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Backpacking Gear Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mountain & Rock Manager

Leavenworth, WA ยท On-site

$42K - $54K/yr

Inventory, gear retention, purchases, and rotation * Management of technical manuals and risk ... See specific requirements for Rock, Mountain, and Backpacking * People skills - To manage and ...

Scientific Aid

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$18.26 - $21.67/hr

Work will include: backpacking; visual encounter surveys, dip-netting, gill-netting, and fisheries ... This job entails hiking with a 40-pound backpack containing camping gear and field equipment for 10 ...

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Backpacking Gear information

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$7

$19

$39

How much do backpacking gear jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for backpacking gear in the United States is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is backpacking gear?

Backpacking gear refers to the essential equipment and supplies that hikers and travelers carry with them when trekking or camping in the outdoors. This typically includes items such as a backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking supplies, food, water filtration, clothing, and navigation tools. The goal is to pack lightweight, durable, and multi-functional items to ensure safety, comfort, and self-sufficiency while exploring remote or wilderness areas.

What are some common challenges faced by backpacking gear specialists and how can they be managed effectively?

Backpacking gear specialists often encounter challenges such as staying updated on the latest outdoor equipment, understanding diverse customer needs, and balancing product knowledge with sales skills. To manage these effectively, specialists regularly attend product training sessions, participate in field testing, and collaborate closely with team members to share insights. Building strong relationships with suppliers and actively seeking customer feedback also helps ensure they can recommend the most suitable gear and respond to changing market trends.

What is the difference between Backpacking Gear vs Hiking Gear?

AspectBackpacking GearHiking Gear
Required credentials or certificationsNo specific certifications neededNo specific certifications needed
Work environmentOvernight or multi-day outdoor trips, often in remote areasDay trips or short hikes, usually in accessible locations
Employer and industry usageOutdoor retailers, adventure guides, outdoor enthusiastsOutdoor retailers, hiking clubs, outdoor enthusiasts
Common search and comparison intentUnderstanding gear for multi-day tripsGear for day hikes and short excursions

Backpacking Gear and Hiking Gear are related but serve different purposes. Backpacking Gear is designed for multi-day trips, requiring larger, more durable equipment, while Hiking Gear is suited for day trips with lighter, simpler items. Choosing the right gear depends on the trip duration and environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backpacking Gear Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backpacking Gear Specialist, you need in-depth knowledge of outdoor equipment, product specifications, and customer service, often supported by experience in outdoor retail or relevant certifications. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and gear-related safety standards is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and a genuine passion for outdoor activities help specialists connect with customers and offer tailored advice. These skills are crucial for ensuring customers select the right gear for their needs, promoting safety and satisfaction on outdoor adventures.
Infographic showing various Backpacking Gear job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,987 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Mountain & Rock Manager

Mountain & Rock Manager

Youth Dynamics

Leavenworth, WA โ€ข On-site

$42K - $54K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Position Overview:

If you desire to serve in a Christian workplace and use your skills to help fulfill the mission of Youth Dynamics, this could be a great opportunity for you. The Mountain / Rock Manager position oversees the running of all programs that have such elements, whether stand-alone or combined with other adventure elements. We are a fun, collaborative team with opportunities to grow, personally and professionally.
This person will be responsible for managing volunteers and seasonal staff, work with government entities, gear allocation, staff, budgets, risk management, training of staff and some promotion of programs.


Primary Responsibilities:

  1. Promote and educate the value of mountain environments to YD & the public
  2. Creating program content specific to the spiritual growth of others
  3. Scheduling of trips and staff in conjunction with staffing manager
  4. Course development, knowledge of course areas conditions, access, etc.
  5. Permit handling and reporting with various government agencies
  6. Inventory, gear retention, purchases, and rotation
  7. Management of technical manuals and risk management
  8. Training, certifying, coaching and tracking of staff and volunteers
  9. Guiding of student, staff trips, and recons for development
  10. Keeping current to industry standards, trends and dangers


Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of wilderness travel and mountain environments
    • Skills in Rock climbing, belaying, and anchors
    • Skills in route finding, glacier travel, weather and risk management
    • See specific requirements for Rock, Mountain, and Backpacking
  • People skills - To manage and encourage day to day and in adverse conditions
  • Administration - A working knowledge of standard office procedures and technologies (phone, computer, printer, photocopier, scanner)
  • Finance - Knowledge of budgets, asset management, and revenue generation


Job Requirements:

  • Teachable - The ability to learn from others, Implement feedback and course correcting
  • Experience - 2 years or more in a mountain or rock settings - See specific requirements
  • Leadership - Provides overall leadership to Mountain programs
    • Assures streamline logistics, communication, and program outcomes for all single and multi-day adventure combinations.
    • Can lead, delegate, and encourage others in their personal development
  • Communication - Provide professional and timely communication to guest groups, staff and other stakeholders.
  • Consistently communicate the future that ignites passion and commitment for volunteer staff, donors and the community at large
  • Vision - Has specific vision for the future of the program - growth and development
    • A passion for the mountains and a heart to share the love of Christ
  • First Responder or Advanced wilderness first aid required


Salary and Benefits:

  • Pay* Starting pay range from $42,000 - $54,000
  • Health, dental & vision insurance reimbursement options
  • 401k retirement plan - organizational match (up to 3%)
  • Paid time off


*Compensation - The Support Raising Journey:

Youth Dynamics partners with Via Generosity (www.viagenerosity.org) to offer the best and most updated training on raising personal support. You will be provided with a personal support raising coach as well as all of the necessary training to successfully:

  • Raise 100% of salary, benefits, and necessary ministry expenses to meet your financial goals.
  • Best-in-class training to maintain financial vitality and great donor care.
  • Communicate ministry updates and progress to donor partners.


Competencies and Qualifications:

  1. Active and growing relationship with Christ.
  2. Highly self-motivated and willing to accept direction and take initiative
  3. Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with people from varied cultural, socioeconomic, educational, and experiential backgrounds
  4. Attention to detail
  5. Able to pass our fitness test


Job Type: This position is full time with flexible hours depending on season.


To Apply:

  • Fill out an application found on our website: yd.org. Reply by email to hr@yd.org.
  • Please send in your resume and with a cover letter summarizing your qualifications.
  • Articulate what you bring to this position, why you want to work for Youth Dynamics