. Their responsibilities include planning routes, ensuring the safety of participants, providing information about the local environment, and helping with camping logistics such as setting up tents and preparing meals. Backpack guides are trained in first aid, navigation, and outdoor survival skills to handle emergencies and enhance the experience for their clients. They also educate hikers about Leave No Trace principles and the natural or cultural history of the areas visited.
How much does a backpacking guide make?
A backpacking guide typically earns between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and the type of tours or expeditions. Guides often need certifications in first aid and outdoor skills, and may work seasonal or part-time schedules.
What is the difference between Backpack Guide vs Tour Guide?
| Aspect | Backpack Guide | Tour Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Often requires outdoor or adventure certifications, first aid, and sometimes language skills | Typically needs tourism or hospitality certifications, language skills, and local knowledge |
| Work Environment | Outdoor settings, trekking routes, adventure parks | Indoor and outdoor sites, museums, city tours |
| Employer & Industry | Adventure travel companies, outdoor tour operators | Travel agencies, sightseeing companies, museums |
| Search & Comparison Intent | People comparing outdoor adventure roles | People interested in city or cultural tours |
The main difference between a Backpack Guide and a Tour Guide lies in their work environment and required skills. Backpack Guides focus on outdoor, adventure-based settings, often requiring outdoor certifications, while Tour Guides typically operate in urban or cultural sites with hospitality or tourism credentials. Both roles serve travelers but cater to different experiences and settings.
What are popular job titles related to Backpack Guide jobs in Portland, OR? For Backpack Guide jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backpack Guide jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Backpack Guide jobs in Portland, OR are:
Full-time
Posted 16 days ago
Nike rating
7.6
Based on 268 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
7th of 102 rated fashion retailers
Job description
NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world's best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At Nike, it's about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We're currently looking for a Lead Designer for Backpacks & Technical Bags within Accessories to lead and develop seasonal design concepts for bags in accessories. Product Design at Nike is a diverse culture of creativity, collaboration and innovative thinking on all levels. This role requires strong passion and knowledge of apparel product creation and the ability to problem solve every step of the way, from concept to final design. This teammate embodies expert communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into focused design narratives as well as a passion and energy for sport culture and design.
WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
As a Lead Designer for Backpacks & Technical Bags within Accessories Design, you will focus on creating highly functional and innovative carry solutions - including backpacks, crossbody bags, messenger bags, and other utility-driven products. This role requires a strong technical mindset, deep product knowledge, and a passion for analyzing function, ergonomics, and user needs. You will operate the developing and editing cohesive collections, ensuring that every product balances functionality, durability and style.
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
As a Lead Designer for Backpacks & Technical Bags within Accessories Design, you will be guiding the creative through the design season while working with a team of Designers, Developers, Product Managers, and Merchants to deliver creative in line with the Nike Design. This opportunity will require strong collaborative skills to meet cost requirements, deadlines, all while taking your partners though the thinking behind your work.
***TO BE CONSIDERED, YOU MUST SUBMIT A CREATIVE DESIGN PORTFOLIO. PLEASE PROVIDE WEBSITE LINKS OR ATTACH A PDF FILE WHEN YOU APPLY.***
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We're currently looking for a Lead Designer for Backpacks & Technical Bags within Accessories to lead and develop seasonal design concepts for bags in accessories. Product Design at Nike is a diverse culture of creativity, collaboration and innovative thinking on all levels. This role requires strong passion and knowledge of apparel product creation and the ability to problem solve every step of the way, from concept to final design. This teammate embodies expert communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into focused design narratives as well as a passion and energy for sport culture and design.
WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
As a Lead Designer for Backpacks & Technical Bags within Accessories Design, you will focus on creating highly functional and innovative carry solutions - including backpacks, crossbody bags, messenger bags, and other utility-driven products. This role requires a strong technical mindset, deep product knowledge, and a passion for analyzing function, ergonomics, and user needs. You will operate the developing and editing cohesive collections, ensuring that every product balances functionality, durability and style.
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
As a Lead Designer for Backpacks & Technical Bags within Accessories Design, you will be guiding the creative through the design season while working with a team of Designers, Developers, Product Managers, and Merchants to deliver creative in line with the Nike Design. This opportunity will require strong collaborative skills to meet cost requirements, deadlines, all while taking your partners though the thinking behind your work.
***TO BE CONSIDERED, YOU MUST SUBMIT A CREATIVE DESIGN PORTFOLIO. PLEASE PROVIDE WEBSITE LINKS OR ATTACH A PDF FILE WHEN YOU APPLY.***
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- Bachelor's degree in Design or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training
- 6+ years of relevant work experience
- Proven experience designing backpacks across sport, outdoor, or lifestyle categories.
- Ability to translate concepts into precise, technical backpack solutions.
- Strong understanding of ergonomics, fit, load management, and functionality.
- Highly detail-oriented and thorough - with a hands-on, iterative approach to testing and refining designs.
- Deep knowledge of materials, hardware, trims, and construction techniques for backpacks.
- Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, 3D design/rendering tools, and technical sketching.
- Portfolio showing backpack designs with emphasis on technical innovation and real-world usability.
- Positive but rigorous personality, motivated to solve problems and elevate product standards.
- Sustainability (knowledge of sustainable materials and processes).
- Passion for sports/for analyzing the utility and functionality of products to elevate consumer experience.
We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.